Which Wines Go Best with Easter Dishes?

Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious food? Whether you're planning on cooking up a storm with roast lamb, gammon, or fish, or indulging in a slice of traditional simnel cake for afters, we’ve got wines to complement every dish. Let’s waste no more time in levelling up that feast.

The Best Wine For BEEF

Red Bordeaux - Château Terre Blanque Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2020

If you're looking for the perfect wine to pair with a juicy steak or hearty beef dish, look towards Bordeaux Reds, such as this Terre Blanque Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. This 2020 vintage is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, creating a wine with rich flavours and a bold structure that can stand up to the intensity of beef. The wine's backbone of black cherry, blackcurrant, and spice complement the savoury depth of the beef, while the tannins cut through the richness of the meat, leaving your palate refreshed and ready to dive back into your slap-up Easter feast. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £12.75 (usually more!)

Malbec - Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec 2020

If you're a fan of bold and full-bodied wines alongside your dish, then a Malbec like Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec 2020 is a must-try! With its deep ruby colour and aromas of blackberries, plum, and subtle vanilla, it’s the perfect ambassador for Argentinian Malbec. The tannins in the wine are firm but not overpowering, enough to soften any fat whilst providing a smooth and velvety mouthfeel that complements the rich beef flavours. We’d pair this with leaner meats though because the richness runs the risk of overwhelming a much fattier cut.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.7%
Find here: £14.30

The Best Wine For ROAST LAMB

Rioja - Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva

A gorgeous dinner-party Rioja like this will work so well in tandem with Roast Lamb. This wine is aged for at least two years in oak barrels, giving it enough rich complexity to complement the robust flavours of roast lamb. Behind that intense red are notes of black cherries, vanilla, and spice, so this wine provides a perfect balance to the bold and almost sweet profile of the meat. The tannins are silky and smooth, and the wine has a long, lingering finish that really elevates every mouthful. Oh, and it also happens to go well with dark chocolate puddings if you’re bringing that out at the end!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £12 (usually more!)

The Best Wine For GAMMON

Tavel - 2021 Rosé La Dame Rousse Domaine de la Mordorée

Tavel wines are dry Rosé, giving darker profiles than regular Rosé without going as far as reds. This Southern Rhône expression is 60% Grenache, giving a hint of spice to harmoniously handle any in the glaze. The full-bodied juicy raspberry and red currant notes go great with any chutney or fruit sauce but retain enough acidity to cut through the saltiness of gammon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £23.50

Provencal Rosé - Diamarine Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé 2020

If you're looking for something lighter paired with gammon or steak, then a Provence Rose like this is an excellent choice. Not only is the beautiful pale pink colour an aesthetically pleasing match for such a dish, but its tangy acidity also refreshes your palate after the salty gammon. The dry and elegant finish complements the richness of the gammon, leaving you with a clean aftertaste that makes for very easy drinking. A dream combination!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.25

The Best Wine For Roast Chicken

Chardonnay - Vondeling Wines Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2019

If you're looking for the perfect wine to pair with your Easter roast chicken, look no further than a delicious Chardonnay such as this from Vondeling. Oak barrel-aged, the rich and buttery flavour emphasises those same flavours in the chicken to mouth-watering effect. There are plenty of citrus and tropical fruit notes too, cutting through the richness. Also, if you’re serving any kind of creamy sauce, the liquid’s smooth and creamy finish melds with the chicken delightfully. If you’re into Chardonnay, then this punches well above its price point so you’ve got to try it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.7%
Find here: £14.79

The Best Wine For Fish Dishes

Cava – Codorníu Ars Collecta Grand Rosé

For fish, the fizz and crisp acidity of Cava is pure harmony. With its aromatic berried bouquet and freshness, this blend reinforces the flavour and intensity of fish dishes whilst the acidity slices through the oil. It’s versatile too and will sit comfortably beside a simple grilled salmon or a heartier seafood feast.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £17.99

The Best Wine For Chocolate Easter Eggs

Passimento Rosso - Pasqua 'PassioneSentimento' Passimento Rosso 2020

It wouldn’t be Easter without Easter Eggs now, would it? The chocolate and booze pairing is one of the most popular in the world, so we’ve got a whole article on it here! You’ll find plenty of tasty options there, but this is one of the best. This wine uses Merlot grapes picked at peak ripeness which are left to dry in specially-made crates to concentrate sugar and flavour. This ‘appassimento’ style creates a velvet wine with plush and intense dark fruits that’s a sumptuous marriage with chocolate. Indulgent, just as Easter feasting should be!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £11.99 (£9.99 Mix Six)

The Best Wine For Simnel cake

Sauternes -  Corney & Barrow Sauternes 2018

Simnel cake is a traditional Easter fruitcake, made with almond or marzipan paste and dried fruits. A sweet Sauternes like this with its luxurious golden colour and a rich aroma of apricot, honey, and exotic spices is dreamy served alongside. Bright acidity balances out intense sweetness and cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a combination that is indulgent for sure, but well-balanced. Notes of quince, lemon, apricot and honey only add depth to the fruitcake flavour and elevate the dessert.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £14.95

The Best Wine For Hot Cross Buns

Tokaji - Royal Tokaji Late Harvest 2017/18

Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! This Hungarian wine goes brilliantly with them. The sweetness is derived from giving the grapes loads of time to ripen and fill with sugar. Royal Tokaji’s sweetness is honeyed and delicate – think stone fruits, exotic fruits and blossom... perfect for sweet tarts and buns like this. A match made in heaven.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12.99 (£10.99 Mix Six)

For more harmonious chocolate pairings with other drinks, go here!

