New York here we come...

With Le Grand Tasting done and dusted, there are just a couple of weeks countdown until the Christmas holidays. And New York! Working at one of the most prestigious wine events in the world had its stressful moments for sure, but proved to be an incredible experience where we all had our dedication challenged, and for the most part, succeeded. Newsroom training had turned out to be imperative for me, having worked at both ITN and the BBC under tough, macho editors where a mistake may cost you your job, not least your pride. My obsession with treble-checking meant there was no way the vintage Krug that looked pretty much the same as another year entirely, could in no way be poured mistakenly for the master classes we were running. It was funny seeing journalists on the panel and as guests at the tasting, having in the past been one myself (in the arts world), and therefore being looked after at events rather than on the other side; one of the team catering to their whims. I lived to tell the tale and found the French wine world represented here - mostly men - to be quite charming.