9 Amazing Wines Not Made From Grapes

The world of fruit wines has evolved significantly from those days where it was labelled as country wine and the most renowned product may have been scrumpy. But fruit wines, and here we are specifically referring to those not made from grapes which also excludes ciders, may be a quintessential summer drink that is increasing in popularity. These wines may conjure up images of fruit picking from farms or foraging within countryside and making homemade versions of wine from strawberries, brambles and other fruits that may be found in your garden. However, the market for fruit wines has become more sophisticated as consumers broaden their palates and seek locally grown produce in their efforts to increase sustainability but also to enjoy healthier but tasty options. Fruit wines will also undergo a fermentation process similar to wine, which will involve yeast, but that may be where the similarity ends as the different types of fruits will vary in their production methods.

Fruit wines are an exciting addition to the world of wines, on an international scale, and may appeal more to younger generations but also to those that might feel daunted by the plethora of choices and complexities within grape wines and the snobbery that may surround them. You can even go on a fruit wine tour across your region to explore and enjoy these creative wines without having to travel too far. Well, we don’t know about you but we can’t wait to discover more about the wide range of options for fruit wines. You certainly don’t need to stop at just a few types to sample as there are a myriad of flavours, we would certainly encourage you to traverse your region and visit local farms and open spaces to discover as many as you can. Here are a few fantastic fruit wines that we thought to highlight within our selection.

Wine That’s Fruit (WTF) Whitecurrant Wine

This limited edition whitecurrant wine will be the closest taste that you can imagine to a dry, white wine, but without the grapes! Wine That’s Fruit started in 2019, are based in Herefordshire and specialise in making their wines using fruit juices that are not concentrated. The fruits themselves are sourced locally and the company name’s acronym suggests a cheeky spirit to this family run brand! This wine is intriguing, not least as whitecurrants appear so rarely in drinks that many people might wonder what they are! Whitecurrants are part of the same family as blackcurrants but have a flavour profile resembling gooseberries or grapes.

As such, this whitecurrant wine has a tart, dry taste with a natural wine flavour profile with hints of pear on the palate. It is slightly fizzy to provide that refreshing sensation and will pair well with cheese and sardines. It is in a handy can size for a mindful drinking session. You can buy a pack of four or buy a taster pack in which you can be spoilt for choice to sample other flavours from the WTF fruit wines range!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: - £19.40 for 4

Wine That’s Fruit (WTF) Strawberry Wine

This is a slightly sparkling variety in the WTF range but it is amongst the sweetest. Still, its appearance is similar to a Rosé wine from riper climates and on the nose there is that sensation of juicy, ripe strawberries. There are subtle bubbles within this strawberry wine which would be ideal as an aperitif and would therefore appeal to fans of Rosé Champagne and Kir Royale cocktails. This summery, fruit forward concoction is a crowd pleaser and will pair well with some strawberries and cream at Wimbledon! It is also vegan friendly, gluten free, with no preservatives, no sulphites and it is served in an eco friendly, recyclable can for added benefits!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £19.40 for 4

Cairn O’Mohr Spring Oak Leaf Wine

This medium sweet fruit wine is likely to surprise many as it’s not made out of flower blossoms or fruits but is made from actual leaves, which will definitely be a good talking point if you bring this to a summer party! This Perthshire based winery has been crafting award winning fruit wines since 1987 and is certainly worth a visit during its tours on Wednesdays and weekends. Their ingredients are obtained locally through foraging, with the local landowner’s permission, of course! 

A winemaking process lasting 2-3 years is undertaken in the creation of these wines which involves the harvesting, fermentation and storage. The Spring Oak Leaf Wine is a delightful blend of leaves and citrus fruit juices which is dangerously quaffable and it’s unbelievable that this is not a grape wine as its flavour profile is similar to a Viognier and is a fruity refreshing taste on the palate.  This is an intriguingly tasty wine to drink by itself before or after dinner. Plus, there are no added preservatives, low level sulphites, it’s vegan friendly and gluten free to provide that healthier drinking option overall!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.3%
Find here: £9.40

Lindisfarne Ginger Wine

This caramel coloured ginger wine is made on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which has a monastery that was founded in 643AD as an inspiration. However, another source of inspiration for this brand, whose production goes back as far as the 1950s, is also that of the Lindisfarne Gospels, which can be seen via the Medieval style font on these Lindisfarne wine bottles. All of this history, plus a Viking connection, proves to be a draw to visitors to this remote location, which is only connected to England by a causeway!

This ginger wine has received plaudits during the Winchester Drinks Festival and has been recognised as a perfect pairing with whisky for those whisky cocktails. Indeed, its ginger smell is pronounced on the nose and its sweet flavour profile suggests that it may appeal to those lovers of ginger liqueurs as there is almost a candied taste. This ginger wine would also work well as a substitute for ginger beer to make a boozier rum cocktail but could equally be drunk by itself, on the rocks, and evokes those images of cosier nights leading up to the festive season.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £9.95

Lyme Bay Winery Cherry Wine

The Lyme Bay Winery is located in Axminster in Devon and is close to Lyme Regis, which was the home of the famous palaeontologist and fossil hunter, Mary Anning. You could therefore visit on a day trip to see the sights and indulge in a wine tasting tour to sample some of their fruit wines too!

This is a sweet wine with an instantly detected authentic cherry aroma which resembles black cherries. Plus, there is a hint of almonds, in the flavour profile, with a slightly dry aftertaste which conjures up that image of a slice of Bakewell tart and indeed this would pair well with desserts! As an award winner of a gold prize in the Taste of the West in 2022, this will be a good drink to add to your digestif collection.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £10.99

Lyme Bay Elderflower Wine

Another wine that we’re highlighting from the many fruit wine flavours is its elderflower variety. This is a light, crisp, easy drinking wine that is ideal for those outdoor summer celebrations! It is an elegant off dry wine which is best served chilled for picnic season. Tangy on the palate and floral on the nose this is an ideal wine to serve whilst lounging in the garden or having flirty walks by the river or beach. You can drink this by itself or for that extra twist, this could be added to an Elderflower Spritz cocktail! This wine is made using local ingredients and on the Lyme Bay website there is even a recipe to make some homemade elderflower wine yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.79

Cairn O’Mohr Gorse Wine

Fields of yellow gorse flowers instantly spring to mind with this wine which is made from foraged wild gorse flowers! This is a medium sweet wine which has been awarded 2 stars at the Great Taste Awards. With a golden honey colour, this wine has a slightly sweet flavour with hints of honey and depicts that summer meadow  joy. Its aftertaste is reminiscent of a light fruit brandy and this Gorse wine pairs well with peppered mackerel and as it does not oxidise as readily this can still be enjoyed within 7-10 days of opening.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.2%
Find here: £14.60

Lindisfarne Elderflower Wine

As Elderflower wines are quite popular, it is exciting to explore the range in their taste and flavour profiles. This elderflower wine from Lindisfarne is medium sweet and a golden yellow colour with higher alcohol content. It is described as an aromatic wine and is slightly sweeter on the palate and resembles mead in taste. As such, it will be ideal to drink during or after a meal as it is full bodied in nature and could also be enjoyed with tonic or lemonade or as a winter’s version as a mulled cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.95

Nudist Drinks Rabarba Brut Organic 2022

We are extremely delighted to include this entry within our selection as I discovered this delicious sparkling rhubarb wine whilst on holiday in Tallinn, Estonia sitting on a summer’s day at the Nudist winery. Indeed, its UK distributors Winestorrs Limited had made a similar discovery of this sparkling rhubarb wine in Tallinn and sought to bring this over to the UK market as a distributor and so we are delighted that you are also able to sample these wines easier now too! Although, you might still wish to visit Tallinn too for a spot of wine tourism at the winery as these wines are fermented and made onsite. 