The Best Wine Subscription Services

Calling all wine lovers! Are you tired of aimlessly wandering the wine aisles at your local supermarket, wondering which bottle to pick while fending off an overwhelming sense of decision fatigue? Well, here’s the perfect solution for you – getting them picked by masters of wine and delivered right to your door.

Wine subscriptions are a great way to take the hassle out of researching, exploring and buying new wines and even better than that, there’s always a fresh delivery around the corner so you’ll never be too far away from a delicious bottle.

We all want different things from our wine, so below are the best services and what they specialise in!

Plonk - Best for small independent winery wines

If you're looking for someone to provide some hidden gems from great independent wineries, then Plonk is the wine subscription for you. Whether you opt for 3 wines delivered to your door per month or 12, they will be a curated selection of first releases, new vintages, back vintages, and limited allocation wines from small batch family-run producers. The experts at Plonk have done all of the research and tasting for you so that when they arrive at your lips, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. You can be sure of that enjoyment because you can personalise your box to your taste, whether that be fresh whites, larger reds, lighter reds and fuller whites. Not sure exactly which group you fall into? They have a quiz on their website that will help you find out! For £55 each month, you’ll receive food paring suggestions, free consultation for special occasions, and free delivery. And they also use no carbon emission deliveries as well as 100% recyclable packaging. They’ve literally thought of everything at Plonk. Cheers to that!

Find here: £55 3 Wines/ £110 6 Wines

Laithwaites – Great for reliability

If you want a tried-and-tested wine subscription, then look no further than Laithwaites. They've been in the business for over 50 years, and their wine plans are some of the most popular in the UK with over 100,000 signed up. Laithwaites taste a staggering 40,000 wines each year (lucky!) but only 800 make the cut. The default timing is to receive a case of 12 wines every 12 weeks, but you can increase or decrease as you go if one per week just isn’t enough. The introductory offer means that the first case is only £65, with not only 12 bottles but 4 Dartington crystal glasses, free delivery and free Prosecco – with a choice of Favourites, Reds or Whites!

Find here: £122.99 12 Wines

Majestic wine club - Best for all around experience

Majestic is a household name for good reason. Enjoy hand-picked and carefully selected bottles by some of the best experts in the industry, and access to free tastings, wine workshops and fun events because the Majestic Wine Club is exactly that, a club. As a member, you’ll also receive 25% off every single bottle you buy, but with 12 exclusive bottles arriving every four months, you’ll already have plenty to sip through. They have so many different cases, each with in-depth wine guides, recipes and producer videos through QR codes! The complete wine subscription experience.

Find here: Starting from £99 – be aware that Wales & Scotland may differ slightly!

Brixton Wine Club - Best for canned wine (and cocktail!) subscriptions

With the help of their expert team, you'll receive a curated selection of delicious and sometimes surprising wines that will take your taste buds on a journey through grape varieties and regions you may never have explored before.. and plenty of up-and-coming British wines too which we like to see! BWC’s whole ethos is approachability with no wine jargon or snobbishness, so it’s accessible to everyone! Picnics, festivals, at the beach, wherever you want, these are perfect for relaxed and easy wine drinking. And not just wine, but cocktails too! Simply choose how long you’d like your subscription to be, how many cans and what type you’d like, and wait to receive them!

Find here: From £16 per month

The Cheese Bar - Best for Cheese & Wine subscriptions

What's better than a glass of wine? A glass of wine paired with some delicious cheese to match, of course. And The Cheese Bar actually go one step further, because they even provide the music for your cheese & wine night too! It could be Funk in East London, The Cheese Barge in Paddington or The Cheese Bar in Camden, but subscribers will be invited to tastings and events and get in-store vouchers and discounts. But what about the box itself? Well, get ready to tuck into 3 mouth-watering types of British cheese selected by an all-knowing cheesemonger and a bottle of small-batch low-intervention wine to wash them down with. You can get a one-off delivery, or pre-pay for a whole year, it’s up to you. Cheese and wine lovers in London will very likely know and love The Cheese Bar or their sister bars already because they know exactly what they’re doing. Never worry about running out of cheese again!

Find here: From £38 per box plus delivery

Corkk - Best for English Wine

If you're a fan of English wines and want to explore more of this flourishing scene, then Corkk is the subscription for you. Master of Wine Clive Barlow is selecting the best from over 800 vineyards across the country, selecting liquids that express the variety now being produced here. You have total control over still, sparkling or mixed, over regularity and over volume, as well as insight into English winemakers, subscriber discounts and you’ll be supporting local vineyards, many of whose wines are rarely known outside of their area.

