Your Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide

Cheese and wine are an iconic match for good reason, so if you’ve never got round to pairing them or just want some mouth-watering combinations to try, then what better time than Christmas time?

From fizz to reds to whites and sweeter wines, we’ve paired your favourites with delicious cheeses that bring the best out of both of them and serve as great ambassadors for what the fuss is all about. Let’s get stuck in.

SPARKLING WINES

Champagne

For a luxurious pairing, try pairing Champagne with Truffle Brie. Brie is deliciously fatty, which coats the mouth and the super-fine bubbles of the Champagne slice through and cleanse with their sharpness, setting you up for another bite of brie, and so the heavenly cycle continues. Flavour wise, the earthy, creamy richness of the truffle brie compliments the toasty, brioche notes of Champagne. Aged Comté would go deliciously too, playing up to Champagne’s buttery and nutty notes. Any good, biscuity Champagne with mature, lively acidity would work, like the one below.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve - £55

Cava

For Cava, look to hard sheep milk cheeses like Manchego, or Berks well. You get the nutty characteristics from the aging, with a slightly granular texture, caramel notes, and a tang to the finish. Similarly, to Cava, the toasty, nutty and caramel flavours develop with age, so the two converge somewhat. The gentle sweetness in the cheese is a natural partner for sparkling wine. An aged Cava like below brings gorgeous pastry and pear flavours, with refined fizz and fresh acidity.

Bodegas Sumarroca Brut Reserva 2019/20 - £13.95

WHITE WINES

Chardonnay

For Chardonnay, look to alpine-style cheeses. However, be aware that unoaked Chardonnay is crisp, and lean, whereas oaked chardonnays are more associated with toasted or vanilla notes. Provenance matters too, as the grape is malleable. From cool-climate citrus and minerality, to hotter California ripeness and full-bodied fruit – this affects the pairings. Think Beaufort for unoaked/mildly oaked cool-climate Chardonnay, with smooth, creamy texture and distinct, earthy aromas. For warmer-climate, oaked Chardonnay, go big and bold. Think buttery, creamy alpine-style cheeses like Comté Vieux with full, nutty richness and fruits or Aged Gouda for its intense, nutty flavour and crumbly texture. The oaked Coonawarra Chardonnay below from Australia has great buttery complexity.

Hollick Bond Road Coonawarra Chardonnay - £16.99

Sauvignon Blanc

Alongside a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, look to goat’s cheeses with rich. Sauvignon, with its acidic, citrussy mineral-driven chisel, slices through the rich and gamey cheese perfectly. Their acidity match, creating a refreshing and invigorating feeling. You can look to the Loire Valley, famous for both Sauvignon Blanc and ash-coated aged Chévre, for a regional pairing of mineral, grassy notes, and for Selles sur Cher, a succulent and velvety cheese with nuts, citrus, salt, and a hint of sweetness – the Sauvignon will make those bright lemony flavours sing. Check out the fresh, well-balanced number below.

Cabriz Dao Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - £12.24

RED WINES

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir notes are full of light, fruity notes that make it a versatile dance partner for delicately flavoured cheeses. The lighter the Pinot, the creamier and softer the cheese – so, Brie and Camembert for a dreamy red fruit punch that won’t overpower the subtlety of the cheese. Elegant, light and fruity, the Walat Pinot below is perfect. For Pinots with a bit more body, really good Premium Cheddar is fantastic, where the body is full of warm toasted nuts.

Walt Pinot Noir Pfalz - £11.99

Tempranillo

Like the Loire Valley with Sauvignon Blanc and goat’s cheese, Tempranillo and Idiazabal adhere to the old saying, ‘if it grows together, it goes together’. The full-bodied Tempranillo works a treat with the harder, grainy texture of the cheese, the high tannins contrast with the buttery flavour, and both are Spanish with savoury flavours and wafts of smoke.

ROSÉ

Pale French Rosé

Pungent cheeses can easily overpower a Rosé, but there is still enough tartness to cleanse the palate of flavoursome cheeses, and Rosé is actually a flexible pairing, particularly if the Rosé has acidity, dryness, and bubbles. Fresh, young cheeses like Feta, Mozzarella and Baby Swiss all nuzzle up to the berry notes nicely, and the wine can cut through and reset the palate. We recommend a pure, smooth Havarti though, because the flavours are mellow and delicate, and the steely minerality of Provence Rosé counters the soft cheesy texture wonderfully. Check out the zippy bittersweet fruits of the bottle below, which also brings a cool saline tang.

Barbebelle Rose Fleuri Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose 2022 - £8.95

SWEET WINE

Port

Port and Stilton is a bonified classic pairing, and for good reason. Port brings full body, sweetness, and rich boldness – so you need a cheese stinky enough to stand up to it. A salty Blue Stilton brings pungent complexity to pair with the sweetness. A Christmas classic. The sweet but complex Tawny below is perfect.

Noval 10 Year Old Tawny Port - £25.95

For more cheese and wine pairings and tips on how to get the most out of tasting them together, explore our in-depth tasting guide here.

8 Traditional Christmas Drinks in the UK

Everyone has their own go-to tipples for the festive season, and often it’s just their favourite drink throughout the rest of the year… but there are some familiar faces that pop up every time.

