Wine 101

Wine 101 is about offering and garnering knowledge for those of us non-wine snobs. It’s about debunking wine myths. And explaining what means what and why things are done a certain way in the wine world.

How many different types of corkscrew are there at PumpjackPiddlewick

Have you given much thought to the humble corkscrew? Beyond that it opens your bottle of wine. Nah, me either. It’s all about the wine, if we are honest. Except, since opening Our Shop and selling wine related items (as you do) I have come to appreciate, recognise and wellRead More →

The Fete de Vendange is the celebration of the end of the grape harvest here in France - PumpjackPiddlewick

October, or at least some time in October, signals the end of grape harvest (Vendange) here in France. Depending on how early, or late, the harvest began will determine how early or late in autumn it comes to a conclusion. But ultimately, October signals it’s time for the Fete deRead More →

The vendage is what France calls the grape harvest that makes wines. Join in at Pumpjack & Piddlewick

A few years ago, due to a bad experience, I said, ‘never again’. And there is a saying ‘never say never again’. How very true. Fast forward to now and I find myself once again undertaking The Vendange. The vendange is a French term for the grape harvest here inRead More →

when to harvest the grapes is a tricky thing to decide - let's delve at PumpjackPiddlewick

As we head into August, it’s time to start testing the grapes in earnest to determine and decide when grapes might be ready to be picked. But how do you know when to harvest the grapes?  There are a number of factors, and various tests. On a simplistic level, it’sRead More →