Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose February 2024

How about some Supermarket Wine Bargains again? This time, it’s Waitrose, who have some belting offers for February. We’ve identified four cracking reds and whites, and a couple of delicious Rosé suggestions too. Every bottle but one comes in at under a tenner, but they are worth a lot more if you ask us! Let’s go deal diving.

Waitrose Red Wines February 2024

Montidori Sangiovese

We’ve loved the value from this bottle for a while now. A portion of the grapes are dried bringing incredible, bold richness, which combined with soft spice intensity and a subtle dryness make for dark berry bliss.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.00)

Little Giant Barossa Shiraz

This wine should easily cost more than it does, even at full price (but don’t tell Waitrose). It’s seductively smooth and brimming with delicious dark fruits and layers of warm spice. It just feels so, well, giant. Fantastically jammy Ozzy Shiraz .

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

Paul Mas Réserve Languedoc Rouge

From the renowned Jean-Claude Mas vineyards in Languedoc is this dry, easy-drinking red. It throws up blackberry jam, oaky vanilla, dark chocolate and a pleasant minerality for depth, and serves as an ideal candidate for those midweek Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.99)

Zalze Shiraz - Mourvèdre Viognier

With £3 off this South African gem, it’s the perfect time to give it a go. The rich spice of forest fruits and blackberries comes to the fore, but then the French oak is integrated smoothly in support of the fruits. The Viognier rounds off the finish nicely too. Really well-rounded and balanced red.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.66 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines February 2024

Esprit de Buganay Côtes de Provence Rosé

Hailing from slap bang in the middle of the Côtes de Provence is this traditional expression. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah with a dash of structure from Cab Sav come together for a fresh fruity nose. Beyond that, dreamy smoothness with subtle strawberry, peach, and raspberry. Light, dry and fruity and a joy to pair with. A must try for under £10.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £14.99)

Barefoot Pink Moscato

If you’re after a crowd pleasing Rosé for a top-notch price then look no further. A red berry parade invites the nose, continuing on the palate with a fruity sweetness that hits the spot. The touch of sherbet creaminess is a delight too. As the pink stuff goes, it is towards the sweeter end but if you like that, then you’ll love this.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%

Find here: £6.49 (usually £7.49)

Waitrose White Wines February 2024

Zenato Villa Flora Lugana Veneto

This Lake Garda beauty brings serious acidity from the Turbiana grapes, coming through with zippy citrus and subtle stone fruits. But there’s more to this white, because not only is it fresh and smooth, but it’s also got some curious earthy undertones and floral hints. No wonder the reputation of this wine is flourishing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.99 (usually £12.99)

Ara Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Great New Zealand Sauvignon here with more going on than usual. You can expect a slightly dryer profile than usual, with more aromatic floral notes. Think juicy fruits with grapefruit, peach, and lychee. But there are also delicious, perfumed notes, touches of green grass and crunchy acidity. Wonderful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £10.99)

Paolo Leo Fiano del Salento IGP

What a lovely southern Italian grape Fiano is, with rich historic roots. Nowadays, it delivers exquisite fruity freshness. Here that’s a huge kick of citrus and grapefruit, supported by loftier orchard fruits. Balanced, rich and complex with a welcome mineral touch to the finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £10.99)

Puklavec & Friends Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio

Over to Slovenia now for an interesting dry white. It’s a family-owned winery, with the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio grapes handpicked. Fruity and lively, the citrus is stealing the show. Subtler tropical notes like mango and papaya linger too. An intriguing try from a less common wine nation.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.79 (usually £9.79)

If you shop elsewhere then not too worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Top Sparkling Rosé Under £15

With its delicate effervescence and elegant fruits, Sparkling Rosé is a divine creation, but it can be difficult to find a top-notch bottle. Luckily, we’re here to help. Aren’t we nice?

There’s no need to break the bank with bubbly Rosé, because these amazing Rosés all come in at under £13. We’ve got sweeter strawberry and cream concoctions, refreshing citric creations and everything in-between, so let’s dive into pink paradise.

