As a wine-lover, for years I've been fascinated by the art of matching wine with food. Something magical happens when the two unite to reveal flavours and subtleties that they could only hint at alone.

One afternoon, while relaxing with my guitar in a sun-dappled Marlborough Vineyard, inspiration struck: Could music, like food, coax new delights from a glass of wine?

It seemed possible. Like good wines, memorable melodies balance accessibility with complexity. The ones that endure have plenty of structure and integrity. And both benefit from the inspiration and passion of their creators.

The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. How a haunting melody might mirror the long, rich aftertaste of a vintage Sauterne. How a powerful chord progression could evoke the majesty of a great Cabernet. Or how a delicate harmony could echo the complex overtones that live in the bouquet of a classic Burgundy.

The songs on this disc reflect the many facets of wine, from the peaceful ambiance of the vineyard to the first encounter with a new, untasted wine.

I hope it enriches and enlivens your next bottle of wine.

- Graham Wardrop, 2000