Late summer tour review, 2022

I visited the Blackdown Ridge vineyard with two close friends, one of whom, is a ‘bit of an expert’ on all things vino!

 Finding the correct front gate to the vineyard was the only testing activity of the day!

 We were welcomed by Lucinda and immediately her very amiable approach set the tone for our visit. It was clear Lucinda is very knowledgeable on all aspects of viticulture & oenology and her delivery style was as if a good friend had ’as if by magic’ acquired wine expertise.

 We had a brief, but adequate, visit to the adjacent vineyard (the weather was a tad wet) and then settled down to the main course, which was tasting the wines on offer.

 While answering a plethora of questions from ourselves, (including testing ones from ‘the expert’) Lucinda walked us through the vineyard’s history, operation and wines. She also talked us through the very testing, but equally amazing, period of COVID lockdown, when she became the self-appointed wine maker. This proved she could ‘talk the talk’ and ‘walk the walk’ or vice versa.

 We all enjoyed ourselves, purchased wines, passed on positive stories to others and those included comments on Lucinda’s natural ability to ensure, regardless of topic, a good ‘customer experience.’ A fairly modern term, but one that fits nicely. 

 And, I understand my friends returned for another visit with a larger group, a month or two later. A good reflection on the Blackdown Ridge vineyard.

 Thank you

Rod