Martini Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry

This ticks all the boxes for a sweeter sparkling wine with plenty of crisp soft bubbles. Expect succulent strawberry in a starring role, supported by peach and raspberry. Refreshing and fresh, it’s a tip-top dry Rosé for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £6

Canti Rose Extra Dry

Another Glera (Prosecco) and Pinot Noir blend, this expression brings the orchards hints of the former, and the subtle red ripe fruits of the latter. It delivers sweet, juicy, crowd-pleasing fizz that everyone will love. There’s a slight hint of cream lingering at the end too. Nom.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £7

Gratien & Meyer Crémant De Loire Brut Rosé

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet France all come together for this elegant bottle. The bubbles are light and fluffy, the feeling is crisp and dry, and the biscuity hints intertwine wonderfully with aromatic strawberry. A good kick of acid makes it tremendous with food too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12.50

ASDA Extra Special Prosecco Rosé Brut

If you’re drawn to Rosé with a little tang, then you’ll love this. It’s lovely and light, not overly dry and brimming with sweet strawberry. It feels clean and summery, and really nicely balanced between the sweet berries and pink grapefruit tang. Solid.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8 (Buy 3 Save 25%)

Freixenet Italian Sparkling Rosé

What’s not to like with this? Inside the signature glamorous bottle is a delicate blend of Glera and Pinot Noir, delivering fine effervescence. Flowery, crisp apples, luscious red berries – it’s got lovely depth of flavour with a food-friendly lightness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £9 (usually £12)

La Gioiosa Rosea Brut

This is a very nice Italian sparkler indeed. Lovely and light, its red fruits, citrus and orchard fruits are refreshing and delicately poised rather than ripe and sweet. The soft and bubbly mouthfeel is really moreish and overall, it’s a very precise and harmonious expression.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £10

Mirabeau La Folie Sparkling Rosé

The stars have aligned with this one it seems, because it’s currently on offer at loads of supermarkets. We love Mirabeau, and this is a benchmark Provençal pink – crisp, refreshing, and dry. Mango, passion fruit and lime support a gorgeous strawberry note, and it’s one of those smooth and elegant bottles that will win over the Rosé doubters.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £11 (usually more!)

Bartenura Sparkling Moscato Rosé

The sweet nose may draw you to check the alcohol in this Italian fizz, and at 7%, it is indeed sweet – but not at all in a cloying way. Cherry, elderflower, honeysuckle, lemon zest and sweet cream combine for divine expression. There is enough acidity slicing through to remain fresh though, which is what makes this Rosé so appealing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7%
Find here: £12.95 (with Nectar)

If you’re after some other drinks for Valentine’s Day, then we’ve got 8 great cocktails that scream ‘I Love You’ here, and yes, it’s fine to treat yourself to one!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose January 2024

It’s Supermarket Wine Bargains again, as we’ve been hard at work searching for the best discounted bottles, and this time it’s Waitrose. We’ve got four reds and whites, and a delicious Cava and Rosé suggestion too…and the best part, everything is under £10.

Really punching above their price tag, these bottles are superior to wines twice the price, and with them discounted, there’s no better time to try them! Let’s dive in to the deals.

Waitrose Red Wines January 2024

Maree d'ione Organic Nero di Troia

Organic Nero di Trioa grapes from Puglia star in this sumptuous Italian red. The fruits run deep so expect luscious dark cherries, plum and blackberry set against a warming backdrop of cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. There really are few (if any) better red gluggers at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.99 (usually £9.99)

Summer Road Old Vine Grenache

This Aussie red makes magical use of old Grenache vines, extracting incredible flavour and complexity from those deep roots. There are also fewer grapes, so everything goes into the small yield. Berries star on a subtle nose, but the first sip is where this comes alive. Red fruits are everywhere, with precise acidity, fruity sweetness, and a slight waft of smoke. It’s fantastically well-rounded, and the intense booze is integrated very softly… so be careful not to overdo it, which is easy when it’s this tasty.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.49)

Terre di Faiano Primitivo Organico Puglia

The richness of the blackcurrant nose kicks off this full-bodied, organic red from Italy, before a soft palate unfolds with mellow blackberry, cherry and plum. Chocolate, oak and vanilla round this easy-drinking gem off in satisfyingly style, alongside a a crisp bite on the finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Bodega Norton Winemaker's Reserve Malbec

This deep and rich Mendoza Malbec from a premium winery is captivating, from the plummy nose to the toasted oaky finish. In between, the flavours are bold but restrain themselves when needed. Think wafts of tobacco and leather, black cherry, blackberry, and a nice bite of acidity. It’s screaming to be served alongside dark meats. £4 off too! – must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £13.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines January 2024