Surprisingly, this is Estonia’s first organic sparkling wine and it has been rewarded for its efforts with the prize of 2019’s Best Organic Drink award from the Ministry of Rural Affairs. This organic sparkling rhubarb wine resembles Champagne but has a tart flavour profile with that fruity taste of rhubarb and it is an unfiltered wine. Its fermentation process is through cold pressed Estonian rhubarb juice and it will be just as suitable for all of your celebrations!  

This is a playful, new age alternative which even has the hashtag #fakechampagne to encourage you all to take this journey to discover Champagne alternatives and we will be there with you! There are also lower ABV and alcohol free versions of this sparkling rhubarb wine which may be available for international sales at future stages, fingers crossed!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16

The final treat in our selection is a hybrid, as we always like to give you that bit extra! This product is a blend of fruit and wine that is revolutionising the market with its youthful, fun energy to appeal to younger generations. Let’s enter the world of the brand, Joy.

Joy Orange Spritz

Bursting on to the ready to drink cocktail scene in August 2023, the Joy brand epitomises the energetic spirit of the fruit wine market. It is a wine within the Concha y Toro portfolio, which also includes the red wine Casillero del Diablo. This Orange Spritz is the recipient of the Product of the Year award in a consumer survey of product innovation and it is easy to see why with this tasty, tangy marmalade blend with white wine, with a good price point, which will appeal to fans of Aperol Spritz as that go to summer drink.

This is a zesty, aromatised blend with bitters and a fruity profile which is best served chilled and with ice in time for Apéro hour and to imagine being on a sunny, coastal holiday.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8%
Find here: £7

Hopefully, this selection will now entice you to explore the wider world of wines outside of grape based wines. There are many types of fruits, berries and leaves locally grown to provide that inspiration and we would love to know which new wines you have now tried within this burgeoning industry propelling fruit forward wines. You can stay local to become immersed in the innovation of emerging fruit winemakers or travel internationally to discover fruit wines within the US, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and more countries, which sounds very exciting to us to see this wine evolution!

By Latoya Austin

The Father’s Day Gift Guide For Drinks Lovers

No Dad is the same of course, but if yours likes drinks, then we’re confident one of our suggestions will hit the mark. In case you needed reminding (hopefully not), Sunday 16th June is Father’s Day in the UK. If that’s shocked you then don’t worry!

We’ve found stand-out gifts that will show you’ve really thought about what would make this day special for them. Wine, cocktails, rum, gin, whisky, hampers, unique experiences and more, it’s all below. Every drink and every budget, so there’s no excuse to turn up with a last minute pack of socks and chocolates! Find the section that appeals to your Dad most below and hopefully one of the gifts will be perfect. And if not, well, you might be able to pick up something for yourself as a treat! Let’s dive into this year’s Father’s Day gift guide.

Best gifts for a dad who loves red wine

Mucho Mas Vino Tinto Wine

Every Dad is different of course, so it’s difficult to select one wine, but Mucho Mas’ Vino Tinto is a loveable offering without breaking the bank. Félix Solís are family owned near Madrid, despite the scale of their operation, and this easy-drinking ruby red is a surefire hit. The bright and juicy fruits (plums, figs, cherries and blackberries) swarm the palate delightfully, verging on a jammy profile. Amazing value. You could pair it up with steak for a delicious meal, or even plane tickets to Madrid!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (Clubcard Price)

Perez Cruz Liguai 2020

For something a little more luxury, try this Chilean blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. Six months of French oak has created the buttery texture that fills the mouth with concentrated blackberries and blueberries rolled in chocolate. Complex depths continue with cracks of black pepper and dried tobacco and an almost meaty savoury note. It just feels so big and bold, you can guarantee it won’t be a forgettable gift.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £29.99

Penfolds Bin 389

Penfolds is one of Australia’s finest producers, a name synonymous with quality. Grange, now costing well over £500, is their most famous wine, but what we have here is ‘Baby Grange’, as it’s partly aged in the same barrels a year after Grange was in them. A very special blend, it’s as full-bodied as it gets and is often the red that opens one’s eyes to how rich and beautiful reds can truly be. Oaky pepper hits you out the gate, followed up with sumptuous blackberry and raspberry. The Shiraz lines the silky-smooth texture with gentle spice, whilst the Cabernet Sauvignon builds the rigid structure. A very special wine for a very special dad.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £65

Best gifts for a dad who loves white wine

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc

There’s a lot of hype around this Sauvignon, but we love it so we reckon Dad will too. It’s the Marlborough style from New Zealand, which is very in right now, and it’s one of the best of its kind in the supermarkets. It delivers enchanting freshness and dryness, with lime that zips around the palate, ripe tropical fruits and a kiss of minerality. Lemon, lime, guava, gooseberry – so well rounded and flavourful. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99 (usually more!)

Bread & Butter Chardonnay

Unforgettable and stand-out – exactly what a wine gift should be. The name instantly intrigues and sets up hefty expectations, but it certainly delivers. Unmistakably it’s California Chard, lightly oaked and so, so big and buttery. The toasty richness is intense and delicious, but there’s also some subtler lemon meringue notes to mix things up. Serve with great greasy food for an indulgent meal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £15.50

Vina Cobos Bramare Chardonnay Zingaretti Estate 2019

If you want to push the boat out with a unique Chardonnay, head to Mendoza, Argentina with Viña Cobos. It rests for a whole year in French oak, developing elegance with harmonious honeysuckle, jasmine and citrus. In the mouth it’s so soft, with a richness that’s balanced by minerality and cutting acidity. You even get a sense of the mountainous terroir with the herbal, minty note. So much going on, but so much poise.  

Size: 500ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £40

Best gifts for a dad who loves wine gear and gadgets

Coravin Timeless Three+ (Father’s Day promotion)

This wine preservation system allows you to preserve still wines for weeks, months or even years – because you don’t even need to pull the cork. If Dad is a regular wine drinker, then this is great a great gift as it will allow him to try lots of different styles without ever wasting a bottle. It’s state-of-the-art tech that involves a needle piercing the cork or the Coravin screw cap replacement – then you simply pour as normal. Argon gas replaces the lost wine to preserve it. It’s a fancy bit of kit but it is superb, there’s a 60 Day risk-free trial, a two-year warranty and free shipping. For Father’s Day especially, they’re throwing in a £99 Bordeaux wine tasting kit too! If you want to try before you buy, then from 1st-16th June, Coravin are teaming up with Gordon Ramsey Restaurants so you can see it in action at Lucky Cat, Savoy Grill, The River Restaurant, Restaurant 1890 and Pétrus.

