Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose April/May 2024

Shoppers of Waitrose, listen up. April and May have some incredible wine bargains including Rosé, whites, and reds. The best thing is all the wines except one are below £10 but taste way more expensive. You’ve got till the 7th May to pick up some bottles, so let’s begin with some tantalising reds…

Waitrose Red Wines April/May 2024

Terre di Faiano Organic Primitivo

Terre di Faiano are usually a great source of value on the shelves and this Southern Italian Primitivo is no different. The palate is soft with a crisp bite to the finish, taking you on an easy-drinking journey of dark berries, oaky vanilla, and chocolate. Pizza and this sounds like perfection.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz

We love seeing this wine on offer. A wide net of Barossa grapes, once decanted for an hour, deliver so much intense depth of flavour. Brooding blackberry, ripe plums and indulgent mocha notes dominate. Serve with hearty meats and it sings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.89 (usually £10.99)

Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

From the Western Cape comes this full-bodied, plummy Pinotage. This grape has come into a life of its own over the past couple of decades, and what a fine example of that this is. The oak ageing imparts the perfect touch of spice, and it retains a light smoothness that is moreish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.79 (usually £10.99)

Marques de Calatrava Reserva

Spanish Tempranillo here carrying heavy oak influence, but it works a treat. Cherry and plum rise and fall together amongst a silky-smooth backdrop and earthier, leathery notes. Simple but excellent.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.99 (usually £8.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines April/May 2024

Eminence de Bijou

The aromas jump up from the blush pink and fill the nose with delicate summer fruits. The first reveals the weight and intense hit of strawberry alongside subtle herbal hints. Vanilla rounds things off as well as a surprising touch of spice. Really satisfying and a bargain at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.99 (usually £14.99)

Cellier de Rouffignac Coteaux d'Aix En Provence

This is a deliciously elegant Provence Rosé. The ripe strawberries are the star of the show, flanked by the aromatics of lychee and elderflower. It’s on the dry and crisp side as Rosés go and brings super impressive complexity. Oh, and it’s organic!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £13.99)

Waitrose White Wines April/May 2024

The Ned Pinnacle Sauvignon Blanc

This signature Waihopai Valley Sauvignon brings tonnes of citric aromatics and ripe white peach notes. It’s juicy, bright and pungent with New Zealand character. Just great for a tenna.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

The Ned Pinot Grigio

Sticking with The Ned – what a deal this is below £9. It stands out a little from the usual Waihopai style, bringing salmon blush and rich, full-bodied stone fruits. But there’s also mineral depth lingering too. Interesting and well worth picking up.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.49 (usually £10.99)

Amandla Sauvignon Blanc

This is a great South African brand headed up by Pray Dlamini, a new superstar of wine. It’s bursting with lemon zest, tropical fruits of pineapple and passion fruit and incredible freshness. It’s much less green tasting than most Sauvignon but that makes a nice change.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Paul Mas Réserve Languedoc Blanc

From the renowned Jean-Claude Mas vineyards in Languedoc comes this floral gem. Juicy peach offsets vivid lemon, and there’s a slight oily texture that’s really nice. At the end, minerality creeps in too so it’s then total package.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.99)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose March 2024

We’re back with some Supermarket Wine Bargains for March, and they are superb this month at Waitrose. We’ve got four luscious reds and crisp whites, as well as couple of yummy Rosé suggestions too. Every bottle we’ve highlighted comes in for under £10, which is an absolute bargain considering the quality. See which takes your fancy and get stuck in before the deals run out on the 19th March!

Waitrose Red Wines March 2024

Pazzia Primitivo di Manduria

If you like Waitrose’s Terre di Faiano Primitivo (and we do!) then there’s a good chance you’ll fall for this too. Also from Puglia, it’s a seductively inky pour revealing fleshy cherries, ripe plums, and a bed of oaky vanilla. They’re low yield grapes which put many producers off, but what is bottled is special and tastes a hell of a lot more expensive than it is – especially with the discount.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

Chateau Tanunda Shiraz

Top notch value Barossa Valley Shiraz here. It’s super jammy and full-bodied with raspberry, blackberry, plum and cherry, but the sweetness is restrained nicely too. Mellow oak, peppery spice and vanilla round things off nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.99)

