Imagine...

Imagine driving up the drive to Renishaw Hall, crossing the cattle grid and being met by the sight of 6 fire engines, a control tent, several smaller vehicles and numerous firemen! Oh imagine.  That is exactly the sight that greeted me on Tuesday morning. Momentarily I was freaked as I could see water pouring from hoses at an angle that looked like it was aimed at the roof, however I was soon pacified by a lovely young fireman who showed me where to park the car and assured me it was just a training exercise.

Imagine the Mercian Vineyards Association hold their Annual Wine Challenge at Renishaw Hall, where they are tasting over 80 wines and on departure leave you a dozen bottles to sample. We were lucky enough to be the recipients of such a gesture of the MVA on Sunday last. We're having enormous fun sniffing, sipping and swirling but, no spitting out. I'm a bit of a wine snob really, believing quite firmly when it comes to wine and food nobody does it better than the French however, one or two of the English wines have surprised me. For example this evening with our cheese we have sampled the Penny Red from the Halfpenny Green Vineyard, it wasn't pleasing my taste buds but add some Camembert and it was rocking. Interestingly Kieron Atkinson, The Vineyard Manager at Renishaw, recently won a Bronze Medal for his still white wine at the UK Vineyards Association Wine Awards - big up to Kieron. This award-winning wine is available to buy in the cafe or the shop at Renishaw.

Imagine living in a country that in the year its Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne it also hosts the best ever Olympic games. Well, no imagining necessary - we do! I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the Olympics even stopping up to watch both the opening and closing ceremonies, which for someone who goes to bed at 9pm most nights is pretty unbelievable.

Imagine the dark days of winter when Renishaw is not open, it's only 6 weeks away - come on, come visit before we close up for winter. I can't promise firemen, but I can promise a warm welcome.

Be good to see you
Lou x