Includes: Two Coravin Pure Argon Capsules, two Coravin Screw Caps and a Coravin Aerator
Find here: £279.99 including a free Bordeaux wine tasting kit worth £99

Best gifts for a dad who loves gin

Whitley Neill Distillers Cut

A pristine representation of the London Dry profile, it’s sweet, soft and citrus driven with dried orange peel coming through marvellously. Under £20 for a Double Gold winner at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023 is difficult to argue with too. The St. George shield makes it the perfect companion to pour from whilst watching England in the Euros!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £17.65

Penrhos Dry Gin

Penrhos is a well-established distillery based from a farm in green Herefordshire. The first thing your Dad will notice when opening this is the bottle. Well, you can tell him it’s sustainable, 100% recyclable aluminium that uses 90% less energy than glass – plus it’s totally unique which always makes for a good present. Inside, botanical bliss awaits blueberries, rose, cherry blossom and honey bring a floral and fruit bouquet to the spice of pink pepper and cardamom. Stunningly light award-winning gin.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.54

Mermaid Gin

Mermaid Gin is an amazing gin from the Isle of Wight distillery, and this is their original seaside wonder. Rock samphire and Boadicea hops bring a real sense of the place, which when backed up by familiar botanicals like coriander, angelica, lemon and liquorice, create earthy sweetness and citrus zing. It’s an absolutely beautiful bottle too – check out their pink gin and the zest version also!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £35.99

Best gifts for a dad who loves whisky

Elijah Craig

Exceptional value. Elijah Craig were the first of their kind to char the barrels used in their Bourbon, pioneered by Reverend Elijah Craig on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in Kentucky. Local corn and grains are milled and mixed with limestone-rich local spring water before small-batch fermentation and distillation. A serial award winner, its woody vanilla and spiced caramel are accessible but elegant, leaving a long, toasted finish. A great introduction to top end Bourbon.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £32 (Clubcard Price)

Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky

What about an Indian whisky for an inquisitive whisky loving Dad? This Indian Single Malt is matured mostly in American oak ex-bourbon and European oak ex-sherry so you get kisses of sherry spice intertwining with earthy vanilla and baking spice. It’s so silky smooth and well-balanced that it would be difficult not to love, so see what Dad thinks!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £57.84

Dadvent 12 Dram Whisky Collection

This boozy advent from Drinks by the Dram is often in our Christmas recommendations but why not now with the ‘Dadvent’ reinvention? With 12 different 30ml wax-sealed samples, it’s a great way to try loads of different whiskies without buying the full bottle. It’s an expertly curated selection of different styles from producers such as Loch Lomond, Hatozaki and Rock Island, and adds a touch of excitement every day after his special day.

Size: 30ml x 12
ABV: 44.5%
Find here: £37.99 (usually more!)

Best gifts for a dad who loves tequila

Cazcabel Añejo

Made in Jalisco, Cazcabel deliver a super reliable tequila portfolio. Their Añejo rests in ex-Tennessee whiskey barrels for 14 months which imparts sweet oak, merging beautifully with the complex charred agave already present. Every sip feels exciting.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38.12

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

Panchos Datos pays homage to the poet of the Mexican Revolution, Ricardo Grijalva de León, which only adds to the classy theme and design of the bottle. Six months of ex-bourbon white oak certainly leave their mark with what you’d expect – exquisite vanilla and caramel coating the earthy agave spice in accessible sweetness. Not for shotting(!), this is a tequila to be slowly enjoyed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £61.95

Best gifts for a dad who loves vodka

Broken Clock Vodka

This award-winning English vodka is perfect if you’ve got one of those Dads with an opinion on everything because you can throw in an ‘even a broken clock is right twice a day’ joke. Everything about this spirit is English, from the oldest distillery in Cheshire where it’s made to the old Georgian recipes inspiring it – think russet apples and garden botanicals. The result is a perfumed nose and rich palate that’s so instantly characterful it’s a joy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.95

Dima's Vodka - Ukrainian Three-Grain

This has been on our radar since winning gold at the IWSC awards, and of course increasingly so since the war in Ukraine. In fact, owner Dima Deinega has done some incredible work raising funds for the effort. The liquid itself is from a 125-year-old Kyiv distillery and uses barley, rye and wheat, which is unusual. These, combined with the country’s well known dark supersoil leaves a seductively velvety smooth texture. Slightly nutty, biscuity and earthy, the viscosity here is worlds apart from horrible throat burning vodkas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30.72

Best gifts for a dad who loves rum

Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve Rum

Well, Appleton gave themselves this glorious present for their 250th birthday, so how about you give it to your Dad for Father’s Day? It’s Jamaican rum, aged for 8 years giving all the time in the world for those warm spices, toffee and honey notes to meld together and become an award darling. Worth every penny.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28.95 (usually more!)

Étän Rum

This golden rum brand is the brainchild of five Cameroonian sisters, hence the stencil of West Africa on the beautiful bottle. The spices used here (fevergrass, orange peel, cassia, ginger and vanilla) make for a unique concoction focusing on natural sweetness and spice. Low calorie, super smooth and immersive it is sure to make dad’s day.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £41

Best gifts for a dad who loves cocktails

Angels Dare Gift Box

A complete UK operation, Angels Dare’s four canned cocktails are perfect examples of how far ready-to-drink cocktails have come. The box itself is a beautiful design that screams gift. First up, Dad will see Secret Orchard, a fizzy, floral and fruity gin number. Next, Maverick Martini, a heady combo of tropical zing, vanilla and vodka for a punchy sweet-but-tart expression. Cheeky Wee Kiss is next, a gin cocktail with fiery rhubarb and warm ginger alongside strawberries and cranberries. Last but not least, La Bonnie Vita, a gently carbonated mocktail using Scottish raspberries, Sicilian Lemon and blood orange. They’re all really well made and refreshing, perfect for summer and perfect for dad.

Size: 250ml x 4
ABV: 8% plus a non-alcoholic mocktail
Find here: £25

Whisky Smoker Kit

If your Dad is interested in impressing you with theatrical cocktails, then you’ve got to take a look at this. Included in this mixology enhancing box is the wooden unit itself, a refillable torch, cleansing brush and four different wood chips to enhance your whisky with natural wood smoke. The kit is double-sided and accommodates glasses up to 10cm in diameter, so it could be used for cocktails too. If Dad has gotten into cocktail making, then he’ll surely love elevating the sensory experience with mesmerising smoke.

Find here: £30

Best gifts for a dad who loves cream liqueur

Somrus Coffee Cream

Now that’s an eye-catching bottle for Father’s Day. Inspired by South Indian Kaapi, it’s a silky medley of creamy roasted Arabica coffee, real Wisconsin dairy cream and handcrafted five-times distilled rum. 1% of the profit goes towards charitable causes too. With a sweeter coffee cream, it’s all about balance, and here it’s perfect – hence the prestigious awards.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £17.69

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur

Who wouldn’t like to open this vintage styled Irish Cream? It’s made in County Cork with fresh cream, triple distilled Irish whiskey and everything has a very fresh feel. The ingredients all come from the five farms the family owns, hence the name, so it’s very much a local creation. Expect sweet kisses of condensed milk, luxurious coffee and creamy vanilla.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £27.50

Godiva Chocolate Cream

Godiva was founded in the world capital of premium chocolate – Belgium. Building on their renowned expertise in chocolate, they decided to make a liqueur. You get a real sense of pure velvety dark chocolate here, with less sweetness than most. It’s as close to liquid chocolate as you can get in a liqueur, and yes, that is as delicious as it sounds.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £34.99

Drinks Hampers Perfect for Father’s Day

The Hawkstone Luxury Beer Hamper

Is Dad a fan of Clarkson’s Farm? Well how about treating dad to a hamper centred around Hawkstone, the beer from the show. Far from being a celebrity-fronted gimmick, the Hawkstone beers are raved about and rightly so. This hamper includes four different styles, as well as a generous selection of savoury snacks like premium cheese infused with truffle and olives.

