The Best Wine Under £10 for Spring 2023

We love nothing better than finding quality wines at low prices and it’s no secret that there are plenty of absolute gems coming in below £10. However, it’s a dangerous game and if you pick any old bottle off the shelf, chances are you’ll be disappointed.

Luckily, we’re here to help! We’re always tasting a steady flow of great-value wines (for research purposes only), and after our recent tasting at Lidl, we’ve narrowed it down to these top bargain wines to sip on now the sun is coming out!

White

Deluxe Chardonnay, Limestone Coast 2021

From Lidl's Deluxe collection is this beautifully versatile Australian Chardonnay. This wine boasts such a satisfyingly rich, round and creamy profile for the price, with melon coming through as well as a touch of vanilla pudding bringing some sweetness alongside the refreshing acidity. Food friendly, it would sit nicely alongside many dishes from a light summer salad to a roast chicken.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £6.79

Deluxe Pinot Gris, New Zealand 2022

This is a super inviting off-dry New Zealand Pinot Gris that represents the grape fabulously. Expect pear and white flowers alongside a very delicate sprinkling of spice for a surprisingly bold liquid that would do well with lightly spiced dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.99

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley 2022

The Awatere is a stunning part of Marlborough known for less tropical Sauvignon Blanc, and that’s certainly the case here. This is green, leafy and chalky with a top-notch crispness from the unmistakable Marlborough tang and elderflower running underneath. You won’t be able to tell this apart from many more expensive brands.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7.99

Encostas de Caiz Avesso Vinho Verde 2022

From Vinho Verde in Portugal, Lidl is lucky to offer this light-on-its-feet dry white made using one of the region’s top grapes, Avesso. It feels so vibrant and spritzy with the lemon scent detectable right away. If you’re into refreshing and invigorating sparklers then this is the one for you.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5% 
Find here: £7.99

Blume Verdejo Seleccion, Rueda, Spain 2022

If you’re not familiar with Verdejo grapes, think of Sauvignon Blanc but with more aromatic citrus and subtle herbaceous notes. With Blume, you’ll find notes of juicy ripe melon, guava and other tropical fruits leading to a stand-out blend that’s quite different from much of Lidl’s portfolio. Very tasty!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.99

Red

Malbec Valle de Uco 2022

Malbec is such an easy wine to love and especially Argentinian bottles like this, where it tends to be fruitier and softer than the rest of the world. These grapes come from the higher altitude part of Mendoza up in the Uco Valley, which gives this wine extra freshness and beguiling poise. Fabulous value for a great little glugger and it would really sing beside some grilled darker meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.29

Balla Geza Kardarka 2020, Romania

Romania produces the 5th largest amount of wine in Europe and produces some truly delicious blends. With its light and pale profile, crunchy red fruit and a saline crispness, this quirky drop uses the Kadarka grape for a super moreish and refreshing sip. We would say to serve it slightly chilled with savoury canapes and cold cuts to make the most of it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99

Cotes du Rhone Villages, Les Aumôniers, Plan de Dieu 2021

An excellent Châteauneuf-du-pape dupe that you can expect delicious rich and figgy notes from. Rhône reds like this may not have the caché of CDP on the label but in the glass, it’s not just as good - it’s actually better than some! Think fat, spirit-soaked raisins and spiced orange peel in a freshly baked fruit cake and you can imagine it slightly, but go one better and try it! Beautiful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.99

Cepa Lebrel Rioja Gran Reserva 2014

A good Rioja is a thing of beauty – tonnes of flavour without being bulky or cloying. This ravishing red is just that, with silk and elegance carrying those delicious, tangy flavours of wild strawberry, tobacco leaf, liquorice, leather and spice... everything you want from this world-famous region. For a Gran Reserva with this much age on it, it’s a steal!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.49

Duca di Sasetta Nerello Mascalese

For something a little bit different, we go to the hugely popular Nerello Mascalese grape growing near Mount Etna in Sicily. This is a light yet textured and fragrant red with distinct and curious notes of red fruit, minerals as well as liquorice spice. A great foodie wine, this would wash down something like an aubergine parmigiano very nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.99

Fleurie Collin Bourisset Beaujolais 2019

Ok, so you’ve heard of Beaujolais, but what about Fleurie? Well, it’s one of the 10 ‘cru’ villages, where wines are prestigiously high quality and each village has its own personality that expresses itself in the liquid. Fleurie is probably the lightest and brightest, with a wonderful aromatic perfumed nose. Think wild strawberry and thyme with super-soft tannins. One of the best easy-drinking reds to come in under £10.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99

If the thought of sipping these in spring has got you wanting to see some vineyards up close, then check out these 7 Stunning English Vineyards to Visit in 2023.

