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!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Morrisons January 2024

We’re back with Supermarket Wine Bargains, and Morrisons have caught our eye with some delicious discounts on wine this January (available until 21st January). We’ve got luscious reds, crisp whites, and a stunning Rosé that all represent incredible quality for the price, Honestly, these wines for under £10 is a steal. Anyway, enough jabbering! Let’s get stuck into the good stuff.

Morrisons Red Wine Discounts January 2024

Mucho Mas Black Label Red

Situated not too far from the Spanish capital, Félix Solís is one of the largest family-owned wineries in the world, and Mucho Mas Black Label is their juicy, easy-drinking red. Warm pepper and aromatic vanilla round off the dark fruits for a top-notch midweek glugger.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.50)

19 Crimes The Uprising Red Wine

Paying homage to Australia’s 1808 Rum Rebellion, part of this wine has been aged for a month in rum barrels. Mocha and baking spice make up a curious nose, which unfolds into a jammy, chocolatey, oaky bliss. In your face and very, very tasty indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £9.50)

Piccini Memoro Red

This Italian red has built up a bit of a reputation for being one of the best affordable reds out there, and deservedly so. It’s flush with warmth, and a pleasant lightness despite the full-bodied fruits. It’s a perfect winter wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £8.75)

Porta 6 Red Vinho Regional Lisboa

The hilly vineyards above Lisbon enjoy the cooling of the Atlantic breeze, bringing a real distinct freshness to the grapes grown there. This is a light-bodied Portuguese red with rustic feel, carrying blackcurrants and strawberries and a welcome hit of acidity to the finish. This is one to open an hour or two before drinking.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.50)

Pepperbox Shiraz

We love this Aussie Shiraz. Full of dark, ripe fruits, with spicy depth and silky soft tannins, it’s a wonderful Sunday Lamb companion. The pepper in particular stands out, as does the dense, thick mouthfeel. Indulgent, warming and great for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Morrisons The Best Negroamaro

This is a wine that grabs you by the scruff from the off, hitting you with a delicious blast of rich fruit – blackcurrant, cherries and plums. It doesn’t have the complex depths of some other reds, but if you’re after balanced, punchy flavoursome fruit, then you’ll have no complaints for the money at all.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £8.50)

Morrisons White Wine Discounts January 2024

Morrisons The Best Touraine Sauvignon

This beauty comes from Chainier, one of the most prominent producers in the Loire. It’s noted for its elegance, balancing elderflower, passion fruit and crunchy lime zest, as well as a distinct grassy note. The bright acidity cleanses the palate tastefully, making it very food friendly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Brancott Flight Sauvignon Blanc

It doesn’t get much more refreshing than this. This is Brancott’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with hints of tropical fruits, buttery croissant, and grapefruit. It’s a really solid, well-rounded wine that’s lower in ABV than usual, and naturally 20% lower in calories. A serial award winner for a reason, and great if you’re looking to cut down a little.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%
Find here: £7 (usually £9)

Fete Des Flaveurs Picpoul De Pinet

This Languedoc-Roussillon white is inspired by regional flavour festivals, therefore celebrating a medley of local flavours iconic in France. Fresh fruit and citrus come through gracefully, particularly grapefruit with gives great tang. It’s very characterful, and delivers on the crisp, refreshing nature of the signature style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Morrisons Rosé Wine Discounts January 2024

Barefoot Pink Moscato Rose Wine

Barefoot’s Californian Rosé is a real crowd pleaser because the beautiful colour comes through upon tasting. Raspberry, cherry and strawberry invite on the nose, and the flavour is award-winning fruity sweetness with a touch of sherbet creaminess. It is towards the sweeter end of Rosé, but it’s delivered incredibly well.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%
Find here: £6 (usually £7.50)

We have Supermarket Wine Bargains on the website for most of the UK supermarkets, and we’re always busy updating them when the latest offers arrive so keep your eyes peeled for more gems!

Elevate Your Dry January Experience with These 8 Alcohol Free Wines

More and more drinkers are doing Dry January, and the alternatives out there are better than they have ever been. Having said that, there are still plenty of No-Low drinks that will fool you into thinking they’re all just as dreary and nothing-y as that one was – particularly when it comes to wine.

Nonetheless, just as there are many underwhelming wines, there are some absolute gems at the other end of the spectrum. These wines are not in the business of compromise. And for well under £10, they’re also incredible value. In fact, they’re appealing enough to make Dry January a breeze.

