MY LATEST BLOG POSTS...

Valentine’s Day always stirs a particular excitement in me. It gives something of the thrill akin to a Jilly Cooper novel (I loved Rivals on TV last autumn!) – mysterious admirers, loving gifts and the promise of wine from my husband, or perhaps even a secret admirer! However, I do find that many British men don’t share in the excitement that women have for Valentine’s Day. Some British men, particularly those of a certain vintage, view Valentine’s Day as more of a chore t

Last year, I hosted my largest event to date — a Wine Safari for 80 guests on the rooftop of Bank of New York Mellon. For the first time, I wasn’t pouring solo. I was joined by two brilliant women in wine: Corinne Seely, winemaker at Exton Park and former youngest female winemaker in Bordeaux Kirsty Woodgate, wine expert and long-time industry colleague Together, we led guests through a tasting journey of wines owned or made by women, from classic Margaux to sta

Ropes & Gray asked me to design a wine experience to mark 15 years of business in the UK, alongside the opening of new offices in Paris and Milan. This was a significant moment for the firm not just an anniversary. From the outset, the brief was clear: the wines needed to mean something. This wasn’t about showcasing prestige for its own sake; it was about telling the firm’s story through the glass. Elizabeth & Wine designed a tasting that mirrored the business journey:

February is the month of love, and for me, it’s also the month of bubbles. Sparkling wine has long been associated with celebration, but there’s more to sparkling wine than corks hitting the ceiling and froth spraying forth. Behind every great bottle, there’s often a woman winemaker quietly reshaping tradition with courage, craft, and grace.   This month, I’m raising a glass to two female winemakers who make fabulous sparkling wines and who’ve inspired me: Constance Delaire

Ever wondered how many calories are in your glass of wine? 175ml red (14%) ≈ 175 calories 175ml white (12.5%) ≈ 150 calories 125ml Champagne (11%) ≈ 90 calories For context:One McVitie’s Digestive (plain or chocolate) is around 70–85 calories. Alcohol level and sweetness matter — not all glasses are created equal. Worth knowing, not worth stressing. So, what’s your favourite wine… and how many biscuits would you swap it for? Elizabeth x

We hosted a special tasting last month to celebrate Ropes & Gray LLP marking 15 years in London, and it reminded me why I love building events around a story. They were originally founded in Boston, and this year they opened new offices in Paris and Milan. So instead of choosing “nice wines,” we built the tasting around their journey: - An English sparkling to honour London - A French 2010 vintage to nod to Paris - An Italian 2010 vintage for Milan 2010 is, of cour

Drinking less is no longer unusual – it’s the norm for many of us, especially at this time of year. Although, I must confess I never do Dry January as my birthday is on 16 January and champagne will always be poured - instead October is my sober month.  As of May 2025, 53% of UK adults reported enjoying a no- or low-alcohol drink in the past 12 months. The no/low market was worth an estimated £380 million at the end of 2024 and is forecast to more than double to £800 millio

Here is the full text from the article screenshots, organized into a single blog post format: ENGLISH WINES Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite shares her recommendations for brilliant English wines to enjoy this winter – from sparkling stars to supermarket favourites and hidden gems. ENGLISH wine just gets better and better. This summer’s warm, dry conditions have set the stage for a standout vintage and while we won’t be tasting the 2025 wines for a couple of years, all signs point

Here are my go-to favourites — simple, sparkling and guaranteed to bring a little extra magic to your celebrations. 1. Poinsettia A bright, elegant classic with a wintery twist. You’ll need:• 25ml Triple Sec• 50ml cranberry juice• 75ml Aldi Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut or Prosecco• 1 fresh bay leaf Method:Add Triple Sec and cranberry juice to a flute, top with chilled fizz and garnish with a fresh bay leaf.Festive, refreshing and impossibly pretty. 2. Negroni Sbagliato

These three whites are brilliant examples of quality without the cost: versatile, crowd-pleasing and beautifully made. Perfect for holiday lunches, cosy evenings with cheese, or simply keeping a chilled bottle ready in the fridge for guests. Let’s explore them in more detail.