Stemmari Passiata

An Italian blend of Syrah and Sicilian Nero d’Avola, lightly dried grapes bring a delicious rich sweetness to the plum, blackberry, and blueberry notes. Woody tobacco and vanilla take over to fill out the body, but somehow it retains a lightness that a wine like this normally wouldn’t.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £11.99)

Tilimuqui Fairtrade Organic Malbec

Tilimuqui’s organic Malbec is an absolute gem. Hailing from Argentina, it’s very much on the dry side, brimming with perfectly executed black fruits and chocolate. It’s silky and spicy too and probably on the lighter side of Argentinian Malbec which may go against it for some, but we enjoyed it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines March 2024

Alaina Rosé Laurent Miquel

Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault combine for this Languedoc Rosé, named after the winemaker’s daughter. It’s so summery, refreshing and elegant, and alive with crisp fruits and floral notes. The strawberry brings some richness but overall this is a light Rosé with good citric acidity and would be a dream pairing for many dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.69 (usually £12.99)

Le Bijou Rosé de Sophie Valrose Coteaux de Béziers

This gem was on offer a few months ago so it’s great to see it back (even though it’s easily worth picking up at full price). Inspired by legendary Sophie Valrose who did great work supporting women vineyard workers, it’s a signature dry and crisp French Rosé from Languedoc. Strawberries and cream are lifted by subtle but vibrant lemon and enforced by steely minerality. Should cost more really (shh!)

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose White Wines March 2024

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

An adventure from the start, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown between historic valleys, picturesque mountains, and wild oceans, before reaching Villa Maria… beneath a volcano. The end product is a signature Marlborough profile in the glass – no bitterness, just refreshing crispness and stunning lightness. Think gooseberry, passion fruit, kiwi and green apple.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.49 (usually £10.99)

Cave de Beblenheim Pinot Gris Reserve

A benchmark Alsace Pinot Gris across all supermarkets, this is stunningly fresh and easy to drink, but with a delicate side that shows more is going on. Pineapple, vanilla, elderflower, melon, and pear intertwine with a richness that coats the tongue. Crowd-pleasing, food-friendly, what more could you want?

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £11.99)

Morande Terrarum Semillon

Semillon was one of the grapes neglected by vineyards for a long time, but as part of a wider effort to revive old vines, it’s developing again. 100-year-old vines go into this complex dry white from Chile, delivering a waxy mouthfeel rich with crisp citrus, floral depths and sweet honey. There’re also some herbaceous green hints going on too. Really interesting wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £9.99)

Piccozza Pinot Bianco

This a wonderfully robust Italian Pinot Blanc white in roughly the same vein as a Chardonnay. Orchard fruits come to the fore alongside stone fruits and fragrant jasmine. Smooth and refreshing, the balance is spot on with this one and it’d be a dreamy companion to many fish dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.74 (usually £12.99)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose February 2024

How about some Supermarket Wine Bargains again? This time, it’s Waitrose, who have some belting offers for February. We’ve identified four cracking reds and whites, and a couple of delicious Rosé suggestions too. Every bottle but one comes in at under a tenner, but they are worth a lot more if you ask us! Let’s go deal diving.

Waitrose Red Wines February 2024

Montidori Sangiovese

We’ve loved the value from this bottle for a while now. A portion of the grapes are dried bringing incredible, bold richness, which combined with soft spice intensity and a subtle dryness make for dark berry bliss.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.00)

Little Giant Barossa Shiraz

This wine should easily cost more than it does, even at full price (but don’t tell Waitrose). It’s seductively smooth and brimming with delicious dark fruits and layers of warm spice. It just feels so, well, giant. Fantastically jammy Ozzy Shiraz .

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

Paul Mas Réserve Languedoc Rouge

From the renowned Jean-Claude Mas vineyards in Languedoc is this dry, easy-drinking red. It throws up blackberry jam, oaky vanilla, dark chocolate and a pleasant minerality for depth, and serves as an ideal candidate for those midweek Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.99)

Zalze Shiraz - Mourvèdre Viognier

With £3 off this South African gem, it’s the perfect time to give it a go. The rich spice of forest fruits and blackberries comes to the fore, but then the French oak is integrated smoothly in support of the fruits. The Viognier rounds off the finish nicely too. Really well-rounded and balanced red.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.66 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines February 2024