ABV: Various
Find here: £45

The Craft Gin Club Tasting Hamper

There are more gins out there now than there have ever been, so who better to curate a must-try selection than The Craft Gin Club, the UK’s biggest gin loving club. Four stunning gins can be found in each hamper, each different from the last along with Franklin and Sons premium Indian tonic. That’s not all though as to complete his G&T experience, dad will be able to enjoy premium savoury snacks like truffle crisps and sunshine olives. It’s a really nicely presented hamper that any gin loving Dad will appreciate.

ABV: Various
Find here: £45

The Best Online Drinks Courses For Dad

WSET Course

This is a curveball that you won’t find in many gift guides, but if your Dad is super interested in his favourite drink, be that spirits, wines, beer or even sake, then WSET run courses on them to learn more eventually leading to a qualification. The courses we’ve linked below are beginner Level 1 courses to introduce you to that area of the industry but if dad needs more of a challenge then Level 2 and Level 3 are just as good a gift. It’s a fascinating and worthwhile journey on its own, but perhaps it could be a new project for a retired Dad, or the beginnings of a new career? There are no entry requirements, you just need a passion to learn. Click each link below to find out more.

Course: Spirits / Beer / Wine / Sake
Cost: £210-£250

Best gifts for a dad who doesn’t drink

Drydrinkers Father’s Day Gift Box

Non-alcoholic beers are still a relatively new area of the drinks industry and getting better all the time. If your Dad doesn’t drink, then a gift box like this is the ideal way to find his favourite No-Lo beer. From lagers to stouts to IPAs and exclusive brews, this special Father’s Day box has been expertly curated to fully explore this thriving scene and what a treat each can is. Click the link below for the full descriptions of the beers included!

Includes: 24 different beers, a Drydrinker beer glass worth £5.99 and a Divine chocolatier treat.
ABV: 0-0.5%
Find here: £79.95

If you’re after a drinks themed event to take your Dad out for Father’s Day and live in London, then how about this celebration and feast of London’s Urban Wine scene at Renegade? Raffles, winemakers, premium food, our very own Aidy Smith hosting and of course, tonnes of beautiful British wines.

A Celebration of London’s Urban Wineries with Aidy Smith

The Urban Winery scene in London has exploded over recent years, first with London Cru, who were then joined by Renegade, Vagabond and Blackbook, who are now all combining for a first-of-its-kind collaboration event featuring fascinating winemaking insight, beautifully paired dishes, a charity raffle, our very own Aidy and of course, plenty of incredible wines.

If you’re not familiar with urban wineries, they’re probably not a million miles away from what you’re picturing; compact vineyards and wineries that occupy corners in a city as opposed to the rolling hills of the countryside. By their stand-out nature, they also tend to particularly entrepreneurial with a focus on embracing different methods of winemaking.

These four wineries are coming together for a celebration of this movement on Sunday 15th June with two different events suitable for novices, enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. First, the Winemaker’s Lunch between 1PM and 3PM, hosted in the beautiful garden oasis of Renegade’s winery. Guests will enjoy a summer feast and of course, a wine pairing with each winemaker curating the perfect wine to match. 

And the best bit? Our own Aidy Smith will be hosting! Joined by the Evening Standard Food & Drinks Editor, Joanna Taylor, there will be a charity raffle for PrideWide and the ADHD Foundation with plenty of exquisite wines from the wineries going to the lucky winners.

The fun continues between 3:30PM and 8PM with a walkabout tasting where attendees can get up close and personal with the wines of the day and the people behind them, all in the perfect setting of Renegade’s stunning set-up. The bar and kitchen remain open all evening with a seasonal menu curated to complement the wines… which will be important for lining those stomachs if you want to get a real taste of every winery.

It's a great event at the heart of London’s dynamic urban wine scene, while also raising some money for great causes – particularly during Pride Month. If you want to be part of this exciting occasion, we’ll leave the key details and ticket links below!

Date: Saturday 15th June 2024
Time: Winemakers Lunch: 13:00–15:00 / Walkabout Tasting: 15:30 - 20:00
Location: Renegade Urban Winery Garden, Unit 7, Lockwood Way, E17 5RB
Travel: Nearest Tube - Blackhorse Road, Victoria Line (10min walk to event)
Tickets: Winemakers Lunch (£60-£65), Walkabout Tasting (£15-£20)

What is the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme?

Photo Credit: Ellen Richardson

Do you have a love for wine but don’t know where to start when looking for jobs in the industry? Are you from an under-represented community? If your answer to both questions was ‘yes’, then read on as the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme is for you.

What is the Decanter 360 Academy?

Now in its second year, the programme was set up to give people from under-represented communities a chance to flourish in what can otherwise feel like an industry that is harder to take a step into. Recognising the need for change, the Decanter 360 Academy is committed to increasing and promoting diversity and inclusivity within the wine sector by providing opportunities for all under-represented communities.

Through the programme one chosen candidate will receive comprehensive experience and training across various departments within Decanter including sales, events & awards operations, editorial and marketing. The candidate will also gain a wine related qualification and be paid a full London living wage salary while they learn.

Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme is an excellent programme but don’t just take our word for it, click here to see what last year’s successful candidate, Annona Dodoo, has to say about her experiences.

Who can apply for the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme?

The Academy is open to people from under-represented backgrounds who have a real enthusiasm for wine and are wanting to take their first steps into a career in the wine industry.

How can I apply?

You will need to submit a short cover letter explaining why you would like to join the industry and why you are the best person for this opportunity, along with your CV to decanter360@futurenet.com. Find more detailed information about the job here and more detailed information about the training you will receive here. Good luck!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose June

We’re back with some Supermarket Wine Bargains for June, and they are superb this month at Waitrose. We’ve got four luscious reds and crisp whites, as well as couple of yummy Rosé suggestions too. Every bottle we’ve highlighted comes in for under £10, which is an absolute bargain considering the quality. See which takes your fancy and get stuck in before the deals run out on the 2nd July!

Waitrose Red Wines June 2024

Terre Di Faiano Primitivo Organic Puglia

Good old Terre di Faiano, always a go-to for value. This is their full-bodied organic Primitivo, hitting you with a seductive blackcurrant aroma from the off. Beyond that, it softens out with more luxurious dark fruits, oaky vanilla and a kiss of dark chocolate. So easy to love and even easier to drink.

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

Edmundo Malbec

Top notch Argentinian Mendoza Malbec here. It delivers everything you want and more – rich blackberry and plum flavour, tobacco and leather notes and a crack of earthy pepper to finish. Soft, easy-drinking and perfect alongside red meat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £11.99)

Little Giant Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

The shorter stumpy bottle stands out, and so does the garnet gem inside. It’s a full-flavoured taste of Australian Coonawarra. Blackcurrant, blackberry, cassis and spice brood away set amongst finer earthy tannins and 14.5% heat. Affordable quality and entertaining complexity.