Le Bijou Rosé de Sophie Valrose Coteaux de Béziers, Languedoc

This wine is inspired by Sophie Valrose, a legendary figure who campaigned for better working conditions for the female vineyard workers alongside her. This is very much in the dry, crisp profile of French Rosé, with subtle lemon and strawberry and a little cream. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and would cause a few upsets in a blind tasting.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose White Wines December 2023

Côtes de Gascogne Les Collines de Luza Sauvignon Blanc

There’s a third off this refreshing French Sauvignon Blanc, but honestly, we would recommend it even at full price. Hailing from picturesque Gascony, it delivers bright citrus aroma, elegant, light pears, and a slight nuttiness. Serve with fresh salads and fish for a midweek meal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £5.99 (usually £8.99)

Giesen Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc

This is a benchmark New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, bursting with crisp fruits like apricot, peach, grapefruit, and pineapple. Some limey grass comes through wonderfully too. There’s only a little acidity, so this is very much soft and smooth as Sauvignon Blanc goes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13 %
Find here: £6.99 (usually £9.99)

Fenaroli Pecorino Superiore

What a lovely floral expression of the Pecorino grape this is. Casal Thaulero in Abruzzo are the winery behind it, and as such a delicately crisp wine it requires master craftsmanship, which is exactly what has happened. Those wild flowers and citrus notes intertwine majestically, and it would be a dreamy pairing with light pasta and fish dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.49 (usually £10.99)

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Over to the Awatere Valley in New Zealand now for this Sauvignon Blanc, which is as beautiful as the butterflies that flit amongst the coastal vines there. Tropical hints come to the fore here. Think kiwi, mango, lime, and passionfruit, as well as a bright grapefruit tang. The minerality rounds off everything deliciously, and for under £10 you have to give it a go.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Waitrose Sparkling Wine January 2024

Codorniu Seleccion Familia Reserva Organic Cava

This is a welcome addition to Waitrose’s fizz offering, and is another reliable wine by the Codorniu label. Chardonnay grapes make up half the liquid, with Spanish Macabeo and Xarel-lo from hot Penedés sharing the rest. It’s exceptional value, with nutty, toasty notes coming through from 18 months on lees. The creamy, softness to the orchard fruits is to die for too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Elevate Your Dry January Experience with These 8 Alcohol Free Wines

More and more drinkers are doing Dry January, and the alternatives out there are better than they have ever been. Having said that, there are still plenty of No-Low drinks that will fool you into thinking they’re all just as dreary and nothing-y as that one was – particularly when it comes to wine.

Nonetheless, just as there are many underwhelming wines, there are some absolute gems at the other end of the spectrum. These wines are not in the business of compromise. And for well under £10, they’re also incredible value. In fact, they’re appealing enough to make Dry January a breeze.

The Best Non-Alcohol Rosé Wine

Not Guilty Alcohol Free Rosé Wine

This fun bottle doesn’t make the cardinal sin of being too sweet, which is something that seems to ruin some alcohol-free Rosés. There are subtle red berry flavours, tartness, and an alluring lightness that makes for relaxed easy drinking. It really is wonderful value for the runner up at the 2023 World Alcohol-Free Awards.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.50 (usually more!)

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Wine

Oddbird Sparkling Rosé

If you’ve been into No-Lo wines for a while, then chances are you’ve heard of Oddbird. Their reputation for quality really does precede them, and they’re also making great strides towards sustainability. Their fizzing Rosé displays superb balance, blended from Chardonnay and aged Languedoc-Roussillon Pinot Noir. Gorgeous strawberries come through with lots of freshness, and the dry tang makes sure all that fruity sweetness doesn’t go overboard. If you’re missing Rosé over Dry Jan, then this is a must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.99

Kylie Minogue Sparkling Rosé Alcohol Free

This pink beauty is another hit for Kylie, delivering a harmonious balance of florality and juicy red fruits that linger longer than you’d expect. The fizz is gentle but lively and overall, it feels like really well made, light and refreshing Rosé. Great value too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £6 (£4.50 Clubcard Price)

Thomson & Scott Skinny Noughty Organic Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé

The entire Noughty range focuses on skipping over not only those unnatural inclusions, but also unnecessary sugars, meaning each glass has so few calories and feels clean. The grapes from southern Spain and give a seriously seductive shade of pink. The bubbles are there, the balance of acidity and sweetness is there, and the red berries share the lead role with the juicy grape flavour itself.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.50

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Wine

McGuigan Zero Sparkling

As one of the biggest names in Australian wine, McGuigan have a robust choice in their Zero range these days. Thanks to their state-of-the-art tech, they’re able to remove all the alcohol from these bottles at lower temperatures than usual, retaining even more of the winey goodness. This fizz has an appealing dry bite, with sweetness comparable to Prosecco. Orchard fruits come through with a hit of a refreshment too. For pennies, it is tremendous.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £3£3.5050 (usually more!)

