Wine Events, Wine Education, Journalist
One of the best things I do is meet people who make wine. I can enthuse forever about a glass of wine; and I can enthuse even more if I’ve met the people behind that liquid treat. Wine isn’t just about what it taste likes – it’s about why it tastes like it does. Learning […]
Saint Clair wines: The day I met New Zealand winemaker Kyle Thompson Read More »
I’m very excited that 2018 is underway. Happy New Year everyone!! In just 22 days I’ll be heading to New Zealand to visit one of my oldest friends and of course I’ll be visiting vineyards too. It would be rude not to. I’m giddy. My plans are quite well-formed … well actually I’m not organised
New Zealand: Win a trip with Villa Maria and follow in my (clumsy) footsteps Read More »
Wine Advent Calendar December 3rd: Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Where should I begin with whites, this being the first one of my 24-day Wine Advent Calendar countdown. I’ve plumped for Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 because I love a bit of a back story. I took the wine as a
I WATCHED a lovely couple – well I’m sure they were lovely – looking totally bemused in a wine shop the other day. They were walking up and down the reds baffled, nay, befuddled, by the choices in front of them. So here’s some simple guidance on six basic wine grapes. You’ll see them all the time… but do you know if you’ll like
IF you’re lackadaisical about wine labels; if you rage about reds or whimper over whites; if you blush at a barolo or glaze over at a gerwurztraminer; if you pale at a pinot noir or think tempranillo is a percussion instrument; fear not. Because you might not be the only one. As another Bank Holiday is
Women like blokes with wine knowledge but are they bluffing? Read More »
THERE are two things I always do as the seasons tick by. One is to proffer a “pinch and a punch, first of the month”, to my pal Jamie; the second is to text my daughter whenI see my first lambs in a field. The latter went like this. You thought I’d made it up
Herald change in seasons with quartet of New Zealand wines Read More »
THINK sauvignon blanc and you probably think of gooseberries, vibrant newly-mown grass, green peppers or passion fruit. No doubt you think of New Zealand too, even though the historical home of sauvignon blanc is France; the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume more restrained than the teasey-squeezy-cheeked Kiwi versions. Though perceptions are there to be changed.
Sauvignon blanc wines from New Zealand Stich it to ‘em Read More »
Sauvignon blanc. I love it. Now and again there’s some pain I put myself through to write about wine (let alone being stabbed by corkscrews). Tasting extraordinary 2012 sauvignon blancs has certainly not been one of those occasions. Let’s start with a new selection from the Wine Society. It has packaged a New Zealand sauvignon
Sauvignon blanc choices for your must-drink list Read More »
Chardonnay. The most popular grape variety in the world. To borrow a theme from another beverage, if chardonnay made women, they would be as classy and steely-cool as Lauren Bacall; or as honeyed, rounded and voluptuously-complex as Marilyn Monroe; or maybe satin-lip frothy, but pin-bright and sparkling with a Grace Kelly-like elegance; or perhaps as
A celebration of the Chardonnay grape’s many personalities Read More »