Reflections at the end of this year 2025, and what is coming in 2026 .

First of all, 2025 has been a rich year , an exciting year and a flurry of activity and travel , which offers opportunities to meet new people, taste new wines and foods , and this year was no exception .

We are blessed in France to have four distinct seasons , and I so love this Christmas season.
Just back from a short trip to Vienna, where I have not been in a long time, was a true delight .

The service was good, the food was good and the wine was good, not to mention new people whom I met over a few meals.

One delightful wine that I enjoyed this time was the Muskateller , which was served at the last dinner I ate in Vienna . At the airport , I found a nice bottle for €12,99 in the duty free shop at the airport …and I am still enjoying it at home as I write these lines .

Here are a few photos which I have shared on Instagram with some lovely classical music .

These photos were taken at Das Glashaus, which was close to my hotel . Although I asked the waiter (in German) to cook the duck rosé, it was too cooked …The wine was standard , Grüner Veltliner and Zweigelt, which you really can’t go wrong with .

Now that I am back at home, I will start to decorate the tree and plan my Christmas menu .

Don’t forget to order my book Vignes et Mets Automne to get my Christmas menu suggestion, or my Winter/Hiver book, where you will find more Winter dishes for the colder days to come : https://vignesetmets.com/v-m-cuisine/

What’s coming in 2026? I will start compiling some photos and information , which will be the subject of my 9th book, Vignes et Mets Nice , which should be available before Summer.

Happy Holidays , Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year 2026 !