And for good reason too, because they are comforting and delicious. They’re part of the furniture (especially towards the end of the evening when Nan’s had one too many), so it serves to know how to master them. We’ve got all the mulled classics, creamy indulgences, and fruity wine numbers you could wish for on your Christmas list, and this is how to impress friends and family with each one.

Baileys Hot Choc

This is a classic winter warmer, with Bailey’s being the drink most synonymous with Christmas. Ideally, it’s so easy to make too. Just add the Irish Cream to hot chocolate and away you go. Of course, whipped cream and some grated chocolate add that extra indulgence that is pretty much mandatory at Christmas time too. Other people add different creams, winter spices or coffee liqueurs though, so experiment. Enjoy those deliciously rich undertones of whiskey intertwining with the sweet hot chocolate hug and cloud like softness of whipped cream. Oh, and because of the Bailey’s cream, we’d recommend using water for the hot chocolate but it’s up to you of course.

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method

Make your hot chocolate in a separate mug and pour it gently over your Baileys. Squirt some whipped cream and grate some chocolate if you want to go the extra mile.

Hot Buttered Rum

This is one that gets the mouth watering from the title alone, a simple delight perfect for cosy vibes. Some people don’t include the baking spices, but especially if your rum lacks spice, we find that they build a handy bridge between the rich butter and the booze. It’s sweet, warm in temperature and spice, and full of comforting flavours.

Ingredients
100ml hot water
50ml dark rum
1 tsp cinnamon
1tsp nutmeg
1 tsp all spice
A dash of vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted, softened butter
2 tsp brown sugar

Method
Muddle and mix sugar, butter, vanilla extract and all those beautiful spices at the bottom of a handled glass or mug. Pour in the rum, then the hot water and give it a nice stir (with a cinnamon stick if you have them!.

Eggnog

Well, it doesn’t get much more wintery than Eggnog does it? Check out our Mocktail recipe here, although this is one is pretty much the same except the inclusion of brandy. We think brandy brings perfect fruity, richness but others go for bourbon or rum. Why not make a few? It’s so silky, sweet, and creamy, and with the warm punch of the brandy at the heart of it. Just writing about it makes you want one!

Ingredients (for 5)
120ml brandy
cinnamon stick
whipped cream (optional garnish)
grated nutmeg (optional garnish)
Eggnog:
1 tsp vanilla essence
3 eggs
120ml double cream
100ml whole milk
100ml condensed milk
50g caster sugar

Method
You make the eggnog separately, and there are lots of variations using different sugars/milks and creams, but love the luxurious flavour of the above. Whisk the eggs with vanilla essence and caster sugar until it goes creamy. The, gradually whisk in the milk, in 25ml intervals, and repeat this exactly the same for the condensed milk. Repeat with the cream too! Slow and gradual. Cover and refrigerate for over at least 2 hours. If you find that the mixture is too thick after cooling, add milk and blend. When you’re ready to serve to your lucky guests, pour the eggnog in first, before slowly adding the brandy serving and garnish as you please – grated nutmeg, whipped cream, cinnamon stick – all perfect.

Snowball

The clues in the name with this one, and it’s a great way to spruce up Advocaat for a festive libation. The richly flavoured creamy Advocaat binds everything together, with vibrant, zesty lime cutting through, lemonade adds a effervescent refreshment, and although a lot of people leave it out, the brandy adds a touch of opulent, fruity depth that roots the cocktail nicely. A glass of Christmas magic.

Ingredients
15ml lime cordial (Rose’s)
50ml Advocaat
40ml lemonade
15ml brandy
Maraschino cherry (optional garnish)

Method
Fill a glass with a large scoop of ice and add in your lime cordial (you could use juice, but cordial works better). Add Advocaat, then lemonade and stir gently until everything is chilled. Then add the cherry on the cake/cocktail!

British Christmas Punch

If you’re in one of those families that knocks up a Christmas Punch, then you’ll probably have your own recipes, whether that’s a ‘throw in anything we have’ philosophy, or a ‘refined through the generations’ masterpiece. There are endless directions you can take with this, but this recipe has warmth and spice from herbal liqueur, fresh rosemary, ginger syrup and cinnamon paired with bright fruit juices. People use red wine, white wine, sparkling wine or even no wine, but Prosecco or a crisp white work best here.

Ingredients (for a jug)
300ml cranberry juice
40ml ginger syrup
50ml herbal liqueur (Benedictine or Jägermeister)
750ml Prosecco/white wine
200ml apple juice
Sliced clementines
Sliced lemon
3-4 sprigs rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
Fresh cranberries (optional garnish)

Method
Make sure everything is nicely chilled before use, and a few hours before you’re expecting to serve the punch, combine everything together in a punch bowl. There’s no need to be delicate, just add everything in and stir with a little ice. Give everything enough time to merge and infuse, and then serve! For the simple ginger syrup, go here.