Find here: From £18.50 per month

Cépage - Best for learning about Wine

If you're new to the world of wine, then Cépage is the perfect subscription for you. No more awkward moments at wine tastings where you nod your head and pretend to know what you're talking about because ‘Learn Your Grapes’ is all about guiding you through different grape varieties, wine regions, as well as identifying flavours and aromas so you'll be an expert in no time. With two bottles of the same grape in contrasting styles included as well as a bounty of insight, this is as fun as learning gets.

Find here: £40 per month

Port.Club - Best for Port Lovers

Port.Club’s mission is to share their passion for port with new generations, and provide award-winning hand-crafted ports to those who are already converted. Every 4 months you’ll open up three different ports boasting different profiles and complexities, from everyday drinking to unique club ports that command special moments. Special discount pricing and even port experiences in Northern Portugal are on offer for members!

Find here: £70 a quarter / £240 a year

Oranj - Best for Natural Wine Lovers

Fans of natural wines might want to explore the wide-ranging Club Oranj. For £50, you receive 2 bottles of natural wine curated by either an oranj sommelier or an expert guest sommelier, tasting notes and an exclusive artist-commissioned poster. For double the money, you’ll get 5 bottles. All wines are natural, low intervention, biodynamic and organic so the entire winemaking process is environmentally friendly from vine to wine. But Oranj is much more than that, creating art shows, tastings and pop-up food and music events that you will receive the first invite to. You can see what you can expect from cases because every case they’ve delivered to members is published on the website, with their March 2023 edition using the team’s favourites from recent tastings.  

Find here: £50 or £100 per month

Well, there you have it, wine lovers! Whether you want to explore new grape varieties, discover hidden gems from independent wineries, or simply enjoy a reliable tried-and-tested selection of wines, there's a subscription service out there to suit your needs. Cheers to trying new wines, supporting local vineyards, and enjoying the simple pleasure of a perfectly curated glass of vino.

The opposite of having wine delivered to your door is surely going to the vineyard itself, so if you want to get closer to where the vineyard action happens, check out these stunning English vineyards taking visitors in 2023!

The Best Wine Under £10 for Spring 2023

We love nothing better than finding quality wines at low prices and it’s no secret that there are plenty of absolute gems coming in below £10. However, it’s a dangerous game and if you pick any old bottle off the shelf, chances are you’ll be disappointed.

Luckily, we’re here to help! We’re always tasting a steady flow of great-value wines (for research purposes only), and after our recent tasting at Lidl, we’ve narrowed it down to these top bargain wines to sip on now the sun is coming out!

White

Deluxe Chardonnay, Limestone Coast 2021

From Lidl's Deluxe collection is this beautifully versatile Australian Chardonnay. This wine boasts such a satisfyingly rich, round and creamy profile for the price, with melon coming through as well as a touch of vanilla pudding bringing some sweetness alongside the refreshing acidity. Food friendly, it would sit nicely alongside many dishes from a light summer salad to a roast chicken.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £6.79

Deluxe Pinot Gris, New Zealand 2022

This is a super inviting off-dry New Zealand Pinot Gris that represents the grape fabulously. Expect pear and white flowers alongside a very delicate sprinkling of spice for a surprisingly bold liquid that would do well with lightly spiced dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.99

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley 2022

The Awatere is a stunning part of Marlborough known for less tropical Sauvignon Blanc, and that’s certainly the case here. This is green, leafy and chalky with a top-notch crispness from the unmistakable Marlborough tang and elderflower running underneath. You won’t be able to tell this apart from many more expensive brands.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7.99

Encostas de Caiz Avesso Vinho Verde 2022

From Vinho Verde in Portugal, Lidl is lucky to offer this light-on-its-feet dry white made using one of the region’s top grapes, Avesso. It feels so vibrant and spritzy with the lemon scent detectable right away. If you’re into refreshing and invigorating sparklers then this is the one for you.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5% 
Find here: £7.99

Blume Verdejo Seleccion, Rueda, Spain 2022

If you’re not familiar with Verdejo grapes, think of Sauvignon Blanc but with more aromatic citrus and subtle herbaceous notes. With Blume, you’ll find notes of juicy ripe melon, guava and other tropical fruits leading to a stand-out blend that’s quite different from much of Lidl’s portfolio. Very tasty!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.99

Red

Malbec Valle de Uco 2022

Malbec is such an easy wine to love and especially Argentinian bottles like this, where it tends to be fruitier and softer than the rest of the world. These grapes come from the higher altitude part of Mendoza up in the Uco Valley, which gives this wine extra freshness and beguiling poise. Fabulous value for a great little glugger and it would really sing beside some grilled darker meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.29

Balla Geza Kardarka 2020, Romania

Romania produces the 5th largest amount of wine in Europe and produces some truly delicious blends. With its light and pale profile, crunchy red fruit and a saline crispness, this quirky drop uses the Kadarka grape for a super moreish and refreshing sip. We would say to serve it slightly chilled with savoury canapes and cold cuts to make the most of it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99

Cotes du Rhone Villages, Les Aumôniers, Plan de Dieu 2021

An excellent Châteauneuf-du-pape dupe that you can expect delicious rich and figgy notes from. Rhône reds like this may not have the caché of CDP on the label but in the glass, it’s not just as good - it’s actually better than some! Think fat, spirit-soaked raisins and spiced orange peel in a freshly baked fruit cake and you can imagine it slightly, but go one better and try it! Beautiful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.99

