The Best Bubbles For The King's Coronation

Coronations can be once-in-a-lifetime events, so a truly special sipper is needed to celebrate. And if you’re not a Royalist, then it’s a bank holiday and the sun is here so why not drink to that?

King Charles III is apparently in love with a daily martini created using half gin and half dry vermouth, so much so that he takes his own favourite spirits and glass with him on his travels! We’ve gone for something more sustainable over the whole day however...

The rise of English wine has been something to behold, in particular the bubbles that have made a fizzy impression on the international stage. Light, crisp, refreshing and food-friendly, these bottles are the perfect companion for the big day on May 6th!

Specially Selected English Sparking Rosé

Yet again, Aldi are coming up with the goods. After launching this Britannia-themed bottle for the Jubilee, it’s back for the coronation! Produced by Denbies in Surrey under the Bowler & Brolly label, it’s a traditional sparkler with juicy raspberry and moreish brioche notes. It’s perfect for that special feel without breaking the bank.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £16.99 Available in Aldi from 20th April

Winemaster's Lot English Sparkling Classic Cuvée Brut

More brilliant Bowler & Brolly bubbles here with their Winemasters’ Lot Classic Cuvée Brut. Crunchy green apple bite, fresh lime, toasted pistachio, and a touch of honey, this is seriously tasty and well-rounded fizz which you might expect from blends of fine Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (all grown in Hampshire!). Try it and see why the awards panels deem it fit for a King!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99

M&S Coronation Balfour Classic Cuvee English Sparkling Wine

A really elegant and crisp fizz from father and son duo Owen and Fergus Elias, this is made in the traditional method from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Pinot Blanc grapes in Kent. There’s a creamy pepper warmth alongside fresh apple and thyme that works so well, especially when served heavily chilled.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £23

Huxbear Classic Sparkling 2018

This distinct Devon sparkler carries such a vibrant nose of orchard fruits but also a touch of pineapple which opens up into a palate with amazing creamy depth. The acidity is racy, the dryness is so refreshing and it’s super food-friendly too so you can feast like a Royal on the big day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £25.55 (£23 Mix 6 Price)

Langham Corallian NV

Langham produces some of the best English wine around so they have to be an option on a day like the Coronation. Their Corallian uses the legendary grape trio of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay for a clean and complex blend. Crisp gala apple and pear carry through from nose to finish, with butter brioche melding everything together. This is more citrussy than most English bubbles which adds really nice extra depth, as does the touch of salinity on the finish. It’s impossible to get bored of over an afternoon of drinking. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £33 (£29.70 Mix 6 Price)

Virgin Coronation Limited Edition English Sparkling Brut NV

Proudly sporting the Union flag, this really is a wine masterfully made for one day only... although you’ll want it for more than one day only! Lovingly handcrafted in Sussex (one of English wine’s most awarded counties), this limited-edition bottle from coastal vineyard Henners is a blend of traditional English countryside and Champagne pizzazz. The balance of richness and freshness is sublime on a palate plush with zipping lemon, crisp apple, toasted brioche, and a note of loveable warmth throughout. Sublime.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £34.99

Nyetimber Coronation Classic Cuvee MV

From the minute you set eyes on this limited-edition bottle it’s screaming to be popped open for a celebration. And not just any celebration, but a Coronation, because the design is actually inspired by royal garments and uniforms. A signature blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it’s bursting with flavour. Orchard fruits cut through creamy butter and the touch of honey weaved throughout is magical. Not just a delicious drink on the day, but a collectible too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £34.99

Chapel Down Coronation Edition 2016

It’s that same iconic English grape trio again, this time aged on lees for five and half years to create the finest of sparkling wines. If grand celebration was a note this would have it. Ripe apples, sun-kissed red berries and toasted brioche intertwine in a blend that marries richness with brightness. A true winemaking achievement from one of English wine’s pioneers.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £65