Mulled Wine

The official smell of the Christmas market, mulled wine is an absolute staple of the winter months and many people’s all-time favourite Christmas drink. If we have one tip, it’s to dispel the myth that the cheapest wine is fine if you’re heating it through – you do notice the difference! Opt for a juicy, big, bold wine. Think Zinfandel, Grenache and Primitivo. You’ll get strong flavour and a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Avoid adding sugar in and include some fresh cranberries that beautifully soften when heated for added texture and a little acidic crunch.

Ingredients
750ml bottle of Red Wine (Zinfandel, Primitivo, Grenache)
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 quartered orange
1 star anise
Small handful of fresh cranberries
100ml Grand Marnier (optional)
2 tbsp honey (optional)

Method
Slowly pour the wine into a pan on a low heat, and begins stirring slowly as you add in your fruits and spices. It should never be boiling, and make sure to include the Grand Marnier towards the end (it’s optional, though we really recommend it). Let it all cool over 30 minutes whilst the flavours come together and it’s ready to go. Oh, and the honey is optional if it needs more sweetness – it’s better than sugar.

Mulled Cider

This is a delicious alternative to mulled wine and brings a hearty warmth to any festive occasion. The key here is, obviously, the cider so we would recommend trying it cold first and just making sure you like it before committing to the pan. This is for regular apple, but there are delicious, spiced ginger ciders and other seasonal flavours that would work a treat too. Here though, you’ve got hearty cider with the dry cider, rich apple with Calvados, and sweet apple with the juice, and they balance really nicely.

Ingredients
1L dry cider
100ml Calvados (brandy if not)
300ml apple juice
Orange slices
4 cloves
2 large cinnamon sticks
1tbsp all spice
50g sugar (optional)

Method
It’s similar to mulled wine really, just gently simmer and combine everything up to a simmer, at which point its gas right down to a very low heat for 20 more minutes before turning it off altogether. Let it cool and infuse before serving.

Bucks Fizz

A classic start to the Christmas morning, Bucks Fizz is nostalgic, fresh, and delicious. Cava, Prosecco, Crémant, and even Champagne – you can pick whichever poison to pair with your OJ. There is a load of nice, pre-made bottles (Sainsbury’s in particular), but as anyone who loves fresh OJ knows, the difference is substantial so if you want a work out, get squeezing those oranges.

Ingredients
50ml orange juice
100ml chilled sparkling wine

Method
It couldn’t be easier. Pour your orange juice into a glass, and slowly top up with your sparkling wine. Voila! Christmas has begun.

In terms of grown up coffee and hot chocolate recipes, we could be here all day and whist not all are traditional, they sure do hit the spot over the festivities so check out our Best Boozy Coffee and Hot Chocolate Recipes for more Christmas drinks ideas.

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Aldi Winter 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we go through the latest supermarket offerings and highlight any gems that are definitely worth picking up. These winter wine bottles aren’t necessarily on offer, but Aldi is such tremendous value for money that they’re still fantastic for the price. From juicy Italian reds to crisp Kiwi whites, the bottles below are absolute gems and will keep you merrily sipping all the way to Christmas, and mostly for under £10 too!

Aldi Red Wines Winter 2023

Castellore Primitivo

This is one of, if not the best Italian red for under a tenner at Aldi, with bold richness and concentrated flavours of dark berries. There is an earthy spice grounding it too, with a slight acidity cutting through and smooth, jammy finish. Top notch all rounder for midweek Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.29

Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso

This a loud wine for the price, boasting Ripasso structure and spicy intensity, with warm clove underpinning sweet cherry and a subtly nutty note to the finish. You get a generous amount of complexity and flavour without denting the wallet too much either.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.99

Specially Selected Amarone Della Valpolicella

This Venetian red costs a bit more but it’s worth it. You get all the stylistic hallmarks expected, with zippy acidity and rich, velvety mouthfeel. Toasty spicy oak sits underneath dark chocolatey cherries majestically for an exquisitely balanced wine you can explore all night.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £16.99

Animus Douro Red

Animus Douro Red has been a reliable stalwart of Aldi’s core red range for a while, always shining with exceptional value for money. There are plenty of jammy red fruits and a splash of bright acidity keeping it fresh. Try it and find out why it’s so many customers’ go-to.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.49

Canyon Springs Californian Zinfandel

Simply superb Cali Zinfandel for the price. It doesn’t suffer from that overbearing sweetness some do, instead coming through with ripe blackcurrant and black cherry jam, a little oak, and dreamy vanilla notes. Dangerously drinkable.

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

Specially Selected Kooliburra The Reprobates Red Wine

This is another red that just cannot be sniffed at for the money, this time from Australia. It’s packed with red berries that come through with great sweetness, and a smooth and silky mouthfeel with a touch of spice. Punchy with the alcohol too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.49

Aldi White Wines Winter 2023

Castellore Organic Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie

This is a classic Pinot Grigio expression with nice light dryness, sharp citrus and crisp green apple notes. You also get some delicate juicy peach through, and the £7 price tag makes it a complete must buy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.99

Specially Selected New Zealand Pinot Gris

This is Aldi’s rock-solid introduction to Pinot Gris, hailing from New Zealand’s North Island. It’s utterly refreshing, with vivid grapefruit, ripe pears, and floral hints. It balances out with a welcome peppery warmth too. Like all the others, it’s very impressive for under £10 and would be delicious with salty seafood or pork.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.79

Specially Selected Austrian Grüner Veltliner

This is a nice representation of Austria’s flagship grape, carrying that trademark crisp freshness and minerality, all the way to the kick of spice at the end. Apple and pear come through, but the cool-climate is felt and this isn’t completely fruity, instead it has gentle florality and subtle grassy, celery notes. Easy to like.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £6.29 (usually more!)

