Jennifer Lopez Reveals 'Delola'

It seems like even J-Lo got bored over lockdown because during that time, with the help of industry veterans Ken Austin and Jenna Fagnan, her business partner Benny Medina and ‘The World’s Best Bartender 2021’ Lynnette Marrero, she was busy brewing up ideas for a new drink.

Addressing her 241 million Instagram followers, her secret project moved from the down-lo to #OnTheJLo – the tagline for her new brand.

Delola is her own new cocktail brand, and their first release comes in the form of natural premium spritzers. If you’re wondering about the name, ‘Lola Lopez’ is her ‘playful and carefree’ alter ego, a spirit she’s embracing with this first fleet of bubbles.

Bella Berry is a vodka, berry and hibiscus mix, Paloma Rosa Spritz uses tequila, grapefruit and elderflower and finally there’s L’Orange Spritz with amaro, orange and passionfruit. Crucially, they involve a plethora of natural botanicals to create a low-calorie, gluten free ready-to-drink mix that’s waiting to come alive over ice. Or as the star herself put it, “better ingredients, better taste, fewer calories than traditional cocktails, and one simple pour” and “easy, fun, fresh and delicious”.

Unusually for many ready-to drink cocktails, each one arrives in a beautiful glass bottle which definitely helps to recreate the experience factor that makes cocktails so special. Priced at $22.99 for 750ml bottles and $11.99 for 375ml bottles, this is a bit of a leap from the affordable on the go cocktail cans we’re used to, and with a deluge of celebrity faced drinks now on the market, it will be interesting to see whether these cocktail spritzers can become a household name just like J-Lo!

The Three Drinkers Return for a Third Series on Amazon Prime!

Award-winning drinks duo Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin return to our screens this May for the third series of their award-winning Amazon Prime travel show, The Three Drinkers, joined by special guest ‘Third Drinkers’ Eddy Temple-Morris and Eulanda Shead-Osagiede.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac follows Aidy and Helena as they embark on a cultural and gastronomic journey in and around the picturesque French region of Cognac.

With a lifestyle-focused approach, the duo takes an unpretentious look at the fabulous spirit of Cognac and other local delights, taking in the people, places and local attractions of the region along the way. In classic Three Drinkers style, they bust the misconceptions about cognac through their lighthearted, on-screen approach, helping the audience discover brand new ways of enjoying this world-class spirit from grape to glass. Ditching outdated balloon glasses and mundane tasting notes, this is a series for those who seek to be inspired and learn through humour, quirky facts and takeaway tidbits of drinks knowledge.

The 2-hour series is made up of 4 x 30 minute episodes in which the Drinkers discover the art of cognac with help from famed houses as Courvoisier and Remy Martin, alongside the world famous orange liqueur of the region, Grand Marnier. They also check out local, pioneering gin makers, Audemus Distillery while discovering the fascinating world of mixers, sodas and tonics with Franklin & Sons.

Throughout the series, the team takes a deep dive into highballs and cocktails based on occasion, discover the unique dishes of the region, try their hand at water sports, chocolate crafting, shoemaking, beekeeping, become hotel waiters/waitresses and even collect botanicals from deep within the Charentais wilderness for their own locally inspired gin.

“We like to look at drinks through a lifestyle lens, showcasing these stunning sips in a relaxed, unintimidating setting,” says Helena.

“One of the most important aspects of this series is to highlight that cognac doesn’t belong at the back of your grandparent’s cupboard and we’ll be exploring a number of simple serves and cocktails that the audience can create from the comfort of their homes or be inspired to order the next time they’re at a cocktail bar,” Aidy adds.

The Third Drinkers

This series welcomes Virgin Radio presenter and Persian foodie fanatic Eddy Temple-Morris alongside a returning appearance for travel presenter, journalist and influencer Eulanda Shead-Osagiede. While Aidy and Helena are tasked with inspiring spirit sceptic Eddy into falling in love with the liquid gold of cognac, Eulanda seeks out some of the hidden, lifestyle gems of the region, setting the duo amusing tasks along the way.

A more diverse representation in drinks

Aidy and Helena have been clear on their goals to enable more diversity and equity into the world of drinks. Aidy is a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ and disability diversity representation as the only TV Presenter in the United Kingdom (and one of a small handful globally) with Tourette Syndrome, battling the stigmas of one of the most misrepresented disabilities in the world. Helena has been well known for her stance on female empowerment within the industry, removing the perception that women only enjoy certain spirits.

