IN the words of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore: Now is the time to say goodbye Now is the time to heave a sigh.

This is the very last of the columns that I have been writing each week since October 1992.

Over the past 13 years we have shared a number of fine bottles together - well, on paper, at least. Do you recall Neil Ellis's stunning South African Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc (£6.99, Sainsbury's) or Alexander Monmousseau's voluptuous Vouvray from Chteau Gaudrelle (£8.30, Tanners)?

I shall never forget the experience of visiting Chteau Haut-Brion and the magic of drinking a 1982 with a raspberry tart.

Together we have travelled to Fetzer's organic vineyards in northern California, met Jean-Claude Mas in the d'Oc and been to Spain's secret vineyard in the Ribera del Duero.

We have visited the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, where brown bears ripped out over-ripe Gewrztraminer grapes the night before they were due to be picked, met the Schmidt-Wagner family up the Mosel and been captivated by the charm of their Rieslings grown on un-grafted stock.

Together we have been along Portugal's Douro valley and tasted their big red wines that I predict will be becoming firm favourites over the next few years.

Away from wine we have discovered the mysterious secrets of Irish whiskey, sipped Pineau des Charentes and even tried fearsome 70 per cent abv white rum in Antigua!

Among the good times that we've had have been those wine tastings for Christmas at Safeway and Tesco, as well as the one a few weeks ago at Waitrose's new store in Droitwich.

These were not only jolly good parties, but they enabled me to meet some of our regular readers who have allowed me to share part of their weekends in our search for those elusive Triple A wines that are agreeable, approachable and affordable. But there could be a silver lining. There is a chance that we could continue meeting for wine tastings, and perhaps a bite of supper afterwards.

I am discussing with Pat Macdonald and his team the possibility of hosting a monthly Wine Circle at Epic, his recently opened restaurant, which is situated between Reindeer Court and Friar Street in Worcester.

If you would like to be kept informed about progress then e-mail me at PBoucheron@aol.com or write to me at 44, Oakland Avenue, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 7BT.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement over the years... and for reading my words of wisdom!

l THE winner of Philippe Boucheron's August wine competition was Mr J Scrivener of Constance Road, Worcester. His correct answer of 1788 won him two bottles of Rutherglen Estates' Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre.