Wine Events, Wine Education, Journalist
I love this time of year when everything is so new again; there’s a fresh start as the sun warms and the days get longer. Well, I’m not so sure about the sun bit yet, but you know what I mean. It’s a busy time in the wine world too, with lots of springtime wine […]
Wine news is good news as the days grow longer and warmer (we hope) Read More »
For years I’ve enjoyed Villa Maria wines and I was pretty giddy the day I visited the winery just outside Auckland in New Zealand. The wines are a familiar sight on the wine shelves at home in the UK and there I was, thousands of miles away meeting the people behind them. Oh, and tasting them
Villa Maria: An Auckland day trip & 11 wine choices from my winery tasting Read More »
I have to be quick to keep up with the ever-changing selection of wines on our High Streets and when I catch up with some wine ranges I wish I hadn’t. But the newly-released Spar wines have had people talking. I gave a nod to The Alphabet Series Pinot Noir at Christmas and it is one
Spar wines: New own-label wine range is a winner on taste and your pocket Read More »
Another new year is appearing round the corner as one slides off into the distance. How did that happen? Pop some bubbles and enjoy some New Year’s Eve wine as you say hello to 2018 and goodbye to 2017. New Year’s Eve wine: A brace of cavas Vilarnau Brut Reserva Cava (£11.99, Ocado, Booths and
New Year’s Eve wine: Here’s some choices for your special celebrations!! Read More »
Not long to go! I’ve pulled together a selection of Christmas port, a couple of sweet wines and last-minute buys for you to enjoy over the festive break. Enjoy. Some peeps of Christmas port: Maynard’s Pink Port (£7.99, Aldi, 50cl) Aldi’s port range has won gold in the new International Wine Challenge with Maynard’s 1992
Finish your festive feast with a drop of Christmas port … it would be rude not to Read More »
I love a glass of white all year round but there’s nothing nicer than a glass of chilled white with a Christmas lunch seafood starter or to pour with your turkey curry. Here’s some Christmas white wine choices. Christmas white wine choices under £10: The Wine Atlas Cococciola (£5.48, Asda, 12.5% abv) This is a
Christmas white wine choices: Five wines under £10 and five wines over £10 Read More »
I have no idea how many times I’ve used the term “stirring the lees” and some of you might think oh here she goes again, talking that wine gobbledegook nonsense. Finally I’ve seen it in action, thanks to a peekaboo glass side to an oak barrel. You’re also thinking, well I’m pleased for you Jane,
Stirring the lees: Watch it happening AND learn about yeast. It’s a wine blog bargain 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 »
Blimey, we’re in September how did that happen. As it is Organic September it’s only right to bring you a couple of eco-friendly wines. But before then, I’ve been flirting with Spanish wine. It wasn’t a conscious effort, just coincidence that I’ve tasted a few recently. I like it when a plan comes together even
Spanish wine to lift your spirits in a damp September, plus an eco-friendly prosecco 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 »