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

Mucho Mas

£7 for this – yes please. Madrid-based and still family-owned despite their expansion, this is their red glugger. And red it is too, as you taste the first sip you can almost see the colour itself – ripe, jammy and bright, it bursts with berries, plums and darker fruits. A crack of pepper and soft vanilla round things off nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.99 (usually £8.49)

Waitrose Rosé Wines June 2024

Esprit de Buganay Côtes de Provence Rosé

Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache combine for a Rosé that transports you to the Mediterranean, with a whirlwind of salinity, citrus and herbal notes. It brings a lot more texture and flavour than nearby Rosé, but maintains the characterful and elegant strawberries and peach.

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

Tread Softly Rosé

If you buy six of these bottles, Tread Softly plant a native tree, and you might end up buying six after trying your first. It’s sustainable with minimal preservatives and naturally lighter in alcohol. As a result, the flavour is more delicate with no overbearing sweetness and great refreshment. Imagine dry strawberries and cream with a waft of florality. Gorgeous bottle too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9.9%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose White Wines June 2024

Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Benchmark Marlborough Sauvignon in a few different supermarkets. It’s so reliable and delivers exactly what you’re looking for – the gooseberry nose, the tropical notes and the bright grapefruit zing. Zippy acidity slices through every elegant and well-rounded sip.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.49 (usually £10.49)

Pinot Gris Urmeer Löss

This is Kendermanns’ Pinot Gris from Rheinhesse which used to be covered by an ancient sea, so the soil is so fertile and rich minerals and water retention. This, combined with the relatively dry climate makes for a zingy expression leading with juicy pear but filling out with peach, lemon zest and subtle wet stone. Crisp, full and wonderfully light.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.49)

Zacharias Assyrtiko

This is a great little pick up. Hailing from Peloponnese in Greece, the Zacharias estate make the most of Greek’s noble white grape – Assyrtiko. It’s got a lot more depth than similar creations, but retains accessible fruit-forward flavour. Orchard fruits are plentiful, the streak of saline minerality is welcome, and it’s a tremendous introduction to the grape.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

Paul Mas Réserve Languedoc Blanc

From the prestigious Jean-Claude Mas vineyards in Languedoc comes this rich and fragrant beauty. The ever so slightly oily mouthfeel carries juicy peach which counters the vivid lemon nicely. Mineral depths and orchard fruits bring everything together for the total package. Try it!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Other Great Discounts Worth Checking Out:

RED WINE:

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico – Was £14.99 Now £10.99

Catena Malbec – Was £13.99 Now £11.99

The Hedonist Shiraz – Was £10.50 Now £8

Château Musar Aana Cinsault Grenache & Cabernet Sauvignon – Was £17.99 Now £13.99

Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel – Was £22.99 Now £17.24

WHITE WINE:

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand – Was £11.99 Now £8.99

Villa Maria Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – Was £14.99 Now £11.99

Berthier Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc – Was £13.99 Now £10.99

ROSÉ WINE:

Whispering Angel Provence Rose – Was £11.49 Now £9.49

Alaina Rosé – Was £12.99 Now £9.49

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

Chenin Blanc Beyond South Africa

Image credit: Will Wong

How will you celebrate Drink Chenin Day on 8th June?

Mention Chenin Blanc and you may think of South Africa. It was their signature grape till the late 20th century (often called Steen) when reds often replaced it, but it’s still the most widely planted Cape white grape, though it now only makes up one vine in five. Fortunately, old bush vine Chenin is having a renaissance with its intense flavours and longevity.

The grape itself can be traced to the Middle Loire Valley in France (see map below); sandwiched between the Melon de Bourgogne of Muscadet near the Atlantic coast, and the Sauvignon Blanc of the Upper Loire (Sancerre and Pouilly). 

The Nantes vineyards near Muscadet were planted by the Romans in the 4th century. In the year 2000, the Loire Valley was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is now the world’s largest Chenin Blanc growing region; accounting for almost 20% of all grapes planted there.

This versatile white grape adapts to a range of climates, from cool to moderate and warm. Flavours therefore vary according to the ripeness from apple to lemon through to peach and mango. Its natural high acidity makes Chenin Blanc suitable for late harvesting and cellaring for years in the bottle. Styles of wine range from dry to sweet, both oaked and unoaked. One of the most famous Loire appellations is Vouvray, with 7% of Chenin Blanc grown worldwide. Historically, about half of Chenin is made into sparkling wines especially in the cooler and wetter years. 

Whatever your first and recent experience of Chenin Blanc might be, we will take you through three wines from the Loire, then Margaret River in Western Australia before finishing in Stellenbosch, South Africa with a twist.

Bernard Fouquet Cuvée de Perruches Vouvray 2022

Image credit: Will Wong

Established in 1978, Domaine des Aubuisières now owns thirty hectares of vineyard with clay-limestone terroir. The cuvée wines are the result of the partnership with local winemakers who select their best juices from different terroirs of the AOC Vouvray, before vinifying and blending in their cellars or on farms. Fermentation and ageing take place in temperature-controlled tanks.

Best taken out of the fridge 20 minutes ahead of serving, it’s bone dry with crisp acidity, and hints of ripe green apples. It has a mineral grip with tension. Serve with summer salad, creamy goat cheese or brie. Buttered white fish could be a lovey partner. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £13.99 or £11.99 Mix Six

Savennières VB 2022

Image credit: Will Wong

Savennières AOC spreads over 3 hills of schist totalling about 150 hectares, with steep south-facing vineyards situated on the north bank of the river Loire, in the Anjou-Saumur subregion. It is all Chenin Blanc here, and as a result of the low maximum yield restrictions imposed under appellation laws, the wines are highly concentrated and can be surprisingly long lived.

Savennières is typically more full-bodied than dry Vouvray, and a significant step up in concentration and quality from basic Anjou blanc. The dry wines are often steely and tart in their youth, comparable to good Chablis. This character begins to dissipate after five or so years in bottle.

Vignoble Branchereau (VB) is a sub-brand of Domaine des Forges, a five-generation family story since 1890. Environmental sustainability lies at the heart of their viticultural practice. The 2022 is the maiden vintage of a former stagiare (apprentice) of VB, made with their help. 

A serious gastro wine worth decanting and best served at 12ºC, with grilled or pan-fried white fish or poultry. Bold with oak influence. It is complex with citrus fruits and a long savoury mineral finish. Drink to 2027.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £17.50

Langlois-Chateau 'L'Extra par Langlois' Crémant de Loire Brut

Image credit: Will Wong

Crémant de Loire is the regional appellation for sparkling wines from Anjou, Saumur and Touraine – the heartland of the Loire Valley wine region of France. It was introduced in 1975 to provide France with a widely recognisable, high quality Loire sparkling wine title, as an alternative to the increasingly expensive wines of Champagne.

Using méthode traditionelle (secondary fermentation in the bottle as Champagne) rather than tank production, most Crémant spends at least 9 months in bottle on the lees during and following its secondary fermentation. Up to 11 grapes are permitted except Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc is the principal ingredient. 

Langlois-Chateau (not Chateau Langlois as it is sometimes thought) was created by Edouard Langlois and his wife Jeanne Château in 1885. It has been part of the Champagne Bollinger group since 1973. 

