This is a short story of a friendship that was forged through the love of wine and Valli was the match-maker. I have a friend who loves wines from Champagne above all others. A few years ago she started a tradition of sending me a special bottle of grower Champagne every year around Christmas and there was even one that arrived after I won a special award in 2020.

“Grower ” Champagne is special as it is made in small production by the people who grow the grapes (vs big Champagne houses). Each gift is a new discovery for me and a symbol of the generosity of “wine folk” and how the love of wine connects people who otherwise wouldn’t have had the occasion to meet.