Freixenet 0.0 Alcohol Free Sparkling

Freixenet’s fizzy offering retains the character of the wine, avoiding the cloying sweetness that so many rivals fall prey to. The fruity nose is very welcoming, yet the first sip is surprisingly dry. It’s not going to blow you away with a myriad of different flavours and depth, but there is a reason so many return to this as their No-Lo sparkler – it’s reliable, quaffable and fools a lot of people into thinking it has booze in it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%                    
Find here: £4.75

La Gioiosa Alcohol Free Vegan Sparkling

This lovely looking Italian No-Lo fizz knocks it out the park for around a fiver. Think fine bubbles, and signature Giera accents of pear, peach and apple, alongside lovely floral notes. Fruity, easy-drinking wine that we’d recommend serving chilled for added refreshment. Solid.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.99

Vintense Fine White Bubbles

Vintense take things in an elegant direction here, capturing the special feel and sophistication of the sparkling wine experience. A fruity bouquet is accompanied by subtle lemon and sun-kissed peach on the palate. This would be delicious with fish, shellfish, oysters and salads too – very food-friendly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8.78

Something you might not have considered as an alternative to wine is sparkling teas. They’re flourishing right now, so give something new a go!

Celebrate The New Year in Style With These Champagne Cocktails

Yes, there are alternatives, and yes, it’s more expensive than other sparklers, but Champagne will always be the ultimate glass of elegance and celebration. It’s a classic way to ring in the new year, and such a big day requires the special feeling that cocktails bring to an occasion, so why not combine the two?

Champagne is perfect for keeping cocktails light and refreshing, as well as bringing a bit of fruity crispness to robust mixes. Start the year as you mean to go on with these memorable Champagne cocktails.

Kir Royale

This wonderful cocktail goes back to 19th century France and makes full use of the gorgeous blackcurrant liqueur Crème de Cassis. Elegant bubbly bite with silky, juicy sweetness – simple but delicious. Also, it pairs perfectly with berry and meringue desserts like Eton mess and pavlova if you’re having a New Year feast.

Ingredients
1 tbsp crème de cassis
Champagne
Blackberry or raspberry (optional garnish)

 Method
Crème de cassis first, poured into a Champagne flute before topping up with Champagne. A blackberry or raspberry tops it up nicely, and if it’s frozen you can use it to chill the cocktail too.

Black Velvet

These two might seem like a slightly odd match at first, but it’s actually a cocktail steeped in history. As the legend has it, a London steward was inspired to come up with it following the nation’s mourning of Prince Albert in 1861. The crisp Champagne takes the robust heaviness away from the Guiness, and you get a fruit dipped in dark chocolate kind of profile. Rich, lively and interesting to try if you never have before.

Ingredients
100ml Guinness
100ml Champagne

Method
Two ingredients with equal measures, how’s that for simple? Go for Champagne first, and then pour the Guinness in over the back of a spoon for some lovely layering.

Champagne Bowler

This wine heavy classic dates back to the 30s and brings a splash of summer to the New Year celebrations. The foundation of three grapes compliments the fresh, natural flavour of those sweet strawberries, and the result feels clean and crisp, with a hint of richness.

Ingredients
3 chopped strawberries
20ml brandy (preferably Cognac)
30ml dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
60ml champagne
Dash of syrup (optional)

Method
Muddle your chopped strawberries in a shaker, and add the brandy, white wine, a little ice and shake well. Unusually, we don’t recommend straining here because we want all that strawberry goodness and flavour, so just top up with Champagne and toast to the warmer weather ahead.

Poinsettia

This is essentially a cranberry mimosa, and it’s delicious. The ruby red hue and rosemary garnish keep the festive theme, and the flavours are citrusy, tart and refreshing. The orange liqueur gives a little weight and sweetness, the cranberry juice gives that bittersweet fruit, and of course, the fizz is there with its fine bubbles to lighten the mood. It just works so well.