“It’s been an ongoing mission to showcase that diversity in drinks is possible and we’re delighted to stand with our partners who have helped us make that a reality in this latest series,” Aidy says.

“The importance of on-screen diverse talent amplifies the narrative that all of our voices matter. The Three Drinkers is a beautiful example of this, looking at the talent within the show and I’m so proud to be a part of that movement., says Eulanda, who is a leading voice within the travel entertainment sphere for BAME talent.

“Three series ago we set out with an aim to create a new travel show with a drinks hook,” Helena says, “Nearly six years on, we’re so happy to see how each project has evolved and we can’t wait to share this latest one with the world.”

This armchair series is packed with fun, memorable moments, helping viewers to create exactly what they see on screen at home while inspiring them to visit the region to see it first hand.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac will launch in mid-May on Amazon Prime in 120 countries and territories, in 9 languages. You can follow The Three Drinkers in the run-up to the show at @TheThreeDrinkers alongside Aidy (@Sypped) and Helena (@HelenaSips).

The New Vodka Made from Peas

Move over potato and wheat, there's a new vodka ingredient in town - peas! That's right, Manchester drinks business Ten Locks has unleashed Pod Pea Vodka that’s making green waves in the sea of spirits.

Unlike other vodkas, Pod Pea Vodka is made using sustainably sourced British peas, which not only imparts distinctive taste but also comes with environmental benefits. Peas are a sustainable crop, requiring less water and fertilizers than other crops typically used for spirits, whilst feeding nitrogen to the soil at the same time. And let's not forget the obvious health benefits of peas, being a good source of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins! The peas are distilled into a neutral grain spirit which is then blended with beautiful Lake District water to create a smooth and refreshing flavour.

But Ten Locks' innovation doesn't stop there. They have also partnered with a London-based eco-startup, to create packaging made from recycled glass and sustainable labelling, making Pod Pea Vodka a truly green product from start to finish.

Don’t let the pea ingredient fool you into thinking it has an off-putting vegetal taste either, far from it. There is a vibrance to the vegetal note that rounds off the more familiar crisp lemon, creamy grain, pepper, and delicate sweetness. For a refreshing summer vodka serve, this will be on point served simply on the rocks, but combining with the likes of mint and cucumber in a Mojito twist would give create a gorgeous natural blend too.

The Pod Pea team have been busy themselves creating cocktails to star their creation, such as the Petit Pois Fizz, Easy Peasy, Pickle Pea Martini, and a take on the classic Bloody Mary – who says red and green should never be seen.

“We launch Pod Pea Vodka confident we’ve prioritised taste, flavour, and an unwavering belief that excellent ingredients can be sourced right here in the UK,” Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, said. Sounds good to us.

So, if you're looking for a vodka with a difference or one with an innovative green outlook, give Pod Pea Vodka a try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.45

The World’s First Powdered Beer

We all know instant coffee, but how about instant beer? Well, a 500-year-old German brewery, ‘Neuzeller Klosterbräu’ has made just that. Beer lovers, rejoice.

It really is made in the same way as instant coffee or protein shakes. By simply adding water to 45g of powder, you create the same amount of beer as you would buying a 1kg bottle. Obviously, this could have incredible environmental benefits. Manager Stefan Fritsche says, “We have calculated that, if we now relate this to Germany, we can save about 3 to 5 percent of the CO2 emissions for Germany alone. And if you look at it globally, that would be about half a percent of CO2 emissions worldwide that we could reduce.”

From what we can gather right now, the beer is non-alcoholic but they are confident that they will soon be able to add alcohol and carbon dioxide in powdered form too. It’s worth saying that this isn’t only one type of beer either because Stefan says they can powderize any beer and are looking to share this method with other breweries… so your favourite beer could soon be bought from powder!

Of course, the taste has to be right, especially in Europe where beer is extremely popular and drinkers may be sceptical of its powdered form. But, with greener solutions always being searched out, could this be the future of beer?

To begin with, the brewery will target Asian and African markets where there is less of a traditionalist mindset over beer, and where the environmental transport benefits are even more relevant. It doesn’t look like a European arrival is any day now – the head requires a milk frother at the moment, and the alcohol isn’t ready to be added just yet, but with the taste pretty much there, it might not be far off.

So, what do you think? Would you give powdered beer a try? Or do you think it's sacrilege to mess with the traditional brewing process? Reach out on social media and let us know!

For more beer-illiant content click here!

