Wine Events, Wine Education, Journalist
Every year I give a nod to Fairtrade Fortnight wine and here I am again, nodding. In these next few days, thousands of people in the UK are recognising the efforts of farmers who live in some of the poorest countries in the world. The sale of Fairtrade wine directly helps workers on wine grape […]
Fairtrade wine: Make a difference to people’s lives in Fairtrade Fortnight Read More »
Hold on to your Christmas hats! If you love red wines with a bit of heart, depth, richness and ripe fruits which can comfort and hug, then I’m here for you. I won’t dilly dally with these festive red wine choices, as there’s lots to get through. Three festive red wine choices from France It
Christmas wines Part 4: Festive red wine to warm and hug you (if only it had arms) Read More »
One of the giddiest things I do when I’m visiting vineyards is to look for the winery doggie and then take as many photographs of the said doggie. I had a giddy moment a few weeks ago in France, while discovering Bordeaux wines. The most beautiful little bundle of fur called Eau de Vie was
Cute doggie alert! (Oh, and taking the mystery out of Bordeaux wines) Read More »
The countdown is on. The tree is up, you’ve ordered the turkey, the presents are (nearly) all bought and you’re thinking about added extras. It’s my job to help you with drinkies – here’s some red wine for Christmas. Pinot noir is one of my favourites: The pinot noir grape is so versatile. It will
Red wine for Christmas: 12 choices to see you through the festive madness Read More »
Those of you with long memories might recall that months ago my clumsiness got the better of me at a Wines of Australia tasting. Within minutes of arriving I broke my phone and I later left my tasting notes on the train. I promised to bring you some Australian wines another time; this is that
Wines of Australia: Five wines you might not expect to see from Down Under! Read More »
Christmas is simply the best excuse to push the boat out and try some wonderful wines. I’m excited now, just thinking of crunches of sweet parsnip, huddles of sprouts, my favourite lemon-dashed, herb-mottled stuffing … oh, and the turkey. All of those flavours will be demanding my attention and then wine will add another layer
Wines for Christmas lunch: Here’s some ideas to help you plan what to sip Read More »
I make an annual trip which I enjoy very much, akin to the old Wakes’ Weeks in Lancashire (my roots people, my roots) when once a year half the population of the old mill towns would pack up and disappear to the seaside at Blackpool and paddle and flirt. My annual trip is an exclusive
Co-operative wine: Nine top wine picks from my exclusive summer tasting Read More »
I haven’t worked out what the weather is supposed to be doing as one minute I’m absolutely roasting, and the next the dog refuses to go out because of the rain. In that spirit of confusion, here’s some white and red wines for summer which can be flexible for a barbecue or offer a hug
It rained the day I went to Chatsworth but at least I found some wines for summer Read More »
It’s not long to go to Christmas Day and I’m getting excited now. If you’re looking for a Christmas red wine, here’s some thoughts; starting with some bargains and building up to a knock-out buy. Christmas red wine on offer this month Western Australia Cabernet Sauvignon (Morrisons, 14.5% abv, RRP £7, down to £6 until Jan
Sometimes I just want to give wine a hug. A huge squeezy one – they’re not very good on giving hugs back but they’re quite good at toe tingles. I remember the day I tried this wine. It had been Proper Horrible on two counts = the weather and feeling miserable. I’d started a diet but