Cepa Lebrel Rioja Gran Reserva 2014

A good Rioja is a thing of beauty – tonnes of flavour without being bulky or cloying. This ravishing red is just that, with silk and elegance carrying those delicious, tangy flavours of wild strawberry, tobacco leaf, liquorice, leather and spice... everything you want from this world-famous region. For a Gran Reserva with this much age on it, it’s a steal!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.49

Duca di Sasetta Nerello Mascalese

For something a little bit different, we go to the hugely popular Nerello Mascalese grape growing near Mount Etna in Sicily. This is a light yet textured and fragrant red with distinct and curious notes of red fruit, minerals as well as liquorice spice. A great foodie wine, this would wash down something like an aubergine parmigiano very nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.99

Fleurie Collin Bourisset Beaujolais 2019

Ok, so you’ve heard of Beaujolais, but what about Fleurie? Well, it’s one of the 10 ‘cru’ villages, where wines are prestigiously high quality and each village has its own personality that expresses itself in the liquid. Fleurie is probably the lightest and brightest, with a wonderful aromatic perfumed nose. Think wild strawberry and thyme with super-soft tannins. One of the best easy-drinking reds to come in under £10.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99

If the thought of sipping these in spring has got you wanting to see some vineyards up close, then check out these 7 Stunning English Vineyards to Visit in 2023.

Heavenly Chocolate and Drinks Pairings

We love drinks, and we love chocolate (who doesn’t), but just lumping together two delicious things in their own right doesn’t guarantee a hit. There are lots of strong flavours involved here, but if you get it right then it’s magical.

Don’t get us wrong, ‘getting it right’ is whatever tastes good for you, but these matchups below are ones we love. White, fruit and nut, dark, truffles, mint, orange... all of these chocolates will be made even better when washed down with these delicious drinks.

WHITE CHOCOLATE

Martini - Asti Spumante

A sweet and bubbly Italian Asti like this is the perfect complement to the creamy richness of white chocolate, which can become sickly disappointingly quickly. The wine's light, fruity notes and refreshing effervescence help cut through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced pairing. Plus, the wine's crisp acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites, making for an indulgence experience that can go on that bit longer!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: UK £7.49 (usually more!) // US $15.99

Fruit & Nut Milk Chocolate

Kopke Tawny Port

A glass of Tawny Port to wash down fruit and nut milk chocolate is sublime. From the oldest port house around, this is quite light as ports go, with those gorgeous, dried fruits notes brought to the fore by the chocolate flavouring. It’s also richer and less sweet relative to similar styles, which is ideal because that milk chocolate will still bring plenty of sweetness on its own. The chocolatey, vanilla character subtly running through Kopke’s velvety smooth texture really enriches the creaminess of the chocolate too. An elegant combination if ever there was one.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £14.99

Fruit & Nut Dark Chocolate

Croft 'Quinta Da Roeda' Vintage Port 2004

For a darker fruit and nut choc, we go from one Portuguese port master to another in Croft. Elegantly structured, this decade-old ruby red has opulent notes of raisin, black cherry, vanilla, and crucially, dark chocolate. Not only do the fruits play into the chocolate perfectly, but they’re also just sweet enough to offset any dark choc bitterness. Ports also get nuttier with age, so after 10 years of aging those nutty notes will only be elevated even further here. Delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20.5%
Find here: £24.99 (£21.99 Mix Six Price)

Dark Chocolate & Truffles

Fonseca Reserve Ruby Port

Dark Chocolate, Truffles and Ruby Port – the nights that dreams are made of, right? Again, there’s a sophisticated sweetness here that suits the bittersweet chocolate perfectly and the same goes for the truffles. The full-bodied complexity and luxurious depth of purple fruits suit dark chocolate and truffles so indulgently well. This is a world away from easter eggs now (not that there’s anything wrong with them either).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: UK £13.99 // US $19.99

Orange Chocolate

Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

With its incredibly rich history, Courvoisier has had years to perfect its style and as a result, they have a gorgeous VSOP that is a benchmark in the region. Around a decade of aging gives amazing depth with fragrant oakiness, soft warmth from coffee, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and most relevant of all, delicate vanilla and citrus. A glass of chilled Courvoisier in one hand, and a chocolate orange ball in the other, oh, yes.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Mint Chocolate

Ardbeg An Oa Scotch Whisky

Mint chocolate is a more challenging pairing. As anyone who’s made the mistake of mixing mint choc with other flavours knows, it’s a dominant force. Therefore, we need a whisky that isn’t for the faint of heart. Islay Scotch is known for its power, and Ardbeg is no exception. Smooth sweetness sits under bold smoke and peat which creates an extremely memorable menthol profile with the mint, and the dark chocolate notes obviously pair well too. A glass of An Oa Scotch and some mint chocolate? Now that’s how you end a meal.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46.6%
Find here: UK £43.90 // US $68.99

There’s more to Easter feasting than just chocolate though, so if you want more amazing flavour marriages for the rest of your Easter grub go here!

7 Stunning English Vineyards to Visit in 2023

English wine is by no means new. After all, the Romans here were turning vines to wines 2000 years ago, but the buzz around it is. Stand-out English sparkling wine in particular, using chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier is now competing on the global stage.