Filos Estate Greek Chardonnay

This Greek Chardonnay takes the grape in a new and interesting direction. Think lively acidic lemon and lime, crunchy apples, and soft peach, and a clean, crispness throughout. The citrus bulking out the middle is particularly moreish, as is the slight creaminess.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99

Specially Selected Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie

Aldi do this lovely Loire Muscadet with upfront melon and zesty orange behind. The dry and light feel is typical of Muscadet, and the salinity and vanilla play off together nicely, settling out to be very well balanced indeed. Make it sing with seafood and you’re laughing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.49

If you’ve got a different supermarket nearer to you, then check our website for our other Supermarket Bargains, like Waitrose’s November offers here.

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we scout the latest supermarket gems that we love, and list them when they’re on offer – simple. You can find the Waitrose bargains below, but you can check out Morrisons and Sainsburys too. Every single pick is a wine that is great value even at its regular price, so with the discount they’re absolute must tries… and they’re pretty much all under £10 too!

*Updated: 13/11/2023*

Waitrose Red Wine Discounts November 2023

Terre di Faiano Primitivo Organico Puglia

A rich blackcurrant aroma welcomes you into this delicious, organic, full-bodied Italian red, with a mellow softness to a palate that’s bursting with dark fruits and berries. There’s a rounded touch of oaky vanilla and chocolate too. Perfect for sharing with friends over pizza or pasta.

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

Montidori Sangiovese

This is so good that we recommended it as a secret santa gift. The partially dried grapes deliver a captivating richness and superb intensity of flavour for the money, and the touches of soft spice and subtle dryness are welcome additions. Dark berries galore.

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

Little Giant Barossa Shiraz

Don’t tell Waitrose but this wine should really cost more than it does, especially with this discount. Plush with dark fruits and spice before an alluring smooth finish, it’s the ‘giant’ body of this Shiraz that keeps you coming back. The Christmas pudding note is perfect for festivities too.

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

ColleMassari Montecucco Rosso Riserva DOC

With £6 off, there’s no better time to try this memorable Italian red. The warmth of Sangiovese with the structure of Cab, it’s punchy with raspberry and blackcurrant, and a year in oak brings through a marzipan, vanilla richness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £15.99)

American Gothic Lodi Zinfandel

Adorned with the iconic American Gothic painting, this California Zinfandel hits with rich and robust flavours – think ripe plums and smooth blackberries. Smooth everything in fact. It’s wonderfully easy drinking with oaky tobacco notes for added depth.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose White Wine Discounts November 2023

Zenato Villa Flora Lugana Veneto

From the beautiful shores of Lake Garda comes this Italian white with Turbiana grapes. Known for their acidity, that certainly shines through with vivid citrus and lofty stone fruits. Intriguingly, there are earth undertones and floral notes, making a smooth, fresh, and delicious wine with a growing reputation.

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

Seifried Estate Sauvignon Blanc

What an offer this is for a really high-quality Sauvignon Blanc. There’s so much elegance and crunchy acidity for under £10, with that delicious mineral tang too. The nose is curiously herby, before opening up into grapefruit and tropical citrus flavours and an almost creamy mouthfeel. Beautifully balanced.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £14.99)

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

A real crowd-pleaser of a Marlborough Sauvignon, we highlighted this when it was on offer at Sainsbury’s, and now it’s Waitrose’s turn. The famously biodiverse Awatere Valley is the home of this tropical expression, carrying vibrant acidity and tastefully put together minerality. For the money, it’s superbly rounded.

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

Springfield Estate Special Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc

The feeling of instant crispness and zingy refreshment is bold with this one, and it would really sing alongside fish dishes. It’s light and low intervention, so becomes a characterful expression and although the acidity is intense, there is lots to love with vegetal, stone notes as well as lofty tropical flavours.

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

Pinot Gris Urmeer Löss

The story of this wine begins a long, long time ago, when the Urmeer sea covered the Rhinehessen region of Germany. When this dried up, it left mineral rich soil with a whole host of benefits, which with the dry climate contributes to top notch wines. Zingy pear, razor citrus, delicate florality and a eyebrow raising light freshness that is crying out for spicy food like Thai.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.49)

Waitrose Rosé Wine Discounts November 2023

Champteloup Rosé d'Anjou Loire

The key to all Rosé is the sweetness balance, and this perfects that (depending slightly on your personal preference of course). The freshness of flavour is preserved, with strawberry, cherry and melon jostling for position and drinkable lightness that’s a dream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £8.99)

Le Grand Ballon Sélection Touraine Rose

Reliable, pale Loire Rosé with tonnes of fresh fruit and a moreish lightness finishing with a dry and defined finish that brings the crispness. If you’re fond of more acidic leaning Rosé, then you’ll love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

La Cerisa Rosa Pinot Grigio Rosé

A lovely price for a lovely Rosé, La Cerisa Rosa from just south of Milan has that inviting coral colouring and delicate fragrance you want, followed by a dry, crisp profile with gentle berries and a smooth lightness. There’s a decent whack of an acidity too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £8.99)

We keep our eyes peeled on the supermarkets for the best wines and let you know when they’re put on sale. If you’re a Waitrose shopper, then keep coming back here for updates! Morrisons? Go here. Sainsbury’s? Go here.

