Francotastic Wine Tasting April 2017

Every year we look forward to the spring, the warm, longer days and Franco’s rosé wine list launch, unofficially considered the start of the summer season! What could be more agreeable than enjoying a crisp glass of rose accompanied by delicious canapés chosen from the largest restaurant selection of international rosé wines in Europe (seventy to be exact.)
Franco’s party is now in its 10th year and Rendezvous never being one to miss an opportunity is in its second year of our fabulous Francotastic wine tasting. A party of our very own in a private room and set up off the back of the launch party held the previous night.
Looking around the room and at the glistening pink bottles I had to think…. that’s a whole lot of tasty beverage – no hold fire (literally) I’m in the wrong film reference ….this is no Pulp Fiction of a night, I am certain there’s going to be some True Romance!

Franco’s director and restauranteur, Jason Phillips introduced the night and how the party had come about and the extensive list we would be tasting. Also giving the studious sorts a chance to answer the wine quiz and demonstrating how the Coravin system works, if on the rare chance you can’t finish that bottle of Domaine Ott you bought on a whim while flirting in the queue at Majestic; this is the gadget du jour!

Delightful entertaining and talented portrait photographer Stevie Roberts took the photos. I have got some lovely photos if any guests would like them please ask.

It was lovely seeing so many people travel in from so far and I’m not just talking The Shires, Brighton or Norfolk – there was Majorca, Monaco and India in the mix – you thoroughly international jet set crew you!

As the evening was winding up charismatic Gianmarco Franco (I’m always partial to a bit of Italian) sorted the quiz answers and we drew the name out of the champagne bucket – the winner of two bottles of rose was our good friend and Saga cruise Doctor Diane, she had already left to pack her cruise collection wardrobe and her Doctor’s kit to set sail the following morning. I’ll keep them safe, don’t you worry Diane!

Thank you to Franco’s wonderful team, you are a true credit to your business and thank you for allowing Rendezvous to be included as part of the unofficial start to the season…..Jason, Imogen, Samir, Gianmarco, Francesco.

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

Barbara is a classic entrepreneur; her career has been defined by a series of iconic start-ups within telecoms, entertainment and fashion. She leads Investor Relations for a London-based consultancy raising capital for entrepreneurs. Alongside financial matchmaking she represents exclusive offline matchmaking agency Vida in London & Monaco, connecting their UHNW clients. Barbara’s innate sense of what it takes to fit people together, with a flair of hosting exquisite events, makes her a social anchor for all that know her.

More Posts