7 Chocolate Liqueurs Perfect for Easter

We’re well and truly on the side of ‘you’re never too old for an easter egg’, but if one thing is better on Easter, it’s got to be a silky chocolate liqueur.

So, whether you’re into rich dark pours, vanilla whites or just adding some sweet chocolate magic to your favourite spirit, celebrate Easter with one of these delicious bottles.

For the rum lovers

Amaz-In Chocolate Créme Liqueur

Grenadian chocolate and Grenadian rum come together like an absolute dream in this velvety liqueur. It’s thick, rich and although the chocolate at the forefront is dangerously moreish, the subtle fruits underneath complete the profile really nicely. It’s perfect for sipping over ice, drizzled over a pudding for a touch of decadence, and of course, it’s crying out for a Caribbean cocktail.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £36.65

For the fruit lovers

Amarula Raspberry, Chocolate & African Baobab

If you're a fan of distinct and original chocolate liqueurs, then you simply have to try this South African gem. The creamy but surprisingly light Amarula, a liqueur created from the fruit of the Marula tree, is joined by the standout addition of tart raspberries, sweet chocolate as well as nutritious African baobab fruit (one of the best-tasting superfoods on the planet). This combination of delicate citrus, raspberry tang and sweet caramelly chocolate cream is mouth-watering and it’s what won Amarula a Gold at The Liqueur Masters in 2021.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15.5%
Find here: £17

For the tequila lovers

Mis Amigos Chocolate Tequila Liqueur

Mis Amigos have leaned into the potential of earthy, vegetal agave by blending it with rich dark chocolate and cocoa, and the results are delicious. It’s another Gold medal award winner, praised for its super smoothness and versatility in cocktails. Try it in a Chocolate Margarita which might sound a bit odd, but just trust us it’s sublime.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £22.99

For the grappa lovers

Bottega Nero - Cioccolato Nero e Grappa (Dark Chocolate)

For those not familiar, grappa is an Italian pomace brandy, so it’s usually made using leftover grape skins from winemaking. This blend is literally like drinking the smoothest milk chocolate there is in terms of texture, but with the rich depth of flavour dark chocolate gives. The distinct personality of the drink is completed by the Veneto grappa adding an oomph to the indulgence. Be warned - once people try this, they are desperate for more!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.99

For the white chocolate lovers

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

For nearly a century Godiva has been mastering the art of chocolatier-ing in Belgium, and as one of the most trusted premium chocolatiers, they have moved into liqueurs. Godiva White Chocolate is everything you want it to be and more, with delicate white chocolate and soft Madagascar vanilla combining for total unapologetic lushness. A White Chocolatini is probably the single most indulgent cocktail you can concoct, and we’d recommend it over most puddings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: UK £34.99 // US $49.21

For the bourbon lovers

Charlie Parry's Chocolate Bourbon Liqueur

Bourbon and chocolate are a classic marriage, with the sweetness of the chocolate pulling the caramel from the bourbon, and the bourbon’s smooth, smoky depth wrapping the chocolate tastefully. Elegant dark chocolate is used here to avoid over-sweetness, and instead, there’s a curious rich bittersweetness created alongside toasted oak and sweet vanilla. If you love your Old Fashioned then you simply have to try this in one. If you’re in a very different mood then it also works great in milkshakes or over a quality vanilla ice cream!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £19.95

For the vodka lovers

Riverside Chocolate Vodka Liqueur

Some bottles just deserve attention, and this is one of them. Isn’t she a beauty? Riverside Spirits up in Cheshire is responsible, and they’ve filled it with something more than worthy; a velvety sweet chocolate vodka. The warmth of the vodka kicks in beautifully through the rich dark cocoa for an incredibly satisfying sip. Serve it with a little ice and it’s amazing.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £24.95

We’re chocolate mad at the moment with Easter around the corner so check out these top choc and drinks pairings if you want to keep the two separate!

Heavenly Chocolate and Drinks Pairings

We love drinks, and we love chocolate (who doesn’t), but just lumping together two delicious things in their own right doesn’t guarantee a hit. There are lots of strong flavours involved here, but if you get it right then it’s magical.

Don’t get us wrong, ‘getting it right’ is whatever tastes good for you, but these matchups below are ones we love. White, fruit and nut, dark, truffles, mint, orange... all of these chocolates will be made even better when washed down with these delicious drinks.