Ingredients
25ml orange liqueur
50ml cranberry juice
75ml champagne
1 rosemary sprig to garnish

Method
Chill everything beforehand for this one, it makes all the difference. Pour the orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a chilled glass, and very gently top up with champagne before finishing with a rosemary sprig for aesthetics and faint whiff of herby goodness.

Classic Champagne Cocktail

This old-school classic is what started it all, and though it’s as simple as a cocktail can get, it is definitely worth including if you’re looking to retain all the star power and complexity of your champagne. The Angostura-soaked sugar cube gives a little sweet spice to liven up a straight serving of fizz.

 Ingredients
1 sugar cube
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
200ml champagne
Lemon or orange slice to garnish

Method
Drop the sugar into the bottom of the flute and soak for a few minutes with Angostura. Then top up with Champagne and finally, garnish with a little citrus. Simple excellence.

Champagne Punch

Something slightly different here, because if you’re seeing in the New Year with a big group, then a punch is always handy. It’s quite an extravagant way to use champagne, but if you can’t do that at New Years then when can you? Like any punch, there aren’t many hard and fast rules, but we think this run down works a treat. The fresh lemon, lime, and citrus cut through nicely, there’s plenty of crisp wine, fruity sweetness and gentle warmth from Cognac and ginger.

 Ingredients (for 8)
1 bottle of champagne
250ml grapefruit juice
200ml ginger ale
200ml dry white wine
100ml orange liqueur
100ml pineapple juice
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced lime
1 sliced orange
40ml Cognac/brandy
70ml simple syrup
Handful of mint leaves
Handful of cranberries
Ice

Method
The only important thing here is to leave the Champagne till last. We want to retain all those bubbles, so combine everything else and chill for an hour (at least). When guests arrive, pour in the bubbly, and make sure it’s drunk first so the effervescence hasn’t faded.

If these have caught your eye, then you just need one thing... that all important Champagne. Let’s be honest, if you’re mixing it then there’s no need to splash out on a super expensive bottle, and there are plenty of fantastic Champagnes at in the mid-range area that are perfect for cocktails. Take a look here!

The Best Sparkling Wines for New Years, Whatever Your Budget

New Years is the biggest celebration of them all, and sparkling wine is the drink most synonymous with celebrating, so getting the right bottle in is of the utmost importance.

There are hefty price tags floating around in the world of bubbles, so you want to be sure that you’re getting great value and not buying an overpriced bottle. We’ve been investigating Champagne, English Fizz, Prosecco, and Cava to find three different options for each, whatever your budget is. These bottles all give one hell of a bang for their buck and deliver a better drinking experience of bottles twice the price. So, without further ado... let’s pop the cork on the best sparkling wines for New Years!

The Best Champagne to Drink At New Year

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

This is a fantastic value Champagne in the dry style that’s available at Aldi, hence the exceptional price. Of course, there isn’t the complexity of the top-end bubbly, but this is really well-made wine all the same, with loveable apple crumble character – think Granny Smiths, slightly spiced biscuits, nuts, and brioche. It’s one of the UK’s best sellers for a reason, and would raise many an eyebrow in blind tastings with far more expensive bottles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.99

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage Champagne

Backed up so many awards, this is everything great Champagne should be. It screams (or gently whispers) elegance and carries a fragrant, inviting bouquet. In the mouth, the bubbles are persistent and lively, delivering soft, creamy fruits and a finish that stretches off into 2025, let alone 2024.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.99 (usually more!)

Champagne de Saint-Gall Orpale

This is fine Grand Cru Champagne aged on its lees for 12 years, and that beautiful deep golden hue hides so much depth. Delicate citrus hits the nose, rich, toasted brioche and minerality play off in the mouth, and all that racy power lingers too, with grapefruit appearing towards the end. Magical.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £94.95

The Best English Sparkling Wine to Drink At New Year

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

The price of this used to be higher, and it was well worth trying then, so you just have to now. English fizz has come so far in the last two decades, now going toe-to-toe and even surpassing some fine French Champagnes. This is great way to experience all that improvement, without breaking the bank. 8 years of ageing brings beautifully deep biscuity notes, but the crispness of those British orchards holds strong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015

The 2015 harvest started cool but finished with heaps of sun, resulting in the intense flavours and crisp flavours you find here. The creamy feel coats the mouth and the citrus glimmers, throwing up images of lemon mousse, buttery shortbread, and crisp green apples. Vibrance and elegance is what this English bubbly is all about, and it’s no surprise to see it feature in so many top restaurants.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £44

Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010

Another restaurateur’s favourite, Nyetimber are one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Creamy, nougat deliciousness fills out the palate, blanketing vibrant fruits. Those beautiful mineral tones begin to intertwine as it goes on, joined by crushed, toasted nuts. The structure is so strong, with everything in its place, and the only reaction is to be impressed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £129.95

The Best Prosecco & Cava to Drink At New Year

Pasqua 'Romeo & Juliet' Brut Prosecco DOC

The nose on this romantic Prosecco is seductively intense, with a touch of citrus and a lot of fruit which, after the first sip, reveals itself to carry a tonne of freshness. It feels aromatic throughout, with a gentle tang and tartness that brings harmony. Light, aromatic, full of fruit and softly moussed – tremendous value Prosecco at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.99

La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut

£7.50 for this is just superb. It’s a dry Prosecco brimming with sunshine lemons, almond undertones and lightness that is to die for. It’s less sweet than most Prosecco, focusing instead on crisp refreshment and would be a lovely wine to sip on when welcoming in the New Year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50

Pere Ventura Cavas Cava Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2015

This is a benchmark in premium Cava, something some people disregard at these prices for some reason. The nose is full of orchard fruits, and tasteful acidity slices through the creamy palate. The mouse is stand out, delicate freshness is never far away, and it shows excellent finesse from start to finish. A masterful expression of the style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36

Christmas Leftovers Made Fun: Festive Afternoon Tea

Be it making too much or receiving loads of foody presents, you’re bound to have lots of leftovers and little bites in the days after Christmas.

It could be instead of the traditional Boxing Day cold buffet, or just as a replacement for weeks of turkey soup, but a Festive Afternoon Tea is a great way to get all those spare bits together and assemble them into something special.  We’ve got a handy guide below for ideas of what foods to include and the drinks that perfectly accompany them!

The Perfect Food for a Festive Afternoon Tea

First Course

First up, those festive finger sandwiches. Turkey and cranberry sauce are a must, but brie or camembert with cranberry would also be a lovely twist if you’re willing to include some toasted elements.  Smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese is also a winner.

If you have any spare from the Christmas dinner (not likely as they’re many people’s favourite bit), then pigs in blankets are perfect bite sized foods for the savoury rung. The same goes for any mini sausage rolls, which is also great excuse to get any festive chutneys involved (spiced, cranberry, apple etc.)

A nice festive quiche with winter vegetables and thyme would make a great vegetarian option here, or a slice of the nut roast from Christmas Dinner if there’s leftovers.

Second Course

It’s not really an afternoon tea without scones, jam and cream occupying that middle rung, is it? For a festive twist, cranberry scones are delicious, especially with orange and cinnamon.

Chances are there will be a few preserves given as gifts, so it’s time to crack them open. If you didn’t get any, then any flavour will do, but focus on berries. Strawberry and champagne jam is perfect for the occasion. Keep the clotted cream simple.

Third Course

It goes without saying that there will probably be plenty of sweet treats to use up here.

Get those slices of leftover Christmas cake up on the top rung, and you have to include a few mince pies if they’re still going strong.

There’s no reason not to include traditional afternoon tea favourites like macarons, profiteroles, fruit tartes or Victoria sponges either.

We think some liquor chocolates are gorgeous peppered in and out of bigger sweet treats too, so it’s time to make a dent in those boxes if you haven’t already.

The Perfect Drinks for a Festive Afternoon Tea

Champagne

When Champagne is enjoyed alongside Afternoon Tea, it becomes a Royal Afternoon Tea, so I guess this would be a Royal Festive Afternoon Tea. Far from being just an extravagance, it is actually ideal for the bites above. A gorgeous Brut Champagne is a great all-rounder, because the gentle fizz and delicate fruitiness soothes throughout. Creamy, brioche and nutty notes pair well with the sweets as well as clotted cream and cheeses, and there’s enough acidity to cut through fatty oils in the pigs in blankets, sausage rolls and pastries. Every sip feels special too, which helps the festive celebrations along.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti isn’t the one if you’re looking for something to pair with every level of the Afternoon Tea, but it does absolutely shine with the sweeter bites. It’s so refreshing, with delicate bubbles, low alcohol and an ideal balance of acidity and sweetness. Cakes, sponges, and anything citrus – this is delightful.

