In vino veritas

Wine-tasting seems to be a well-researched topic among Reuters correspondents writing features (Spiked! But I was drunk). While in Spain in the late 1970s I was invited by Gonzalez Byass to visit Jerez de la Frontera for the annual festival of the vendimia or the grape harvest. I sent a message to London seeking permission to go to Jerez for a couple of days to do a feature about sherry. The news editor, Ian Macdowall, readily agreed and concluded his authorisation with the words: “In vino veritas.” ■