How scent can transform your wellbeing

Mind Sense & Soul: Scent

Our sense of smell used to play a vital part in our evolution and survival, but although we rely less now on it now for that than our eyes and ears, we often take its importance for granted. 

As well as being responsible for 80% of what we perceive as flavour, smell still helps us sense danger from things like gas leaks, smoke and rotten food. It is also however, the only sense that affects the parts of our brain linked to memory and emotion, which is why aroma can be a fantastic, natural tool for improving our psychological well-being. It can be as simple as the waft of a good scented candle or diffuser when you walk into a room. 

Aromas can be used to calm, enliven the spirit, subconsciously unleash desires and help us to feel safe. Inhaling them in the form of essential oils or just stronger scents too can help to produce serotonin and dopamine, which in turn helps to regulate mood.

Smell training

Have you heard of Proust and his madeleine cakes? The power of aroma to unlock memories and feelings is immense, so why not use that super power to your advantage and teach yourself to be calm or positive with practice? Pick a specific scent to inhale when you’re feeling a certain way, do that a few times and soon, you’ll find that you get that feeling back more easily every time you smell that aroma again. 

Smelling practice has now also been proved to stave off dementia (read more on that below). A study was also done with sommeliers, which showed that the parts of their brains associated with smell and memory were thicker than non-somms thanks to their years of practice smelling wine and considering the complex aromas. Finally, some good news about what I do for a living!

Which aromas for what? 

Certain herbs and flowers have been proven to have positive benefits, so it’s not just a case of spritzing yourself with Chanel. 

For reduced stress, anxiety and depression, try bergamot, lemon balm, rose and sweet orange.

For sleep, try lavender.

For positivity, try cedarwood and sage.

For focus and calm, try sandalwood.

For mental stimulation and an energy boost, try peppermint.

For sexy time, try cinnamon and jasmine.

For headaches and nausea, try ylang ylang and ginger.

There are links to full lists at the end of this article.

Scenting your home or even just a room or two could do wonders for your sense of wellbeing in a quick and inexpensive way and right now, as many of us are locked down, we could all do with a treat. So, go and find those candles, dim the lights and breaaaaathe!

Are you worried about losing your sense of smell? Anosmia has a perhaps surprisingly big effect on your mental health. Get help and support at www.fifthsense.org.uk

Park Candles

We’re huge fans of Park Candles as they look and smell so divine. Here’s a code you can use to get 40% off! Note this is not an affiliate link - just sharing the love. Code: Enter AIDY40 at parkscandles.com

Articles

Why smell is important

Fifth Sense: The psychology of smell

Losing the sense of smell could be the sign of larger health issues. Here.

The benefits of specific aromas. Here and here

How tasting wine can help stave off dementia. Here.

Books

Aroma: The Cultural History of Smell by Constance Classen

Essential Oils Reference by Dr Raskin

Podcasts

Behind the aroma

The Lab Aroma Podcast

Aromatic wisdom: the voice of aromatherapy

Watch our other MInd, Sense & Soul videos at thethreedrinkers.com/balance

How Sound Techniques Can Improve Your Mental Health & Wellbeing

Here we have a sense we don’t often think about beyond just music yet it has so many benefits for our mental health and wellbeing, especially in promoting calmness.

If we’re at home chances are we’re surrounded by the same person or people and that can lead us to feeling quite irritable. Isolating ourselves, plugging in some earphones and just listening to SOMETHING can detach us from that reality and for a brief moment allow us to escape 

Sound as a Healing Therapy

Sound as a healing therapy dates back all the way to the Ancient Greek times, where it was used to help people with mental health issues and those in pain. Over the years with more technology and understanding we’ve been able to cultivate this more than ever and specigically when it comes to music, improve our mood and mindset. Whether listening to music, singing to music, moving/dancing or playing an instrument – billions of signals are fired through our brains, giving us a sense of euphoria and calmness. That’s why there’s such a thing around singing in the shower. 

Meditation

There are so many different types of meditation each of which offer their own benefits. For a full list click here.

• mindfulness meditation

• spiritual meditation

• focused meditation

• movement meditation

• mantra meditation

• transcendental meditation

• progressive relaxation

• loving-kindness meditation

• visualization meditation 

There’s also something called Ambient Meditation which I discovered recently. As we’re working from our homes this could very well be a saving grace. Instead of focusing on peaceful sounds, it helps us combat and normalise the distractions of life, such as traffic, creaking radiators and the general distasteful noises we encounter throughout the day. By normalising them, we can become more productive throughout the day. 