WHITE CHOCOLATE

Martini - Asti Spumante

A sweet and bubbly Italian Asti like this is the perfect complement to the creamy richness of white chocolate, which can become sickly disappointingly quickly. The wine's light, fruity notes and refreshing effervescence help cut through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced pairing. Plus, the wine's crisp acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites, making for an indulgence experience that can go on that bit longer!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: UK £7.49 (usually more!) // US $15.99

Fruit & Nut Milk Chocolate

Kopke Tawny Port

A glass of Tawny Port to wash down fruit and nut milk chocolate is sublime. From the oldest port house around, this is quite light as ports go, with those gorgeous, dried fruits notes brought to the fore by the chocolate flavouring. It’s also richer and less sweet relative to similar styles, which is ideal because that milk chocolate will still bring plenty of sweetness on its own. The chocolatey, vanilla character subtly running through Kopke’s velvety smooth texture really enriches the creaminess of the chocolate too. An elegant combination if ever there was one.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £14.99

Fruit & Nut Dark Chocolate

Croft 'Quinta Da Roeda' Vintage Port 2004

For a darker fruit and nut choc, we go from one Portuguese port master to another in Croft. Elegantly structured, this decade-old ruby red has opulent notes of raisin, black cherry, vanilla, and crucially, dark chocolate. Not only do the fruits play into the chocolate perfectly, but they’re also just sweet enough to offset any dark choc bitterness. Ports also get nuttier with age, so after 10 years of aging those nutty notes will only be elevated even further here. Delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20.5%
Find here: £24.99 (£21.99 Mix Six Price)

Dark Chocolate & Truffles

Fonseca Reserve Ruby Port

Dark Chocolate, Truffles and Ruby Port – the nights that dreams are made of, right? Again, there’s a sophisticated sweetness here that suits the bittersweet chocolate perfectly and the same goes for the truffles. The full-bodied complexity and luxurious depth of purple fruits suit dark chocolate and truffles so indulgently well. This is a world away from easter eggs now (not that there’s anything wrong with them either).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: UK £13.99 // US $19.99

Orange Chocolate

Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

With its incredibly rich history, Courvoisier has had years to perfect its style and as a result, they have a gorgeous VSOP that is a benchmark in the region. Around a decade of aging gives amazing depth with fragrant oakiness, soft warmth from coffee, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and most relevant of all, delicate vanilla and citrus. A glass of chilled Courvoisier in one hand, and a chocolate orange ball in the other, oh, yes.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Mint Chocolate

Ardbeg An Oa Scotch Whisky

Mint chocolate is a more challenging pairing. As anyone who’s made the mistake of mixing mint choc with other flavours knows, it’s a dominant force. Therefore, we need a whisky that isn’t for the faint of heart. Islay Scotch is known for its power, and Ardbeg is no exception. Smooth sweetness sits under bold smoke and peat which creates an extremely memorable menthol profile with the mint, and the dark chocolate notes obviously pair well too. A glass of An Oa Scotch and some mint chocolate? Now that’s how you end a meal.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46.6%
Find here: UK £43.90 // US $68.99

There’s more to Easter feasting than just chocolate though, so if you want more amazing flavour marriages for the rest of your Easter grub go here!

The Best Whisky to Gift For an 18th Birthday!

I remember my eighteenth birthday well. Sandwiched between Christmas and New Year it was spent with family on Royal Deeside. However, I remember my first Burns Night as an eighteen year old with even more fondness. It involved a bottle of Glenlivet 18-year-old and a haggis that by diligently turning a kettle I had commandeered on and off, I managed to (eventually!) cook - the result was surprisingly good but I wouldn’t recommend you try it at home. Although I don’t remember the whisky from my eighteenth birthday, that Burns Night was one to remember, and it made me think about which 18 year old whiskies I’d suggest to anyone for an 18th birthday so here are my suggestions for a memorable day. 

Glen Moray 18 Year Old

As the Glen Moray Classic is the best value single malt on the market, the 18 year old has to be one of the best value 18 year olds on the market. Finding an 18 year old these days for under £80 is near impossible, but Glen Moray have managed it. With a beautifully balanced mixture of ex-sherry casks and ex-bourbon casks, there is plenty of complexity, and it is very smooth. So smooth, you’ll need to be careful you don’t finish the bottle too quickly.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47.2%
Find it here: £73

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old

Bottled without chill filtering and any colouring, this is a very welcome bottle from a great Islay distillery. With a mixture of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks used there is plenty of rich dried fruit alongside nutty flavours, spice and a touch of salinity. If you’d like a whisky from Islay, but aren’t a fan of smoky whisky, then this is for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find it here: UK £128 // US $299.99

Glenlivet 18 Year Old

One of the most popular distilleries in the world also makes a great 18 year old, however, there isn’t much of it around as they use so much for their 12 and 15 year old whiskies! The 18 year old is created in batches using both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry there is a great deal of complexity and at 40% it is very smooth. The current batch is nearly sold out, so if you find some I’d buy some as the price is likely to go up! There will be another batch along this year. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £115 // US $150.99