The handy thing is, the vineyards behind these quality bottles also happen to be nestled in some of the most beautiful, green and glorious countryside in England, so tours and tastings are an absolute pleasure. Suspect British weather aside, these vineyards stand up to anything on the continue for a truly memorable visiting experience.

SUSSEX

Roebuck Estates

Born in 2013, Roebuck Wines set out to make sparkling wine that rivals bottles from the rest of the world and with their shelves now burdened with awards left right, and centre, including a Decanter Platinum just months after opening, they have managed it, becoming a champion of fine English wine in the process. Roebuck are lucky enough to have several top-class vineyards around the market town of Petworth. The home vineyard near Tillington looks over the beautiful South Downs and their Roman Villa vineyard sits in a serene valley, but there is also Little Brockhurst, Waterlands and Hazelhurst, all offering different soils and vines but each as beautiful as the next. There are plenty of experiences and events for those following the winery and, in the sunshine, it truly is a bright and beautiful landscape with some of the best fizz around.

Website

Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine has established a great reputation for wide-ranging wine varietals as well as tourism, offering memorable experiences of one of the oldest English vineyards. Visitors (and their dogs!) can walk the vines and browse the wines of the vineyard shop, dine at the Eighteen Acre Café, or take part in their renowned tour and tastings, be that the Cheese & Wine version (£30), or the Ultimate Wine & Food experience (£60). The natural beauty of Bolney will become immediately apparent as you explore the vine to wine process through the tasting of award-winning creations and expert tutoring.

Website

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Rathfinny’s enviable location on a south-facing slope in the South Downs is part of the reason they have become such a leading light for Sussex bubbles, and the historic Flint Barns there make for a magical trip. Whether cosied up by the wood burner inside or soaking up the sun below expansive Sussex skies, Rathfinny is a dreamy place to tour around and even better, there’s a gastropub on site and you can also stay at the award-winning bed & breakfast. If for some reason you want to get away from all that, the coast is only three miles away!

Website

CORNWALL

Camel Valley

The Camel Valley made a few headlines by becoming the first UK vineyard to be awarded a Protected Designation Origin (PDO) from the European Union for its Darnibole vineyard. Built up by a husband-and-wife duo in the late 1980s, their son has since taken Camel Valley even further winning award after award for their efforts. Stunning red, white and sparkling can all be enjoyed but their Cornwall Brut is their most famous blend, and a number of different tours and tastings are available from ‘Daily Guided’ experiences in the morning to the Grand Tour in the evening. You’ll finish with a glass of the good stuff on the terrace overlooking the river, what more could you want?

Website

HAMPSHIRE

Hattingley Valley Wines

Rural Hampshire is home to one of the most awarded wineries in the country, producing elegant and sophisticated wines, and in particular flagship sparkling wine, since 2013. Winery Tour and Tastings can be booked from their site, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the work of Head Winemaker Emma Rice, two time winner of UK Winemaker of the Year, as well as the harmonious countryside atmosphere around every blissful corner.

Website

Hambledon

Hambledon in Hampshire is known as the ‘cradle of cricket’, once home to the most powerful club in the country formed in the 1700s, but that’s not all it’s known for. Established in 1952, Hambledon is England’s oldest vineyard. Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones looked out over his open field and took the plunge to get even closer to his love of wine. The vines quickly flourished on the south-facing chalky slopes, and in the 70s Queen Elizabeth II even served it to President Pompidou (despite French customs doubting English wine even existed!). These days visitors can enjoy a tour of the truly historic vineyards, a tasting of the leading sparkling wine and a bite to eat at the fine pop-up restaurant. A true pioneer of English wine, and the most historically rich vineyard in the country.

Website

KENT

Simpsons Estate

Tucked away covertly into the North Downs slopes near Canterbury is the Simpsons Estate, spearheaded by veterans of English wine Charles and Ruth Simpson. From their traditional method sparkling wine using glorious champagne grapes to their sleek dark distinctive packaging, to their more unusual innovations like 100% pinot meunier, Simpsons have certainly made a name for themselves. All-encompassing tastings and tours are offered on most days, but the Friday sunset session is particularly sought after. Truly, Kent’s finest.

Website

Truth be told though, Kent wine has so much to offer and deserves a guide all of its own. Oh wait, we’ve done just that here!

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drinks Guide

Mother’s Day is nearly here which you no doubt already knew (most of you anyway ;)) so if you’re wanting to gift some drinks that are a little bit different from the same options every year, look no further.

For whatever drinks Mum likes, we’ve got our briefcase full of options open and ready for your perusal. Wine, gin, whisky, rum, Irish cream... there’s even mead! A glass of these on the big day from you and you’ll earn serious brownie points.