Esprit de Buganay Côtes de Provence Rosé

Hailing from slap bang in the middle of the Côtes de Provence is this traditional expression. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah with a dash of structure from Cab Sav come together for a fresh fruity nose. Beyond that, dreamy smoothness with subtle strawberry, peach, and raspberry. Light, dry and fruity and a joy to pair with. A must try for under £10.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £14.99)

Barefoot Pink Moscato

If you’re after a crowd pleasing Rosé for a top-notch price then look no further. A red berry parade invites the nose, continuing on the palate with a fruity sweetness that hits the spot. The touch of sherbet creaminess is a delight too. As the pink stuff goes, it is towards the sweeter end but if you like that, then you’ll love this.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%

Find here: £6.49 (usually £7.49)

Waitrose White Wines February 2024

Zenato Villa Flora Lugana Veneto

This Lake Garda beauty brings serious acidity from the Turbiana grapes, coming through with zippy citrus and subtle stone fruits. But there’s more to this white, because not only is it fresh and smooth, but it’s also got some curious earthy undertones and floral hints. No wonder the reputation of this wine is flourishing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.99 (usually £12.99)

Ara Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Great New Zealand Sauvignon here with more going on than usual. You can expect a slightly dryer profile than usual, with more aromatic floral notes. Think juicy fruits with grapefruit, peach, and lychee. But there are also delicious, perfumed notes, touches of green grass and crunchy acidity. Wonderful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £10.99)

Paolo Leo Fiano del Salento IGP

What a lovely southern Italian grape Fiano is, with rich historic roots. Nowadays, it delivers exquisite fruity freshness. Here that’s a huge kick of citrus and grapefruit, supported by loftier orchard fruits. Balanced, rich and complex with a welcome mineral touch to the finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £10.99)

Puklavec & Friends Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio

Over to Slovenia now for an interesting dry white. It’s a family-owned winery, with the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio grapes handpicked. Fruity and lively, the citrus is stealing the show. Subtler tropical notes like mango and papaya linger too. An intriguing try from a less common wine nation.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.79 (usually £9.79)

If you shop elsewhere then not too worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose January 2024

It’s Supermarket Wine Bargains again, as we’ve been hard at work searching for the best discounted bottles, and this time it’s Waitrose. We’ve got four reds and whites, and a delicious Cava and Rosé suggestion too…and the best part, everything is under £10.

Really punching above their price tag, these bottles are superior to wines twice the price, and with them discounted, there’s no better time to try them! Let’s dive in to the deals.

Waitrose Red Wines January 2024

Maree d'ione Organic Nero di Troia

Organic Nero di Trioa grapes from Puglia star in this sumptuous Italian red. The fruits run deep so expect luscious dark cherries, plum and blackberry set against a warming backdrop of cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. There really are few (if any) better red gluggers at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.99 (usually £9.99)

Summer Road Old Vine Grenache

This Aussie red makes magical use of old Grenache vines, extracting incredible flavour and complexity from those deep roots. There are also fewer grapes, so everything goes into the small yield. Berries star on a subtle nose, but the first sip is where this comes alive. Red fruits are everywhere, with precise acidity, fruity sweetness, and a slight waft of smoke. It’s fantastically well-rounded, and the intense booze is integrated very softly… so be careful not to overdo it, which is easy when it’s this tasty.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.49)

Terre di Faiano Primitivo Organico Puglia

The richness of the blackcurrant nose kicks off this full-bodied, organic red from Italy, before a soft palate unfolds with mellow blackberry, cherry and plum. Chocolate, oak and vanilla round this easy-drinking gem off in satisfyingly style, alongside a a crisp bite on the finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Bodega Norton Winemaker's Reserve Malbec

This deep and rich Mendoza Malbec from a premium winery is captivating, from the plummy nose to the toasted oaky finish. In between, the flavours are bold but restrain themselves when needed. Think wafts of tobacco and leather, black cherry, blackberry, and a nice bite of acidity. It’s screaming to be served alongside dark meats. £4 off too! – must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £13.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines January 2024

Le Bijou Rosé de Sophie Valrose Coteaux de Béziers, Languedoc

This wine is inspired by Sophie Valrose, a legendary figure who campaigned for better working conditions for the female vineyard workers alongside her. This is very much in the dry, crisp profile of French Rosé, with subtle lemon and strawberry and a little cream. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and would cause a few upsets in a blind tasting.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose White Wines December 2023