Hattingley Valley King’s Cuvee

Wines like this show why drinkers are increasingly choosing English fizz over Champagne. Hampshire winery Hattingley Valley have engraved this limited-edition collectable with an elegant floral emblem and coronation date, but it’s what’s inside that’s the real winner. Regal pale in colour, soft and creamy notes marry together within. The citrus is vivid and layered with silky honey and vanilla notes alongside classic orchard fruits, the fullness of flavour is remarkable. If you’re a super Royalist, then they even do a charming Engraved Oak Case for a personal touch!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.7%
Find here: £85

Ridgeview Royal Coronation Trio

For a real celebration, one bottle just won’t do. Neither will two! So how about three? Ridgeview commemorates King Charles III’s coronation with this trio of sparklers, all previously served at royal occasions such as the King’s first State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. The Bloomsbury was the official Jubilee wine, Cavendish has been the go-to for UK Prime Ministers visits with expressive red fruits and finesse, and lastly, the sophisticated Fitzrovia Rosé was served to Barack Obama on his trip here. If you don’t manage to finish all three amongst yourselves (you will when tasting we’re sure) then a coronation bottle stopper is included as is a bespoke gift box. The complete coronation package that has been at the heart of some of the Royal’s biggest events – what a treat.

Size: 750ml x 3
ABV: 12%
Find here: £117 Box of 3 (down from £130!)

If you want something similarly special but non-alcoholic to celebrate, then check out these delicious Sparkling Teas that people are loving as fizzy alternatives!  

What are Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable Wines?

Organic eating has had far more press than organic drinking over the last few years, but as people grow increasingly aware of what they consume, the tide is changing. Just like with the food industry, you’re likely to stumble across a few different terms, certificates and techniques that overlap with one another, but these buzzwords can cause confusion. So, to clear it up, here is a clear breakdown of what ‘organic’, ‘biodynamic’, and ‘sustainable’ actually means for wine.

What are organic wines?

In the simplest of terms, organic wine means that the wine uses organically grown grapes. To be able to call itself organic, the vineyard has to have the relevant organic farming certification from the country it’s in, which indicates that 100% organic ingredients have gone into it, so artificial fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, colouring agents, and concentrated wine additives are prohibited.

This isn’t to say that nothing can be added, however, because an organic wine may still use yeasts and fining agents, some of which are not vegan. Also, bear in mind that because regulators differ from country to country, organic is a loose definition. For example, in the US sulphur is not permitted, but in Europe, it can be up to 100ppm… which is why some American bottles are labelled, ‘made using organic grapes’ rather than simply ‘organic’ – confusing we know!

What are biodynamic wines?

Centred around the work of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic wines build on organic wine production by not only embracing the regulations of organic wine, but by considering the vineyard as a wider ecosystem.

The aim is to find ecological balance and self-sufficiency through the interconnectivity of everything in the vineyard. Lunar cycles are involved, as are astrological influences and very specific soil preparations to work within the biodynamic calendar. Some of the most prestigious wine producers in the world swear by these practices not just to produce healthier, more natural grapes, but to make sure that the vineyard is still thriving in years to come. Producers such as Maison Chapoutier in the Rhône Valley and even Domaine de la Romanée Conti in Burgundy are biodynamic. You’re not likely to see an official biodynamic certification on labels, however. Instead, it will probably be labelled as organic with something like ‘made according to biodynamic methods’ on the bottle.

What are sustainable wines?

Making sustainable wines is more practical than organic winemaking, because if something isn’t economically viable, it may be skipped over as long as the overall production maintains biodiversity, conserves water, and embraces renewable technology.

Like biodynamic winemaking, there is no formality to the certification although there are international standards such as the ISO that are widely recognised. Generally, compromises are allowed so a business can be profitable but, when possible, the environmental option must be pursued. To give an example, if there were a situation where the choice was to either let some vines die or to use pesticides and save them, the pesticides would be used at the expense of the organic label.

Of course, there are fantastic wines that meet all of these classifications, as well as many that meet none, but we’re all for winemaking that looks to be as natural, waste-free and environmentally friendly as possible. Often, the wines do seem more vibrant with brighter flavours, and many drinkers never go back!

If you want to taste some delicious organic wines then check out the wonderful organic whites, pinks and reds here!

8 Delicious Argentinian Malbec Wines for Every Budget

Relatively unknown decades ago, Malbec is now one of the most reliably delicious wines on any wine list. But that doesn’t mean you should just settle for picking any old bottle!