For the wine loving mum

Pasqua - ‘Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t’

The Pasqua family have been pulling together classic white wines in the Soave area of Venito since the 1920s, but this bottle expresses them best, living up to the bolshy name. Designed by CB Hoyo, the striking label is 100% gift-worthy and as soon as you set eyes on it, you know you’re in for something distinct. Inside is a blend of vintages from 2015 to 2018 and the complexity is remarkable, with light freshness and floral notes pinned down by strong structure. Think fruit-forward peach, mandarin and subtle zest with a rounded comforting finish hinting at nuts and freshly baked bread. Unique and definitely worth gifting this Mother’s Day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32 Harrods

Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Sparkling Brut Rosé

Aldi’s sparkling range is seriously underrated, and this perky blend is full of fruit with juicy melon and pear on the nose and a delicate and superbly balanced dry palate of strawberries, redcurrants and a little honey. Each sip feels harmonious, and is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 Aldi

For the gin loving mum

Mirabeau Rosé Gin

One of our favourite gins inside and out, Mirabeau kicks off with the familiar botanical base (juniper-forward, angelica, coriander, orris, citrus) but then comes the showstopper. Local Saint Tropez twists of Provence including rosemary, thyme and bay and of course, their splendid Classic Rosé distillate elevates this to the next level. So, satisfying, glamorous and brimming with fresh fruit and florality. It’s the cheapest way to transport your Mum to the French Riviera this Mother’s Day!

It's a cocktail game-changer too, as we discovered here!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28 Waitrose

Whitley Neill Banana & Guava Gin

This is Banana & Guava gin that’s eye-catching for different reasons. Bringing summer forward, this is a smooth and refreshing gin for Mum’s with a sweet-tooth. The guava is juicy and tropical, the banana is ripe and distinct, but the overall blend carries itself with a sophistication and balance you might not initially expect.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26 Tesco

For the whiskey loving mum

The Three Drinkers & Sliabh Liag - The Legendary Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

That’s right, we’ve worked with the wonderful Donegal distillers Sliabh Liag to produce a classic Irish whiskey that leans into our love of good wine. Velvety rich liquid carries plush red fruits from Pomerol barrels in Bordeaux, and it’s all wrapped in very subtle smoke with a little candied orange and caramel. Humble brag, but we think we’ve made something very special (Sliabh Liag did all the hard work of course!). Oh, and £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

For the rum loving mum

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

This is powerful Caribbean rum with oodles of flavour. Lime and mandarin bring fresh and zippy citrus to the core, but baking spices linger on the tongue moreishly too. It’s the opposite of forgettable with great vibrance – cola notes, peppercorn, orange, caramel, vanilla and a citrus streak throughout holding it together. There’s so much to explore neat over ice, but its versatility means it’ll be a hit with your usual rum mixers. A guaranteed hit for a Mum that likes spiced rum that’s for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

For the Irish Cream loving mum

Coole Swan Cream Liqueur

In a nutshell, this is white chocolate Irish Cream – I know right? Decadent Belgian white choc, single malt whiskey and fresh Irish Cream combine for the pinnacle of decadence. It’s unbelievably velvety with surprising balance given the sweetness. Serve it chilled or as a special Mother’s Day treat drizzle it over cheesecake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26 Tesco (£22 Clubcard Price!)

For the Cocktail loving mum

Vineyards Peach Bellini

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed offering, then why not start the day with some fizz for that special touch? Sweet peach fizzes in this crisp and refreshing ready to go Bellini. A smile in a glass and lovely way to start the day!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.15 Tesco

Raspberry Mojito

If you’re short on time, then don’t look down on these super affordable cans of Raspberry Mojito. They’re perfect for a refreshing fruity blend with raspberry and lime tang, but still have that cocktail style to add the extra touch on the big day. You could even be sneaky and pour it into a tall glass – would anyone know?

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.95 Morrisons (Buy 4 for £6)

For the cognac loving mum

H by Hine VSOP Cognac

H is a delicious VSOP Cognac from one of the region’s oldest houses, Hine. A blend of over 10 Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie, this smaller bottle will leave any Cognac loving Mum wanting more – but there’s always her birthday! Apricot, acacia, white pepper and iris can all be picked up when exploring this floral nectar that brings modern craftsmanship to a heritage brand... just as the bottle suggests.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.95

For the mead loving mum

Gosnells Mead Tasting Box

Yes, there are mead loving mums, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the country’s top mead brand, Gosnells. This stylish set includes four different meads using bees from various urban and rural areas, and a booklet guiding you through the process and how the taste is affected. You also get four honey tasting pots as well! If you’re looking for a slightly unique gift, this is it.

Find here: £35 4 x 500ml mead bottles + 4 x 30ml honey pots

For the No-Low loving mum

Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

We love Belvoir for their beautifully packaged and wonderfully crafted range of fizzes and cordials – I mean just look at this. It well and truly has the special feeling that some non-alcoholic drinks can fail on. It’s a Mother’s Day twist on their adored Elderflower Pressé with fresh lemon, freshly picked flowers and rose petal extract for delicate and 100% natural sparkling water. It tastes as delicious as it sounds – if not more and has gift written all over it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.25 (usually more!)

REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea

Another striking bottle, this kombucha uses Dragonwell Green Tea for a fizzy delight that’s kind of similar to Prosecco, but arguably a lot lusher. It’s one of the crispest liquids out there, with no artificial sweetness and a really elegant profile. It also has some health benefits too so it looks amazing, tastes great and it’s good for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8 Waitrose

LA Brewery Rose Infused, Sparkling Kombucha

People are just loving kombucha right now so here’s another lovely bottle. The best of Devon’s white rose petals are infused alongside wild elderflower for a deeply floral and delicately poised dry liquid, that refreshes as much as it tantalises. It’s got fun fizz and just the right touch of acidity to be a great Mother’s Day white wine alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £10

If you’re after more of an experience for Mother’s Day, then consider booking one of the many tasting trains cruising through the glorious British countryside.