Sainsbury’s really delivers this season, and I’m a big fan of their own-brand ‘Taste the Difference’ range. The quality has been consistently impressive, especially for the price, and whilst it’s hard to pick favourites, here are three bottles that stand out. From beautifully aged English sparkling to small-production Pinot Noir and a generous southern French white, these wines feel crafted and thoughtful without stretching the budget. Three very different wines, each d

Supermarket wines are stronger than ever this Christmas, with brilliant value across sparkling styles if you know where to look. Two bottles stand out immediately: Veuve Monsigny Champagne from Aldi offers exceptional quality for under £15, with a style that feels far more premium than its price tag. Contevedo Cava is another reliable sparkling, vibrant, savoury and refreshing, ideal for festive parties and seafood or cheese boards. These are the kinds of bottles that make

A thoughtful, sustainable, and elegant wine without ever feeling stuffy or expensive. Bijou Pinot Noir — my festive fave: Feels luxe, subtle oak, fine tannins, red cherry. Perfect with duck, lamb stew, or a festive cheese board. The story behind Sophie Valrose: The range is named after a real-life hero — a vineyard worker in the Languedoc in the late 19th/early 20th century. Sophie didn’t just tend the vines; she fought for the rights of women in the vineyards at a tim

My current favourites… and honestly, they’re world-class. My Favourite English Sparkling: Weyborne Oriana Golden Spur The latest release from the talented wine maker Ben Abric at Weyborne. You can enjoy this as an aperitif, its lifted citrus, orchard fruit full of energy makes it fun to drink with smoked salmon bellinis all afternoon. It would be equally at home with grilled seabass because of the subtle oxidative winemaking adds depth and complexity to this wine with a s

Weyborne’s new Oriana Golden Spur is all about precision, place, and a little bit of magic and it was a privilege to be at the launch at Clarette restaurant last week, hearing Ben Abric and William Sharpley lift the veil on how this wine is made. £45 · weyborne.com Also at Hawkins Bros, Wine & Earth, Farr Vintners and Bibendum. What makes Oriana Golden Spur stand out?• Highest point of the South Downs National Park – a 25-acre single estate, entirely grown and made on th

10am Champagne on a Monday isn’t my usual start to the week… but for Laurent-Perrier, I’ll make an exception. 🍾 The tasting at 67 Pall Mall reminded me why this house remains one of Champagne’s most respected names — prestige without pretence.Four wines, all under £90, all excellent quality and widely available, which really surprised me! Constance Delaire, Laurent-Perrier’s talented oenologist from Bordeaux, led the session with warmth and passion– bringing to life the p

They can trigger symptoms like headaches, flushing, or restless sleep — especially if your body struggles to break them down. During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating oestrogen levels can reduce your ability to process histamines, which is why wine sensitivity can increase. Histamines form during fermentation and ageing — particularly malolactic fermentation, which softens acidity in reds. That’s why aged reds often contain more histamines than young whites, rosés

Taste - Clotted cream, orange blossom, almonds, white pepper. Very full, rounded and flavour lasts forever.Where is it from? Bâtard-Montrachet is a great white Grand Cru in Burgundy's Côte D'or, France. Its vineyards are located on the slope beneath Le Montrachet, in the Côte de Beaune. Bâtard-Montrachet's soils are heavier than those surrounding it, made up of brown limestone and gravel, which pave the way for rich, nutty, honeyed and heady wines with good structure. Have yo

South Africa is still a best kept secret in wine.  Some of the most exciting bottles on the shelves come from the Cape and they offer serious value. Two things make the region special for producers - diverse soils and the unique climate which shaped by two oceans, the cool Atlantic and the warm Indian which brings dry heat, fresh air, and intense sunlight. Samantha O’Keefe is a South African winemaker whose story is just remarkable. Sam was raised in San Francisco, where

My summary around No and Low is that it's a really exciting movement that’s here to stay. We all want to drink in moderation, especially as we move into the festive season, and now, finally, there are options that make that easy. It’s completely normal to order a non-alcoholic drink in a bar. No awkwardness, no side-eye. And the best part? The quality is catching up fast. I spent October tasting across the No & Low spectrum — from alcohol-liberated wines to mid-strength blend