12 Brilliant Boozy Presents For Your Secret Santa 2023

The eagerly anticipated, or in some cases dreaded secret santa is here, and whether you’re out of ideas for someone you know, or completely at a loss because you’ve barely said hello to them, we might have the answer below.

If you know what drinks they like, then we’ve scouted the internet for specific gifts that are surefire hits. If you’re not so sure, then check out the drinks related gifts that have broader appeal at the end – there’ll be something, we promise!

The Best Secret Santa Presents for Gin Lovers

Franklin & Sons Ltd Spirit & Mixer Gin Perfect Serve Hamper

Franklin & Sons have been at the forefront of tonics and mixers since the Victorian era, when Christmas became the Christmas we know and love today. They have a famously eclectic and expansive range, and they’ve included some of their classics here, along with the perfect gins for them and two Copa glasses. With pairings like Tanqueray and Elderflower & Cucumber Tonic, this hamper emphatically shows what the perfect tonic can do.

Find here: £19 (usually more!)

100 Gins Scratch Poster

Forcing ourselves to try new drinks can be easier said than done, but one way of keeping to it is by scratching them off. So, if you’ve got a gin lover for secret santa, then this lovely A3 poster with 100 gins from around the world is a good way to start exploring. If you’re feeling generous, you could throw in a gin to get them started too.

Find here: £12.99

The Best Secret Santa Presents for Whisky Lovers

Christmas Whisky Tasting Set

Whisky has a reputation as a drink that takes some getting into, so if your secret santa has mentioned wanting to get into it, then a tasting set is the best way to start. This set contains five wax-sealed drams curated for festive sipping, including GlenAllachie 12YO, Teeling Small Batch and Four Roses Bourbon to experience a variety of whisky profiles.

Find here: £25

Glencairn Glass with Pipette

Glencairn Crystal is the go-to glass for whisky connoisseurs, and this beauty comes with a glass pipette to add controlled amounts of water to premium expressions. As any whisky lover will appreciate, water droplets can really change the liquid and evoke different notes, so this is a classy and useful present for them.

Find here: £17

The Best Secret Santa Present for Rum Lovers

Spiced Rum Gift Set

This is a really nicely put together rum set, featuring 50ml bottles of The Kraken, Dead Mans Fingers, Admirals Old J Cherry and Bacardi, offering spice across the spectrum. But that’s not all. Franklin & Sons premium mixers are included too, giving the rum drinker everything they need for their perfect Crimbo tipple.

Find here: £24.99

The Best Secret Santa Present for Wine Lovers

Wine Escape Room Game

Escape Rooms have been massive for a few years now, and this one brings the challenge into the home. Sadly, the wine is behind bars, and it can’t be opened until four stages of puzzles are completed and the combination padlock is opened. Oh, and before someone gets the hammer to attempt a desperate jail break, the solution is included in the pack. You’ll have to get your own wine, so you can actually get anything that fits the metal cage.

Find here: £24.99

Montidori Sangiovese

At the end of the day, the best thing you can get a wine lover for secret santa is… wine. We’ve picked out this bottle for its extraordinary value. Some of the grapes have been dried, so it comes through with mouthwatering richness and bold flavours, with so much soft spice intensity. If your secret santa is capped at a tenner, then this will really seem like you’ve gone over budget.

Find here: £8.99 (usually more!)

Fun Alcohol Related Secret Santa Presents

Prisoner Drinking Game

In this game, if you do the crime, you do the time. The dice is rolled, and the lowest number is placed in actual handcuffs. The ‘criminal’ then has to navigate their way through various challenges as the ‘jury’ guesses whether they will be able to do it or not. Keep guessing wrong, and it will be a long and very drunk night indeed.

Find here: £19.99

Top Spoons

If you’ve got someone that loves the pub for secret santa this year, then this pub crawl card game will be right up their street. This pub crawl takes the player through the best and worst Wetherspoons boozers, as they attempt to outscore their opponents to own every establishment going.

Find here: £9.99

The Ladybird Book of the Hangover

Perfect timing for Christmas, this is one of the funniest Ladybird books with perfect, old illustrations pairing up with perfectly observed hangover ‘guidance’. ‘Look out of the window. Can you recognise simple shapes or colours? Is there a moon or a sun in the sky? What sort of a name might you have? Where might there be bacon?'’ It’s not a scientific book by any means, but it is a comfort.

Find here: £7.99

Upside Down Wine Glass

This boozy illusion will cause a few double-takes, that’s for sure. It holds half a bottle of wine, and you drink from the bottom instead, through the hollow stem. Simple but effective.

