COVID-19 status

I have tried to avoid COVID-19 as a topic, as I want Winehog to be largely a COVID-free bubble.

This is still my goal, as I am no expert in this terrible and annoying virus, not officially and not even self-professed.

I do, however, feel a need to communicate the impact on the Burgundy scene. This crisis has been, and will apparently be, persistent … sadly.

The second wave

European societies are buckling under the renewed weight of the coronavirus. What is being called the second wave is now sweeping Europe.

This has shown how fragile the world is – mine, yours, and that of the people who bring us so much pleasure: vignerons, wine merchants, restaurateurs, and producers of high-quality foods.

The experts know more now

Clearly, the experts now know more about the pandemic. At the moment, the world is working quite well with masks and other appropriate measures that ensure reasonable safety in the public sphere.

In France, the use of masks was introduced quite early – and it works. Charming? Perhaps not. But it does work, and some even think a mask is an improvement on the look of the Winehog.

So get your mask! And then go out to eat in your favourite local restaurants. They need you!

Follow the local rules though: We are in this together!

Traveling to Burgundy

It is clear that traveling is somewhat restricted, and depends on where you are. Within Europe, one can travel relatively freely, although there are some restrictions: Check before you plan and go. Sometimes business travel to a given destination is possible while leisure voyages are not recommended.

For me, it is a disgrace that the EU is not able to set common, consistent rules for traveling, particularly as each country uses more or less the same principles and statistics. The word scandal would not be too strong.

Be aware of travel insurance if you are voyaging into restricted areas, and check to see if you need special coverage before you go.

And the usual request

Please, in the months to come, remember the people who give us such pleasure and rich experiences – the vignerons, restaurateurs, wine merchants – and support them when you can.

I will, as I have done for the last six months, try to keep the Winehog running unchanged.

That said, I need your support now more than ever, so please: subscribe, renew your subscription, or support the Winehog in any way you can. Spread the word!

Friends in Burgundy, and elsewhere in the world: Stay optimistic, support the providers of hedonistic pleasure, and remember to enjoy!

Steen Öhman, September 2020

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