The Big Fortified Tasting 2022
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14902
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
The Big Fortified Tasting 2022
This year's b.f.t. is being held in Church House, Westminster on Thursday 23rd April.
As in previous years, it is a trade only event and being a member of The Port Forum is, sadly, not enough of a link to the trade to qualify to visit the show.
Happily, as in previous years, I would be very grateful for some help on the day to run the show, set-up and break-down masterclasses, ferry water / glasses / lunches / anything else exhbitors need. Anyone willing and able to work half a day (morning or afternoon) as an unpaid volunteer is then welcome to spend the half of the day not working mingling with the producers and (subject to availability) participating in a masterclass.
If anyone is interested, willing and able to work for a full day, I'll happily pay the day rate that is paid to other staff we bring in from outside but your opportunities to mingle with the producers will be much more limited.
If of interest to anyone, please let me know by email or PM.
As in previous years, it is a trade only event and being a member of The Port Forum is, sadly, not enough of a link to the trade to qualify to visit the show.
Happily, as in previous years, I would be very grateful for some help on the day to run the show, set-up and break-down masterclasses, ferry water / glasses / lunches / anything else exhbitors need. Anyone willing and able to work half a day (morning or afternoon) as an unpaid volunteer is then welcome to spend the half of the day not working mingling with the producers and (subject to availability) participating in a masterclass.
If anyone is interested, willing and able to work for a full day, I'll happily pay the day rate that is paid to other staff we bring in from outside but your opportunities to mingle with the producers will be much more limited.
If of interest to anyone, please let me know by email or PM.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
- uncle tom
- Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952
- Posts: 3519
- Joined: 23:43 Wed 20 Jun 2007
- Location: Near Saffron Walden, England
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
It would be very informative if the producers could be coaxed into bringing their 2018 vintage offerings - SQ or otherwise.
After a run of three good years, 2018 had a mountain to climb to look at all impressive. Extreme spring weather severely damaged yield, but the harvest period was benign. The reportage I've seen hints at a slightly above average year for quality that should see most of the usual SQs declared - but I'd really like to try some..
After a run of three good years, 2018 had a mountain to climb to look at all impressive. Extreme spring weather severely damaged yield, but the harvest period was benign. The reportage I've seen hints at a slightly above average year for quality that should see most of the usual SQs declared - but I'd really like to try some..
I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I shall be sober and you will still be ugly - W.S. Churchill
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14902
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
I will pass the message on.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14902
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2022
After cancellation in 2020 and a flip in the operating model for 2021, we are planning to run a physical show on 31st March 2022 in Church House, London. (9am to 5pm)
As in previous years, I would love the help and support of members of the Port Forum who are able to spend (part of) the day helping prep / breakdown masterclasses and supporting the producers in the main exhibition room.
I’ll cover any travel expenses you incur. As in previous years you are welcome to volunteer to work half the day and then spend the other half day mingling with the producers (which gets you round the “trade only” entrance requirement). Where we have spaces available, you’ll also be able to participate in a masterclass of your choice.
If you volunteer for the full day, we’re paying a day rate of £250.
Please let me know either privately or below if you would like to volunteer.
Thank you!
As in previous years, I would love the help and support of members of the Port Forum who are able to spend (part of) the day helping prep / breakdown masterclasses and supporting the producers in the main exhibition room.
I’ll cover any travel expenses you incur. As in previous years you are welcome to volunteer to work half the day and then spend the other half day mingling with the producers (which gets you round the “trade only” entrance requirement). Where we have spaces available, you’ll also be able to participate in a masterclass of your choice.
If you volunteer for the full day, we’re paying a day rate of £250.
Please let me know either privately or below if you would like to volunteer.
Thank you!
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2022
Glenn hereby volunteers.
I volunteer for a half day. In 2019 I was assigned work in the afternoon; naturally enough I (and everybody else) prefer morning.Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑15:31 Wed 01 Dec 2021As in previous years you are welcome to volunteer to work half the day and then spend the other half day mingling with the producers (which gets you round the “trade only” entrance requirement). Where we have spaces available, you’ll also be able to participate in a masterclass of your choice.
Surely the pay contradicts the idea of a ‘volunteer’.Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑15:31 Wed 01 Dec 2021If you volunteer for the full day, we’re paying a day rate of £250.
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2022
But I do now need to figure out if that time frame might work for a trip to London. Not likely, but worth looking into.
Glenn Elliott
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- Fonseca 1980
- Posts: 1906
- Joined: 15:35 Mon 13 May 2019
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
I am tempted to do a half day if I can get a morning. Wonderful opportunity for us 'amateurs du porto'. Afternoon I might be a bit too cheery and/or inclined to lay down the law. So less useful. Put me on the 'will call if I really need to' list.
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14902
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
Thank you George. I will call you if I really need to.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
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- Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
- Posts: 640
- Joined: 13:22 Wed 17 Feb 2021
- Location: Douro Valley
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
I've worked more than my fair share of wine fairs, but I'm a bit far away to be of use.
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
Happy to volunteer.
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
Available for the morning.
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
Available in whatever shape or form is required Alex!
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
I'm also available in whatever shape or form is required.
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2020
Another London based volunteer and past attendee...
Saúde
Saúde
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14902
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: The Big Fortified Tasting 2022
I’ve just sent an email out to people who have offered to help. If you haven’t received the email, please PM me with your email address.
Many thanks everyone!
Many thanks everyone!
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.