Wine Events, Wine Education, Journalist
MANY of my friends say that Aldi wines have changed their lives. Friday nights begin with a “rush to the shops” to stock up for the weekend. Mike James, Aldi’s wine buyer, since 2010, has overseen the team which has made Aldi a must-go destination for reliable, affordable wines. I spoke to Mike, and asked […]
The man behind Aldi wines, Mike James, picks his special wines for you Read More »
If I had a pound for every time people say “Châteauneuf-du-Pape” when I ask them to name their special-buy red, I wouldn’t be sitting here. Sorry, but that’s how shallow I am. It’s June and you might not be thinking of red wine, but tomorrow is Father’s Day, so you have an excuse. I asked
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a special-buy red for Father’s Day Read More »
Lidl has just launched 40 new summer wines at a time when the retailer must be feeling pretty pleased with itself. Its overall wine sales have increased 38% over the past 12 months; and in parallel, a survey by Wotwine says that Lidl wines top its ratings table, with 68% of its wines offering customers
Lidl wines on a roll as summer selection hits the shelves Read More »
WE all love a good deal; and when it comes to wine we love great wine at great value prices. I make no apologies for once again telling you about some newly-announced award-winning wines from the International Wine Challenge. In the last few days the IWC has announced 15 Great Value Awards; and 12 of
Wine Press: Great Value Awards celebrate great wines at great prices Read More »
As English Wine Week and Welsh Wine Week 2015 get underway, I speak to the CEO of one of England’s leading wine producers, Frazer Thompson, from Chapel Down. There has been a massive leap in sales of sparkling wines in just a year and English sparkling wine has been winning praise from all quarters. Says
Praise for home-grown wines as English Wine Week begins Read More »
THE UK’s supermarkets have really upped their game in the past year when it comes to their own-brand wines. Many have excelled in the 2015 International Wine Challenge Awards. Top of the awards pile is Marks & Spencer, which won 169 medals, including 12 gold, 52 silver and 105 bronze. In all, 498 own-brand and exclusive
International Wine Challenge success for UK supermarkets Read More »
A few years ago there was a TV quiz show, Call My Bluff. My mum and dad loved it. I remember the 70s brown and beige shirts and the quizmaster technology included a simple bell. A team would give three definitions of a word; but only one was true. Another team had to guess which.
Wine Press: Call My Bluff Wine Tasting fizzes perfectly Read More »
Spring has sprung and yippee!! I want to spring into the garden to celebrate. Well that might be a bit optimistic. When I had a practice run with spring wines in the garden last weekend my finger ends were numb in five minutes. I clasped a glass of hearty red through slippy mittens and imagined
Spring wines in the garden … well, once the rain stops Read More »
I’d love to be involved in the creation of wine and not just sit at the “consumer end” opening a bottle and enjoying the contents. Don’t get me wrong, I love that bit. I really love that bit. Laura Stafford is a wine buyer for the Co-operative and I’ve spoken to her about her work
The life of a wine buyer for Co-op wines … a peek inside Laura’s world Read More »