The Ultimate Guide to Prosecco: Everything You Need to Know About Italy’s Favourite Sparkling Wine
Whether you’re choosing a bottle for a celebration, searching for the perfect gift, planning a wedding toast or simply trying to understand what’s actually inside your…
13 August 2026 · 6 min read
What is Acidity in Wine?
Acidity, what is it? Acidity is that tart, sour sensation that makes your mouth water. Imagine drinking a glass of water with fresh lemon juice. It's bright, zesty,…
5 August 2026 · 1 min read
The Best Rosé Wines to Sip Your Way Through Summer
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…
19 July 2026 · 3 min read
3 Italian Wine Upgrades That Offer Better Quality
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…
15 July 2026 · 3 min read
What Does Minerality Mean in Wine? Why I Prefer to Call It 'Salty'...
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…
11 July 2026 · 3 min read
What to Pair with Chablis?
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:…
5 July 2026 · 2 min read
The Best French Wine Swaps for Better Quality and Value
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…
1 July 2026 · 4 min read
My Top 4 Restaurants in Marylebone | A Londoner’s & Wine Expert’s Guide to Eating Well in Marylebone
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…
16 June 2026 · 3 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…
4 June 2026 · 1 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…
20 May 2026 · 3 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…
1 May 2026 · 2 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…
29 April 2026 · 2 min read
Which Wine Would You Choose… and How Many Calories Would You Swap for It?
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…
28 January 2026 · 1 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…
10 December 2025 · 3 min read
Histamines & Wine: What You Need to Know
They can trigger symptoms like headaches, flushing, or restless sleep, especially if your body struggles to break them down. During perimenopause and menopause,…
8 December 2025 · 1 min read
Restaurant Etiquette Explained: My Top Tips
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…
23 August 2025 · 1 min read
How to Make Wine Last Longer Once Opened
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…
19 August 2025 · 1 min read
Is it Bourgogne or Burgundy? What's the difference...
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…
26 July 2025 · 1 min read
Can You Put Ice in Wine? Yes: and Here’s When It Works
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…
1 July 2025 · 1 min read
What is the right way to hold a wine glass?
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…
23 June 2025 · 1 min read
Is this the ultimate Whispering Angel dupe?
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…
23 June 2025 · 1 min read
I’m unsure if it gets better than oysters and wine?
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…
23 June 2025 · 1 min read
Should You Flip the Wine Bottle When It’s Empty? A Guide to Restaurant Etiquette
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…
13 April 2025 · 1 min read
Dinner Party Wine Secrets Revealed | Are We All Faking It at Dinner Parties to Impress our Guests?
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…
6 April 2025 · 1 min read
The Champagne & Fast Food Chicken Pairing You Didn’t See Coming
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…
4 April 2025 · 1 min read
Wines to Help You Live to 100 Years Old | My Latest Column for April's Platinum Magazine
Have you picked up this month’s @platinummaguk yet? In my latest wine column, I’m diving into Blue Zone wines, the bottles linked to l
6 March 2025 · 1 min read
Why Champagne is Better at Altitude?
Why do Champagne, oysters and altitude go so well together? Champagne and oysters are a classic pairing because of their bright acidity...
19 February 2025 · 1 min read
Love in a Bottle: Valentine’s Day Wines with a Twist
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...
27 January 2025 · 3 min read
What is Orange Wine?
Orange wine is having a major moment right now, but what exactly is it? And no, it’s not made with oranges, despite the name! This trendy tip
11 December 2024 · 1 min read
Discover the Elegance of Albariño from Rìas Baixas | Albariño Day
Albariño is an elegant, steely, fresh, fruity, and salty wine that’s as invigorating as it is thirst-quenching...
1 August 2024 · 1 min read
International Riesling Day: An iconic grape loved by sommeliers but forgotten by wine drinkers!
International Riesling Day: A Toast to one of the most iconic grape varieties in the world! Loved by sommeliers but forgotten by wine drinke
14 March 2024 · 2 min read
Wine Favourites: October 2023
Autumn is here! It's time to pull out those richer reds and celebratory wines as we approach the festive season. So which wines have I been
25 October 2023 · 3 min read
Wines Favourites: September 2023
When it comes to the world of wine, there's an abundance of choices to explore, I’m here to help and here are the wines I enjoyed throughout
30 September 2023 · 3 min read
Exploring Unconventional Pairings: Jalapeños and Rosé: A Spicy Twist on Tradition 🌶🍷
In the world of wine, some pairings are so unconventional that they border on daring... One such pairing is the adventurous palates is the..
23 September 2023 · 2 min read
How to find value for money when shopping for wine?
Browsing supermarket shelves for that perfect bottle of wine? There's a savvy strategy to ensure you get the best value for your money!
9 September 2023 · 2 min read
Wine Favourites: Summer 2023
As we approach the end of another wonderful summer filled with wine adventures and discoveries, let’s raise a glass to the fabulous bottles
5 September 2023 · 3 min read
Oysters & Wine
Forget vinegar or lemon, pouring a splash of wine over your oysters takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
1 September 2023 · 3 min read
Smart Ways to Save Money on Wedding Wine: My Top Tips!
