Unity Through Difference

Still processing last week’s judging in Portugal and words really can’t adequately sum up the experience. Squeals, emphatic hand gestures and jumping up and down are a far more accurate portrayal.

I will be writing future posts on some of the incredible wines I tasted but what I also take away from these special trips are the people. It is really the people and the sharing of different cultures which excites my palate, widens my mind and increases my friendship group!

From the generous hosts at @winesofportugalofficial who so warmly welcomed us into their community and beautiful homeland; to the incredibly diverse and open minded group of international judges. Between us we covered Brazil, USA, Canada, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Norway, Singapore, Poland, Sweden and the Ukraine! You can imagine how rich and varied the conversation was; especially when paired with such diverse and stimulating wines and Tejo wineries.

It confirmed to me what I have always seen as my ‘north star’ in the wine industry. Yes, wine can be incredible, haunting, brilliant, intoxicating, giddy inducing… I experienced all of these emotions either in the tasting room, in dimly lit tavernas and stunning 12th century wineries. But for me, wine can also be the ultimate connector and I delight in the conversations and the connections which happen as if by osmosis. It is something which I don’t take for granted, especially given the fragility of the world today.

So cheers to wine, conversations and international connections! I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to judge last week and look forward to sharing many Portuguese wine and cultural reflections with you
PLUS
hearing what you enjoy about Portugal too!

Saude e obrigada!!