Sound Hypnotherapy

This is a technique I have used for years in order to help me drift off to sleep. Whether anxiety of insomnia, I’ve had my fair share of difficulty attempting to get some shut eye and the various apps (such as Calm and Breethe) that offer hypnosis sessions have been a saving grace. 

ASMR - Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response  

It might sound a little weird, but I’m going to just say it – I love the sound of people eating soap. Yep, a hard bar of soap. I know, weird right? But its true. And I’m not alone. ASMR highlights noises that subjectively our brains find incredibly relaxing and focus on. (Let me be clear in that they spit the soap out, they aren’t actually swallowing it – so please DON’T start doing this yourself – it’s also about the noise of others, not ourselves.)

ASMR is described as feeling like a mild electrical current running from your brain slowly all the way down your body and is initiated by auditory and visual stimuli. Things like gentle whispers, loud chewing, tapping or repetitive sounds are all classed as ASMR sounds. It took me a while to figure it out as I thought I was just getting irritated and frustrated, but when you begin to actually concentrate on it you do inf act begin to feel more relaxed and alert. Odd, but affective. 

Podcasts

There’s so many genres, everything from learning to self-guidance, wellbeing and more. It doesn’t just need to be about bettering yourself either, follow your passions and listen to something you find genuinely interesting. One particular thing we should all be on the hunt for right now is something to make us laugh – laughter is life’s medicine I always say! Every time we smile of laugh our body sends a surge of positivity through our bodies into our brains, resulting in us feeling better. The same goes for each time we learn something and feel self-growth.  

Self Healing: https://open.spotify.com/show/0oHwerYHy5f1cYzd9qldsP

Binaural Beats Sleep: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX8h3zQNo57xG

How writing a daily journal helps mental, emotional & physical health

Click the picture to watch the video.

Mind, Sense & Soul: WRITE

We should not underestimate the powers of creative writing and journalling to heal mental, emotional and even physical wounds. Daily journaling with real paper and pen has been talked about a lot recently as studies have shown the incredibly positive impact it can have on our health. Why?

• Writing honestly from the heart about your feelings regularly, especially stressful events - literally helps get things out of your system, helps you come to terms with things and is instantly calming, dropping cortisol levels.

• Journalling lowers cortisol levels, allowing you to heal quicker if you are hurt or sick, studies say, by more than 4 times faster than usual. 

• Writing about your day helps organise your thoughts so it's easier to find solutions where needed.

• If you have a tendency to feel overwhelmed, journalling helps you feel you have more control over your life. 

• If you reflect on your day, you’re also more likely to see patterns and learn lessons about what works for you and what doesn’t, so you can stop making the same mistakes.

• Writing every day helps with clearer thinking and learning how to better express yourself, which will soon start improving your communication with others. 

What to journal

It’s normal to have no idea where to start with the blank page at first, so here are some suggestions:

• What happened today that was stressful? Write as if no one is going to read it. Swear! Do the lot. Get it out. Add your single next step towards dealing with the issue if it helps. 

• List 3 good things that happened today. Which small or big things were you grateful for? You’ll very soon start noticing more little happy things in the day, which in turn will help you feel more content.

• Include your to-do list and list of open loops to tackle the next day. This stops them going round in your head and will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 

Convinced? Go and find yourself a lovely notebook and a posh pen. Make it sacred. Do it every day and let us know what you think.

There’s so much more to read around this subject. Check out some of these great teachers: 

Article

83 Benefits of journaling for depression, anxiety & stress - by Courtney E. Ackerman

18 Amazing benefits of journaling - by Dee at Vanilla Papers

Podcasts

Get started with journalling - The Pat Divilly podcast.

Open your mind and change your life with Dr Tara Stuart and Dr Rangan Chatterjee

How to be more you with Dr Rangan Chatterjee and Matthew McConaughey

Some lovely personalised notebooks (#NotAnAd)

www.papier.com

This video series was made in partnership with Mcguigan ZERO, the premium, alcohol-free,

Australian wine range.

The Countless Benefits of Flowers and Plants on Your Mind, Senses and Soul.

Put simply, being around plants, flowers and trees triggers a response within us that surges through billions of different neural pathways in our brains. When this happens, we naturally feel more positive. That’s why a walk in the park or being around lots of flowers can really help!!