Heinz and Absolut Team Up for Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce

Heinz and Absolut Vodka, now that’s two brands you probably didn’t foresee combining. But here we are, with their new Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce; a classic Heinz tomato sauce infused with Absolut Vodka to create a rich and creamy pasta sauce.

It probably isn’t as odd as it sounds at first because vodka is often combined with pasta, adding a touch of heat and sharpness to complement the sweet, creaminess of most pasta sauces. In this case, cheese and basil are also included to finish off a tomato sauce that has gone down very well indeed with those who’ve tried it.

It all started back in 2020 when supermodel Gigi Hadid boasted of a spicy pasta recipe using vodka and after it went viral, Pernod Ricard (owner of Absolut) had the idea to team up with another iconic brand in Heinz. Time will tell if this becomes a kitchen staple for those easy-to-make pasta dishes, but if it does, we can’t help but wonder if some kind of Bloody Mary crossover will be next?

If you’re not a vodka drinker, then you understandably probably don’t want to spend money on a whole bottle just to use a little in a pasta sauce, so this is actually quite a neat way for people to see what vodka can bring to pasta! Want to try? It’ll be available in Waitrose stores from April 12th at £2.50 per jar, but you can pre-order from the Heinz site here if you’re super keen!

To read more of the latest drinks news, click here.

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!

The Wonderful Women Of Wine

For far too long, winemaking was a male-dominated industry, partly because of the male inheritance of vineyards in days of old and the culture that this set in place. Happily, attitudes have changed, thanks in no small part to some fantastic, trailblazing, female winemakers like these women below.

This International Woman’s Day, let’s raise a glass to all inspirational and innovative women in wine wherever they are!

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini

Heading up their stunning winemaking team in the Western Cape is one of the industry’s brightest stars, Praisy Dlamini who handpicks the grapes herself. To get to this point, she became proficient in Afrikaans, completed a degree in Agricultural Management, landed a 3 year internship at the Cape Winemakers Guild and became the first woman CWG Protégée, before rising through the ranks at Distell and Anchor Yeast. Alongside the drive and talent of Praisy, Amandla is very much a group endeavour with an all-female, all-black workforce from winemaker to accountant to stock controller.

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel

This blend is so juicy and jammy without being overbearingly sweet with plum and ripe blackberry notes dominating the palate. With its silky smooth texture, it would work well with loads of foods, especially grilled meats, so fire up the braai!

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

Domaine Jones – Katie Jones

Katie Jones moved to Languedoc in 2000, taking up a role with Mont Tauch Co-op but when the recession hit, it became less about wine and more about money. Disenchanted, she turned to the cut-price vineyard she had bought a couple of years before in an area they call, ‘the land of great hope and early graves’ – ominous! With the hard work done to get it up and running, her early wines were an overnight success picking up award after award. She’s expanded since then, working three small and charming vineyards and has even overcome a tragedy in 2013, when vandals poured her entire year’s vintage down the drain, with the help of Naked Wines who clubbed together to support her, ‘the Queen of the Languedoc!’ The awards have continued coming and Katie is perfect proof of where persistence can get you.

Me & Monsieur Jones Rose 2021

A gorgeous rosé blend of Carignan and aromatic Muscat from Katie’s ‘Monsieur Jones’ vines, that’s brimming with vibrant red berries and a touch of aromatic elderflower. Super refreshing but with enough weight to stand up to hearty meals served alongside it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.99

Ramón Bilbao - Sara Bañuelo

Ramón Bilbao was Drinks International’s Most Admired Wine Brand in The World in 2022, one of many prestigious awards it’s picked up in its long history. Leading the winery for the last few years as Technical Director of Rueda is Sara Bañuelos, rooted in the world of wine from her family in Rioja. She studied agricultural engineering as well as working in oenology and viticulture and since finishing, she has worked in La Rioja and now Ramón Bilbao!

Ramón Bilbao Sauvignon Blanc Rueda 2019

This crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc is experimental in Rueda, with aromas of cut grass, zingy citrus, and exotic fruits such as lychee. It goes brilliantly with seafood and it’s also what Sara drinks herself ,so it must be good!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £11 in Booths

Houghton Wines - Courtney Treacher

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Margaret River region in Australia, with its colourful history of Scots, bandits and winemaking craftspeople since 1836, is Houghton Wines. Leading the charge since 2020 is Courtney Treacher, who began with Houghton as a cellar hand back in 2004. With only 14 winemakers in its entire history, Houghton relies on generational talent and makes wines that nod to iconic Western Australian styles, often with Bordeaux varietals, but modern varietal expression.

