When you think of Napa Valley, what image comes to mind? For me it’s the stunning rolling hills, lush vineyards, and Mediterranean-like climate of California that produces some of the world's most celebrated wines. The region is famed for blendingnatural beauty with a refined culinary culture, drawing hordes of visitors to its sun-drenched estates, farm-to-table restaurants, and scenic drives lined with oak trees and endless rows of vines. And the wines reflect that war

English sparkling can rival Champagne. Here’s why. For the longest time, the idea that English sparkling wine could rival Champagne was unthinkable. But it has happened! Last year, Nyetimber’s Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum was crowned Champion Sparkling Wine at the International Wine Challenge — the first time in the competition’s history that the top prize has been awarded to a wine made outside Champagne. The decision followed a blind assessment of more than 1,000 sparkling

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress, reflect on change, and raise a glass to the women redefining industries around the world, including wine. Eight years ago, I founded Elizabeth & Wine with one simple mission: to look behind the label and celebrate the talented winemakers shaping the bottles we love. What started as curiosity has become a long-term journey into the people, places, and craftsmanship behind every glass. Over time, one thing has bec

One of the best times to visit Tuscany is April. The landscape is at its greenest, spring has arrived, vineyards come back to life and wildflowers carpet the hills. It is picture-postcard perfect. Days are warm rather than hot (15–20°C), ideal for walking, cycling, wine tasting and enjoying spring food such as asparagus, artichokes, fresh cheeses like Pecorino di Pienza, local olive oil and crisp salads. On a recent trip I stayed in Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage

The subject of women in wine has always fascinated me. Like many industries, the wine world was traditionally male-dominated, but this has changed dramatically in recent decades. Today, some of the most exciting wines in the world are being made by female winemakers, whose perspectives, creativity, and commitment to sustainability are shaping the future of the industry. When you open a bottle of wine, it’s easy to focus on the flavours in the glass. But behind every wine i

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

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

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

This month, I would like to introduce you to two phenomenal women who are shaping the world of wine. In England, Canadian winemaker Cherie Spriggs has helped transform Nyetimber into a sparkling wine that genuinely rivals Champagne. Meanwhile, over in Western Australia, Vanya Cullen has redefined what it means to make Cabernet Sauvignon, crafting biodynamic wines of purity and power while caring for her land as a mother does her children. Both women are powerhouses of the

Discover the best Burgundy wines to pair with everyday meals like pizza, popcorn, and Indian food. Expert Burgundy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay pairings for relaxed dinners and real life moments.

Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite shares her favourite bottles (and booze-free beauties) to enjoy this festive season. In my book, Christmas morning unfolds in a very specific order: first come the presents, then it's all about a glass or two of fizz or wine, and finally, the feast (plus or minus a family argument)! This year, I have some fabulous recommendations to make that second step easy and exciting. Whether you want budget fizz, a special red or stunning non-alcoholic wine

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

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'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

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

I won’t lie—it was incredibly overwhelming. The sheer size of the show was mind-blowing, with over 4,000 exhibitors from 137 countries.

International Riesling Day: A Toast to one of the most iconic grape varieties in the world! Loved by sommeliers but forgotten by wine drinke

As one of the UK's oldest independent wine merchants, Corney & Barrow has an impressive 240-year legacy in the world of fine wines. But let'

When people think about Chilean wines they often categorise them as volume-driven supermarket gluggers from Casablanca in the central valley