Serena Yeung is considered one of our Account Managers in Hong Kong. We have been delighted to welcome her to London this autumn, and he or she joined our UK-based Account Managers on an En Primeur journey to Burgundy. Right here she shares a few of her reflections on her time spent in our St James’s workplace and in producers’ vineyards.
Having been with Berry Bros. & Rudd for over eight years, I lastly had the prospect to go to our UK workplace for the primary time. This was an expertise I had eagerly anticipated, and it definitely lived as much as my expectations.
Getting into the unique store on St. James’s Avenue felt like strolling right into a museum. The classic espresso scales and low grinder are fantastically maintained, and the charming vintage door handles add a particular contact. In the meantime, our workplace on Pall Mall strikes a steadiness between custom and modernity – stylishly easy, clear, and neat.
Throughout my go to, I explored our cellars, each steeped in an unbelievable 326 years of historical past. Discovering these outdated, dust-covered bottles, every with its personal story, made me replicate on the richness of our heritage. I additionally had the pleasure of seeing the personal occasion areas for lunches, dinners and tastings. These rooms exude conventional attraction, with over 300 years of historical past embedded within the picket ceilings. I used to be pleasantly shocked by how properly preserved the whole lot was, which added to the elegant ambiance. I actually hope to hitch some occasions there sooner or later; I can solely think about what a singular expertise it have to be.
My colleagues within the UK have been extremely welcoming, making me really feel proper at residence. It was pleasant to see that they usually have wine or spirits opened for tasting, accompanied by coaching periods from producers. One spotlight was becoming a member of an everyday assembly and eventually assembly many colleagues face-to-face – individuals I’d solely ever communicated with through e-mail. It was a touching expertise to attach in individual.
I completely loved my week within the UK. I took the chance to run in St. James’s Park, Inexperienced Park and Hyde Park, all whereas having fun with beautiful climate. Jogging alongside geese swimming within the lake and watching kids feed squirrels as yellow leaves gently fell round me felt like working by a stupendous portray.
As I write this, I already miss that week and all of the great experiences it introduced. I sit up for carrying these reminiscences with me and hope to create extra connections between our workplaces sooner or later.
After my go to to the UK workplace, I used to be actually honoured to symbolize the Asia group in Burgundy and partake within the Burgundy 2023 En Primeur tasting. This was my second journey to Burgundy – my final go to in June was stuffed with lush greenery and sunny skies. Nonetheless, visiting in November supplied a very totally different expertise, permitting me to witness the vineyards of their beautiful winter splendour.
The climate throughout our go to was a bit foggy, making navigation difficult and the roads considerably slippery. I’m particularly grateful to my colleagues who drove us to the wineries, guaranteeing we arrived safely and will absolutely immerse ourselves in every tasting with out fear.
All through my time in Burgundy, I explored over 25 wineries and tasted greater than 150 wines. Every producer showcased their distinctive character, and it was fascinating to work together with winemakers whose wines I’ve loved however by no means met in individual. Listening to their insights and understanding their winemaking processes added immense depth to the wines, making each come alive with its personal story and character.
The 2023 Burgundy classic is really exceptional – pure, fruity, contemporary, and extremely approachable. Despite the fact that these have been En Primeur wines, unbottled and nonetheless maturing, I discovered them to be expressive and vibrant. Every sip provided a pleasant glimpse into what the ultimate product will ship, and I couldn’t assist however really feel enthusiastic about their potential. The steadiness and readability of the fruit, mixed with the finesse of the tannins, recommend that this classic will likely be a standout in years to come back.
Visiting the vineyards was one other spotlight of the journey. Standing in Montrachet, I lastly grasped the precise distances between the vines and noticed the planting phases up shut. This firsthand expertise not solely solidified my reminiscences but additionally deepened my appreciation for the meticulous care that goes into cultivating every winery. The fantastic thing about the panorama, with its rolling hills, was merely breathtaking.
This journey to Burgundy was greater than only a tasting; it was an unforgettable journey into the center of an iconic wine nation. The connections I made, the wines I tasted, and the sights I skilled will stick with me for years to come back. I returned residence not solely with a better understanding of Burgundy’s distinctive wines but additionally with cherished reminiscences that can enrich my ongoing journey on the earth of wine. I sit up for sharing these experiences and insights with my colleagues and prospects again in Asia, fostering a deeper appreciation for the exceptional wines that Burgundy has to supply.