What is Vermouth and How Do You Drink It?

What is Vermouth?

In a nutshell, vermouth is a fortified wine, beginning life as a flavoured wine that is then boosted with neutral alcohol and often infused with other botanicals.

The history of Vermouth

For many drinkers, vermouth is just another cocktail ingredient used in the Negroni, Manhattan and Martini to name a few, but few know more about it beyond this.

Like a surprising number of alcoholic creations, its origins are medicinal, but you’ll struggle to find a modern-day Doctor who prescribes vermouth! In German, wormwood translates to ‘wermut’ and is one of the most historically significant ingredients, so this is where ‘vermouth’ comes from. Antonio Carpano is credited with the term, creating the first commercial bottles of vermouth as we know it in Milan way back in 1786.

Luigi and Giuseppe Cora were responsible for popularising it in the early 19th century, and soon after came a flourish of famous Italian brands like Gancia, Ballor, Cinzano and Martini, as well as French creations like Noilly Prat. Since then, craft distilling means the world of vermouth distilling has blossomed as has fortified wine more widely.

What are the different types of Vermouth?

Historically speaking, two types of vermouth were considered and the Alps provided a fairly accurate border between them. Red vermouths, or Italian vermouths, came first before the French produced their white and dry blends.

In the modern era, the distinctions are more sophisticated, however:

Dry vermouth may be the most well-known, and is what you’ll find in most cocktails with its intense spices and botanicals. It could be argued that subsets like, ‘Extra Dry’ are their own types of vermouth too.
Sweet vermouth (sometimes called red) is unsurprisingly, noticeably sweet containing way more sugar than the dry.
Blanc vermouth (sometimes called Bianco or white) leans towards the sweeter, floral side and is a kind of middle ground between dry and sweet vermouth.
Rose vermouth is far less common but focuses on florality rather than sweetness.

How do you drink Vermouth?

The truth is vermouth is probably more versatile than you think. You can enjoy it on its own over ice served as an aperitif, or top up with soda for a similar but longer drink. Most vermouth you buy will be between 16%-18%, so a lot of drinkers opt for it as a low-alcohol option compared to gin or vodka.

Though it’s often confused with a spirit, it’s important to remember that vermouth is a wine base. Therefore, it isn’t one to be stored in the liquor cabinet for months on end once opened. You’ll likely have around 2 months to finish it, and it should be stored like a regular wine bottle would be – conveniently, we’ve got a whole guide on that here! It’s fortified so it’s not quite as fickle as an open bottle of wine, but it will oxidise and deteriorate over time.

The most famous way to enjoy vermouth though, is in cocktails, and for good reason too because it really lifts so many of our favourites. So, let’s take a look at some of the best cocktails that show what an essential player vermouth is in mixology.

Which cocktails can you make with Vermouth?

Classic Negroni

Negronis are so popular because they’re a) super easy to pull together and b) taste delicious. The right vermouth binds this together fantastically well, adding great weight and layers of sweet complexity.

Ingredients                          
25ml sweet vermouth (like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
25ml London Dry Gin
25ml Campari
Garnish: orange peel

Method
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with that orange peel.

Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is so simple that a quality dry vermouth is required to let it really shine. We recommend a 50:50 split of vodka and vermouth for the perfect blend of silky smooth texture and herbaceous spicy undertones. The subtlety and elegance of the lip-smacking concoction is why we love it, but a dash of orange bitters can elevate it even more!

Ingredients
25ml dry vermouth (like Noilly Prat Original)
25ml vodka (like Grey Goose)
Dash of orange bitters
Twist of lemon

Method
Shake or stir your vermouth and vodka together with some ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add the orange bitters, a twist of lemon and voila!

Vermouth Spritz

This Venice style spritz works so well for a refreshingly light sipper, and we love using the underappreciated rosé vermouth for more of a red fruits presence, because the Aperol already brings plenty of aromatic taste. The final cocktail is a perfect blend of subtle sweetness, delicate bubbles, floral notes and herbaceous undertones with plenty of oomph.

Ingredients
50ml rosé vermouth (like Regal Rogue Wild Rosé)
15ml Aperol
Prosecco to top up
Garnish with lemon and fresh mint

Method
Add the vermouth and Aperol to your glass with ice, top up with Prosecco and garnish with lemon and mint for the finishing touch. Enjoy!

Which Vermouth should I try?