The Best Non-Alcohol Rosé Wine

Not Guilty Alcohol Free Rosé Wine

This fun bottle doesn’t make the cardinal sin of being too sweet, which is something that seems to ruin some alcohol-free Rosés. There are subtle red berry flavours, tartness, and an alluring lightness that makes for relaxed easy drinking. It really is wonderful value for the runner up at the 2023 World Alcohol-Free Awards.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.50 (usually more!)

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Wine

Oddbird Sparkling Rosé

If you’ve been into No-Lo wines for a while, then chances are you’ve heard of Oddbird. Their reputation for quality really does precede them, and they’re also making great strides towards sustainability. Their fizzing Rosé displays superb balance, blended from Chardonnay and aged Languedoc-Roussillon Pinot Noir. Gorgeous strawberries come through with lots of freshness, and the dry tang makes sure all that fruity sweetness doesn’t go overboard. If you’re missing Rosé over Dry Jan, then this is a must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.99

Kylie Minogue Sparkling Rosé Alcohol Free

This pink beauty is another hit for Kylie, delivering a harmonious balance of florality and juicy red fruits that linger longer than you’d expect. The fizz is gentle but lively and overall, it feels like really well made, light and refreshing Rosé. Great value too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £6 (£4.50 Clubcard Price)

Thomson & Scott Skinny Noughty Organic Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé

The entire Noughty range focuses on skipping over not only those unnatural inclusions, but also unnecessary sugars, meaning each glass has so few calories and feels clean. The grapes from southern Spain and give a seriously seductive shade of pink. The bubbles are there, the balance of acidity and sweetness is there, and the red berries share the lead role with the juicy grape flavour itself.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.50

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Wine

McGuigan Zero Sparkling

As one of the biggest names in Australian wine, McGuigan have a robust choice in their Zero range these days. Thanks to their state-of-the-art tech, they’re able to remove all the alcohol from these bottles at lower temperatures than usual, retaining even more of the winey goodness. This fizz has an appealing dry bite, with sweetness comparable to Prosecco. Orchard fruits come through with a hit of a refreshment too. For pennies, it is tremendous.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £3£3.5050 (usually more!)

Freixenet 0.0 Alcohol Free Sparkling

Freixenet’s fizzy offering retains the character of the wine, avoiding the cloying sweetness that so many rivals fall prey to. The fruity nose is very welcoming, yet the first sip is surprisingly dry. It’s not going to blow you away with a myriad of different flavours and depth, but there is a reason so many return to this as their No-Lo sparkler – it’s reliable, quaffable and fools a lot of people into thinking it has booze in it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%                    
Find here: £4.75

La Gioiosa Alcohol Free Vegan Sparkling

This lovely looking Italian No-Lo fizz knocks it out the park for around a fiver. Think fine bubbles, and signature Giera accents of pear, peach and apple, alongside lovely floral notes. Fruity, easy-drinking wine that we’d recommend serving chilled for added refreshment. Solid.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.99

Vintense Fine White Bubbles

Vintense take things in an elegant direction here, capturing the special feel and sophistication of the sparkling wine experience. A fruity bouquet is accompanied by subtle lemon and sun-kissed peach on the palate. This would be delicious with fish, shellfish, oysters and salads too – very food-friendly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8.78

Something you might not have considered as an alternative to wine is sparkling teas. They’re flourishing right now, so give something new a go!

What is Plaimont and Which Bottles Should I Try?

What And Where Is Plaimont?

Plaimont is one of France’s most highly regarded cooperatives, occupying vineyards with rich terroir from Gascony to the Pyrénées foothills. It was founded back in the 1970s by Andre Dubosc, and since then it has changed the viticultural landscape of the region, reigniting its past as one of the countries’ most prized winemaking areas. It’s taken old, abandoned vines, revived them to excellence, and is now releasing plenty of great value wines… many of which can be found in your local supermarket. Cheers to that.

Why Is Plaimont Important?

Well, firstly they represent a staggering amount of wine in the South-West. 98% of the Saint Mont appellation, with red, white, and rosé all produced, as well as over half of the Madiran and AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellations, and a third of the Cotes-de-Gascogne.

Plaimont is all about preserving indigenous varietals and therefore maintaining their distinct Pyrénéan identity. They also, however, fully embrace the evolution of wine and an expansive range of grapes that are popular worldwide – your Cabernet Sauvignon and your Merlot.