Highland Park 18 Year Old 

Possibly my favourite 18 year old whisky of all time. Supremely complex with a typical salinity unique to highland park, but with sweetness from honey flavours and white fleshy stone fruits. The design changed in 2017 to a design inspired by wood carvings from Urnes Stave church creating a very pretty bottle. This is a rich whisky, and although the deisgn might be new the liquid, thankfully has remained the same and is as good as it always was.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £110.53 // US $139.99

Fettercairn 18 Year Old

If Highland Park is an old favourite of mine, Fettercairn 18 is my new favourite. Created recently with a unique finish in Scottish oak, this 18 year old typifies highland whisky. It’s fruity with lots of orchard fruits and vanilla, but also has a spicy, peppery note on the back palate which continues into the finish, which is particular to Scottish oak, and if not handled carefully can be overdone, however, Fettercairn have got it just right and this whisky is full of both nostalgia and innovation. A welcome expression in an already brilliant Fettercairn line-up.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find it here: £174.95

Glengoyne 18 Year Old

This highland whisky has been made with both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, but where it differs from others is the ratio of one to the other. Glengoyne have used a larger proportion of ex-sherry casks than most other 18 year olds giving lots of fruit cake flavours and spice. There’s plenty of depth and breadth and very long finish. The 18 year old takes over from the 17 year old, which was very good, but this is better and perfect for any sherried whisky fan.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £114.95 // US $189.99

Glendronach 18 Year Old

Moving on from an 18 year old with lots of ex-sherry casks used, to one that uses only ex-sherry casks. This is the epitome of a sherry cask whisky, and for me as great if not greater than the great Macallan 18 year old. The batches sell out quickly, and there is precious little left of this batch, so catch it when you can. Expect big spicy flavours and dark chocolate, coffee, rich fruit cake and sweet dried apricots and raisins. A big whisky which stands up to all the hype.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: UK £145 // US $201.99

Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old

18 Year old Scotch whisky isn’t all about single malt. Created by former Johniie Walker Master Blender Jim Beverage, this whisky is considered as one of the best blended 18 year old whiskies ever made. It is rich and very well balanced with spicy flavours and sweet orchard fruits, and honey with a creamy mouth feel and a very long finish. Considering its age, this is very good value and stands up in quality to any single malt.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £60.99 // US $79.99

There are many 18 year old whiskies around, and most of them are very good, and the above are whiskies I would be proud to open if I were having my 18th birthday again. Sadly, that’s a long time ago now! However, if you are about to pass the legal drinking age, may I suggest splurging out on a great bottle, as It’s a day you’ll never forget, so why not have a whisky to remember too?

The Weirdest Drink Laws Across The World

We’ve probably all heard of some bizarre law that, for some reason, hasn’t been officially overturned... and when it comes to drinking, it’s no exception! These laws are still technically active and it’s very likely that you’ll have broken this first one – you criminal!

UK - It is illegal to be drunk in a pub!

First up, we have the UK's 1872 Licensing Act, which makes it illegal to be drunk in a pub. Yes, you read that right - it's illegal to be drunk in the place where so many go to do exactly that. The technicality here is that it’s actually illegal to be drunk anywhere, thereby including the pub. The law was meant to encourage moderate drinking, but it’s safe to say in terms of enforcement these days, you’re only really in trouble for ‘drunk and disorderly’ behaviour. And let's be honest, if police were actually arresting drunk people in the pub, most of us would be in trouble!

UK & US - Being drunk in charge of livestock

Diving deeper into the UK 1872 Licensing Act and we found more weird laws! Before you even think about saddling up or herding your livestock into the pen, you better be sober as a judge. This law states that anyone who is drunk while in charge of a carriage, horse, cattle, or steam engine or loaded firearm, shall be liable!  To be fair, on the whole, this seems pretty sensible but just know that if someone in your drunk group heads off to their farm whilst everyone else gets a kebab (you never know - it could happen), they might end up breaking the law!

Across the pond in the US, the state of Colorado takes animal riding laws just as seriously. Drinking while on horseback is a big no-no in the state, and anyone caught violating this law could be slapped with a fine or even some jail time!

Bolivia – Married women can only drink one glass of wine at bars!

Next, we have Bolivia's law that prohibits married women from having more than one glass of wine in a restaurant or bar. Apparently, if a woman enjoys more than one glass of wine, she's at risk of becoming too flirtatious! As you’ll see in some of the other laws, the extent to which this sexist law is actually enforced is highly questionable. Any anniversary dinner where the husband reminds their wife of the law after only one glass of wine might just be their last!

Canada - Bartenders can’t infuse their own alcohol!