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue love to show off the wine in their vermouth, and their Wild Rosé pushes Australian Illawarra plums to the front alongside strawberry and rosella. There are gorgeous hints of spice and nods to tropical flavours in this accessible and super versatile vermouth, and it works just as well in the cocktail above as it does with a simple tonic. Stunning.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth

If you’re scratching your chin pondering on which vermouth to try, then it only makes sense to opt for the original French vermouth, the benchmark dry white that is Noilly Prat. In the tiny Marseillan village, highly acidic Picpoul grapes are used and the liquid is part aged in casks, and part aged in the elements for slow oxidation. This blend is macerated with their trademark herbs and spices for the pinnacle of dry vermouth. For a Dry Martini, look no further.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: UK £14.99 // US $11.99

Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino

This is our choice for a classic Negroni and to be honest, plenty of other mixes. In and around Piedmont in Northern Italy, the recipe dates back to 1891 and uses Moscato wine, tangy citrus and rhubarb, traditional wormwood and a guarded blend of aromatic spices and herbs. Rich and intense, it is delicious to explore on the rocks or as a welcome twist to classic cocktails.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: UK £19.95 // US $22.99

Vermouth is an absolute must in any mixologist’s cabinet, but we have a number of other drinks guides of liquids that are misunderstood or simply not talked about enough. Take a look at Absinthe, Pisco and Baijiu here!

The Best Riesling To Try

The refreshing world of the historic riesling wine varies a lot from bottle to bottle, with Germany being its native home but delicious blends from France and Australia too.

Generally, you can expect high acidity across the board with drier styles emanating from French and Australian producers, as well as certain German areas, whilst areas like the Mosel Valley in Germany are famous for a sweeter riesling.

In terms of flavour, there may be floral blossom tones, citrus is common, as is peach amongst the sweeter blends. Rare for a white wine, there is even aged riesling which you may associate with a petrol or rubber profile.

Don’t let the mishmash of styles put you off trying it though, it just means that there’s likely to be one you fall in love with! So, let’s find out which one that might be...

The BEst Riesling UNDER £10

Aldi Specially Selected Clare Valley Riesling

This is a classic Australian bone-dry style from the prestigious Clare Valley that represents superb value considering where it’s from. Green apple and zesty lime bring tremendous freshness and it won’t let you down beside hard cheeses and anything with a hint of spice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.49

Dr. Loosen Estate Riesling 2020

A stunning embodiment of the sloped slate-soil Mosel Valley vineyards, Dr. Loosen Estate has noticeably less alcohol than many rieslings, instead a mineral nose and more pronounced fruit with cutting lemon and touches of peach, apple, and melon. Serve alongside your milder curries and it’ll stand up perfectly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.5%
Find here: £7.90

Villa Maria Private Bin Rielsing 2021

Heading over to New Zealand and more specifically Marlborough, an area better known for its sauvignon blanc but producing some riesling gems too. It’s refreshingly dry, crisp, and fruity with ripe lime taking centre stage and a loveable spring blossom florality that offsets elegant minerality really nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.99 (usually more!)

The BEst Riesling for £10-£15

Definition Mosel Riesling 2020/21

This is the benchmark bottle for the most classic style of riesling from the most well-known home of riesling in Mosel. The lime feels fresh and the minerality with subtle rubber is inviting on the nose. The palate is not cloying whatsoever, with plenty of acidity to slice through the touch of sweetness. Ernst and Thomas Loosen are behind this expression, and their ancestors have been making wine there for centuries. With the International Wine Challenge (IWC) award for this wine in the bag, their success looks set to continue.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5% 
Find here: £11.99 (£9.99 Mix Six price)

Wakefield Estate Riesling 2019

Nestled in the picturesque Clare Valley of Southern Australia is the generational Wakefield Estate, producing this New World riesling that’s light and vibrant with citrus but subtler tropical notes. It’s tangier and sweeter than most, and whilst still acidic, it’s more of a kick than full domination so if that’s holding you back from trying this wonderful grape then this is the one for you. It’s food friendly all the way too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here:  £12.71 (usually more!)

Kendermanns Kalkstein Riesling Trocken 2021

Green fruits star in this quintessential Pfalz riesling, a beautiful landscape between the Rhine and the Haardt mountains. The acidity here is noticeably fresh, with gooseberries, apple and lemon zest intertwining wonderfully. The touch of minerality adds elegance and it would sing served alongside smoked salmon or many cheeses.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.20

The BEst Riesling for £20-£30

Schlumberger Grand Cru Kittrelee Riesling 2005

Alsace riesling tends to be bone dry with robust acidity, an elegant bouquet and often complex minerality and floral aromas... and that’s exactly what Domaines Schlumberger has made. Behind that stunning gorgeous amber is a zesty nose with a touch of intriguing petrol, and a powerfully structured palate of candied lemon, apricot and apples. It hits all the Alsace traits but it’s expressive and distinct in its own right and one of the most interesting aged rieslings around.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £29.99

The Best Dessert Riesling

Heggies Vineyard Botrytis Riesling

A little different from the rest of the bottles in this list, the Eden Valley Heggies Botrytis is tailor-made for citrus desserts, as well as pâté and cheese. Cardamon, nutmeg, and floral notes welcome you into a rich and sweet palate. Think marmalade, pineapple, and candied zest as well as a mineral acidity running throughout for balance and silky texture. It’s a gloriously sweet riesling but the seam of acidity means it’s refreshing too, rather than cloying. Anything like poached pears, key lime pie, or lemon tarte would be a dream pairing, as well as crème brulee and blue cheese.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £14.99

Riesling is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Australian Wine, so explore the lush world of Down Under wine here.