Wedding season is upon us, and with all the stresses and strains of preparing for your big day, wine choices can often be overlooked or left
16 August 2023 · 5 min read
Summer Holiday Wines
July has been an exceptional month for wine lovers like me - whether you’re taking part in #DryJuly or not! This lineup will get your taste
31 July 2023 · 2 min read
Alcohol Tax Rise: The Good News for Bars, Restaurants and Hospitality from 1st August
In my previous blog post, I mentioned the upcoming alcohol duty tax rises that come into effect from 1st August 2023, however, there is some
29 July 2023 · 2 min read
An unlikely pairing: Champagne with Fish & Chips
An unusual (but match-made) pairing… Champagne with Fish & Chips! Surprised? Champagne’s vibrant acidity can add a touch of class and...
14 July 2023 · 1 min read
Screw Cap And Sustainability
True or false - A bottle of wine with a screw cap is cheaper than a bottle of wine with a cork?
5 July 2023 · 2 min read
June's Picks: The Finest Wines to Savour
Oh, how I've savoured some incredible wines this June! From cherished classics to exciting new finds, here's a tantalizing lineup that's bou
29 June 2023 · 3 min read
What Other Wines Should You Try If You Normally Drink Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc is a very popular grape variety that is widely grown in many wine regions around the world. It is particularly popular...
24 June 2023 · 2 min read
World Tapas Day: My Wine Recommendation
A traditional Spanish appetiser that goes perfectly with wine. But which wine should you drink with Tapas?
15 June 2023 · 1 min read
If You Like Champagne, Try Crémant!
Crémant is made using the same method as Champagne but it comes from other regions in France, therefore meaning Crémant comes without the 'Champagne' price tag! When…
6 June 2023 · 1 min read
What Is Franciacorta?
Franciacorta is a high-quality Italian sparkling wine made in the same way as Champagne using the traditional method with similar grapes
31 May 2023 · 2 min read
How To Keep Your Wine Fresh For Longer: My Top Tips
Well, your wine will only last a couple of days once you've opened it unless you take positive action!
30 May 2023 · 2 min read
My Guide To Wine Tastings: Swirl, Smell, Slurp!
In wine tasting, we ‘swirl’, ‘smell’ and 'slurp' wine to better evaluate the flavours, aromas characteristics and complexities of a wine.
21 May 2023 · 2 min read
Everything Glassware: My Collection And Recommendations
My wine glass collection and glassware recommendations for wine lovers. I'm a wine lover so I do have a lot of glassware
18 May 2023 · 1 min read
National Pinot Grigio Day: My Top Tips
Pinot Grigio is loved for its refreshing and crisp flavour, with hints of green apple and citrus.
17 May 2023 · 2 min read
How To Make Your Wine Last Longer: A Fun And Easy Idea
How to stop your wine going to waste... Worried about good wine going to waste? How can you store your wine to ensure it goes to use?
13 May 2023 · 1 min read
My Top Tips When Shopping For Good Value Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Bordeaux in France and the Napa Valley in California but grapes from these regions can command high prices
11 May 2023 · 1 min read
Wine Glass Rules: My Top Tips
Wine glass rules and my top tips! I have some important top tips when it comes to planning, prepping and protecting your beloved glassware
29 April 2023 · 1 min read
British Beef Week: My Red Wine Pairing Tips
Wine & Beef #BritishBeefWeek It's British Beef Week, red wine lovers - this one is for you! Drinking wine with beef is a classic pairing..
24 April 2023 · 2 min read
World Malbec Day: 9 Interesting Facts & My Top Tips
Malbec is one of the most popular grape varieties in the UK and the perfect excuse to celebrate #MalbecWorldDay. Argentina has brought us...
16 April 2023 · 3 min read
Does putting a spoon in your sparkling wine help the fizz last longer?
It is common for people to put a teaspoon in the top of an open bottle of sparkling wine, as it's believed to keep the bubbles for longer...
12 April 2023 · 2 min read
Chocolate & Wine: My Tips & Recommendations
It’s nearly Easter and time to stock up on chocolate and wine - hooray! But which chocolate should you pair with which wine?
5 April 2023 · 1 min read
What is organic wine?
An organic wine is a type of wine made from grapes that have been grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.
23 March 2023 · 1 min read
Argentina: My Wine Trip - Food, Wine & Top Tips
I recently returned from a wine-focused trip to the incredible country of Argentina and I’d love to tell you about my experiences!
21 February 2023 · 5 min read
Wines of the Moment - E&W Wine Recommendations
Wines of the Moment - E&W Wine Recommendations
9 February 2023 · 3 min read
The Importance of Old Vines
You might have seen the words ‘old vines’ on labels or heard people mention the phrase - but what does it mean and why should we care?
28 November 2022 · 2 min read
Mysteries of Pinotage
L’Avenir in Stellenbosch is famous for making wonderful chenin blancs and beautiful expressive pinotage. These two grapes are famous varieties which are prominent in…
9 March 2022 · 3 min read
Why wine words matter
In last week’s blog I talked a little bit about ‘wine words’ - those all-important building blocks in the language of wine. But why do wine words matter? What benefit…
10 February 2021 · 2 min read
It’s only words….
One of the things I love most of all about running corporate virtual wine tastings is helping people to find their wine words. So many corporate virtual wine tastings…
28 January 2021 · 2 min read