NEWSLETTERS | Classic Clippings

Flowering 1990

SPITTING

I can well remember the signs in the old trams and railway carriages that warned passengers of the five pound fine that would be dealt to those who would expectorate in or from the car.

No doubt those railway signs originated in an era when tuberculosis was endemic and there was good health reason for the move.

There's one place where spitting is allowed, indeed encouraged, and that is in our sales cellar, where there is always a bucket on the floor for the purpose. And in this case there is also a good health reason; we'd rather keep our customers sober, especially if they are driving.

Yet it is surprising how may will not spit out the wine; women more than men particularly. It seems that all those years of train and tram travel have influenced peoples attitudes.

Another feature of our sales cellar is a simple jug of water that sits on the tasting counter. Many people, particularly on hot days, don't spit the wine out because they are thirsty. If they can quench their thirst with water they are more likely to spit the wine out.