Beer and Bratwurst in Nuremburg

By Air Berlin it’s about a 100 minute journey today from Gatwick to the German city of Nuremburg. Back in 1944 it took the Allied air force a little bit longer but when they left, an hour later, 90% of the city was smoking rubble. Today the smoke is all from bratwursts grilling in this fascinating city where beer is beloved.

Orchards in the Oasis by Josceline Dimbleby

This is a book to take not just on a journey but also to bed. Its comfortable meander through cities and civilisations (even those that bristle with the bustle of the bazaar) brings restful calm and its fabulous photographs (of places and plates) ensure you end your day with the softest images imaginable. You’ll want it by your sofa and in your kitchen, too.

A father’s day wine selection?

With father’s day coming up you might want to do something special for the old man, like a full on lunch with nicely matched wines to go with the dishes you prepare. Or if you dad’s a guy who likes a glass of wine or two while relaxing in front of the telly, you might just want to drop a few bottles off with your card and leave him to it.

London International Wine Fair

I probably wouldn’t have gone, but having been invited for lunch at the McGuigan wines stand, I decided to go, I’m a bit of a tart when it comes to lunch invitations. Decision made, invitations to attend a ‘seminar’ at the Friuli stand for a Pinot Grigio tasting and to meet with Steven Spurrier about the Decanter World Wine Awards soon came in.