Find here: £12.99

Festive Boozeballs

How about making the Christmas tree a bar? These baubles can be filled with anything and are absolutely perfect for a more decadent ‘interactive’ tree, as well as drinking games. Just make sure they’re hung on the higher branches if there’s kids or pets around!

Find here: £13.99

We have tonnes of drinks guides on our website, so if you want to pick up a bottle of something, whether that’s a reliable classic or an unusual eyebrow raiser, have a browse. How about gifting someone ‘Irish Moonshine’ AKA Poitín? Or perhaps a Sloe Gin if they’ve only tried regular gin before?

What Should I Drink With Classic British Puddings?

The perfect tipple with your favourite dessert – is there anything that hits the spot more? There are plenty of differing textures, flavours and of course, a lot of sweetness at play with British puddings and desserts, so a sip of the wrong drink can easily clash.

Of course, the right drink and every part of the experience can be enhanced. We’ve listed some of the drinks that work best with classic British puddings below, and as a general rule, you want your drink to be sweeter than the other dishes – especially when it comes to wine.

There are lots of other factors at play though, so scan for your favourite dessert in bold below and see what takes it to that next level.

White Wine

Riesling

We’re looking for two things – sweetness, and acidity, so that the wine doesn’t taste bitter, and so that there’s no overbearing cloying sweetness. Riesling is the most versatile food-friendly wine, and for any plain cheesecakes, it’s spot on. Also, lemon drizzle is a tough one to match with the central flavour being so bold, but a sweet Riesling works well. Lastly, if it’s a dryer Riesling with lots of citrus and green apple notes, then it will be able to slice into the sweetness of an apple crumble without clashing. This Dr. Loosen Riesling is from the Mosel Valley, which produce sweeter expressions. It also has pronounced fruits so it’s ideal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.5%
Find here: £8.20

DESSERT WINE

Muscat

Muscats provided a lovely golden sweetness, slight florality and spice, as well as a lot of fruits. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you get sip on Muscat with chocolate cake and other sweet chocolate puddings. The same goes for Bakewell tart and bread and butter pudding, which, if you’re a fan of the sweetness, you can pair with Muscat – though this might be a little too much for some. This Italian sweety is a good place to start.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10

Fortified Wine

Madeira

During its production process, Maderia wine is heated so there’s plenty of stewed fruits and burnt sugar notes, as well as nutty flavours. In fact, the nose often smells of fruit cake, so they make a heavenly couple. It’s also usually highly acidic. Madeira generally works well with chocolate cheesecake, and particularly if there are any nuts involved too. It’ll also take on the intense rich sweetness of sticky toffee pudding for a dreamy marriage of indulgence. This one from Blandy’s is full-on and fruity.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £14.99

Port

Tawny Port in particular is a great way to go, full to the brim with red and black fruits and like Maderia, those nutty flavours. It’s not as acidic as Madeira, but there’s still enough to cut through. Tawny Port provides a somewhat drier option for luxurious dark chocolate desserts, toffee/caramel cheesecakes, and sticky toffee pudding. Tawny Ports over 20 years old are also known to be complimentary with coffee cake, when the nutty nuances have really developed. This Kopke Tawny is lovely and rich, with velvety smoothness enriching any creaminess.

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

SPARKLING WINE

Moscato d’Asti

Sparkling Moscato tend to be low in alcohol and higher in sweeter than Prosecco, so pair well with a few desserts. Most trifles in the classic format will go nicely, with the bubbles breaking up any heavy custard and cream. Moscato d’Asti is also a good choice for lighter, spongier cakes without loads of intense flavours – so almond cakes, pound cakes and Victoria sponge.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.99

Cocktails

Kir Royale

A nice strawberry or raspberry liqueur topped up with Champagne works a treat for berry and meringue desserts – think Eton mess and pavlova. The cassis is an obvious dream pairing for the berries, complementing the flavour and sweetness, and the Champagne provides a pleasant acidic crunch, with those bubbles refreshing the palate.

Beer & Cider

Fruit Flavoured Beers like Belgian Fruli, Kriek, and Frambozen

Raspberry or cherry beers are plentiful in the Belgian style, and pair nicely with any berry cheesecakes. Also, if you’re enjoying a chocolate pudding on the lighter side, these kinds of beers go surprisingly well, particularly if those fruits are in it of course. You could also look to these beers for Bakewell tart and cherry trifles because they have a refreshing tartness that both matches and offsets the sweetness simultaneously.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 3.5%
Find here: £2.05

Apple Cider

You can probably tell where this is going. Part of the cider resurgence has been down to their sweetness, which makes them perfect for apple desserts – especially traditional apple pies and apple crumbles. Make sure it’s a bubbly cider, and the fizz and crispness marry the warm richness of the crumble deliciously.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 6.8%
Find here: £2.50

We’ve got a few pairings guides up on the site now, so for more sweet options specific to pancakes go here!

Your ABC guide to Sherry Styles

It’s Sherry week, so what better time to get to know this misunderstood and underated tipple? Sherry lovers around the world have been banging the drum for these unique, moreishly saline, food friendly sippers for years and finally, the message is getting through: Sherry ‘proper’ is not sweet! Read that again. Here’s why it’s time to reacquaint ourselves with this liquid treasure from the sun-soaked vineyards of southern Spain. 