They’ve come so far by taking an unparalleled interest and care for the terroir. The number of vines HEV certified (High Environment Value) has grown and grown, and they are well on their way to full certification. The same goes for organic wine, with a mission to reduce the use of chemicals in winemaking.

They also take pride in their ampelographic research (basically everything to do with identifying, naming, and classifying grape varieties). For decades, ampelographers have been painstakingly analysing Plaimont’s land, discovering a rich history and a total collection of 37 varieties, 12 of which are unique and previously unknown. The heritage is so significant, it even has its own ‘living library’. These varieties have been carefully monitored and developed, like the Manseng Noir, of which just a single vine was found. Now, it is grown across several hectares. Research is fundamental to what Plaimont do, and they have regular meetings with industry leading experts to keep ploughing forward and deliver more for this exciting region.

What Is Wine From Plaimont Like?

Saint Mont

This is Plaimont’s key appellation for its research, and home to the first Historical Monument vineyard. It covers an area along the Adour River equidistant between the Atlantic and the Pyrénées that has been home to wine since medieval times. It’s a diverse area from East to West, producing full-bodied elegant reds, fresh, mineral leaning whites, and lively rosés, with varied grapes such as Merlot, Petit Courbu, Tannat and Pinenc.

Cotes de Gascogne

Once upon a time, this area was dedicated to Armagnac brandy. That was until Plaimont discovered the potential of the French Colombard grape over in America, sparking a revival in the region as they set about optimising this varietal. As a result, it’s now grown here displaying diversity not normally associated with the grape, alongside Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Maseng – covering a wide spectrum of dry and sweet wines.

Pacherenc Du Vic-Bilh

This translates roughly to ‘wine from vines on stilts in the Old Land’ and was the area most in need of Plaimont’s help after being essentially abandoned in the 70s. Nowadays, vineyards stretch out over the rolling hills, with warm days and cold nights making late harvest possible… meaning tremendous sweetness. Age-old varieties dominate her, like Petit Mansang (floral and fruity), Gros Manseng (vigorous and lively), Petit Courbu (aromatic and lush), and Arrufiac (characterful and elegant).

Madiran

Nearest to the Pyrénées mountains, this is perhaps the most varied terroir. From high altitude Nappede Maucor with rounded sweetness, to gravelly sunrise facing slopes, to clay-limestone slopes bringing vibrancy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France and the indigenous Tannat thrive here.

Which Plaimont Wines Should I Try?

ASDA Extra Special Côtes de Gascogne

Grown in the cooling Atlantic breeze, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng combine for a beautifully crisp and dry wine, with bright lemon citrus and fantastically fresh fruits.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.25

Pujalet Cotes de Gascogne

This is a great party wine with moreish zest and crispness from Colombard and Ugni Blanc grapes. Exotic grapefruit and guava keep each other company, and there’s surprising flavour considering the low ABV.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £7.49 

Elia Côtes De Gascogne

Again, bringing the aromatic Colombard grape to life, this vibrant white is reminiscent of great New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with tropical hints supporting refreshing orchard fruits and citrus, and a floral grassy note. Wonderfully light and fresh.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%
Find here: £8.50 (currently £7 on offer)

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

We featured this in our Supermarket Wine Bargains Sainsbury’s guide in October, because it packs a hell of a punch for the price. The sunny slopes of Côtes De Gascogne deliver a perfect easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of surgical acidity to cut through mid-week meals. The Colombard softens it nicely, resulting in a vividly refreshing wine indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9

Plaimont Saint Mont Grande Cuvee

The end product of the historically rare grapes of the Sant Mont vineyard, Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu and Arrufiac are selected from some of the cooler vineyards to make an invitingly floral wine, opening up with a citrussy, stone-fruit palate. Tangy acidity races through it, as does subtle creaminess from 5 months ageing on lees.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9.50

If you want to learn more about French wine in general, then we’ve put together a Beginner’s Guide!

The Best Sparkling Wines for New Years, Whatever Your Budget

New Years is the biggest celebration of them all, and sparkling wine is the drink most synonymous with celebrating, so getting the right bottle in is of the utmost importance.