This is a strange one but yes, in Canada the bartenders can't infuse their own alcohol unless a customer has very specifically requested it, which is surely a loophole often made the most of. Nonetheless, for those taking the law literally, this one's a real buzzkill for all the creative mixologists out there. It massively limits the innovation of signature drinks and Canada's probably missing out on some seriously delicious drinks because of it!

Scotland – You can be fined two beers if you have underwear beneath your kilt!

As a mix of civil and common law, Scottish law is known for being an unusual blend of traditions and old principles throwing up some unusual rules in the process. Famously, the tradition with the iconic kilt is no underwear and if you’re found to be wearing any, you have to buy the person who discovered it two beers. But if someone’s sneaking a peak under your kilt, would you really want to go for a pint with them straight after?!

Germany - Bicycling while drunk

Drunk cycling is taken extremely seriously in Germany, so much so that the authorities can now seize your driver’s license and even order the offender to undergo a medical and psychological evaluation! If you haven’t sobered up by the end of that then you really shouldn’t have been anywhere near the bike in the first place!

Hawaii – No ordering more than one drink at a time!

In the UK, if someone doesn’t get their round in, they might be seen as a bit stingy. But in Hawaii, they would have good reason because they might just end up in a cell! You can only order one drink for yourself, and it can’t be drunk on the beach either. Having done our research, it looks like this may be in the process of being abolished so if anyone is still using it as an excuse for not getting the drinks in on your Hawaiian holiday, catch them out.

Australia – You cannot crush a beer can with your breasts!

Yep, it is illegal to crush beer cans with your breasts. In fact, five years ago a 31 year old barmaid working at a hotel near Perth found herself in court and being fined $1000 for doing just that! So if this is your party trick, then you’re going to have to find something else to impress with if you’re heading Down Under!

El Salvador – Death sentence for DUI?

Finally, in El Salvador, it’s possible to be sentenced to death for a first offense of driving drunk. Although drunk driving is a serious crime, and an extremely silly decision, does a firing squad need to be involved? It seems a little extreme, no?

Many of these aren’t enforced of course, but as you can see some of them very much are and if it’s enshrined in the law, then it’s better to be safe than sorry! So, just remember that if you’re a little tipsy in Colorado then leave the horses alone, if you’re trying to impress friends at an Australian party just learn The Rubik’s Cube and if you’re wearing a kilt, fully commit to it!

7 Stunning English Vineyards to Visit in 2023

English wine is by no means new. After all, the Romans here were turning vines to wines 2000 years ago, but the buzz around it is. Stand-out English sparkling wine in particular, using chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier is now competing on the global stage.

The handy thing is, the vineyards behind these quality bottles also happen to be nestled in some of the most beautiful, green and glorious countryside in England, so tours and tastings are an absolute pleasure. Suspect British weather aside, these vineyards stand up to anything on the continue for a truly memorable visiting experience.

SUSSEX

Roebuck Estates

Born in 2013, Roebuck Wines set out to make sparkling wine that rivals bottles from the rest of the world and with their shelves now burdened with awards left right, and centre, including a Decanter Platinum just months after opening, they have managed it, becoming a champion of fine English wine in the process. Roebuck are lucky enough to have several top-class vineyards around the market town of Petworth. The home vineyard near Tillington looks over the beautiful South Downs and their Roman Villa vineyard sits in a serene valley, but there is also Little Brockhurst, Waterlands and Hazelhurst, all offering different soils and vines but each as beautiful as the next. There are plenty of experiences and events for those following the winery and, in the sunshine, it truly is a bright and beautiful landscape with some of the best fizz around.

Website

Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine has established a great reputation for wide-ranging wine varietals as well as tourism, offering memorable experiences of one of the oldest English vineyards. Visitors (and their dogs!) can walk the vines and browse the wines of the vineyard shop, dine at the Eighteen Acre Café, or take part in their renowned tour and tastings, be that the Cheese & Wine version (£30), or the Ultimate Wine & Food experience (£60). The natural beauty of Bolney will become immediately apparent as you explore the vine to wine process through the tasting of award-winning creations and expert tutoring.

Website

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Rathfinny’s enviable location on a south-facing slope in the South Downs is part of the reason they have become such a leading light for Sussex bubbles, and the historic Flint Barns there make for a magical trip. Whether cosied up by the wood burner inside or soaking up the sun below expansive Sussex skies, Rathfinny is a dreamy place to tour around and even better, there’s a gastropub on site and you can also stay at the award-winning bed & breakfast. If for some reason you want to get away from all that, the coast is only three miles away!

