Month: October 2025

I have been in Israel for 36 years. In the UK I was the Jew, but here I am the Brit. Something to do with the accent which I would still have even if I lived here 100 years. Time does not assuage the longing for some things I left behind in Britain. The list won’t surprise other Brits. They include Tetley’s tea, Coleman’s mustard, Branston pickle, Chivers marmalade and something most people outside the sceptered isle, can never understand, Marmite. I would have to add mature cheddar cheese and ripe stilton to the list. If I delve further I would include cricket at Lords and Real Ale (aka cask conditioned ale) in a British pub. Delving into the wine trade, which is the bubble I live in, I so much miss the easy availability of Port, Sherry and Madeira, which I love.

I have written in the past that Portugal is the next big thing in wine countries. I still believe this today. It is a country with many different and unique wine regions, their own indigenous grape varieties and wines to satisfy all tastes. Prices are also very reasonable. The problem is that so much good wine is made in Europe, demand if anything is dropping and it is hard for the Portuguese to muscle their way onto the stage. However, if there was ever a country that merits exploring for the wine lover, it is this one.