There are hefty price tags floating around in the world of bubbles, so you want to be sure that you’re getting great value and not buying an overpriced bottle. We’ve been investigating Champagne, English Fizz, Prosecco, and Cava to find three different options for each, whatever your budget is. These bottles all give one hell of a bang for their buck and deliver a better drinking experience of bottles twice the price. So, without further ado... let’s pop the cork on the best sparkling wines for New Years!

The Best Champagne to Drink At New Year

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

This is a fantastic value Champagne in the dry style that’s available at Aldi, hence the exceptional price. Of course, there isn’t the complexity of the top-end bubbly, but this is really well-made wine all the same, with loveable apple crumble character – think Granny Smiths, slightly spiced biscuits, nuts, and brioche. It’s one of the UK’s best sellers for a reason, and would raise many an eyebrow in blind tastings with far more expensive bottles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.99

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage Champagne

Backed up so many awards, this is everything great Champagne should be. It screams (or gently whispers) elegance and carries a fragrant, inviting bouquet. In the mouth, the bubbles are persistent and lively, delivering soft, creamy fruits and a finish that stretches off into 2025, let alone 2024.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.99 (usually more!)

Champagne de Saint-Gall Orpale

This is fine Grand Cru Champagne aged on its lees for 12 years, and that beautiful deep golden hue hides so much depth. Delicate citrus hits the nose, rich, toasted brioche and minerality play off in the mouth, and all that racy power lingers too, with grapefruit appearing towards the end. Magical.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £94.95

The Best English Sparkling Wine to Drink At New Year

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

The price of this used to be higher, and it was well worth trying then, so you just have to now. English fizz has come so far in the last two decades, now going toe-to-toe and even surpassing some fine French Champagnes. This is great way to experience all that improvement, without breaking the bank. 8 years of ageing brings beautifully deep biscuity notes, but the crispness of those British orchards holds strong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015

The 2015 harvest started cool but finished with heaps of sun, resulting in the intense flavours and crisp flavours you find here. The creamy feel coats the mouth and the citrus glimmers, throwing up images of lemon mousse, buttery shortbread, and crisp green apples. Vibrance and elegance is what this English bubbly is all about, and it’s no surprise to see it feature in so many top restaurants.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £44

Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010

Another restaurateur’s favourite, Nyetimber are one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Creamy, nougat deliciousness fills out the palate, blanketing vibrant fruits. Those beautiful mineral tones begin to intertwine as it goes on, joined by crushed, toasted nuts. The structure is so strong, with everything in its place, and the only reaction is to be impressed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £129.95

The Best Prosecco & Cava to Drink At New Year

Pasqua 'Romeo & Juliet' Brut Prosecco DOC

The nose on this romantic Prosecco is seductively intense, with a touch of citrus and a lot of fruit which, after the first sip, reveals itself to carry a tonne of freshness. It feels aromatic throughout, with a gentle tang and tartness that brings harmony. Light, aromatic, full of fruit and softly moussed – tremendous value Prosecco at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.99

La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut

£7.50 for this is just superb. It’s a dry Prosecco brimming with sunshine lemons, almond undertones and lightness that is to die for. It’s less sweet than most Prosecco, focusing instead on crisp refreshment and would be a lovely wine to sip on when welcoming in the New Year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50

Pere Ventura Cavas Cava Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2015

This is a benchmark in premium Cava, something some people disregard at these prices for some reason. The nose is full of orchard fruits, and tasteful acidity slices through the creamy palate. The mouse is stand out, delicate freshness is never far away, and it shows excellent finesse from start to finish. A masterful expression of the style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36

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.

The Best Last Minute Boozy Gifts for All Drinks Lovers

It is the last week before Christmas, and if you’re anything like me, there are still presents to buy and bottles to bring to parties. There are plenty of new releases of spirits before Christmas and I’ve had a chance to try a few which are becoming new favourites. I have a few old favourites too. Below is a list of great spirits to suit all pockets should you need to buy something late before Christmas or are thinking of taking something different to a New Year party. Always make sure of the delivery times when it is this close to Christmas and look out for these if you’re in your favourite specialist retailer. I’m giving ideas from brandy to tequila, so I hope you find something you think you or a loved one might like.

