Hot off the press: Punters raise a glass to Bernie's first Wine Night -

El vino did flow.

There was barely a pint of lager – or hazy IPA, should I say – in sight on Wednesday evening at Bernie’s, as the Station Street bar hosted its inaugural Wine Night.

Plenty of punters turned out to try the independent-only selection and a good number of the tables were covered from end to end with glasses, as the red, white and rosé £10 Wine Flights – made up of three curated sample pours – proved a particular hit.

One of the tasters managed to convert winos Phil and Donna to Chardonnay. Well, Phil stressed, “not Chardonnay” generally but specifically “this Chardonnay” (Australia’s Tooma River Reserve).

Jo was especially fond of the Sospiro Pinot Grigio, explaining that the “flavours harmonise” – presumably wine talk for “tastes nice”!

And Clive – who described the selection as “extremely brave, and it’s paid off” – enthused that this was an “excellent idea, excellent night”, adding: “It works really well.”

My drinking partner, Luke, who managed – albeit not too difficultly – to persuade me to try all three Wine Flights, agreed that the evening felt “different to normal Bernie’s”.

Perhaps nobody was as excited about the do as Sally, who, working alongside Landlady Nancy, was in her element thoughtfully displaying the glasses, detailed (and, somehow, not overly pretentious) tasting notes and olives and cheese.

It’s been a privilege to see my close friend’s business go from strength to strength. The buzz and conversation over the selection has really put Nancy’s independent wine list on the map.

Insisting this was the “best night of my life” (the vino talking, maybe), Sally said she is already making plans for the next Wine Night, which will be held on Wednesday 21 October.

My only wish this morning was that the servings were smaller. Or that I’d made time for dinner.

The opening hours for Bernie’s – 159 Station Street, Burton, DE14 1BN – are: