RIP – John Avery MW

The wine world has lost a legend in the passing last week of John Avery MW, and Chairman of the well know Avery’s of Bristol. Whilst universally acknowledged as one of the great characters in the wine world, what many do not know, is of the great role he played over the years in creating a platform for South African wines.

He had visited Darling on 3 occasions and those who came across him on these visits can testify to the splendid time spent in his presence and the wealth of knowledge he loved to impart, with many a fine story attached. For him, great wines were to be sharted with friends, irresepctive of whether they were so called wine experts or not ….in his book, everyone should have the opportunity to experience a great wine. So in spite of the fact that he knew that he would be enjoying the delicious wines of Darling (which he did !), his suitcase would always contain something special from his own cellar in England to share with us. Inter alia we were spoiled with a Vosne Romanee 1959 and Chateaux Margaux 1983!

We think of his family particularly as they mourn his passing and may he rest in peace.