Charity auctions can lead to some thoroughly unsatisfactory experiences. Because of the non-commercial nature of the transaction, both donor and bidder can easily feel under-rewarded. But the talk I gave to the Jacob’s Creek sales team at the group’s UK headquarters near Heathrow airport the other day, all connected with a wine trade auction, was a thoroughly enriching experience – for me at any rate.

The deal was that I had to present them with a range of wines that met the following brief from the wine development director of Pernod Ricard, the French owners of Jacob’s Creek: “What’s hot; strategic challenges; ones to watch as challengers; what will impact buyers’ decisions.” I was asked to focus on South Africa, Chile, California, Italy and, especially, France. After all, there was not much point in lecturing those who sell Jacob’s Creek, Montana and Campo Viejo rioja on Australia, New Zealand and Spain.