As you begin to settle into your homes for yet another Lockdown, Green is going to be more important now, than ever. Whether it be trees, plants or flowers, here are just a few of the benefits you can expect to find:

• Improve the Healing Process

• Better Performance and More Energy

• Feel More Relaxed

• Enhance Concentration and Memory

• Lowers Background Noise

Improve the Healing Process

Plants in office spaces result in lower sick rates and the reason we have plants and flowers in many hospitals is because they help people recover more quickly. There’s also indoor air quality too – they suck in all of that stale air, breathing out fresh oxygen which keeps our systems pumping away. 

Here are a couple of other health perks countless studies have identified: 

● Lowers blood pressure
● Reduces stress
● Boosts immune system
● Creates a positive mood
● Improves sleep

Better Performance and More Energy

These beauties improve out state of mind – the subliminal affects they emit boost our mood and make us feel much more alive and active. Exactly what we need if working from home. 

Feel More Relaxed

"Biophilia" is an innate affinity of life or living systems, which is exactly what plants are. By having them in our homes we are continually reminded that these living organisms exist. They soothe us, allow us to not feel so alone and remind us of what being alive is all about. Sunshine, sky, wind, the smell of flowers, the trickling sound of a water feature – all of these things have the same affect. 

Enhance Concentration and Memory

The effect of nature has been proven to stimulate our senses, improving performance, memory and mental cognition. A notable study at the University of Michigan showed that memory retention had increased by 20% for those who surrounded themselves by plants. Whether your room is covered in them or you’ve just got a little plant on your desk, you can begin taking the steps to reduce a sterile environment. 

Lowers Background Noise

Plants have been used outside for years to reduce noise; they aren’t just for visual privacy. But they can have the same affect in the home as well. Reducing the irritating noises of things like cars and construction as a buffer. 

Where Do You Buy Them?

• Your Local Florist (see if they are delivering, what can you do to help?)

• Various online services like Bloom, Floom and FlowerBX

• Your local supermarket (Waitrose always have a great selection)

• Internal Greenhouses (they also have SAD light benefits (i.e. Click & Grow)

Here a couple of additional articles you can check out for the science behind it, the studies that have been carried out and to delve into my points a bit more:

The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Plants
https://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/health-and-well-being-benefits-of-plants/

Why Trees Can Make You Happier
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_trees_can_make_you_happier

Seven Benefits of Having Plants in Your Home Office
https://www.ciphr.com/advice/plants-in-the-office/

Why Indoor Plants Make You Feel Better
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806 

Why Living with and Tending to Plants is Good For You
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20201022-why-living-with-and-tending-plants-is-good-for-you

How Important is Light in our Everyday Life?

Click the image below to begin watching the video

Click the image above to begin watching the video

Mind, Sense & Soul: Light

Bright, natural light, especially in the morning, boosts alertness, improves mood, reaction speed, gut health and helps you fall asleep faster at night. Without enough of it, we are all grumpier, slower and fatter!

Light is measured in ‘lux’ and even on a gloomy day, heading outside will give you 5000+ lux when compared to just 2-300 lux in a regular home or office. The upshot? Get outside, every day, in the light, especially between 8 and midday. It will make a huge difference to your mental health. 

S.A.D

Do you suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)? Whether you think you do or whether you just need more light, it might be worth investing in a SAD light, to boost your daily lux intake. Find one we’ve tried and tested here (UK) and here (US).

Take Vitamin D!

Take Vitamin D, especially if you are in the UK right now. We need Vitamin D to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies and keep our bones, teeth and muscles working. Not having enough can lead to deformities and tooth problems, especially with children. The NHS says we need to take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and early March and now is particularly important as we have not been outside as much due to the pandemic.

Our bodies create vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. You can also boost your intake from oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks, fortified foods (such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals) and of course, supplements. Try this minty tasting daily spray. Kids love it too ( I can confirm!)

There’s so much to learn about how getting enough sunlight benefits our physical and mental health. Here are some fascinating things to read and listen to by the experts:

Podcast

The Power of Light to Transform your Health. Linda Geddes talks to Dr Rangan Chattergee on the Feel Better, Live More podcast. 

Bitesize podcast (8 mins)

Full Podcast (1 hr 45)

Book

Chasing the Sun, by Linda Geddes. Buy it here.

Articles

What is SAD and do I have it? Read here.

