This is my fourth time to VinItaly in Verona and yet I have never been to a winery in this region (Veneto) nor have I ever imported a wine from here. This is a glaring error....this is the land of Valpolicella, of Amarone and Ripasso. This needs to be sorted.

When I come to Verona I stay in a lovely little apartment that is bang in the middle of the historical part of Verona. Opposite the apartment is a pasticceria owned by a Michelin starred chef....so breakfast is amazing.....and about 200m down the road is the best bar in the world staffed by fantastic people. I have become pretty friendly with the bar staff as every night after the long VinItaly days I have a quiet drink at Osteria del Bugiardo.

The interesting thing is that the bar is owned by a winery, Buglioni, and they only serve the house wines. One night this week my favourite bartender, Paolo, asked what I did in Verona every year. When I told him that I import wine he immediately said that he should intotroduce me to his boss. Now why hadn't I thought of that ? Amazing, I have been to this bar maybe twenty times, I have tried every wine that they have and love them all, but I have never thought to seek them out for potential business. Maybe I assumed them too large. I have seen their stand at VinItaly but have not felt comfortable approaching. So for 4 years I simply ignored Buglioni.

Anyway good to his word Paolo introduces me to his "capo" (boss) in the bar one night. It is actually proprietor Mariano Buglioni. Mariano is a delightful person and is pleased for me to come to the stand to officially taste Buglioni wines.

Life is a funny thing. If you stay in the moment and open yourself to possibility the universe usually provides you with the opportunity. For most of us (self included) we are too busy thinking 3 paces ahead ....and fail to see what is right under our nose.