Last week was a milestone moment for Elizabeth & Wine. I hosted a Wine Safari on the rooftop of BNY Mellon for 80 guests — and for the first time, I wasn’t leading solo. I was joined by two incredible women in wine: Corinne Seely – winemaker at Exton Park, once Bordeaux’s youngest female winemaker Kirsty Woodgate – fellow wine expert and long-time industry friend Together we delivered my most ambitious tasting yet: 13 wines celebrating trailblazing female winemakers fro

Lobster rolls and Negronis in Soho. Moi is high-energy, stylish restaurant restaurant with a cool vibe. Upstairs, an open kitchen and wood-fired grill set the scene. Downstairs, the Listening Room shifts the mood with low light and music-led energy (soon to open). The food is knockout: Sicilian prawns, lobster rolls, melt-in-your-mouth pork. Japanese precision meets the best of British produce, every plate built on quality and flavour. The cocktail list is playful, t

The talk of the town… Angelina on Dalston Lane where Italian flavours meet Japanese precision, led by Head Chef Daniele Cotugno. Order the smoked Negroni, then enjoy Sicilian prawns, tomato salad, fried courgettes, a whole fish for two (£34) and the best tortellini in London. The wine list leans confidently Italian, which I love and enjoy Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige. Service is spot on — I’ve never had a menu explained so clearly, right down to how many dishes to order.

For €550pp, would you EAT MOULD? 2 Michelin stars… but you’re eating with your BODY PARTS?! Yup. Fine dining, but definitely not as you know it. This is Mugaritz — where finger food takes on a whole new meaning and body parts might just be part of the cutlery. This is not your candlelit, foie-gras-and-fine-silver affair. Mugaritz is deliberately disorienting. It’s part performance, part philosophy, part “wait… did I just eat mould?” Expect dishes that ask questions, not jus

The very FIRST EVER Wing Woman Wine Club! We had our first Wing Woman Wine Club last week and the vibes were electric. Sunshine, stripey tops, glasses in hand. Everyone logged on right on time. Everyone had their cameras on. Blue and white seemed to be the unspoken dress code, and I loved every minute of it. There were 20 people signed up, and 9 brilliant women on the call, which, for a first outing, felt like the perfect number. Intimate, fun, high energy. Someone

You don’t just walk in and take charge like it’s your personal dining room. No, no. You follow the host. Always. Handbags? Not on the table, darling. Ideally next to you and even better if you handbag is given it’s on seat. Napkin? Straight to the lap, neatly folded — never crumpled. NEVER. Bathroom break? Drape your napkin on the chair. It’s all in the art of elegance — and yes, your napkin speaks volumes. Elizabeth x

Don’t just pop the cork back in and hope for the best… My TOP TIP: pour the wine into a small jar once you’re halfway through the bottle — Remember, when it comes to wine, oxygen is the enemy!Less oxygen = fresher wine.This way, it’ll keep for up to a week in the fridge. Elizabeth x

The Parakeet is an open-fire fuelled beauty of a pub in Kentish Town with ex-Brat chef Ben Allen at the coals. Kentish Town is food critic Giles Coren’s local ‘hood, so you need to be on your game to succeed here. The Parakeet opened a couple of years ago and it became something of an instant classic. The building is split into two very distinct sections - the pub for drinks and the dining room for food. I loved the art in the dining room and the use of greens and moody

Brutto35–37 Greenhill Rents, Clerkenwell, EC1M 6BNThe last restaurant created by the legend Russel Norman and it’s a masterpiece. It’s a relaxed Italian trattoria meets New York City dark moody lighting! With insanely good food from light snacks, pasta and T-bone steaks, very cool vibes with a bar when you want to leave the table and epic £5 Negroni’s. Tollingtons Fish Bar365 Tollington Road, Finsbury Park, N7 6DNA transformed old fish and chip shop into a Spanish-sty