In particular, we love Argentinian Malbec at The Three Drinkers. Whether from Salta, Patagonia or Mendoza, the variety of flavours is always a delight and only getting better!

Whether you like your Malbec easy-drinking and fruity or rich and robust, these are gems that overdeliver no matter your budget.

Malbec for UNDER £10

Catena Zapata Alamos Malbec

This is a fantastic value high altitude Malbec using grapes grown at some of Mendoza’s highest vineyards, filled with intense flavour from bright sun, cool evenings, and mineral-rich mountain water. Juicy plum is at the fore, supported by notes of dark cherry and blackberry from some additional Syrah and Bonarda added in. For the price, it’s so well balanced and would go down a treat with grilled meat and veg.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (usually more!) // US $16.99

Graffigna Reserve Malbec

Sticking with the high altitudes, we’ve loved this Uco Valley Malbec for a while now. Voluminous, fresh, and fruit-forward, it’s rich and chocolatey with standout notes of ripe blueberry and black cherry as well as a welcome touch of spice. At this price, it’s a steal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (usually more!) // US $12.99

Graham Norton’s Own He Devil

Graham’s range of wines has proved pretty interesting, particularly the Sauvignon Blanc and Prosecco. This Mendoza Malbec is no different, filling your mouth with luscious deep purple and jammy plum. There are more complex Malbecs out there, but for something smooth, easy-drinking and well-rounded under £10, you can’t go wrong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.50

Malbec for £15-£20

Luigi Bosca Malbec Selección De Vistalba

Bodega Luigi Bosca is one of the oldest family wineries in Mendoza, and this benchmark Malbec is made using grapes from 50-year-old vines followed by 12 months of oak ageing. For under £20, the result is superb. It’s rich and plush with floral aromas, followed up with ripe red and dark fruits. A little liquorice and toasted spice add alluring complexity too. This really is exceptional, and we’d recommend taking it in on its own, though it will be fantastic served with a steak or any hearty stew-type dish too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%    
Find here: £16.99

El Enemigo Malbec

El Enemigo translates as The Enemy, and if the saying goes, ‘keep your friends close but enemies closer’ then we’re absolutely fine with that because this Uco Valley Malbec is delicious. It’s lighter than most Malbecs, with an acidic spine perfect for hearty meals. There’s so much depth of flavour too, with harmonious notes of peach, orchard fruits and blackberry as well as a woody earthiness and minerality. It works so well! Random fact: lead winemaker Alejandro Vigil even has a tattoo of the Malbec grape on his arm, so you know how much love has gone into this!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £18.20 // US $29.99

Alpasión Malbec

In the Uco Valley, a group of friends sat around and decided to start a winery. That winery is Alpasión, and they’ve now got a reputation for stonking Malbec. There’s elegance in the velvety texture and balance of dark fruits and chocolatey oak, but also serious power and body to it that keeps you wanting more. Classy and classic Argentinian Malbec done masterfully.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99

Malbec for £20+

Susana Balbo Signature Malbec

If you’re talking about Argentinian Malbec then it’s only a matter of time before Susana Balbo is mentioned. She’s one of the most renowned female winemakers in the country, known for her influential portfolio of elegant blends. This brings us to her Signature Malbec. With raspberry, plums and currants intertwining alongside delicate smokiness, this is such a good example of making the most out of this varietal. A dash of Cabernet Sauvignon is added for even more structure and depth in a wine that you can explore for hours. Rich, luxuriating, smooth, bold... it’s just everything you want from a quality Malbec.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £21.99 // US $24.99

Chacra Roka Malbec

This is a Malbec that seems to do everything right. The nose is surprisingly floral and jammy, which leads into a finely textured vibrant core of chocolate-covered purple fruits as well as subtle tobacco. The biodynamically grown grapes give a really fresh and natural character to a Malbec that has that inviting depth of flavour whilst remaining light. A very unique and inventive expression indeed!

Size: 375ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £49.95

If you love Malbec as much as us, find out more about its story and its home in the beautiful Uco Valley here!

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!