Well, how was it for you?

Well, I'm now in the Qantas Business Lounge in Singapore Changi, finishing off my posts about Landmark. So, I suppose, I have to ask whether it did what I had expected and whether it achieved its objectives.


To the first question is the answer is that it exceeded expectations so much as to be almost unquantifiable. We had an excellently organised week (well done to Lucy and Prue, to Paul, to P J , James and all the others who worked so hard to keep things running smoothly), we had three excellent core tutors who were able to guide us, debate with us and laugh as much as we did (well done to Michael, Tony and Andrew) and a great range of guest speakers who are too numerous to mention.

On top of that we had a great range of wines - some of these are so rare that they may never be tasted in public again; many were donated from private cellars for our benefit. I have to say, you feel very humble when people who have never met you are willing to do this. The wines showed us Australia in 4 dimensions - the three of apace as we explored almost every region in Australia and the 4th of time as we saw wines going back to 1909! Diversity was one of the tutorial's aims and this was achieved brilliantly.

Finally, we had a great group of students - this group gelled extremely well and I can honestly say that this was one of the best groups I've ever met. I have been at other tasting events where not everyone added to the group dynamic but here everybody got on and played their part. The organisers are to be commended for their ability to select people as well as they selected wines!

In relation to the second question it certainly achieved the first of its objectives - there are now 12 confirmed apostles (we were disciples but we've graduated!) and we will be spreading the word as best we can. As to the second objective, the message being understood - well, only time will tell but I expect this to be achieved as well.

I have to say I was very sad to leave - it has been a great week and, I confess, I feel quite emotional about it in much the same way as Jamie Goode. The generosity and friendliness of all we met and those we didn't is seriously impressive - I cannot imagine such a level of altruism in the Irish or UK wine industries. Landmark is based on the well-known Len Evans tutorial which is free for participants. Total cost of the LE is probably AUD100,000 yet those who attend have only to get there, once they've been selected. Get that - the industry sponsors the tutorial as it believes this is the best way to get the message across. Think about that - can you imagine this happening at home? Anywhere else? I can't.

Anyway, I'm now on my way home with much to think about and I am truly grateful to Landmark for the professional benefits but also the personal benefits of having met such a great group of people. Thank you.