Côtes de Gascogne Les Collines de Luza Sauvignon Blanc

There’s a third off this refreshing French Sauvignon Blanc, but honestly, we would recommend it even at full price. Hailing from picturesque Gascony, it delivers bright citrus aroma, elegant, light pears, and a slight nuttiness. Serve with fresh salads and fish for a midweek meal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £5.99 (usually £8.99)

Giesen Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc

This is a benchmark New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, bursting with crisp fruits like apricot, peach, grapefruit, and pineapple. Some limey grass comes through wonderfully too. There’s only a little acidity, so this is very much soft and smooth as Sauvignon Blanc goes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13 %
Find here: £6.99 (usually £9.99)

Fenaroli Pecorino Superiore

What a lovely floral expression of the Pecorino grape this is. Casal Thaulero in Abruzzo are the winery behind it, and as such a delicately crisp wine it requires master craftsmanship, which is exactly what has happened. Those wild flowers and citrus notes intertwine majestically, and it would be a dreamy pairing with light pasta and fish dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.49 (usually £10.99)

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Over to the Awatere Valley in New Zealand now for this Sauvignon Blanc, which is as beautiful as the butterflies that flit amongst the coastal vines there. Tropical hints come to the fore here. Think kiwi, mango, lime, and passionfruit, as well as a bright grapefruit tang. The minerality rounds off everything deliciously, and for under £10 you have to give it a go.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Waitrose Sparkling Wine January 2024

Codorniu Seleccion Familia Reserva Organic Cava

This is a welcome addition to Waitrose’s fizz offering, and is another reliable wine by the Codorniu label. Chardonnay grapes make up half the liquid, with Spanish Macabeo and Xarel-lo from hot Penedés sharing the rest. It’s exceptional value, with nutty, toasty notes coming through from 18 months on lees. The creamy, softness to the orchard fruits is to die for too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Christmas Leftovers Made Fun: Festive Afternoon Tea

Be it making too much or receiving loads of foody presents, you’re bound to have lots of leftovers and little bites in the days after Christmas.

It could be instead of the traditional Boxing Day cold buffet, or just as a replacement for weeks of turkey soup, but a Festive Afternoon Tea is a great way to get all those spare bits together and assemble them into something special.  We’ve got a handy guide below for ideas of what foods to include and the drinks that perfectly accompany them!

The Perfect Food for a Festive Afternoon Tea

First Course

First up, those festive finger sandwiches. Turkey and cranberry sauce are a must, but brie or camembert with cranberry would also be a lovely twist if you’re willing to include some toasted elements.  Smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese is also a winner.

If you have any spare from the Christmas dinner (not likely as they’re many people’s favourite bit), then pigs in blankets are perfect bite sized foods for the savoury rung. The same goes for any mini sausage rolls, which is also great excuse to get any festive chutneys involved (spiced, cranberry, apple etc.)

A nice festive quiche with winter vegetables and thyme would make a great vegetarian option here, or a slice of the nut roast from Christmas Dinner if there’s leftovers.

Second Course

It’s not really an afternoon tea without scones, jam and cream occupying that middle rung, is it? For a festive twist, cranberry scones are delicious, especially with orange and cinnamon.

Chances are there will be a few preserves given as gifts, so it’s time to crack them open. If you didn’t get any, then any flavour will do, but focus on berries. Strawberry and champagne jam is perfect for the occasion. Keep the clotted cream simple.

Third Course

It goes without saying that there will probably be plenty of sweet treats to use up here.

Get those slices of leftover Christmas cake up on the top rung, and you have to include a few mince pies if they’re still going strong.

There’s no reason not to include traditional afternoon tea favourites like macarons, profiteroles, fruit tartes or Victoria sponges either.

We think some liquor chocolates are gorgeous peppered in and out of bigger sweet treats too, so it’s time to make a dent in those boxes if you haven’t already.

The Perfect Drinks for a Festive Afternoon Tea

Champagne

When Champagne is enjoyed alongside Afternoon Tea, it becomes a Royal Afternoon Tea, so I guess this would be a Royal Festive Afternoon Tea. Far from being just an extravagance, it is actually ideal for the bites above. A gorgeous Brut Champagne is a great all-rounder, because the gentle fizz and delicate fruitiness soothes throughout. Creamy, brioche and nutty notes pair well with the sweets as well as clotted cream and cheeses, and there’s enough acidity to cut through fatty oils in the pigs in blankets, sausage rolls and pastries. Every sip feels special too, which helps the festive celebrations along.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti isn’t the one if you’re looking for something to pair with every level of the Afternoon Tea, but it does absolutely shine with the sweeter bites. It’s so refreshing, with delicate bubbles, low alcohol and an ideal balance of acidity and sweetness. Cakes, sponges, and anything citrus – this is delightful.

