My Life in Wine – Part 2 – 1965 Going to Bordeaux

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Tony Laithwaite

My Grandmother Rudd had told the ‘lost’ French lady of her grandson’s desire to work that summer in France and the lady had offered to find me a job. So, June 8th 1965, a week out of school, bundled into […]

My Life in Wine – Part 1 – 50 YEARS UP!

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Tony Laithwaite

Fifty years ago this month I finally fled school and, convinced by Brigitte Bardot, Inspecteur Maigret, Le Moulin Rouge and croissants that the French way of life was the one for me, immediately crossed over the English Channel.

Trains, Planes, Automobiles and a couple of Ferries!

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Tony Laithwaite

This week, Laithwaite’s HQ has moved to shiny new offices a stone’s throw from our previous home of 15+ years. All went remarkably smoothly and my lot seem to be very pleased with our new surroundings. But in all the […]

Heading East again

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Tony Laithwaite

Early in the ’70s I ventured behind the Iron Curtain travelling – nervously – in a converted Russian bomber which still had perspex turrets … presumably so it could easily convert back for WW3. But the trip was worth it […]

A long day … Domaine Pontfract, Correns

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Tony Laithwaite

The younger-looking one has been making wine for 73 years … Domaine Pontfract Monsieur Paul has been making his wine for 73 years. That must be a world record, no? He started aged 12 during the war when all the […]

Club 55, St Tropez …

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Tony Laithwaite

… the most glamorous beach restaurant in the world. Marks the spot on Pampelone beach where the phenomenon that is today’s St Tropez began. St Tropez had been just a small fishing village nestled amongst vineyards until Brigitte Bardot made […]

Storms all night …

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Tony Laithwaite

… flash, bang, wallop; stones, is it, pinging on the metal table in the garden? No; hail! At first light – heart in mouth – out to check the vines. Very, very wet BUT … no damage I could see. […]

“T’was a long and hairy day” he writes at midnight …

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Tony Laithwaite

… as massive storm rages outside in the dark in Bordeaux. Early start to catch the 7.50 Gawick to Bordeaux. “Gate closes in 5 mins” she says, “so where’s your group?” 25 Laithwaite’s people – Brits and Americans – finally […]

Tony’s Diary | Not yet autumn in Wyfold and Windsor

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Tony Laithwaite

We sat – wife, dog and I – having a post-work beer, in front of vineyard cabin last night. Darkness falling. We like it up at the top of Wyfold evening time. Our house – a couple miles away – […]

In the Rhône with Robin

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Tony Laithwaite

Robin Langton is our newest buyer; an ex-flying winemaker of great experience on three continents … and also an ex-policeman! You get stuck in a lift as we did on the first night of last week’s trip down the Rhône […]

«‹1 234 5 ›»

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

© Laithwaite's Wine part of Direct Wines Ltd. Registered in England and Wales 1095091.
One Waterside Drive, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Berkshire, RG7 4SW

We use cookies so our website is easier for you to use. By using this site you agree to these cookies being set. For more information or to change your settings please click here.