This sparkling wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc (60%) and Chardonnay (40%) with tight, persistent effervescence and a complex, nutty, gently honeyed nose. Maturation on the lees for a minimum of 12 months gives that biscuity flavour, adding a lingering sparkle to an easy-drinking fruity fizz. Serve cold between 8-10ºC and your party will lighten up. If stored correctly (away from direct light, heat source and on its side), the wine might further develop for up to three years. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.99 or £10.99 Mix SIx.

South by Southwest Margaret River Chenin Blanc 2022

Image credit: Will Wong

Located 300km south of Perth in Western Australia, set between the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay and the rugged Cape Leeuwin, you will find Margaret River, one of the world's premium and most isolated winemaking regions. With ocean on three sides, Margaret River is blessed with a Mediterranean climate of warm days and warm/cool nights. Cooling sea breezes from the southern Indian Ocean help to moderate temperatures and slow ripening; giving lower yield but top quality grapes. 

This region is more widely associated with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc however has a long history in Western Australia, with the first plantings coming from South Africa over 150 years ago. Oversupply led to the less good sites mostly pulled up, leaving only the very best. 

South by South West is the story of Mijan Patterson and Livia Maiorana (Mij & Liv), both sharing a passion for wine and desire for adventure that sparked a wine safari in 2013 across the most prized wine producing regions in California, Italy, France and British Columbia. In 2016 they turned their vision into reality by starting the winery; with the potential for making small batch wines that are both contemporary and classic, to tell a story about their region of origin.

The duo made their first Chenin only in 2020. Since then, they have experimented with a number of different styles and winemaking techniques – bonus for wine geeks: skin contact, tank ferment, barrel ferment, short maturation, longer maturation, newer oak, neutral oak, malolactic conversion, oxidation, and residual sugar.

2022 is their third vintage of Chenin, and what a star it is! Sourced from a single vineyard in the Treeton sub-region, the wine was barrel fermented and matured in old French oak barriques for nine months. Many of the barrels for this wine were purchased from Leeuwin Estate and previously used to make the iconic Art Series chardonnay, enhancing this wine's fantastic value.

The oak influence is subtle and pleasing. Notwithstanding their proud Margaret River spin, it was more Old World at first sip. Crisp citrus acidity with restrained fruit. Refined and balanced with a medium-body. A real gem.

The greatest surprise was it paired exceptionally well with venison lasagne. Not tried personally but according to goodpairdays.com, this Chenin Blanc is a top match for roast cauliflower or cauliflower soup, richer white meats like pork belly and creamy chicken breast dishes, and especially with recipes involving a classic Cantonese sweet and sour character. Coconut milk curries, cashew chicken and roast poultry will all work beautifully, too.

Drink to 2027. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13.95 

Aslina Skin Contact Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2022

Image credit: Will Wong

Look at the label of any South African wine, chances are you will see Stellenbosch a lot. Situated east of Cape Town in southwestern South Africa, virtually all of the Cape’s most famous wine estates are in the Stellenbosch district. At its heart lies the leafy university town surrounded by Arcadian countryside, whose curling white Cape Dutch gables are the beautiful cliché of the Cape.

Born in Mahlabathini, a rural village in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa's first female black winemaker Ntsiki Biyela won a scholarship to study oenology and viticulture at Stellenbosch University in 1999, then made her name at Stellekaya, a boutique winery in Stellenbosch, picking up several awards along the way. She bottled her first Aslina wine in 2016, and the range now includes a Cabernet, a Bordeaux-style blend, Umsasane, a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc. 

Aslina is a tribute to her late grandmother who inspired and supported her. Fruit is sourced to the desired style and the wines are made at Koelenhof in Stellenbosch. When she is not making and promoting her own wines both at home and abroad, she is an active industry spokeswoman, and sits on the Board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy which provides education and training to underprivileged young people to prepare them for work in the wine and hospitality industries. In 2017, she was listed in the World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink by Fortune’s Food & Wine.

If you look closely at the wine label, it echoes Ntsiki’s Zulu culture and heritage with a calabash, a traditional clay drinking vessel. Although used typically for beer, Ntsiki has her own unique twist by adding grapes to the calabash, transforming it into a container for her distinctive wines.

This is altogether a different kind of South African Chenin Blanc. No oak, texture from seven days’ skin contact does not overwhelm the ripe and soft fruit. Complex with an intense saline mineral long finish. Paired beautifully with crab pasta. Drink to 2025.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £16.99

If you want to explore Chardonnay, find our globetrotting guide here!

By Will Wong

Curious Vines: Supporting Women in Wine

Image credit: Curious Vines

The wine industry is typically perceived to be conservative and retains that reputation of being elitist and a difficult industry for newcomers to access. However, Queena Wong is a leading voice striving for industry change and commissioned a survey with PROOF Insight, in October 2023, about conditions for Women in Wine.

The survey results had revealed that 78% of the women working in the wine industry believed that sexism was rife within the wine world. Queena subsequently provided a statement in response to a March 2024 article by The Times concerning the revelations of unfair treatment for women working in wine coined to be the wine industry’s Me Too moment.

Queena is on a mission to raise awareness for the invisible within the wine world, as well as advancements for wine education, and to provide that stage for women in wine. She is the Founder of the Curious Vines community, which champions women in wine and her efforts have been recognised in the industry with her recent number two ranking in the Drinks Retailing Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks, in 2024. Impressively, Queena has also been instrumental in working alongside The Wine and Spirit Trade Association, The Drinks Trust and The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) to create a diversity and inclusion platform to inspire that growth and change that we wish to see. Without further ado, let’s dive a bit further in to the essential space that the Curious Vines community has created within the wine industry.

What is Curious Vines?

You might therefore be curious about Curious Vines so let’s discover more. Queena set up Curious Vines as a community fuelled platform focusing on women in wine and has seen enormous growth as more than 1100 women are currently registered members! The community’s main pillars are education, community and safeguarding and achieve these elements through a variety of programmes and events. The community has a newsletter that members receive regularly with useful information about things of interest and news within the wine world to provide that necessary encouragement and support.

How Does Curious Vines Help Women in Wine?

As mentioned above, there are a plethora of activities that Curious Vines members can partake in and the overall ethos of the community is to ensure that there is an ongoing level of support. As such, Curious Vines members, who enrol via the Curious Vines newsletter, may receive useful tips on how to break the glass ceiling, details of writing opportunities from various publications and requests for pitches are included plus there are a number of study programmes available including the Master of Wine Study Programme (for those already holding a WSET Diploma), alongside the opportunity to be involved in prizes such as the Bollinger Curious Vines Education Award.

No subjects are left uncovered and therefore ageism and the patriarchy within the field of wine has also received a mention! There are various events across London that are mentioned within the newsletter and therefore there is truly that support system in effect for many women and non-binary members who may feel isolated or may not feel confident about the level of resources and opportunities available, which may not always be transparent. Thankfully, Queena’s community platform is striving to make that transformational change to increase inclusivity in this vein. Whilst there may be all of the educational and informative aspects to consider, the Curious Vines community also takes the opportunity to celebrate the talents of the women that are a part of its membership pool. Those that have received awards or other celebratory occasions are given those shout outs too!

What are the forthcoming Curious Vines events?

There are indeed events occurring this summer so we would like to highlight the nearest event that will occur in June 2024!

