BAD NEWS!

[Roy Hersh]

From a source that I trust, I have learned that Artur de Barros e Sousa, Lda (ABSL), is up for sale. This is a very sad moment and I am wondering if the Olim brothers are going to retire or if either one is not well? Either way, to learn of this is tragic, as there are so few Madeira companies left on the island and more importantly, the knowledge that the Olim's possess will be a great loss when they no longer own this company.

[Steve Pollack]

This is sad to hear. It's a wonderful place to visit, with terrific wines and very nice, welcoming people. I sure hope their decision is not health related.

[Peter Reutter]

If this is true (and judging from the age of the Olim brothers I am afraid to say that I have little doubt about this sad news) then this is some part of living history lost for the Madeira wine business. Every time I went there it was so much fun to talk to the brothers and absorb their knowledge...

Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... jamnbS2ZLg , they also feature this video on their website http://www.vinhosmadeira.com/
And by the way, they do accept mail order requests. I have done this once and at least within the EU it was no trouble at all.

Peter

[Stewart T.]

What a great visit we had there. I don't know, I'm seeing an opportunity for an FTLOP Madeira Company.

[Roy Hersh]

Stewart,

Maybe you'll have to build a new website: FTLOM