Prosecco

Similar to Moscato d’Asti above, Prosecco is a companion that shines with the sweeter dishes. It’s light and fruity, and as long as you get one with a bit of intensity and complexity, it shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the flavours in the food. There’s enough fruity sweetness to avoid becoming horribly bitter and acidic, and the effervescence clears everything between bites nicely.

Riesling

Riesling has a fantastic food-friendly reputation, being armed to deal with all sorts of textures and flavours. Sharp acidity cuts through any fats and grease in meats, with residual sugar to deal with sweeter finishes. It’s fresh and lively to give a break from any overwhelming richness too.

Festive tea

We had to include tea of course. Why not fully embrace the season with a Christmas tea blend? There are lots out there, but you’ll usually find winter spices, citrus and orchard fruits – so expect cinnamon, clove, cardamom, orange and alike. It’ll throw up lots of complimentary flavours with other seasonal flavours in the food, and high heat is surprising in its ability to refresh the palate.

Sherry

A sure-fire way to put an Afternoon Tea through the Christmas transformation machine, we’re looking at sherry for those puddings. More precisely, Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso, with good sweetness and those delicious notes of dried fruits, nutsy and rich chocolates.

Pinot Noir

There’s no need for anything as heavy as a Barolo with light and varied bites like this, but a light Pinot Noir with tonnes of those soft red fruits is perfect. New Zealand Pinot is often the vibrant, fruity character we’re after, and they also happen to be rich and structured too, so can handle a little sweet spice. It’s absolutely delicious with cranberry sauce too. It’s a favourite for those Boxing Day cold spreads, so why not an Afternoon Tea twist?

If you’ve still got loads of Christmas Cake, Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies to chomp through, then we’ve got a detailed guide on drinks that marry them deliciously.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Drinks Lovers: Distillery Tours in the UK & Ireland

Distillery and winery tours make for amazing gifts for anyone who’s into their drinks, and they’re usually not as expensive as you might think. Getting up close and personal with whisky, gin or wine production really brings the drink to life, and these tours from across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland do exactly that, each with rave reviews and in spectacular locations.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

This place is an absolute monument to Irish Whiskey. If you didn’t know, then Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, so it’s no surprise that they have a top notch set up to explore it. Conveniently, it’s also in Dublin so easy to get to. John Jameson founded this former factory in 1780, and you can tailor your experience there by budget and activities. Options include all kinds of tasting sessions at the Jameson centrepiece bar, how to blend your own whiskey, a big focus on whiskey cocktails, and all the rich history too.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

William Grant laid the first stones to this distillery in 1886, making it one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whisky distilleries going. It’s world-renowned, and the 35-hectare site in the Valley of the Deer (between Aberdeen and Inverness) is one of the most impressive distilleries to explore. Explore picturesque pagodas, a traditional aging warehouse, giant stillhouses and bottling lines, with rich details every step of the way, that only come with so much heritage and experience. The guides have a great reputation, opening up the world of Glenfiddich for you, and all before a generous taste of the good stuff – golden Speyside Scotch. There are so many wonderful distilleries, but if we have to pick one, this is probably the one to visit.

Find more info here

Penderyn, Brecon Beacons

Though they have two other distilleries in Swansea and Llandudno, Brecon Beacons is the original 2004 site for Penderyn, the distillery that brought whisky back to Wales. This award-winning 1-hour tour welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year to the easy-on-the-eye Brecon Beacons. Visitors see everything – the mill, the mash turn, the state-of-the-art stills, and it’s all finished with a sample of the acclaimed whisky itself. It’s not got centuries behind it like some distilleries in the UK, but it’s making history all the same.

Find more info here

The English Distillery, Norfolk

Just like Wales, whisky distilleries have been popping up in England over the last two decades, and the more relaxed manufacturing rules and warmer climate allow for different, experimental whiskies. When King (then Prince) Charles opened The English Distillery in rural Norfolk in 2005, it was the first of its kind in a century. A prolific and acclaimed malt whisky producer, the tour operates 7 days a week, showcasing the magnificent distilling floor, barrel warehouse and more. The tour is known for devilish detail whilst also being easy to follow, and those that don’t wish to take part can take a stroll by the stunning nearby river.