Website

CORNWALL

Camel Valley

The Camel Valley made a few headlines by becoming the first UK vineyard to be awarded a Protected Designation Origin (PDO) from the European Union for its Darnibole vineyard. Built up by a husband-and-wife duo in the late 1980s, their son has since taken Camel Valley even further winning award after award for their efforts. Stunning red, white and sparkling can all be enjoyed but their Cornwall Brut is their most famous blend, and a number of different tours and tastings are available from ‘Daily Guided’ experiences in the morning to the Grand Tour in the evening. You’ll finish with a glass of the good stuff on the terrace overlooking the river, what more could you want?

Website

HAMPSHIRE

Hattingley Valley Wines

Rural Hampshire is home to one of the most awarded wineries in the country, producing elegant and sophisticated wines, and in particular flagship sparkling wine, since 2013. Winery Tour and Tastings can be booked from their site, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the work of Head Winemaker Emma Rice, two time winner of UK Winemaker of the Year, as well as the harmonious countryside atmosphere around every blissful corner.

Website

Hambledon

Hambledon in Hampshire is known as the ‘cradle of cricket’, once home to the most powerful club in the country formed in the 1700s, but that’s not all it’s known for. Established in 1952, Hambledon is England’s oldest vineyard. Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones looked out over his open field and took the plunge to get even closer to his love of wine. The vines quickly flourished on the south-facing chalky slopes, and in the 70s Queen Elizabeth II even served it to President Pompidou (despite French customs doubting English wine even existed!). These days visitors can enjoy a tour of the truly historic vineyards, a tasting of the leading sparkling wine and a bite to eat at the fine pop-up restaurant. A true pioneer of English wine, and the most historically rich vineyard in the country.

Website

KENT

Simpsons Estate

Tucked away covertly into the North Downs slopes near Canterbury is the Simpsons Estate, spearheaded by veterans of English wine Charles and Ruth Simpson. From their traditional method sparkling wine using glorious champagne grapes to their sleek dark distinctive packaging, to their more unusual innovations like 100% pinot meunier, Simpsons have certainly made a name for themselves. All-encompassing tastings and tours are offered on most days, but the Friday sunset session is particularly sought after. Truly, Kent’s finest.

Website

Truth be told though, Kent wine has so much to offer and deserves a guide all of its own. Oh wait, we’ve done just that here!

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drinks Guide

Mother’s Day is nearly here which you no doubt already knew (most of you anyway ;)) so if you’re wanting to gift some drinks that are a little bit different from the same options every year, look no further.

For whatever drinks Mum likes, we’ve got our briefcase full of options open and ready for your perusal. Wine, gin, whisky, rum, Irish cream... there’s even mead! A glass of these on the big day from you and you’ll earn serious brownie points.

For the wine loving mum

Pasqua - ‘Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t’

The Pasqua family have been pulling together classic white wines in the Soave area of Venito since the 1920s, but this bottle expresses them best, living up to the bolshy name. Designed by CB Hoyo, the striking label is 100% gift-worthy and as soon as you set eyes on it, you know you’re in for something distinct. Inside is a blend of vintages from 2015 to 2018 and the complexity is remarkable, with light freshness and floral notes pinned down by strong structure. Think fruit-forward peach, mandarin and subtle zest with a rounded comforting finish hinting at nuts and freshly baked bread. Unique and definitely worth gifting this Mother’s Day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32 Harrods

Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Sparkling Brut Rosé

Aldi’s sparkling range is seriously underrated, and this perky blend is full of fruit with juicy melon and pear on the nose and a delicate and superbly balanced dry palate of strawberries, redcurrants and a little honey. Each sip feels harmonious, and is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 Aldi

For the gin loving mum

Mirabeau Rosé Gin

One of our favourite gins inside and out, Mirabeau kicks off with the familiar botanical base (juniper-forward, angelica, coriander, orris, citrus) but then comes the showstopper. Local Saint Tropez twists of Provence including rosemary, thyme and bay and of course, their splendid Classic Rosé distillate elevates this to the next level. So, satisfying, glamorous and brimming with fresh fruit and florality. It’s the cheapest way to transport your Mum to the French Riviera this Mother’s Day!

It's a cocktail game-changer too, as we discovered here!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28 Waitrose

Whitley Neill Banana & Guava Gin

This is Banana & Guava gin that’s eye-catching for different reasons. Bringing summer forward, this is a smooth and refreshing gin for Mum’s with a sweet-tooth. The guava is juicy and tropical, the banana is ripe and distinct, but the overall blend carries itself with a sophistication and balance you might not initially expect.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26 Tesco

For the whiskey loving mum

The Three Drinkers & Sliabh Liag - The Legendary Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

That’s right, we’ve worked with the wonderful Donegal distillers Sliabh Liag to produce a classic Irish whiskey that leans into our love of good wine. Velvety rich liquid carries plush red fruits from Pomerol barrels in Bordeaux, and it’s all wrapped in very subtle smoke with a little candied orange and caramel. Humble brag, but we think we’ve made something very special (Sliabh Liag did all the hard work of course!). Oh, and £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

