There must be an easier way to earn a living!

Last week we were in the Loire Valley visiting a couple of our suppliers and tasting the recently bottled vintage. Even in winter, it is beautiful by the river. Many of the hotels and restaurants which close for a break after the festive period are beginning to open again. For the growers, life goes on as usual, come rain or shine, but what they told us reinforces what a difficult life they can have.

Last April many large areas of the Loire (and parts of Burgundy) experienced a severe frost and some of them lost up to half of their crop. Some vineyards were completely wiped out, most were affected to some degree, only a few escaped. When frost strikes as the buds are beginning to form it is devastating, and even though the growers are insured they aren't fully reimbursed. They put their heart and soul into the land but nothing can stop the effects of nature. Inevitably prices are influenced by this. No-one can say that the small growers have it easy – every euro is well earned.

Frost damaged vines