Prosecco

Similar to Moscato d’Asti above, Prosecco is a companion that shines with the sweeter dishes. It’s light and fruity, and as long as you get one with a bit of intensity and complexity, it shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the flavours in the food. There’s enough fruity sweetness to avoid becoming horribly bitter and acidic, and the effervescence clears everything between bites nicely.

Riesling

Riesling has a fantastic food-friendly reputation, being armed to deal with all sorts of textures and flavours. Sharp acidity cuts through any fats and grease in meats, with residual sugar to deal with sweeter finishes. It’s fresh and lively to give a break from any overwhelming richness too.

Festive tea

We had to include tea of course. Why not fully embrace the season with a Christmas tea blend? There are lots out there, but you’ll usually find winter spices, citrus and orchard fruits – so expect cinnamon, clove, cardamom, orange and alike. It’ll throw up lots of complimentary flavours with other seasonal flavours in the food, and high heat is surprising in its ability to refresh the palate.

Sherry

A sure-fire way to put an Afternoon Tea through the Christmas transformation machine, we’re looking at sherry for those puddings. More precisely, Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso, with good sweetness and those delicious notes of dried fruits, nutsy and rich chocolates.

Pinot Noir

There’s no need for anything as heavy as a Barolo with light and varied bites like this, but a light Pinot Noir with tonnes of those soft red fruits is perfect. New Zealand Pinot is often the vibrant, fruity character we’re after, and they also happen to be rich and structured too, so can handle a little sweet spice. It’s absolutely delicious with cranberry sauce too. It’s a favourite for those Boxing Day cold spreads, so why not an Afternoon Tea twist?

If you’ve still got loads of Christmas Cake, Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies to chomp through, then we’ve got a detailed guide on drinks that marry them deliciously.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Drinks Lovers: Distillery Tours in the UK & Ireland

Distillery and winery tours make for amazing gifts for anyone who’s into their drinks, and they’re usually not as expensive as you might think. Getting up close and personal with whisky, gin or wine production really brings the drink to life, and these tours from across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland do exactly that, each with rave reviews and in spectacular locations.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

This place is an absolute monument to Irish Whiskey. If you didn’t know, then Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, so it’s no surprise that they have a top notch set up to explore it. Conveniently, it’s also in Dublin so easy to get to. John Jameson founded this former factory in 1780, and you can tailor your experience there by budget and activities. Options include all kinds of tasting sessions at the Jameson centrepiece bar, how to blend your own whiskey, a big focus on whiskey cocktails, and all the rich history too.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

William Grant laid the first stones to this distillery in 1886, making it one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whisky distilleries going. It’s world-renowned, and the 35-hectare site in the Valley of the Deer (between Aberdeen and Inverness) is one of the most impressive distilleries to explore. Explore picturesque pagodas, a traditional aging warehouse, giant stillhouses and bottling lines, with rich details every step of the way, that only come with so much heritage and experience. The guides have a great reputation, opening up the world of Glenfiddich for you, and all before a generous taste of the good stuff – golden Speyside Scotch. There are so many wonderful distilleries, but if we have to pick one, this is probably the one to visit.

Find more info here

Penderyn, Brecon Beacons

Though they have two other distilleries in Swansea and Llandudno, Brecon Beacons is the original 2004 site for Penderyn, the distillery that brought whisky back to Wales. This award-winning 1-hour tour welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year to the easy-on-the-eye Brecon Beacons. Visitors see everything – the mill, the mash turn, the state-of-the-art stills, and it’s all finished with a sample of the acclaimed whisky itself. It’s not got centuries behind it like some distilleries in the UK, but it’s making history all the same.

Find more info here

The English Distillery, Norfolk

Just like Wales, whisky distilleries have been popping up in England over the last two decades, and the more relaxed manufacturing rules and warmer climate allow for different, experimental whiskies. When King (then Prince) Charles opened The English Distillery in rural Norfolk in 2005, it was the first of its kind in a century. A prolific and acclaimed malt whisky producer, the tour operates 7 days a week, showcasing the magnificent distilling floor, barrel warehouse and more. The tour is known for devilish detail whilst also being easy to follow, and those that don’t wish to take part can take a stroll by the stunning nearby river.

