Gaja Day 1 - 22nd September 2011

Day 1 - #gajaday on Twitter

The tension had been building throughout September as hotels, restaurants and a selection of retailers had been promoting the magnificent wines of Angelo Gaja and were awaiting a visit from his equally enigmatic daughter Gaia.


An incredible two days were spent visiting customers across London to see the fruits of their labours. A lot of time in taxis, a lot of photos, a lot of video interviews but also a lot of fun. See below what we got up to.

Roberson

Fresh from Heathrow, Gaia began with an early start at Roberson's on Thursday morning before the doors were open to the public. We were greeted by bottles of Promis 2008 in prime position as well as antique cabinets filled with a selection of older wines and stunning Gaja paraphernalia. The enthusiastic team sampled the Promis 2008 alongside the other wines from the Tuscan estate.

Whole Foods

We moved on rapidly from one end of Kensington High Street to the other to Whole Foods Market where Gaia was greeted by a fantastic selection of Italian wines. By now, customers were happily tasting small samples of Promis 2008 laid out on a barrel. Again the other Tuscan wines were tasted to the delight of the staff.

Planet of the Grapes

Our next event was a tasting during lunch at the newly opened Planet of the Grapes in Bow Lane. Diners were greeted with a beautiful display of all the Ca'Marcanda wines as well as Rossj Bass Chardonnay. After a lunch of perfectly cooked steak and chips, Gaia worked the room tasting the wines with customers whilst they enjoyed their lunch.

Harrods

We then progressed to Knightsbridge and the impressive and newly refurbished wine department at Harrods. Promis was again available to taste.

Sipp

Further along Brompton Road, the stylish shop Sipp was displaying Promis and Magari in their Enomatics, available for all to taste.

Handford Wines

The evening's entertainment was about to begin as customers flocked to the stylish Handford. The shop was packed with customers eager to be led through a great line up starting with the Tuscan property and finishing in Piedmont with the Barbaresco 2006. I saw many bottles heading out in the hands of customers delighted with their new found discoveries.

Vagabond

The next tasting was at Vagabond in Fulham, a very inviting and beautiful shop with 100 wines available to taste from Enomatics. Customers again had gathered in great numbers to taste a line up of wines including the Ca'Marcanda range then from Piedmont, Rossj-Bass Chardonnay 2010, Barbaresco 2006 and Sito Moresco. Again, the bottles were flying out of the door with very content shoppers.


Riva

A well-deserved rest at the end of the day and solace was found at Riva in Barnes. We were greeted by the entertaining and exuberant Andrea Riva who had welcomed Gaia's father and grandfather to his establishment over the many years it has been in existence.


Day 1 had been fantastic, but what would the next day hold..

Gaja Day 2