Day 2 and I headed to the world famous Berry Bros & Rudd shop on St James’s Street. I had never been before - must have been easily intimidated all those years ago when I lived in London … because this place has a history! It’s like a wine museum and then you go downstairs and it’s a magical blend of high tech with 17th century cellars. I was here for a pre-release tasting of the wines from top, top Californian producer Ridge.

Ridge has for a long time been the epitome of quality Californian wine. Maybe it’s the distinctive label that has not changed since 60’s or more likely a combination of that and the juice inside that make these wines utterly classic. One of my favourite questions is ‘Which do you prefer, the Lytton Springs or the Geyserville?’ As fan of new world wines, it’s a kind of cerebral meeting point for me and old world fanatics who all seem to have time for them as well. And the answer … God they’re both lovely! The Lytton is always the more elegant whilst the Geyserville has a slightly more earthy intensity which I love …

We retired to lunch at Benares where we drank their Chardonnay and the 2006 Lytton Springs. Both went superbly well with the Indian food on offer which was simply the best ‘curry’ I’ve ever had. If you can, go and drink wines from Ridge!

What with the intriguing sake tasting the day before and being in London … we went to Zuma for dinner. I had never eaten sushi before, I struggle sometimes with smoked salmon, but … I like a challenge (although hardly ever in a culinary sense). We had squid to start which was the best I’ve ever tasted … so crispy and light … went on to soft shell crab sashimi, yellowfin tuna sashimi, salmon sushi, black cod … all the tastes with the soy and umami flavours really worked with the sake. Culinary experience good, but Zuma very stylish a little too cool for me …

On our way back to the sleeper for the return leg we decided to visit the 2 new sherry / tapas bars that the wine trade had been getting so excited about and they were kind of en route anyway. Barrafina on Frith Street was absolutely buzzing! So small, so much atmosphere and I love watching a busy kitchen! We joined a queue of about 10 people who were all waiting for food. We were just after the sherry so happily stood and soaked it all up! Definately going back next time in London … we couldn’t even manage a bowl of toasted almonds!

Our last stop was Barrica on Goodge Street. Had to ask them to remove the bowl of bread and oil … We’d eaten more than enough! 20 something sherries by the glass, 2 manzanilla’s at the same price … even a sherry nut like me was slightly confused and sadly so were the staff. But the place was busy busy busy and must be doing something right!

Glad to be back and drinking BofA tap water tonight … but still thinking about the Lytton/Geyser question … Must open some soon …