Curious Vines showcases many careers panel events and this latest one will focus on women in wine within Spain. Sponsored by Bibendum and Decanter there will be a celebratory element as the panel’s esteemed guests and pioneering women will impart their knowledge from their wine journeys. The respective panel guests are Almudena Alberca MW, Monika Linton, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Marta Juega Rivera and Emily Brighton MW.

Almudena’s credentials include being the first female MW in Spain, did you know? She began her wine career by producing boutique wines in Viñas de Cenit in Spain and has also been the Spanish specialist for AvivaVino in New York. Almudena has also been the Brand Ambassador for Oeno since 2021.

Monika is the founder of the Brindisa tapas restaurants that we all know and love. She created this brand with the first branch in Borough Market bringing this concept of tapas bars to London and we are forever grateful!

Sarah Jane is also a writer and consultant as well as being a Master in Wine. Her specialties include Spain and Sherry – she is a certified Sherry educator. Sarah also adds to her credentials the role of chairman of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino.

Marta is a researcher by background and has always been keen on innovation. She has worked at Bodegas Diaz Bajo in Ribera del Duero in the beginning of her career up to being the Head of Positive Impact Strategy and Winemaker now for Alliance Wine.

Emily is currently the youngest female Master of Wine, which is another achievement to be celebrated! Her wine interest began from joining the wine society as a university student. Emily’s wine career included her work at Majestic and Bibendum. Now, Emily can be found within her role as Technical Manager for North South Wines.

Such an illustrious panel of innovative women in wine is bound to create an exciting event for all attending!

How Can I Get Involved With Curious Vines?

This is a very good question as the more Curious Vines members the better in this aim to create greater inclusivity within the drinks industry!

Firstly, a good step to take will be to register for this forthcoming panel event in June 2024, that we have mentioned above, regarding the talented women within the Spanish wine industry. To make it easier for you, here is the booking link (there are just a few tickets remaining at the time of writing) :

Furthermore, you could also register for the Curious Vines newsletter on its site, to make things a bit easier to navigate your way through the industry as a woman/ non-binary.

Unfortunately, it’s come a bit later than other industries but the wine world is now recognising that need for inclusivity and diversity to create a welcoming space for all seeking to have a voice and promote their passion as a oenophile. Initiatives such as Curious Vines spearheading these transformations are a necessary component in this ongoing fight for a level playing field. Hopefully, with Curious Vines’ continuous efforts and support, we may gradually see this positive impact reverberating with a decline in the numbers of those feeling excluded. We are certainly crossing our fingers for more of this positive change to unfold!

By Latoya Austin

What Are Aromatised Wines?

Aromatised wines have ancient roots that date back thousands of years. In hunter-gatherer societies, wine-like drinks were infused with botanicals for rituals, ceremonies and medicinal purposes. In Ancient Rome, wine was mixed with water and spiked with herbs and spices. The Romans initially aromatised lesser quality wines to make them more palatable and we know drinking aided their digestion. Intriguing flavours with medicinal properties derived from nature were considered both beneficial and enjoyable to drink.

Today, our modern aromatised wines are important in bar and cocktail culture and, of course, every home bar should have some in stock (preferably chilling in the fridge) in readiness for that drinker who always appreciates a more sensory flavour experience. 

Not suited to all tastes, bitter-sweet drinks are enjoyed by many people, especially those who enjoy dark chocolate. And just like chocolate, sweetness falls on a spectrum. If you’re a home bartender you never know when a sudden desire for a Manhattan, Negroni or Martini might strike in one of your guests. Like every good Boy Scout or Girl Guide, being prepared is imperative. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FORTIFIED WINES AND AROMATISED WINES?

Whenever wine has neutral distilled alcohol added, it is fortified, i.e it’s been strengthened. The biggest players in fortified wines are Port, Sherry and Marsala. But none of these regional tipples (from Portugal, Spain and Sicily respectively) are considered ‘aromatised’ wines. They are simply wines with higher ABV. 

Aromatised wines belong under the same family umbrella as fortified wines because of the alcohol added. ABV is typically between 14.5% and 22%. What differentiates this sub-category is the addition of aromatic botanicals. The wine becomes more complex with the addition of spices, herbs, roots, flowers, leaves and fruit. Bitter botanicals are characteristic, so to balance the bitterness, aromatised wine is typically sweetened, either with sugar or caramel colouring which can deepen the liquid’s colour as well as adding sweetness to the mix.

So the difference is - fortified wines have neutral alcohol added but no herbs or spices. Aromatised wines have neutral alcohol added and aromatic botanicals, sometimes sugar. Some brands use mistelle as an ingredient for sweetness which is a blend of slightly fermented white grape wine to which brandy has been added too.

BOTANICALS & DIFFERENT VARIETIES

The principal botanicals used in aromatic wines are bitter herbs: wormwood, quinine and gentian. The three main types of aromatised wine are Vermouth (wormwood), Quinquina or Chinato (quinine/cinchona) and Americano (wormwood and gentian). Vermouth far outweighs the other varieties in worldwide popularity because of its use as a staple in many popular cocktails so that’s what this article focuses on. The most famous Quinquina is Dubonnet, an aromatised French red wine often enjoyed as an aperitif. Americano is an Italian aperitif which can be an aromatised version of Bianco or Rosa wine.  

Other botanicals used in the making of aromatised wines are ones you may recognise from gin production - think exotic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Citrus peels, roots, flowers, and barks may also be used, adding layers of nuance and complexity to the wine's flavour profile. Each ingredient contributes its character to the final blend.

VERMOUTH

The king of all aromatised wines, the name Vermouth comes from the German word for the intensely bitter herb, wormwood—vermut.

Strict rules exist around how it’s made and what counts as Vermouth:

The first rule is one of the flavourings must be wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). 

The plant’s weedy, eucalyptus, intensely herbaceous character attacks both the front and back palate which means that infusing wine with wormwood in any meaningful quantity imparts great herbaceousness and a bitter undertone. Wormwood has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce swelling and pain in joints and muscles, to aid digestion, and to treat skin infections and intestinal worms, hence its curious name. Wormwood is also a known ingredient in absinthe. The taste is extremely bitter but this can be sweetened.

The second rule for Vermouth is that there should be a minimum wine content of 75%. So, three quarters wine and a helping of wormwood and you’re well on the way to making Vermouth!

French and Italian Vermouth Origins

Traditionally Dry Vermouth was seen as the French style, while Sweet Vermouth was Italian. Although contemporary innovations have now blurred these distinctions, it’s good to recognise the origins. If you see Vermouth di Torino on a bottle label it means the liquid originates from Piedmont, the region of Italy around Turin, where Vermouth was first made. So as a rule of thumb, if Torino is on the label, you can expect it to be something pretty special.  

Today, modern Vermouths come from several worldwide wine-growing regions, not just France and Italy. Producers are permitted to use the name Vermouth as long as they adhere to the above rules. 

