A chara, – Thank you for John Wilson’s excellent article “50 popular questions about wine”, Magazine, November 2nd). The penultimate question was rather telling, the answer highlighting a notable difference between Ireland and France: “How can I learn more about wine?” John answers with various suggestions but doesn’t mention wine fairs.
Here in France wine fairs (salons des vins) are a big feature of life and a wonderful opportunity to discover new wines and their makers. Typically a salon lasts three days and brings together hundreds of wine makers (vignerons) and thousands of wine enthusiasts. The salons take place in town centres, and with easily available courtesy tickets are in effect easily accessible free events. Vast numbers of people coming together to enjoy free wine for three days in a cheerful, laidback atmosphere, yet no abuse, no rowdiness, drunkenness or anti-social behaviour. Sad to say, but it is hard to imagine the same would be the case in Ireland. – Is mise,
CIARÁN MAC GUILL,
Clichy,
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France.
