The Big Fortified Tasting 2022

[Alex Bridgeman]

This year's b.f.t. is being held in Church House, Westminster on Thursday 23rd April.

As in previous years, it is a trade only event and being a member of The Port Forum is, sadly, not enough of a link to the trade to qualify to visit the show.

Happily, as in previous years, I would be very grateful for some help on the day to run the show, set-up and break-down masterclasses, ferry water / glasses / lunches / anything else exhbitors need. Anyone willing and able to work half a day (morning or afternoon) as an unpaid volunteer is then welcome to spend the half of the day not working mingling with the producers and (subject to availability) participating in a masterclass.

If anyone is interested, willing and able to work for a full day, I'll happily pay the day rate that is paid to other staff we bring in from outside but your opportunities to mingle with the producers will be much more limited.

If of interest to anyone, please let me know by email or PM.

[uncle tom]

It would be very informative if the producers could be coaxed into bringing their 2018 vintage offerings - SQ or otherwise.

After a run of three good years, 2018 had a mountain to climb to look at all impressive. Extreme spring weather severely damaged yield, but the harvest period was benign. The reportage I've seen hints at a slightly above average year for quality that should see most of the usual SQs declared - but I'd really like to try some..

[Alex Bridgeman]

I will pass the message on.

[Alex Bridgeman]

After cancellation in 2020 and a flip in the operating model for 2021, we are planning to run a physical show on 31st March 2022 in Church House, London. (9am to 5pm)

As in previous years, I would love the help and support of members of the Port Forum who are able to spend (part of) the day helping prep / breakdown masterclasses and supporting the producers in the main exhibition room.

I’ll cover any travel expenses you incur. As in previous years you are welcome to volunteer to work half the day and then spend the other half day mingling with the producers (which gets you round the “trade only” entrance requirement). Where we have spaces available, you’ll also be able to participate in a masterclass of your choice.

If you volunteer for the full day, we’re paying a day rate of £250.

Please let me know either privately or below if you would like to volunteer.

Thank you!

[jdaw1]

I’ll cover any travel expenses you incur.

Glenn hereby volunteers.

As in previous years you are welcome to volunteer to work half the day and then spend the other half day mingling with the producers (which gets you round the “trade only” entrance requirement). Where we have spaces available, you’ll also be able to participate in a masterclass of your choice.

I volunteer for a half day. In 2019 I was assigned work in the afternoon; naturally enough I (and everybody else) prefer morning.

If you volunteer for the full day, we’re paying a day rate of £250.

Surely the pay contradicts the idea of a ‘volunteer’.

[Glenn E.]

I’ll cover any travel expenses you incur.

Glenn hereby volunteers.

But I do now need to figure out if that time frame might work for a trip to London. Not likely, but worth looking into.

[winesecretary]

I am tempted to do a half day if I can get a morning. Wonderful opportunity for us 'amateurs du porto'. Afternoon I might be a bit too cheery and/or inclined to lay down the law. So less useful. Put me on the 'will call if I really need to' list.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Thank you George. I will call you if I really need to.

[MigSU]

I've worked more than my fair share of wine fairs, but I'm a bit far away to be of use.

[flash_uk]

Happy to volunteer.

[nac]

Available for the morning.

[idj123]

Available in whatever shape or form is required Alex!

[hadge]

I'm also available in whatever shape or form is required.

[Screagle]

Another London based volunteer and past attendee...

Saúde

[Alex Bridgeman]

I’ve just sent an email out to people who have offered to help. If you haven’t received the email, please PM me with your email address.

Many thanks everyone!