Find more info here

Gin Distillery Tours

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

World-famous, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire is a must for any gin lover. The site once housed a Victorian paper mill, and the derelict redbrick has been intertwined with modern architectural beauty, like the glasshouse centrepiece, which contains all the Bombay botanicals. The reviews are impressive, the pictures are stunning, and a recent 2021 upgrade brought in a cinema room and refreshed cocktail menu to match the interactive cocktail bar. It’s a botanical paradise, exploring the masterful details of how the ingredients become the liquid, as well as fascinating ecology and sustainability tricks. There are plenty of tour options too for flexibility.

Find more info here

Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh

This is the place to go for insight into the Scottish capital’s rich history with juniper, and you also get to visit one of the most stunning cities in Europe. The working distillery has such an atmosphere that its one of the top ranked attractions a city full of them. The bar and visitor centre is subterranean enhancing the vibe, where you can taste their award-winning gins (the Rhubarb is a favourite of ours), and exactly what you try (or your giftee if you’re still feeling selfless) is up to you – there’s chocolate pairings, mixology adventures, or the classic distillery tasting experience.

Find more info here

Gower Gin, Swansea

We love Gower’s GWYR gin for its pure feel, and it turns out that their tour experience is just as good. A far cry form giant distillery tours, this is intimate. The husband-and-wife team behind this Welsh gin started in a ‘bike shed’ at the end of their garden, and still do things on a small scale at their charming micro-distillery. Foraged botanicals like gorse flower, sea buckthorn and linen meet quirky additions such as teas and cubeb pepper, and everything is inspired by the seaside or Welsh influences. They now have their peaceful tasting garden available… and you get all of that for free! Yep, free. So if you’re gifting it, maybe you can give them money to buy a bottle at the end… because they’ll definitely want to.

Find more info here

Dingle Distillery, County Kerry

The great thing about Dingle Distillery in Ireland is that it’s not just award-winning gin produced there, but whiskey and vodka too, so you get a unique insight into what it takes to master different spirits up close. The generous guided tour covers the entire production process, from working with local farms to finessing the final product… which you will get to sample of course. It’s a really well put together enthusiastic and informative experience, and the local port town of Dingle is well worth a visit too.

Find more info here

Winery and Vineyard Tours

Simpsons Estate, Kent

If anywhere is the home of English wine, it has to be Kent. Nestled covertly amongst the North Downs slopes, not far from Canterbury, lies the Simpsons Estate, headed up by Charles and Ruth, veterans of the English wine revival. The area itself is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and that’s before the vineyard, where you’ll walk the iconic Roman Road and learn everything from in the vine to wine process. To finish, the Glass House Tasting Room looks out over the winery, where visitors can try the traditional method fizz or innovative 100% Pinot Meunier. The sunset session is very memorable indeed, if it’s available.

Find more info here

Camel Valley, Cornwall

This stunning Cornish vineyard was the first in the UK to be awarded a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) from the EU for its Darnibole vineyard, so it really is special and unique. It’s been refined since the 80s, when English wine was dismissed by many… but they are one of the wineries that have blazed a trail for it. Their Cornwall Brut is famous, they produce a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. Different tastings and tours can be booked, from Daily Guides which cover the fascinating fundamentals of winemaking, to the special Grand Tour.

Find more info here

Glyndwr Vineyard, Wales

In the utterly beautiful Vale of Glenmorgan is Wales’ oldest vineyard, Glyndwr Vineyard, family run since 1979. Their production portfolio is expansive, and features wines that have been picked for the Parliament, the Ryder Cup and NATO. The quaint setting would make for a delightful walk even without the vineyard, but the tour is such good value. The owner does the tour, so knows the place inside out, from the history to the vines to the lamas also on site! The reviews speak for themselves – the tour is so informative, personal and generous, and the setting couldn’t be prettier.

Find more info here

Wicklow Wines, Ireland

You might not think of Ireland when you think of wineries, but Wicklow Wines are the exception. They’ve been lauded over by TripAdvisor, Vogue, Lonely Planet and Michelin star restaurants, offering a behind-the-scenes tour of their small, working winery. They make incredible berried wines, which will be tasted alongside Irish cheeses and chocolates. It was even voted the 2nd best food and drink experience in Ireland!