Colour and sweetness range across the full bitterness/sweetness spectrum, going from the light-coloured Extra Dry to Dry to Bianco/Blanco to Rosé/Rosata and finally Sweet (red) Vermouth. The first three of those are typically made from white wine but so too can rosé and sweet vermouth be made from white grapes. The final liquid that’s bottled doesn’t necessarily reflect the colour of the grapes the wine originated as, because caramel colouring is often added to white wine to create the red-coloured Sweet Vermouths. Here’s the spectrum from driest to sweetest:

1. Extra Dry Vermouth: The appearance of this is clear, the colour is pale lemon, and it tastes very dry with just a hint of flowers. Great for extra dry martinis. See La Copa Extra Seco, the Spanish Vermouth below. 

2. Dry Vermouth: More of a pale gold hue, this is a bit sweeter, spicier and has more herbal complexity than its extra dry counterpart. Shines in a martini or just sip this one neat (chilled) or over ice. The well-loved brand below is Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth de France.

3. Bianco/Blanco Vermouth: This one is medium lemon or gold in colour, tastes more tart and light and a bit like sweet vermouth but with a tangy citrus brightness. It's nice to sip alone or mix with soda or tonic. See the Argentinian Blanco Vermouth from La Fuerza below.

4. Rosé/Rosata Vermouth: Made with white or rosé wine to give it a naturally pretty pink colour, this Vermouth often bears a mix of sweet and bitter citrus and floral notes. You can sip it alone or mix it with soda or tonic. 

5. Sweet Vermouths: Colour is typically red and intensity can vary from medium amber to deep red. Made from any wine, they often have caramel added to deepen the colour and balance the bitterness of the wormwood with sweetness. A smooth, sweet, mouth-filling texture with some complexity coming from spicy botanicals. Sweet Vermouths are famously used in cocktails like the Manhattan, Negroni and the Negroni’s lighter, drier cousin the Gin & It. Cocchi VdT is ideal for this cocktail which would work well with lighter citrus or herbal gins.

HOW TO SERVE VERMOUTH 

Vermouth is an enjoyable drink you can sip slowly, either by itself or with ice and a slice of citrus or an olive. When you want something with flavour but not too much alcohol it’s a great choice. “Martini and Lemonade” or “Cinzano and Lemonade” was a popular choice for ladies in the 1970s, “with ice and a slice”. For a lighter option, mix vermouth with Indian tonic water and you’ve got a refreshing, uplifting beverage for ladylike sipping. 

Vermouth isn't just for sipping as the main alcohol in the glass—it's an important ingredient in famous cocktails like the Martini, Negroni, Manhattan, and Martinez. If you like making cocktails at home, make sure you have different bottles of vermouth at the ready. 

But don’t leave them on the shelf or stashed at the back of your drinks cabinet—because they don’t keep. While the elevated alcohol and sugar help to preserve vermouth longer than wine, once you open the bottle, it starts to oxidise and change, so keep bottles chilling in the fridge, ideally sealed with a vacuum stopper.

THE BEST DRY VERMOUTHS FOR A MARTINI

Vermouth tends to pair well with just about any spirit but its most famous partner in crime is gin to which it brings balance and nuanced flavours in the form of a Classic Martini - botanical bliss.

EXTRA DRY: La Copa Extra Seco (Spain)

Extra dry vermouth contains the least amount of sugar out of all the Vermouths. Spain popularised Vermut. Using a base of Fino sherry, this extra dry Vermouth is built around the Gonzalez Byass original 1896 ‘French Vermouth’ recipe. It has herbaceous and citrus aromas with a distinctive dry savoury character. Red fruits have been added to enhance the balsamic notes to give this a long, salty finish. Ideal for an equal parts Classic Martini (aka ‘Wet’ Martini) when extra dry is called for. If you like a Dirty Martini, this is one to try. Add an olive for garnish and a splash of brine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £18.49

DRY: Noilly Prat Original Dry (France)

Made from a selection of the finest white wines with 20 different herbs and spices including aromatic chamomile flower and coriander from Morocco and bitter oranges from Tunisia. Pairs best with seafood such as oysters. This is best served chilled as an aperitif or in a Classic Dry Martini. Garnish “with a twist” of lemon peel.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: £13

BLANCO: La Fuerza Blanco Vermouth (Argentina)

La Fuerza is an Argentine independent project that creates drink and food experiences with a strong local identity. This is their Blanco ‘Vermouth of The Andes’ crafted in Mendoza with wine made from Malbec and Torrontes grapes. Botanicals are sourced from different parts of the country and wild herbs are harvested from the foothills of the Andes. Notes of mint, wild thyme and sage, rosemary, anise, coriander seeds and chamomile flowers. La Fuerza Blanco goes well in any Martini, whatever your ratios or garnish preference. Alternatively, you may enjoy sipping it alone with ice or add some tonic water and a slice of lemon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £21.99

THE BEST SWEET VERMOUTHS FOR A NEGRONI

Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino (Italy)

This iconic Sweet Vermouth from Piedmont, Italy was voted 2020 Top Trending Vermouth and 2020 Best-Selling Vermouth in the World’s 100 Best Bars. Produced using the same recipe Giulio Cocchi created in 1891. It has a remarkably complex flavour with rich, vibrant notes of cocoa, citrus and rhubarb with a balance bitter undertone. For the perfect Negroni, combine equal parts of Cocchi VdT, gin and bitters over ice. Stir and garnish with an orange peel. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £20

La Fuerza Rojo Vermouth (Argentina)

Crafted from 100% Malbec, Mendoza-grown grapes and wild herbs harvested from the foothills of the Andes in Argentina. A local and unique Vermouth that is truly the ‘Vermouth of The Andes’. Earthy notes with mace, star anise, dried fruits and spice with notes of peppermint and green tea. Served in a Negroni, the earthy notes really shine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £21.99

Bolney Rosso Vermouth (UK) 50cl 20% ABV £17.00

A delicious, award-winning English Rosso Vermouth from Bolney Estate in rural Mid-Sussex, pioneers of award-winning English wine since 1972. This vermouth has rich sloe and blackcurrant fruit flavours with caramel, eucalyptus and wormwood with faint rosé and elderflower blossom. Rich red colour with herbal and spicy tones. Awarded a gold medal at the 2022 World Vermouth Awards, this is a must-try for a fruitier-tasting red Negroni. Serve with equal parts Amaro, Bolney Gin and Bolney Vermouth over ice and garnish with a slice of candied orange.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £17

SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO TRY: ORANGE VERMOUTH

Denbies Orange Solaris is a hugely successful English white wine from one of England’s largest vineyards in Surrey. Made in the style of a red from 100% Solaris grapes, the wine stays on skins for up to five months to give it a unique, bold orangey flavour. At the end of 2023, Denbies released an aromatised version of this innovative wine: English Orange Vermouth made from the second pressings of Orange Solaris wine. There’s a crisp bitterness, apricot hues and a strong citrus character that nods heavily towards freshly peeled tangerines, bergamot, thyme and baked apple. This unique vermouth has bright notes that make a wonderful Orange Negroni. You can also enjoy this served over ice as a spritzer, mixing with equal parts of soda water and Denbies sparkling wine. 

How long does vermouth keep once the bottle is opened?

Whichever aromatised wines you decide to try, because of their wine base - which by EU and US law must be a minimum of 75% - these are not spirits so their shelf life is shorter than you may think. Once opened, keep your bottles in the fridge (whether white or red) and ideally use them within a month. If you doubt an aromatised wine’s condition, let your nose be the guide, just as you would with wine.  

Viva Vermouth! Happy sipping Vermouth lovers. 

By Robbie Jerram