Wine? Spirit? Liqueur? What exactly is Sherry?

In recent years, Sherry has experienced a renaissance, with younger generations discovering its charms and Sherry bars popping up in trendy neighbourhoods worldwide and restaurant lists boasting numerous offerings. But what is it exactly? In a nutshell, Sherry is a fortified wine that hails from a triangle of villages in Spain’s Andalusia and more often than not, it is bone dry. Yes, there are two types of sweet Sherry - naturally so or not so naturally so - but when wine lovers talk about authentic Sherry, it’s the dry stuff they mean.

It all starts with Palomino Fino grapes, which are grown around the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. Being an ‘Old World’ (European, essentially) wine style, it takes its name from the place rather than the grapes and ‘Sherry’ is just a poor (in my opinion) English translation of ‘Jerez’. Wine is made by grapes here in the normal way, but just before fermentation ends, a splash of grape spirit is added to stop the process and fortify the wine. The historical reasons for doing this were many, but the key reason was to raise the wine’s alcohol content to make it less susceptible to spoilage, especially during transportation. After all, the Andalusian climate is warm and humid, so normal wine would go off very quickly in the days before air conditioning. 

What makes the dry styles of Sherry unique?

It’s what happens once the wine is fortified and put into wooden barrels that the Sherry magic happens: A small amount of space is left as the liquid ages and the region’s humidity causes a thin layer of yeast called ‘flor’ to develop on the top of the wine, which helps protect it from being completely oxidised. Whether this flor layer remains intact or not and how long it remains then defines the final style of the Sherry inside the barrel. Here’s a rundown of the five, stunningly dry Sherry styles and a cheeky, naturally sweet one to try:

Manzanilla (15-17% abv typically)

Manzanilla is the seaside cousin of the famous Fino and has an unmistakable maritime vibe. It can only be made in the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and has a characteristic chamomile note (manzanilla is Spanish for chamomile). It also tends to be a touch lighter and more saline than Fino. Picture sipping the sea breeze captured in a bottle with a delightful, fresh bread yeastiness. Great with savoury snacks and salty cheeses. 

Try: La Gitana Manzanilla, £9.75 from Tesco 

Fino (15-17% abv typically)

Fino is a similarly pale and bone-dry style that's as crisp as a newly ironed shirt. Unlike Manzanilla, it can be produced in any of the three towns within the Sherry Triangle and has more of a roasted, salted almond note with hints of crunchy apple. A great aperitif that also loves salty snacks and can cut through fried food like a blade. It’s also awesome with tonic. Incidentally, the famously sweet ‘cream’ sherries that Granny loves are often Finos with added concentrated grape must or grape syrup. 

Try: Tio Pepe Fino, £13 from Sainsbury’s, Morrisons 

Amontillado (17-22% ABV typically)

While both Manzanilla and Fino are made with wines where the flor layer has stayed intact, Amontillado is what you get when flor is removed. Starting life as a Fino, it spends  time ageing in barrels before having a slosh of brandy for fortification. This spirited wine then moves to a new barrel, where it begins its journey into oxidative ageing, resulting in a darker, amber colour with notes of roasted nuts, tobacco, spice and dried fruit, all the while keeping  a tangy saltiness. Amontillado can also have a bit of PX (see below) added for sweetness.

Try: Gonzalez Byass Vina AB Amontillado £16.50 from Ocado 

Oloroso (16-20% ABV typically)

Made deliberately without any flor from the start and subjected to extensive ageing, Oloroso is the darkest dry Sherry style and is full-bodied, concentrated and complex. Silky smooth and intensely nutty in character, it has wonderfully Christmassy notes of dried raisins, figs and salted caramel. Stunning alone but it also loves mature cheeses and can handle game too. 

Try: No.1 Emilio Lustau Dry Oloroso, £13.49 from Waitrose 

Palo Cortado (17-22% ABV typically)

Palo Cortado is the style to ask for in a bar if you want to show off your Sherry skills. Made often unintentionally when the flor layer naturally dies away on wines destined to be Fino or Amontillado, PC combines the dryness of Amontillado with the nuttiness and body of Oloroso. Think tangy, salted almonds, hazelnuts, dried fruits, toffee, and vanilla oak. It’s what the Sherry hipsters are drinking!

Try: Very Rare Palo Cortado, £8.49 for 37.5cl from M&S and Ocado 

Something different:

Pedro Ximenez (PX)

PX, as it is affectionately known, is a sweet style of Sherry made with very ripe, white, Pedro Ximenez grapes, which are air dried on mats to concentrate sugars and flavours before being gently pressed. The lusciously sweet juice is then aged in barrels for a long time - sometimes decades, to achieve a thick, dark, treacley consistency and flavours of dried fig and baking spice. Stuff the chocolate sauce, pour this over your ice cream! Note: This is not the sweet ‘cream’ sherry beloved by elderly parents at Christmastime. 