Find more info here

Of course, this is just a taste of some of the best wineries, vineyards and distilleries in the UK and Ireland, but there are more offering fabulous experiences, many of which we visited in previous series of The Three Drinkers! You can find more Scotch Whisky tours here, more Irish Whiskey tours here, and more English wineries here!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose December 2023

 In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we go through the latest supermarket offerings and highlight any gems that are definitely worth picking up. These incredible offers from Waitrose have already begun, and last until the New Year, so they’re ideal for last minute Christmas stocking up or gifts.

We’ve narrowed it down to 5 of the best for whites, reds, rosé and champagnes, and the best thing is that they’re all around £10… except the fizz of course, but that’s still punching well above its price point. There are so many must tries this December, so see what takes your fancy below.

Waitrose Red Wines December 2023

Pazzia Primitivo di Manduria

In the heart of Salento, San Marzono set about making great wine from low yield plants, which are off putting to many. But we’re glad they persisted because it’s fantastic. Within the full-bodied inky abyss are fleshy, sweet cherries and ripe plums, as well as oaky vanilla hints. Tates far more expensive.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

The Hedonist Shiraz

This is fantastic value Aussie Shiraz from McLaren Vale, embracing low-intervention philosophy. It’s bold, dark and chocolatey, delivering smooth red berries flanked by a just a touch of spice and smoke, as well as that long velvety finish Shiraz should have.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £14.99)

Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz

Making masterful use of gapes from all over Barossa, this is a deeply intense and opulent red, plush with mocha flavours from that beautiful oak ageing. Brooding blackberries and plums lurk in the background. This would be wonderful with hearty meats like steak or game, but do let it breathe for an hour before drinking.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Terre di Faiano Organic Nero d'Avola

This is a delicious organic Sicilian red from a great value winery. The ‘appassimento’ technique is what gives that luxurious deep red colour, containing an inviting berried nose, silky tannins, peppery spice, and jammy sweetness. It would sing with steak.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Paul Mas Reserve Languedoc Rouge

Hailing from Jean-Claude Mas' vineyards in the Languedoc region, this is a dryer red throwing up red and black berries and easy-drinking feel. There are more complex out there surely, but for food-friendly companionship, there is more than enough depth with a touch of vanilla and minerality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines December 2023

Eminence de Bijou

Always well-received, this French Rosé brings the usual profile (dry and aromatic, with plentiful berries and citrus), but also expect spice and vanilla structure, which raises eyebrows but in a good way. Its weight is satisfying too, and with £4 off, it’s such a bargain.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.49 (usually £14.49)

Esprit de Buganay Provence Rosé

This is a fruity Provence Rosé – think strawberry, raspberry, and juicy peach. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah are joined by a drop of Cabernet Sauvignon for added structure. Everything is picked early in the cool morning and very gently pressed for pale pink colour and delicate flavours, which is why every sip feels so crisp and refreshingly light.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £14.99)

Château de Berne Provence Rose

We’re more than happy to shout out Château de Berne, because we love their standout squared bottle, their wine tourism experiences, and most importantly, the liquid... which is a total showcase for Provençal pink. The strawberry freshness hits you, as does the crisp elegance, and all the while being very subtle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.00 (usually £15.99)

Mirabeau Pure Rosé Provence

Mirabeau’s bottles always deliver, inside and out. This right here is a superbly quaffable Provence Rosé that goes down so smoothly, delivering mellow strawberry and cherry but never losing crispness, and even hints of minerality and stone. Easy to love, and even easier to drink.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.99 (usually £16.99!)

Jardin de Roses AOP Languedoc Rosé

First off, what a stunning bottle (especially if you’re on the last-minute hunt for Christmas prezzies). Onto the wine now, which is a pale Languedoc number, mostly Syrah but with 30% Grenache too. As you might have guessed from the hue, the peach comes through nicely, as does the rose petal and of course, strawberries. No sharpness, just joy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.49 (usually £13.99)

Waitrose White Wines December 2023

Bonterra Estate Collection Organic Chardonnay

You don’t often find organic Cali Chardonnay this good for under a tenner. In fact, you probably never do, so snap at the chance to try it. The vines grow alongside flora and fauna, like the sheep on the label, for a wine in tune with nature, grown from strong, natural soil. It’s juicy, it’s lemony, there’s orchard fruits and on top of that, the barrel really comes through with touches of crème brûlée. It’s not a classic profile, but that’s no bad thing here.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

