Let’s be honest, rosé has a bit of a reputation. For some people, it’s the “easy” wine. The bottle you grab for a barbecue, a picnic or a sunny afternoon because it feels like summer. But the really good rosés? They’re so much more than that. A great rosé has freshness, texture, elegance and just enough character to make you pause after the first sip and think, “Oh, that’s actually rather lovely.” For me, rosé is the wine of moments. It’s the bottle you open when fr

If you're looking to drink better Italian wine without necessarily spending more, here's one of the simplest tips you'll ever learn. Begin searching for historic place names. Italy's wine labels can be confusing, but they also hide some of the country's best-value bottles. In many cases, when you see a historic sub-region on the label, you're looking at wine from the original heartland of that appellation, where stricter production standards, exceptional vineyard sites

If you've ever heard someone describe a wine as mineral and wondered what they actually meant, you're not alone. Minerality is one of the most common—and most confusing—terms in wine. You'll hear people say a wine tastes of wet stones, flint or chalk. While those descriptions might make sense to experienced wine drinkers, they don't help most people choose a bottle they'll actually enjoy. So I keep it simple. I call these wines salty. Not because they literally

If you're looking to drink better Italian white wine without necessarily spending more, here's one of the simplest tips you'll ever learn. Begin searching for historic place names. Italy's wine labels can be confusing, but they also hide some of the country's best-value bottles. In many cases, when you see a historic sub-region or village on the label, you're looking at wine from the original heartland of that appellation, where stricter production standards, exceptional

If you've ever stood in front of the wine shelf wondering what to serve with seafood, roast chicken or even caviar, let me introduce you to one of my favourite wines: Chablis. Elegant, refreshing and wonderfully food-friendly, Chablis is one of those bottles I reach for time and time again. It's a wine that doesn't need a special occasion, yet somehow always makes one. One of the questions I'm asked often is, "What food goes with Chablis?" The answer is wonderfully simp

If you're looking for the best French wines for value, here's a tip that could transform the way you shop. Stop buying the most famous bottle. One of the biggest misconceptions in wine is that the best-known name automatically offers the best quality. In reality, some of the smartest wine buyers know exactly where to swap one wine for another to unlock better quality, more character and greater value without spending more money. So, why have Champagne when you could hav

What is Tiny Wine? Tiny Wine is changing the way people discover and enjoy fine wine by making premium wines more accessible through expertly preserved wine samples. Instead of committing to a full bottle, wine lovers can explore tasting-sized servings of some of the world's most sought-after wines, allowing them to discover new grape varieties, wine regions, producers and styles without the cost or commitment of purchasing a full bottle. Working in partnership with Coravi

If Pinot Grigio is your usual go-to white wine, you’re not alone. It’s crisp, clean, refreshing and reliably easy to drink — the kind of bottle that’s quietly become a staple in so many homes. But if you’re ready to explore something just a little more expressive, there’s a Spanish white wine that might be your next favourite. Meet Albariño.A Spanish white wine you should know about:Albariño is one of Spain’s most loved white grape varieties, grown mainly in the Rías Baixas r

Marylebone has quietly become one of London’s most compelling dining neighbourhoods, elegant but unfussy, globally influenced yet distinctly local. For me, it’s one of those rare pockets of the city where you can genuinely build an entire evening around food and wine without ever feeling the need to leave a single street. From Michelin-starred Indian coastal cooking to soulful “no borders” plates and French bistro charm, these are my top 4 restaurants in Marylebone right no

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.