Houghton Heritage White 2021

70% Chenin Blanc, 23% Muscadelle, 5% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Grigio, this Heritage White boasts an inviting, floral nose, a fleshy rich palate and would sit perfectly beside carbonara, seafood and most white meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.99

Domaine d’Arbousset - Julie Rouffignac

Alongside fellow oenologist Gérard Lafont, Julie unearths some of the most beautiful wines of Provence and the Rhône Valley. Domaine d’Arbousset is an organic, independent family-run vineyard, handed down through the generations that focuses its effort and expertise on a select few wines each year with respect for the environment they’re made in.

Arbousset Tavel Rosé

Tavel is a Cru in the southern Rhône Valley that produces only rosé wines that tend to be quite dark and dry. This one is deliciously full-bodied with a gorgeous, deep pink colour and notes of grapefruit, raspberries and spices. Try it with grilled meat, spicy cuisine, cheese and fruity desserts.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £12

Bird in Hand - Sarah Burvill

Sarah is the senior winemaker at Bird in Hand but she has made wine in Australia, New Zealand and France. The Adelaide Hills have always been her home and is where Sarah developed her passion for sparkling wine in particular. The Bird in Hand winery sits on some of the world’s oldest soils and makes some absolutely spectacular, elegant wines!

Bird In Hand Two In The Bush Chardonnay

Simply an exceptionally pure and elegant, super rounded cool-climate Chardonnay. Nectarine, peach and cashews ride on a delicately textured mouthfeel. Think Chablis with a splash more fruit.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14

Mar de Frades - Paula Fandiño

Paula has been drawn to the countryside since a young age and more specifically, the vines that grow in them. She specialised in Technical Agricultural Engineering at University before specialising in viticulture and oenology. Under her guidance and inspired by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Mar de Frades is now one of Spain’s leading wineries and she was recently named one of the most influential female enologists in the country by Drinks Business.

Mar de Frades Albariño

The blue bottle is stand-out for all the right reasons, and the same can be said for the classic Albariño wine inside. With notes of ripe lemon, wet rocks and sea spray, this bottle serves as a benchmark for the region.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £16

McPherson - Jo Nash

Jo Nash has been Chief Winemaker at McPherson since 2012 when she became pregnant with her fourth child, but she’s been part of the Australian winery for decades. Jo’s relentless belief in beautiful wine led her to buy a 20 year old vineyard in Victoria’s remote Grampians without running it by the accountant first... that accountant’s name was Gary, hence the name of the bottle below!

Don't Tell Gary Shiraz 2019

100% Shiraz from the mountainous Grampians vineyard, this silky red wine is fermented in open vats followed by ageing in new French oak barrels for 12 months, producing a full-bodied wine with silky smooth tannins and notes of plush, oak spice, sweet blackberries and cherries.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £16.49 (£13.99 Mix 12)

Textura - Mariana Salvador

Part of a flourishing Portuguese wine scene, Textura is a relatively new winery on the slopes of Serra de Estrela in the Dão appellation. Overseeing the ‘low intervention, contemporary and fresh’ approach to winemaking is Mariana Salvador. With a trio of degrees in Food Engineering, Winemaking & Viticulture and Oenology, she has focused on varietals from the beginning, her favourite being Jaen which gives an amazing cool-fruited profile to their Tinto.

Textura da Estrela, Tinto, Dao, 2018

35% Field Blend, 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Jaen and 15% Alfrochiero, the wine ages in used French oak vats and barriques for 15 months, and offers delicious, floral and berry notes alongside airy pine and cocoa flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: 6 Bottles - £80 (£13.33 per bottle)

SUSANA BALBO - Susana Balbo

Simply put, Susana Balbo is a certified legend of winemaking. Graduating in the early 80s, the first female winemaker in Argentina, she has gone on to evolve her namesake brand into one of the most successful and respected wineries not just in Mendoza, but in the world. She also keeps it in the family, as her daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo is now working with her as they expand into wellness and hospitality. In an industry run by men, she had to work twice as hard and still managed to completely redefine her trademark Torrontes as an elegant and classy wine. Three times President of Wines of Argentina, Susana is a true pioneer of Argentinian wine. Salud to the Queen of Torrontes!