Where to sip wine this summer in The City – check out the @chateausaintemarguerite collab at @canopybyhilton. If you’re looking for a new go-to after work or Thursday lunch spot in the sun, I’ve found a gem for you! Canopy by Hilton has become my latest wine stop, largely thanks to a beautiful collaboration with one of my favourite rosé producers: Château Sainte-Marguerite from Provence, France. Situated at 11 Minories, just a short walk from Liverpool Street and Leaden

Non-alcohol drinks aren’t just for teetotallers. In fact, 78% of people buying them to drink. This market’s growing 8% each year — not because we’re saying no to wine, but because we’re saying yes to options. What are your non-alcoholic go-to drinks? Elizabeth x

Why do we abbreviate Bourgogne to ‘Burgundy’—but never do the same for Champagne, Bordeaux or Loire? It’s time to give Bourgogne the same respect we show other French wine regions—by calling it by its proper name.

I’ve always been intrigued about how non-alcoholic wines and drinks are made and was lucky enough to visit @joerggeiger.uk recently in Germany to find out more. ✨ 1. They can be complex and more than fruit juice. 2. They can be aged in barrels. 3. They can be made with up to 100 different ingredients. 4. They’re made with the same care and creativity a chef puts into a recipe. 5. They’re made with fruit trees up to 180 years old. 6. They’re produ

The Italians know how to lead the good life and in the 1870 with the grape Moscato they started to make a light, fizzy, white wine. Perfect for elevenses with lemon sorbet, afternoons with fruit tart or long lunches. I've enjoyed a Moscato d 'Asti on many a trip to Piedmont. I love this wine because its only 5.5% in alcohol (normal is 12%) is light, fruity and sweet so easy to drink on its own. Elizabeth x

This sun-drenched pocket of southern France is crafting wines with soul, not just sunshine in a glass. Tucked between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, Roussillon is redefining what it means to be a “southern French wine.” Elegant reds. Crisp whites. Old vines with serious pedigree. Q: Is Roussillon part of Languedoc? A: Roussillon proudly stands on its own — wedged between mountain and sea, with one foot in France and a wink to Catalonia. Q: Are the wines all simple

Can you put ice in your rosé? Yes, you absolutely can. Or use an ice bucket. My Top Tip? Freeze your grapes! Putting frozen grapes in your glass will keep your wine cold and it won't dilute it. Cheers! Elizabeth x

Which one are you: The Gluggers—you know who you are. Name and shame your mates who hold their glass like this (by the bowl) The Poncey People—those who hold the wine by the foot. Please, don’t do that! The Proper Way: hold your wine glass at the top of the stem, with a relaxed grip. Keep that little finger IN or you’ll like like a t**t Cheers! Elizabeth x

It’s only £5.99 from ‌Aldi, but is worth it… Or just another gimmick for the sake of it? If you like refreshing white wines like Gavi and Pinot Grigio this is something nice and different! Crisp, fresh and honestly… I’d drink this happily any day of the week. It's a 5/5 from me! Melon, honeysuckle, a touch of orange peel on the nose But let’s be clear — it DOES NOT taste like Prosecco (even though it’s made from Glera grapes). Super drinkable — another fun, easy-goi

Rosé lovers, listen up – M&S’s La Balconne Rosé is giving serious Whispering Angel vibes 👀 Think soft blush pink, light and crisp with elegant fruity notes that scream summer-in-a-glass. They’re both a 5/5 for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ La Balconne, Marks & Spencer: £18.00 🏷️ Whispering Angel, Tesco: £18.50 🏷️ There’s not really much price difference, which is usually expected with ‘dupes’, but it is a beautiful wine. Thanks to Côtes de Provence for giving us another Devine ros

I’m unsure if it gets better than oysters and wine? A pairing celebrated by many for good reason. After all, “oysters are the food of love, and wine is its song”. But which wines pair best with Oysters? Chablis Champagne Albarino Picpoul de Pinet Muscadet Dry Rosé These are fresh and delicious Carlingford oysters from Steve Hatt in Islington. Elizabeth x

Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2, 2008 – a first taste of greatness. Not yet released in the UK (expected early 2026), this second life of Dom is deep, complex, and musical. “It’s said that on a moody drive to the coast, Marilyn Monroe suddenly kicked open the glove compartment — out rolled a bottle of Dom Pérignon. She smiled and declared, ‘Now the holiday can begin.’” Elegant, cheeky, and very Marilyn. Poured at the Tate Modern for a brilliant art launch—though judging by the

I bring 15+ years of experience running bars and restaurants in the City of London. I understand how demanding your bosses can be — and how limited your time is. They want new, standout experiences. I have them. With Elizabeth & Wine, I create VIP wine experiences your team won’t find anywhere else. I’ll handle every detail — writing invitations, booking the venue, managing dietary requirements — so you can deliver a flawless, stress-free event. You’ll look fantastic, a

t’s not easy impressing clients these days.  Everyone’s so busy, the senior people you want to reach are so in demand - and people want something different from the same old events.   Perhaps you’re the person everyone turns to for new ideas for client experiences — but who’s looking after you?   With 15 years of experience hosting corporate wine tastings in the City, I know how to create unforgettable experiences that impress senior leaders and keep clients talking. I al

I'm absolutely delighted to see some positive wine news in the press! The recent study suggesting that drinking Champagne could reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest is certainly uplifting. Champagne has always been associated with celebration, and perhaps there’s more to those bubbles than just effervescence. Dr Laura Catena, Managing Director of Catena Zapata and a former emergency room physician, might find this intersection of wine and health particularly interes

Have you been to ROKA? I had the pleasure of visiting ROKA, the flagship Japanese restaurant on Charlotte Street—right in the heart of vibrant Fitzrovia. This part of London is always hustling and bustling, and it’s easy to see why ROKA is nearly always fully booked most evenings. It’s been a destination venue for nearly two decades, and for good reason! The atmosphere is high energy yet casual, with an open-plan kitchen where you can watch the talented chefs at work—it ad

Move over overpriced cocktails—Aldi’s Limoncello Spritz is stealing the summer spotlight and for just £4.49, it’s an absolute bargain. This little bottle of sunshine is giving lemon sherbet, old-school lemonade and a zesty citrus twist that feels like a holiday in a glass. It's fizzy, fun, and unapologetically fresh—exactly what you want to be sipping when the sun's out. How to serve it? Over ice, with a few sprigs of mint and a slice (or two) of lime. You’ll have yo

Spring is here, and so is my latest wine column in the Spring 2025 Platinum Magazine! In this edition, I’m taking you on a journey beyond the usual suspects—because wine is being made in some truly unexpected places. From the vineyards of China to the heart of New York and even the Chilean desert, there’s an exciting new world of wines waiting to be discovered. I’m thrilled to share my top picks and insights into these emerging wine regions, where terroir meets innovati

You’ve reached the end of a lovely bottle of wine. It’s been a good meal, the conversation’s flowing, and the last drop has been poured. Now, there it is—the empty bottle, quietly waiting in the middle of the table. But here’s the question: do you flip it upside down to show it’s finished? Short answer? No. If you’re in a good restaurant, the team already knows. They’ve likely clocked the empty bottle before you even noticed it was gone.

Hands up if you’ve ever hosted a dinner party, had a few friends over and cracked open some wine. A study published in Food Quality and Preference explored how price can influence our experience of wine—and the findings were kind of brilliant. People actually reported enjoying wine more when they believed it was expensive… even if it wasn’t. Yep, our taste buds are easier to fool than we think. This probably explains why 1 in 5 people pour cheap wine into expensive bott

Have you ever tried fried chicken with Champagne? Trust me, you’re in for a delicious surprise! It’s the perfect pairing, and here’s why these two unexpected companions work so beautifully together: The crispy crunch of fried chicken meets the bubbly, refreshing fizz of Champagne, with the acidity cutting through the richness in the most satisfying way. It’s like a mouth organism, with those bubbles enhancing that perfect, crispy crunch.If you’re feeling extra fancy, ad