This has been an inauspicious week for the wine trade. We lost a brilliant winemaker and lovely person in Taras Ochota, our hospitality industry both the lifeblood and the fun factor for many, is being destroyed before our eyes. It is both hugely upsetting for those involved

in the #winebitch saga and an unwanted distraction from the brevity of the situation facing all of us. As someone involved in mental health action, I struggle with the notion that a series of cruel, sometimes sexist posts were an aberration brought on by poor lockdown mh

That said, I hope the mental health of all those affected is being well cared for and I’m sure that the long term mh of the author would be well served by a frank apology to all concerned. I hope, for the sake of all of us, that next week we are a little kinder, more thoughtful,

more supportive and more conscious that we all work in an industry that we love, but it is one that is under fire. We need more unity and care for all regardless of sex or race.