Whisky

Dalmore 2005 and 2008 2023 Editions

The vintage releases from Dalmore are always very sought after. With Dalmore’s expert use of multiple types of sherry casks, their whiskies are known for complexity and depth of flavour and these two expressions are no different. They have slightly different profiles with the 2005 having a little more punch and the 2008 being more luxuriant, they are both worth seeking out and any whisky love would be more than pleased have either of them.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 49.3% & 45.8%
Find them here: £375 & £155

Busker Single Pot Still

Busker is new to the UK market and it’s about time this delicious whiskey has come to our shores. Beyond their Triple Cask range, the Royal Oak distillery as their Single Collection and my favourite is this Single Pot Still whiskey. Quintessentially Irish, this is made with both malted and unmalted barley which is unlike single malt whisky and gives the whisky a unique flavour profile of fruits and spices. It’s a great all-rounder with a difference.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44.3%
Find them here: £29.95

Meikle Tòir The Sherry One

The Meikle Tòir whiskies have been created by Billy Walker at Glenallachie distillery. He set out to make the perfect peated whisky from Speyside, and in doing so has created four of them, The Original, The Sherry one, The Chinquapin One and The Turbo. No guessing what The Turbo is all about! The others have a ppm count of 35, and the Turbo is 71 ppm. My favourite was The Sherry One, with all its fruitcake and spice with an oily peaty smoke running though the core of the dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find them here: £52

Table Whisky 

I love this idea of crossing the wine world with the whisky world. Table whisky is a single grain whisky, traditionally a poorer cousin to single malt, but in this case that’s certainly not true. Distilled in Edinburgh, matured in virgin oak and sherry casks it tastes of popcorn, toffee and raspberry jam and I loved it! And at £35 it is certainly an affordable whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £35

The Long & Short of it WS:02

This great new blend hails from the new Boarders distillery. They mix fermentation times which are both long and short to give a complex flavour profile whilst remaining well balanced and fruity. It’s matured in first fill ex bourbon barrels giving plenty of sweetness and is so well integrated with the grain whisky. I’m a fan of blends and this one is yummy. And right now they are giving away glasses with every bottle.

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

Turntable Paradise Funk

Turntable are a new blending house in Scotland that have now produced a core range. There are six whiskies which are both peated and un-peated. My favourite was Paradise Funk which has flavours of caramelised pineapple, toffee and lots of vanilla. What I also really like about these whiskies is that they give the precise breakdown of the blend. This one is: - 30% unnamed Speyside whisky aged in a virgin oak barrel. - 20% Benrinnes matured in a Chinkapin oak barrel.- 18% Invergordon single grain aged in a Cognac cask.- 13% Knockdhu matured in a virgin oak barrel.- 11% North British single grain matured in a virgin oak barrel.- 8% Blair Athol aged in a first-fill bourbon cask. This openness gives a new way to discover flavour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find them here: £52.95

Glendronach 12 Year Old

This is an absolute classic sherry styled 12 year old whisky. Full of fruitcake flavours and spice with sweetness and a plentiful mix of dried and fresh orchard fruits. There are a few contenders for a classic sherry style whisky, and most of them are 15 years old and more expensive. This is great value for what you get. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £45.50

Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old

This year saw the long-awaited new core range from Glenglassaugh, and I was blown away by the 12 year old. Of the three whiskies released, two were non age statement whiskies and were very good, this one was the least expensive and I though the most accomplished. The packaging is well thought out with lighter glass for sustainability and is stunning. The whisky has great depth of flavour, beyond its 12 years and there are also vibrant fruity notes too. For value versus flavour this is my whisky of the year. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find them here: £49.95

Kavalan Vinho Barrique

This is a whisky which covers the exotic side of things. Hailing from Taiwan, it has a maturation which firstly doesn’t have to be as long as in Scotland as the climate in Taiwan is sub-tropical, but that climate also turbo charges the whisky with flavour. This Vinho Barrique matured expression has so much red fruit and spice it has become unctuous and decadent. With flavours of dark chocolate, plumbs, kiwi, orange, raspberries and red apples this is, like so many whiskies from Kavalan an expressive, exciting whisky. All this complexity and development, and the fact it’s a single cask at cask strength, completely justifies spending more on that special person for Christmas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 56.3%
Find them here: £198

Yellow Rose Outlaw

Moving over to the other side of the world, I was excited to try some American whiskies from Texas. Made from Texan yellow corn, this is rich and sweet and having been matured in smaller than normal barrels in Houston, the flavours are intense and rich. If you wanted to take a huge step up from drinking bourbons which are readily available in our supermarkets, then this would be a great place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find them here: £63.70

