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How to Identify Old Vine Wines on a Bottle Label & Why Old Vine Wines Matter More Than Ever
Discover what old vine wines are, why some of the world's oldest vineyards produce such distinctive wines, and how to identify genuine old vine wines on a bottle label. From volcanic Assyrtiko in Santorini to South Africa's Certified Heritage Vineyards, explore the history, benefits, and growing importance of old vines. Plus, discover affordable old vine wines available in UK supermarkets and the producers leading the movement to protect these remarkable vineyards.
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
12 hours ago6 min read


How to Identify Pinot Meunier in the Vineyard
If you’ve ever visited a vineyard and wondered how growers can tell grape varieties apart, you’re not alone. At first glance, many vines look remarkably similar. But once you know what to look for, certain varieties become surprisingly easy to spot.
One of the easiest? Pinot Meunier.
During a recent visit to Exton Park Vineyard in Hampshire, I spent some time looking more closely at Pinot Meunier, one of the three classic grape varieties used in Champagne and an increas
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
2 days ago3 min read


Why Learn About Wine? How to Choose Better Bottles and Build Confidence in What You Drink
So you don’t waste money (or calories) on bottles you won’t actually enjoy.
Wine can feel intimidating at first, but it becomes far more enjoyable the moment you understand a few simple basics: grape varieties, where a wine comes from, and the story behind the producer. That foundation changes everything.
Suddenly, you can order with confidence in restaurants, read a wine list without second-guessing yourself, recognise quality more easily, and start to understand what
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
Jun 41 min read


A London Wine Expert’s Guide to RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Where to Drink, Eat and Explore During Chelsea Week
Here’s how to navigate Chelsea Flower Show season properly from the gardens worth your time to where to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere afterwards.
Chelsea during flower show week feels like London at its absolute best.
Flowers spill onto pavements, restaurants suddenly become impossible to book, everyone stays outside slightly longer with a glass of something cold, and for one week only, the whole neighbourhood feels different.
As a London-based wine journalis
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
May 203 min read


Should You Put Ice in Your Wine?
It’s May… which means one thing: rosé season is officially ON.
As soon as the weather shifts in the UK, search trends spike for rosé wine UK, summer wine ideas, and how to chill rosé without watering it down, and honestly, I get it. There’s nothing quite like that first proper glass of rosé in the sunshine.
This is the season of long afternoons, garden tables, picnics, and easy entertaining. And rosé fits it all perfectly: chilled, vibrant, and completely unpretentious.
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
May 12 min read


If Red Wine Gives You Headaches, It’s Probably the Style — Not the Wine Itself
At almost every tasting I host, someone tells me they’ve given up red wine because it gives them a headache.
And in most cases, it isn’t red wine as a whole that’s the issue — it’s the style of red they’re drinking.
Why red wine can cause headaches:
If red wine gives you headaches, it’s usually linked to three things:
• Higher alcohol – many fuller-bodied reds sit at 14.5% and above• Higher tannins – that drying, gripping texture in your mouth• Individual sensitivity – e
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
Apr 292 min read


Prosecco Calories: Full Breakdown (Brut to Dolce) | How many calories are in Prosecco — and does sweetness make a difference?
If you are wondering about Prosecco calories, the short answer is this: a standard 125ml glass of Prosecco contains around 80–90 calories.
But the exact number depends on the style — from Brut to Dolce — and the residual sugar in the wine.
Let’s break it down clearly.
How Many Calories in a Glass of Prosecco?
For a 125ml glass (the standard serving size in the UK):
Brut Prosecco: 80–85 caloriesExtra Dry Prosecco: 85–95 caloriesDry Prosecco: 95–105 caloriesDolce Pro
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
Apr 22 min read


Best Prosecco Glasses: Flute vs Tulip: A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Prosecco Glass
When it comes to serving Prosecco, the glass shape matters more than most people realise. The right Prosecco glass enhances aroma, preserves bubbles and improves texture.
So are you deciding between a flute and a tulip glass for Prosecco? Here is what you need to know.
Why Glass Shape Matters for Prosecco
Prosecco is typically made using the Charmat (tank) method. This production style preserves:
Fresh fruit character
Floral aromatics
Light, lively mousse
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
Mar 12 min read


What Burgundy Wine to Drink With Pizza, Popcorn, or Indian Food: Bourgogne Food Pairing Tips | The Handbook
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
Dec 10, 20253 min read
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