For the rum loving mum

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

This is powerful Caribbean rum with oodles of flavour. Lime and mandarin bring fresh and zippy citrus to the core, but baking spices linger on the tongue moreishly too. It’s the opposite of forgettable with great vibrance – cola notes, peppercorn, orange, caramel, vanilla and a citrus streak throughout holding it together. There’s so much to explore neat over ice, but its versatility means it’ll be a hit with your usual rum mixers. A guaranteed hit for a Mum that likes spiced rum that’s for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

For the Irish Cream loving mum

Coole Swan Cream Liqueur

In a nutshell, this is white chocolate Irish Cream – I know right? Decadent Belgian white choc, single malt whiskey and fresh Irish Cream combine for the pinnacle of decadence. It’s unbelievably velvety with surprising balance given the sweetness. Serve it chilled or as a special Mother’s Day treat drizzle it over cheesecake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26 Tesco (£22 Clubcard Price!)

For the Cocktail loving mum

Vineyards Peach Bellini

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed offering, then why not start the day with some fizz for that special touch? Sweet peach fizzes in this crisp and refreshing ready to go Bellini. A smile in a glass and lovely way to start the day!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.15 Tesco

Raspberry Mojito

If you’re short on time, then don’t look down on these super affordable cans of Raspberry Mojito. They’re perfect for a refreshing fruity blend with raspberry and lime tang, but still have that cocktail style to add the extra touch on the big day. You could even be sneaky and pour it into a tall glass – would anyone know?

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.95 Morrisons (Buy 4 for £6)

For the cognac loving mum

H by Hine VSOP Cognac

H is a delicious VSOP Cognac from one of the region’s oldest houses, Hine. A blend of over 10 Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie, this smaller bottle will leave any Cognac loving Mum wanting more – but there’s always her birthday! Apricot, acacia, white pepper and iris can all be picked up when exploring this floral nectar that brings modern craftsmanship to a heritage brand... just as the bottle suggests.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.95

For the mead loving mum

Gosnells Mead Tasting Box

Yes, there are mead loving mums, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the country’s top mead brand, Gosnells. This stylish set includes four different meads using bees from various urban and rural areas, and a booklet guiding you through the process and how the taste is affected. You also get four honey tasting pots as well! If you’re looking for a slightly unique gift, this is it.

Find here: £35 4 x 500ml mead bottles + 4 x 30ml honey pots

For the No-Low loving mum

Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

We love Belvoir for their beautifully packaged and wonderfully crafted range of fizzes and cordials – I mean just look at this. It well and truly has the special feeling that some non-alcoholic drinks can fail on. It’s a Mother’s Day twist on their adored Elderflower Pressé with fresh lemon, freshly picked flowers and rose petal extract for delicate and 100% natural sparkling water. It tastes as delicious as it sounds – if not more and has gift written all over it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.25 (usually more!)

REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea

Another striking bottle, this kombucha uses Dragonwell Green Tea for a fizzy delight that’s kind of similar to Prosecco, but arguably a lot lusher. It’s one of the crispest liquids out there, with no artificial sweetness and a really elegant profile. It also has some health benefits too so it looks amazing, tastes great and it’s good for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8 Waitrose

LA Brewery Rose Infused, Sparkling Kombucha

People are just loving kombucha right now so here’s another lovely bottle. The best of Devon’s white rose petals are infused alongside wild elderflower for a deeply floral and delicately poised dry liquid, that refreshes as much as it tantalises. It’s got fun fizz and just the right touch of acidity to be a great Mother’s Day white wine alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £10

If you’re after more of an experience for Mother’s Day, then consider booking one of the many tasting trains cruising through the glorious British countryside.

What is Vermouth and How Do You Drink It?

What is Vermouth?

In a nutshell, vermouth is a fortified wine, beginning life as a flavoured wine that is then boosted with neutral alcohol and often infused with other botanicals.

The history of Vermouth

For many drinkers, vermouth is just another cocktail ingredient used in the Negroni, Manhattan and Martini to name a few, but few know more about it beyond this.

Like a surprising number of alcoholic creations, its origins are medicinal, but you’ll struggle to find a modern-day Doctor who prescribes vermouth! In German, wormwood translates to ‘wermut’ and is one of the most historically significant ingredients, so this is where ‘vermouth’ comes from. Antonio Carpano is credited with the term, creating the first commercial bottles of vermouth as we know it in Milan way back in 1786.

Luigi and Giuseppe Cora were responsible for popularising it in the early 19th century, and soon after came a flourish of famous Italian brands like Gancia, Ballor, Cinzano and Martini, as well as French creations like Noilly Prat. Since then, craft distilling means the world of vermouth distilling has blossomed as has fortified wine more widely.

