First Taste

Posted by Simon on July 8, 2009

You may know that for several years I’ve been writing a column called First Taste, initially in WINE Magazine, which morphed into Wine International, then Wine & Spirit and finally Harpers Wine & Spirit. The current publishers, William Reed, have decided to stop the column and the last instalment will appear in this Friday’s edition. I have to say that given the overwhelmingly positive feedback the column has had from everyone I’ve spoken to in the trade, I’m a little baffled by the decision, but no matter, I’m a glass half-full type of person, and if it’s time to move on, then so be it.

But prompted by that feedback, and by the huge kick I get from writing about new and interesting wines, I’m going to carry on with the column on-line – just click on the tab above marked First Taste. From the end of this week, you’ll be able to add some comments, so bear with me until then.

Finally to those in the trade whose patience, expertise and sample bottles I’ve called on since First Taste began in the early 1990s, thank you for all your support. And to those outside the trade who’ve been reading the column, be it just for a few weeks or for several years, be assured I have your interests at heart too. My job is to act as a dating agency between you two groups of people – and it’s a job I love.