Gin

Melifera Gin

This is an organically produced Gin from France with many different hand-picked botanicals and preserves the biodiversity of the area and supporting the Black Bee Conservatory in Oléron. It is a very herbal gin with floral aromas and flavours mixing in well too. If you like a dry gin without much sweetness, this is certainly going to be up your street.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £39.75

Nordés Gin

Occationally I come across a gin which manages to hit all the bases. A great cocktail base, a good gin for a martini, and fabulous in a gin and tonic. Nordes does exactly that. It comes from Galicia in northwest Spain and is made from Albariño-grape-based spirit. It has great balance of floral, herbal, juniper and also has just the right amount of sweetness in its fruit profile to make this one of best contemporary gins I have tasted in a long while. And you can find it in 3 Litre bottles! Bravo Nordes.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £31.99

Micil Irish Poitín

This is something a little different from Ireland. Made in Galway from grain, it is flavoured with bogbean which gives a spicy kick, and some softer floral notes. It’s super over ice and makes great cocktails. If you’d like to try something a little different, or don’t need yet another bottle of gin on your drinks table, then this is definitely worth trying.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find them here: £33.94

Vodka

Nine Tines

Nine Tines is an English vodka made in Yorkshire. The potatoes it’s made from come from their own farm and from within nine miles of where it is made and bottled. 20 varieties of potato give a rich viscous vodka which has nice sweetness and balance. A great addition to the world of vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £39

Dima’s Vodka

Here at The Three Drinkers, we are a huge fan of Dima’s Vodka. If you buy vodka, then this is the one we would advocate every time. Apart from being delicious, viscous, and versatile, it is made in the Ukraine and owned by Ukrainian Dima. From every bottle bought, Dima donates £5 to the plight of Ukraine. What more reason do you need to buy a bottle!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £35

Brandy

Bardinet Inspirations

A new brandy from Bardinet! This is made with mixing in mind, and it is a great brandy for mixing. There is plenty of flavour to stand up to all sorts of mixers and other spirits. Drink it long with ginger ale or lemonade, in a Sidecar or Brandy Alexander. This brandy handles them all, it’s amazing value and can easily be found in most supermarkets. Perfect for Christmas, and adding a little to mulled wine.

 Size: 700ml
ABV: 36%
Find them here: £17

Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO

For something more upmarket, I would always trust in Frapin. The Cognac they produce is refined and delicate in flavour. There are signature floral and orange aromas and flavours which will please anyone who is a Cognac lover. The Chateau de Fontpinot XO is my favourite, but their VSOP at under half the price is also excellent. This is a Cognac for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find them here: £135

Tequila

For my last suggestions, I wanted to come to the world of aged Tequila. In our youth, I am sure we all remember salt on our hands and lemon segments in our teeth, but as we move on we sought out Tequila which was smooth, flavoursome and deserving of our cocktails. From there, is the world of sipping Tequila which has been aged in barrels and has extra flavour and sweetness. These Tequilas may not be the cheapest in the world, but they are definitely worth seeking out if you haven’t tried one before.

Volcan De Mi Tierra XA 

If a whole bottle is a little too much to stomach on your budget at the moment, then this will be found in nightclubs and bars. The elegant bottle has a little party trick. The base which is shaped like a volcano lights up and will certainly be noticed. I’d try it neat before mixing it to experience the full flavour. After that, mix away or put it over ice and enjoy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £196

Enemigo 00 Zero Zero

Aged for three years in oak, this looks like a rum or whisky in the glass. It is fruity with lots of agave flavour, but also sweet and incredibly well balanced. Superb over ice, it is a great entry into the super-premium world of oak aged Tequila. Flavours of Vanilla, charred oak, green apple and nuttiness mix with plentiful vanilla and honey.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £137.70

Mijenta Anejo

This tequila is aged for eighteen months in oak and is created in small batches., The wood used for aging is French oak, French acacia and cherry wood which gives a great deal of complexity to the tequila with fruits, spices and sweet notes of butterscotch and butter mixing with tobacco and nuts. A great all-round aged tequila which if you’ve not tried, but have tried aged Tequila before, I would seek out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £152

And there we have it. My suggestions for a very merry Christmas and new year. It’s great time of year to experiment and try something you’ve not had before. I always find the best times to do that, are times I’m with others, and this is a time of year where we get together and share. I always feel drinks are to be shared.

For more last minute gift guides, check out these distillery and winery tours!

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!