What are the different types of Vermouth?

Historically speaking, two types of vermouth were considered and the Alps provided a fairly accurate border between them. Red vermouths, or Italian vermouths, came first before the French produced their white and dry blends.

In the modern era, the distinctions are more sophisticated, however:

Dry vermouth may be the most well-known, and is what you’ll find in most cocktails with its intense spices and botanicals. It could be argued that subsets like, ‘Extra Dry’ are their own types of vermouth too.
Sweet vermouth (sometimes called red) is unsurprisingly, noticeably sweet containing way more sugar than the dry.
Blanc vermouth (sometimes called Bianco or white) leans towards the sweeter, floral side and is a kind of middle ground between dry and sweet vermouth.
Rose vermouth is far less common but focuses on florality rather than sweetness.

How do you drink Vermouth?

The truth is vermouth is probably more versatile than you think. You can enjoy it on its own over ice served as an aperitif, or top up with soda for a similar but longer drink. Most vermouth you buy will be between 16%-18%, so a lot of drinkers opt for it as a low-alcohol option compared to gin or vodka.

Though it’s often confused with a spirit, it’s important to remember that vermouth is a wine base. Therefore, it isn’t one to be stored in the liquor cabinet for months on end once opened. You’ll likely have around 2 months to finish it, and it should be stored like a regular wine bottle would be – conveniently, we’ve got a whole guide on that here! It’s fortified so it’s not quite as fickle as an open bottle of wine, but it will oxidise and deteriorate over time.

The most famous way to enjoy vermouth though, is in cocktails, and for good reason too because it really lifts so many of our favourites. So, let’s take a look at some of the best cocktails that show what an essential player vermouth is in mixology.

Which cocktails can you make with Vermouth?

Classic Negroni

Negronis are so popular because they’re a) super easy to pull together and b) taste delicious. The right vermouth binds this together fantastically well, adding great weight and layers of sweet complexity.

Ingredients                          
25ml sweet vermouth (like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
25ml London Dry Gin
25ml Campari
Garnish: orange peel

Method
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with that orange peel.

Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is so simple that a quality dry vermouth is required to let it really shine. We recommend a 50:50 split of vodka and vermouth for the perfect blend of silky smooth texture and herbaceous spicy undertones. The subtlety and elegance of the lip-smacking concoction is why we love it, but a dash of orange bitters can elevate it even more!

Ingredients
25ml dry vermouth (like Noilly Prat Original)
25ml vodka (like Grey Goose)
Dash of orange bitters
Twist of lemon

Method
Shake or stir your vermouth and vodka together with some ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add the orange bitters, a twist of lemon and voila!

Vermouth Spritz

This Venice style spritz works so well for a refreshingly light sipper, and we love using the underappreciated rosé vermouth for more of a red fruits presence, because the Aperol already brings plenty of aromatic taste. The final cocktail is a perfect blend of subtle sweetness, delicate bubbles, floral notes and herbaceous undertones with plenty of oomph.

Ingredients
50ml rosé vermouth (like Regal Rogue Wild Rosé)
15ml Aperol
Prosecco to top up
Garnish with lemon and fresh mint

Method
Add the vermouth and Aperol to your glass with ice, top up with Prosecco and garnish with lemon and mint for the finishing touch. Enjoy!

Which Vermouth should I try?

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue love to show off the wine in their vermouth, and their Wild Rosé pushes Australian Illawarra plums to the front alongside strawberry and rosella. There are gorgeous hints of spice and nods to tropical flavours in this accessible and super versatile vermouth, and it works just as well in the cocktail above as it does with a simple tonic. Stunning.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth

If you’re scratching your chin pondering on which vermouth to try, then it only makes sense to opt for the original French vermouth, the benchmark dry white that is Noilly Prat. In the tiny Marseillan village, highly acidic Picpoul grapes are used and the liquid is part aged in casks, and part aged in the elements for slow oxidation. This blend is macerated with their trademark herbs and spices for the pinnacle of dry vermouth. For a Dry Martini, look no further.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: UK £14.99 // US $11.99

Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino

This is our choice for a classic Negroni and to be honest, plenty of other mixes. In and around Piedmont in Northern Italy, the recipe dates back to 1891 and uses Moscato wine, tangy citrus and rhubarb, traditional wormwood and a guarded blend of aromatic spices and herbs. Rich and intense, it is delicious to explore on the rocks or as a welcome twist to classic cocktails.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: UK £19.95 // US $22.99

Vermouth is an absolute must in any mixologist’s cabinet, but we have a number of other drinks guides of liquids that are misunderstood or simply not talked about enough. Take a look at Absinthe, Pisco and Baijiu here!