Wines.

Wines — I do not charge corkage! I am in the business of giving a service. I give some advice regarding wines a client should consider to compliment the menu we are discussing. I am more than happy just to supply the wine service and have some really excellent wine waiting staff. I don't expect my waiting staff to do both tasks!

It is always important to drink the wine that you enjoy.

It is not always necessary to have Champagne, some of the sparkling Loire wines are excellent; if you are inviting a large number of guests the price can be important. Champagne is lovely, but apart from the toast is usually served as an aperitif, so the label would never be seen in any case. And perhaps a little less spent on the 'fizz' allows a better wine to go with the main course where it might be more appreciated.

I am asked from time to time 'how much wine should be provided?' Usually a half bottle per person is about right; the most we have served was two bottles per head! One of the things often missed is to order enough water - so I always put a reminder in unless it's already on a clients list.