Try: The Best Pedro Ximenez, £7 for 37.5cl from Morrisons 

Ultimately, there’s nothing at all wrong with these stalwart cream styles, especially the top names like Croft Original - and they still sell by the truck load during the festive season. It’s just not what the Sherry revolution is about. So, why do we all assume Sherry is always sweet? I blame onomatopoeia. And 1980’s trifle.

Where to taste Sherry this Sherry Week?

Check out www.sherryweek.wine to see all activities for Sherry Week 6th -12th Nov 2023

UK specific events here!

The Best Boozy Advent Calendars of 2023

It’s November which means that Christmas items have been slowly but surely popping up everywhere we look, and whilst the build up to Christmas can be stressful, there’s no reason it shouldn’t just be the kids that get all the excitement.

This year’s boozy advent calendars are being released, and aside from being a great surprise each day, they’re actually a brilliant way to explore a drink you’ve been meaning to try, with 24 miniatures giving you a taste of what’s on offer.

We’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below identifying the best advent calendar for gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whisky, wine, cognac, and beer. Treat yourself!

Oh, and wine drinkers in particular, if you want to save yourself a bit of money then how about making your own DIY Advent with beautiful, canned wines? Take a look here!

The Best Gin Advent Calendar

Craft Gin Club Advent Calendar

The biggest gin subscription club in the UK is offering a 50ml bottle of craft gin behind each door, finishing on a special G&T on the big day itself. There’s a brand-new selection of gins picked out over the year, including seven exclusives like Tarquin’s Mince Pie Gin that you can’t get anywhere else. You also get expert suggestions for mixers and garnishes for every bottle, which you can buy as a separate bundle if you wish. We’ve had a sneak peek and we don’t want to give too much more away but gin lovers, you will not be left disappointed!

Find here: £94.95

The Best Rum Advent Calendar

The Whisky Exchange 24 Days of Rum Advent Calendar

Rum isn’t the most popular spirit for calendars, and we’re not sure why. It’s more popular for cocktails, but sipping rums are an exciting world once you find your favourite, and trying 24 different miniatures is the perfect way to do that. Not only does this calendar opens doors to every type of rum from all over – with Caribbean classics and lesser known gems from Scotland and Australia, but you also get full tasting notes to light the way and two glasses.

Find here: £84.95

The Best Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar

The Spirit Co Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar

Because of its association with shots, tequila is far from the first spirit people think of when it comes to boozy advent calendars, but despite the 30ml minis included, this is about exploring the diverse world of fresh, fruity tequila and floral, smoky mezcal. Blancos, Reposados, Añejos and Mezcals await behind each door of this lovely looking calendar, for you to truly explore a spirit dating back to the Aztecs.

Find here: £131.99

The Best Vodka Advent Calendar

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Here’s 24 wonderfully varied 30ml vodkas to put a kick into your Christmas build up, focusing on unique blends from all four corners of the planet. Vodka is another spirit that some drinkers only have bad experiences with after trying a throat burner, so these tasters are a great introduction to what the spirit can be. Reputable brands like Chase and Cîroc are includes, as well Jaffa Cake Vodka, Brecon Five and an intriguing Chardonnay Vodka.

Find here: £89.95

The Best Whisky Advent Calendar

Master of Malt Whisky Advent Calendars

Master of Malt have a stunning selection of 14 different whisky advents, for newbies looking to get into it, seasoned dram drainers, and everything in between. The Whisky Explorer’s Edition is a great for adventures, That Boutique-y Company is for unusual independent releases, and there’s the Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar featuring some of the country’s best producers. If you’ve got the money, then there’s even the Old and Rare selection for £999, and for a Christmas you’ll never forget, there’s the Very Old and Rare calendar priced at £9,999!

Find here: £99.55-£9999.95

The Best Wine Advent Calendar

Virgin Wines Advent Calendar

One of the original players in the world of wine advents, Virgin Wines are one of the UK’s largest suppliers and this year they have premium boxes of 24 mini wines (mixed, red, or white) from across the world, with an extra special treat behind door 25 to wash down the Christmas dinner. Click the link, pick your box and you can see exactly what bottles are included.

Find here: £89.99

John Lewis Fizz

It’s not just their Christmas ad that’s the best because this bubbly bonanza is probably the best sparkling wine selection out there, with champagne, prosecco and six variations of Bottega wines. There’s a couple of Freixenet bottles and a Charles de Mignon champagne as the highlight. Christmas is all about the bubbles, and this makes every day in the run up a joy.

Find here: £140

The Best Cognac Advent Calendar

The Spirit Co Cognac Advent Calendar

After falling in love with Cognac and the release of The Three Drinkers in Cognac, we have to include this gem. Celebrating the Charente vineyards, every day brings you a touch of rich, velvety French luxury of various ages. They’re perfect for whipping up Cognac Cocktails, or sipping to find your favourite.

Find here: £200.39

The Best Beer Advent Calendar

John Lewis Beer & Snacks Advent Calendar

Christmas is the season for snacks, so why not combine them with beer in this festive box, with 14 glass bottles and 10 accompanying snacks. Lager, craft lager, pale ales and iconic pub snacks are all thrown in to bring all the pub vibes to your celebrations.

Find here: £80

If you want to save yourself a bit of money and make your own calendar, then we’ve given you 12 Canned Wines to get you on your way!