Susana Balbo Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2021

Susan’s Torrontes is barrel-fermentated, with every drop then aged in new French oak for half a year with weekly batonage (lees stirring) to add a creamy texture. The end product is not only a mesmerising golden hue, but offers rounded, rich fruit with a crisp acidity and elegant complexity that feels exotic, floral and nitty, all at the same time.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £21.50

Cambria – Jill Russell

Jill was one of the first to enroll in the Wine and Viticulture major at California Polytechnic putting the ‘learn by doing’ motto into practice and getting to grips with all things Californian wine. Broadening her horizons, she studied in Adelaide too before taking on Assistant Winemaker duties at Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Building her experience in the Loire Valley and with Paul Lato Wines, Jill took on the dream role of winemaker at Cambria. Working closely with the Manager and her predecessor Denise Shurtleff (another female wine icon), she continues to develop an encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry and produces spellbinding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay

The hit of fresh fruit is instant and carries over into the palate. Think white peach, zesty lemon, Granny Smith apples and pear. The oak is soft and the acidity is poised in this masterful, Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £22.65

Giant Steps - Melanie Chester

Loved for the region’s expressive wines, Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne is home to Giant Steps, who specialise in low-intervention, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Leading the way there since 2021 is the experienced Melanie Chester. After winning prizes at the University of Adelaide, she went on to cover diverse estates like d’Arenberg, Charles Melton and Quinta do Crasto in Portugal’s Douro Valley. She’s also panel chair at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards and has three major winemaking awards of her own under her belt. What a career already!

Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

The single vineyard Pinot Noir is her brainchild and more than justifies its punchy price tag. A lauded Aussie Pinot, this wine boasts complex notes of sour cherry and cranberry on the nose, moving to softer, spicy plum and cherry, with a hint of coffee bean on the finish. Glorious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £40

Penner-Ash - Kate Ayres

Continuing the tradition of Penner-Ash working with Willamette Valley growers is Kate Ayres. They have a gloriously diverse and high-quality portfolio made up of premier vineyards from the community, sourcing the most distinguished grapes. Kate’s first love was animals, but once she encountered the winemaking department at her University there was no going back. Oregon, New Zealand, Portugal, Australia – Kate explored the world learning about wine before returning back to near where she started, Penner-Ash in Oregon.

Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021

This Pinot Noir has a plush, rosy nose with wild strawberries, cherry and a combination of lofty floral notes and a slight earthiness. Easy-drinking and supple, the berry flavours really stand out in the most moreish way.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £59.41

Freemark Abbey – Kristy Melton

Building a reputation for making finessed and structured wines across Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Kristy approaches wine from a scientific background, having earned a Masters in Viticulture from the University of California in 2007. She’s been on many a ‘one to watch’ list and for good reason when you taste the vintages released under her watch.

Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Indulgent and rich, this deep garnet coloured wine completely fills the mouth with notes of dark chocolate, sweet oak, black fruits, mocha and a touch of earthiness. Velvety smooth, delightfully complex and with a satisfying drying finish, get this lots of air and have it with food. Sublime.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £45.93

If you enjoyed this then make sure you click here to read more wine news and recommendations!

Buckingham Palace’s Coronation Gin with Windsor Raspberries

Never has there been more pressure on a tipple to be fit for a King, because the Royal Collection Trust has launched its official pairing with King Charles III’s coronation on May 6th.

Royal Windsor is a pink gin, infused with juicy raspberries grown at Windsor Castle for an inviting vibrant hue. According to the Royal Household, these bright berries are offset by the rounded spice of pink peppercorns and cassia bark, and an added touch of sweetness from orange peel and rose petals.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for enjoying a gin cocktail, with one of her favourite concoctions being a gin and Dubonnet with lemon and ice. The King is also very fond of a crisp G&T when on his travels, but for the Royal Windsor gin, the recommended serving is a generous pour of the show stealer with fresh muddled raspberries topped up with pineapple juice, which sounds gorgeously sweet and suitable for the summer around the corner come May.

This isn’t the Royal Household’s first foray into gin either, because in 2020 its London Dry, again made using palace ground botanicals, sold out in only eight hours and the sloe gin of last summer was a roaring success too.

The 38% ABV gin is officially available now for £38 here but is currently only shipping to the UK, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.

So if you’re a passionate Royalist and want the perfect spring sipper to celebrate the Coronation, or you’re just a gin lover looking for an excuse to try a lovely-sounding blend, grab yourself a bottle of Royal Windsor.

To read more about the other products launched by the Royal Household, click here!