Find more info here

Gin Distillery Tours

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

World-famous, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire is a must for any gin lover. The site once housed a Victorian paper mill, and the derelict redbrick has been intertwined with modern architectural beauty, like the glasshouse centrepiece, which contains all the Bombay botanicals. The reviews are impressive, the pictures are stunning, and a recent 2021 upgrade brought in a cinema room and refreshed cocktail menu to match the interactive cocktail bar. It’s a botanical paradise, exploring the masterful details of how the ingredients become the liquid, as well as fascinating ecology and sustainability tricks. There are plenty of tour options too for flexibility.

Find more info here

Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh

This is the place to go for insight into the Scottish capital’s rich history with juniper, and you also get to visit one of the most stunning cities in Europe. The working distillery has such an atmosphere that its one of the top ranked attractions a city full of them. The bar and visitor centre is subterranean enhancing the vibe, where you can taste their award-winning gins (the Rhubarb is a favourite of ours), and exactly what you try (or your giftee if you’re still feeling selfless) is up to you – there’s chocolate pairings, mixology adventures, or the classic distillery tasting experience.

Find more info here

Gower Gin, Swansea

We love Gower’s GWYR gin for its pure feel, and it turns out that their tour experience is just as good. A far cry form giant distillery tours, this is intimate. The husband-and-wife team behind this Welsh gin started in a ‘bike shed’ at the end of their garden, and still do things on a small scale at their charming micro-distillery. Foraged botanicals like gorse flower, sea buckthorn and linen meet quirky additions such as teas and cubeb pepper, and everything is inspired by the seaside or Welsh influences. They now have their peaceful tasting garden available… and you get all of that for free! Yep, free. So if you’re gifting it, maybe you can give them money to buy a bottle at the end… because they’ll definitely want to.

Find more info here

Dingle Distillery, County Kerry

The great thing about Dingle Distillery in Ireland is that it’s not just award-winning gin produced there, but whiskey and vodka too, so you get a unique insight into what it takes to master different spirits up close. The generous guided tour covers the entire production process, from working with local farms to finessing the final product… which you will get to sample of course. It’s a really well put together enthusiastic and informative experience, and the local port town of Dingle is well worth a visit too.

Find more info here

Winery and Vineyard Tours

Simpsons Estate, Kent

If anywhere is the home of English wine, it has to be Kent. Nestled covertly amongst the North Downs slopes, not far from Canterbury, lies the Simpsons Estate, headed up by Charles and Ruth, veterans of the English wine revival. The area itself is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and that’s before the vineyard, where you’ll walk the iconic Roman Road and learn everything from in the vine to wine process. To finish, the Glass House Tasting Room looks out over the winery, where visitors can try the traditional method fizz or innovative 100% Pinot Meunier. The sunset session is very memorable indeed, if it’s available.

Find more info here

Camel Valley, Cornwall

This stunning Cornish vineyard was the first in the UK to be awarded a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) from the EU for its Darnibole vineyard, so it really is special and unique. It’s been refined since the 80s, when English wine was dismissed by many… but they are one of the wineries that have blazed a trail for it. Their Cornwall Brut is famous, they produce a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. Different tastings and tours can be booked, from Daily Guides which cover the fascinating fundamentals of winemaking, to the special Grand Tour.

Find more info here

Glyndwr Vineyard, Wales

In the utterly beautiful Vale of Glenmorgan is Wales’ oldest vineyard, Glyndwr Vineyard, family run since 1979. Their production portfolio is expansive, and features wines that have been picked for the Parliament, the Ryder Cup and NATO. The quaint setting would make for a delightful walk even without the vineyard, but the tour is such good value. The owner does the tour, so knows the place inside out, from the history to the vines to the lamas also on site! The reviews speak for themselves – the tour is so informative, personal and generous, and the setting couldn’t be prettier.

Find more info here

Wicklow Wines, Ireland

You might not think of Ireland when you think of wineries, but Wicklow Wines are the exception. They’ve been lauded over by TripAdvisor, Vogue, Lonely Planet and Michelin star restaurants, offering a behind-the-scenes tour of their small, working winery. They make incredible berried wines, which will be tasted alongside Irish cheeses and chocolates. It was even voted the 2nd best food and drink experience in Ireland!

Find more info here

Of course, this is just a taste of some of the best wineries, vineyards and distilleries in the UK and Ireland, but there are more offering fabulous experiences, many of which we visited in previous series of The Three Drinkers! You can find more Scotch Whisky tours here, more Irish Whiskey tours here, and more English wineries here!