The Ned Pinot Grigio

Another wine that doesn’t fulfil the expectations of the style completely, Ned Pinot Grigio is from the Waihopai Valley in New Zealand, and brings a salmon blush with lots of stone fruits and a really interesting mineral touch. It’s surprisingly rich and full-bodied, and there’s no better time to try it than at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc

This South African Sauvignon Blanc is a joy to explore, full of delicate depths – think stone fruit, citrus and some interesting vegetal notes on the finish. Vibrant, zesty, and food-friendly, it’s as beautiful as its Table Mountain backdrop.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.7%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Crux Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand

We’re back over to the Waihopai Valley again, for a dreamy Kiwi Sauv Blanc that brings so much refreshment, perfect for Christmas feasting. It balances citric and tropical fruity flavours with light elegance and has that special feel to it as well. Punches way above its price point here.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.66 (usually £12.99)

Terre di Vita Organic Pinot Grigio Terre Siciliane IGP

£6.99 for this? What a deal. Hand-harvested organic Pinot from Sicily is the origin, where the fruity characteristics and aromas are enhanced by chalky soils and fluctuating temperatures. It’s dry, it’s crisp and the lightness is so alluring. Every sip is so refreshing, you just can’t help but return to it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £6.99 (usually £8.99)

Waitrose Champagne December 2023

Bollinger Rosé Champagne Brut NV

£10 off this beautiful Bollinger? Yes please. So many drinkers try this, slightly hesitant of ‘the pink stuff’, and find themselves preferring it to all sparkling wine, including regular Champagne. It’s big, but with a clean freshness that is so easy to love, and those floral raspberries are exquisite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £47.99 (usually £57.99)

Taittinger Champagne Brut Réserve NV

This golden wonder is known for its fine, lingering mousse, as well as the light elegance it brings. Peach and brioche are ever present, and the refreshment is truly magical. Everything is done right here, and you feel like you’re in safe hands. Nothing better for Christmas celebrations at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £32.99 (usually £42.99)

Gosset Grande Réserve Champagne Brut

This Champagne shines bright, with extravagant richness from a lesser-known house. The bubbles are precise and wonderfully fine, it’s dry but biscuity and the elegant, toasted notes linger way into the distance. Memorable and perfect for celebrations.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £41.99 (usually £54.99)

Nicholas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive NV Rosé Champagne

This is utterly sublime, and that’s before the price. It’s everything Champagne should be – delicate, elegant, and built around complex structure. The Rosé brings interweaving currants, blueberries, and raspberries for a summery twist, with pastry, cream hints too. So good!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £25.99 (usually £35.99)

Jansz Premium Cuvée NV Tasmania

This is a fun Tasmanian fizz, and so affordable too. Strawberry and lemon zest fill out a fine mousse, which carries toasted notes, precise sweetness, and biscuity touches. It’s so balanced for the money, and we don’t really understand why it isn’t more expensive... but nab it before anyone realises!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.49 (usually £18.49)

If you’ve got a different supermarket nearer to you, then check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

The Sloe Gin Fizz

How about this for a merry elixir? A Sloe Gin Fizz is perfect at Christmastime, and though it usually uses sparkling water for the bubbles, this is the season of going over the top, so we’re swapping in sparkling wine. It balances the sweet against the tart wonderfully, with so much fruity refreshment and brightness. Sloe gin (a liqueur, not a gin), brings a warm berry richness perfect for winter, sparkling wine lightens the mood and cuts through with effervescence, lemon juice brings some sour vibrance, and a little syrup just rounds off the balanced profile. A proper Christmas cocktail.

If you’re not into sloe gin then you are seriously missing out, so if you want more info on it and some recommendations, go here!

Ingredients (for 1)
50ml sloe gin
25ml lemon juice
10ml syrup
sparkling wine to top up
Optional garnishes: maraschino cherry or lemon slice

Method
1.      Shake everything but the wine with plenty of ice until it feels cold to the touch.
2.      Strain into your glass (highball or flute preferably).
3.    Top up with your choice of sparkling wine, be that Champagne, Cava, Prosecco etc.
4.      Garnish with a slice of lemon or cherries and voila!

For a cosier Christmas cocktail, how about The Spiced Clementine Mulled Whisky?