The hidden power of light - Ingrid Fettell Lee. Read here.

The psychological impact of light and color. Read here.

To see our other Mind Sense & Soul videos, links and articles, click here.

This video series was made in partnership with Mcguigan ZERO,

the premium, alcohol-free, Australian wine range.

McGuigan Zero is alcohol-free wine created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a wine that retains its taste.

Wine & Spirits Delivery: Lockdown 3 Guide

This week, several friends have asked us to find out which merchants would deliver booze to them as Majestic are overrun. We put out a tweet to see which wine writers had written one of those incredible lists and then people starting replying, telling us that they were also delivering booze. 

Note: If you are not currently featured on this list please FILL IN THE FORM BELOW.

MERCHANTS NATIONWIDE

Brixton Wine Club

Not your Mum and Dad's wine club. BWC sell premium wines, but in cans - no need for an underground cellar or fancy wine fridge. Just great wines, ready to drink at a moment’s notice. Choose from the Juice Box, Simply Red, All White, Rosé All Day or the 100% Fizz and join us. Either for a one-off box or an ongoing subscription. We also do monthly Taste-A-Longs on IG Live and can hold private virtual wine tastings.

brixtonwineclub.com

Jackson & Seddon

We are an award-winning UK based importer of artisan, organic wine from small independent producers in Italy. We choose to work with sustainable, boutique winemakers, because we find they put a great deal more love and passion into their work.

jacksonandseddon.com

Cellar Door Wines

Cellar Door Wines is an independent wine merchant specialising in high quality wine from around the world along with craft beers, spirits and liqueurs. They have a bespoke wine club and also run virtual wine tasting events. Buyer, Penny Edwards, has a passion for South African, Italian and organic wine and this is reflected in their broad portfolio of unique products.

cellardoorwines.co.uk

Marlo

Here at Marlo, we deliver fine wine by the bottle to your door. Born out of a vision to give people access to serious wine by the individual bottle, we have curated a superb selection of wines, all offering exceptional value and delivered directly the next working day. Using 100% sustainable materials, the wine is also beautifully wrapped and includes a hand-written note - it's the perfect way to indulge during lockdown or to send a lovely gift without leaving the house! Find us on Instagram @marlowine.

www.marlo.wine

Vinkind

We’re delighted to introduce you to Vinkind - a new online wine shop which helps you explore by taste and food pairing! We focus on delicious yet affordable wines from smaller producers and have a strong selection of vegan and organic wines. Be sure to check out Vinkind.com and use code - 3DRINKERS - for 15% off our range.

http://www.vinkind.com

Berkmann Wine Cellars

Short Description: Berkmann Wine Cellars has announced it is reopening its industry-leading Help 4 Hospitality scheme, the pop-up online wine shop that helped raise over £75K for individuals and businesses within the hospitality sector during the spring lockdown… This time, Berkmann Wine Cellars has chosen to increase the share of revenue donated to the industry from 12.5% to 20%.

 https://www.help4hospitality.com/

Wine Shop Lanzarote

Importer and online retailer of Lanzarote’s truly unique volcanic wine and craft beer.

 http://www.wineshoplanzarote.com

Gerrard Seel Ltd

 Wine merchants and shippers. Home delivery is our pleasure through U.K. mainland. Great quality at sensible prices.

http://gerrardseel.co.uk

9 Elms Wines

A treasure trove of award-winning wines & spirits from family owned, boutique producers. Many of which were previously only available in top restaurants. We offer a global range from old world classics to rarer, more esoteric discoveries for the wine explorer. Nationwide delivery.

 http://www.9elmswines.co.uk

Club Vino

Club Vino offers relaxed home wine tasting experience, to be enjoyed in your own time. Sourcing wine from boutique and family owned wineries. Packages include 6 full sized bottle , tasting notes, glass markers and access to an online video where founder and chief sommelier Marco castelanelli will guide your though the wine .

http://Www.club-Vino.co.uk

JF Tobias

A small London-based wine merchants, delivering fine wine nationally throughout lockdown. Safe, secure and rated 5 stars on TrustPilot.

http://www.jftwines.com

The Great Wine Co.

We represent our fantastic producers in the UK and it’s a delight to introduce you to their wines. We also sell spirits, and have mixed cases and gifts.
Free delivery over £50 across uk mainland, swift DPD courier service.

 http://Greatwine.co.uk

BeerGinVino

Finest craft beers, artisan gins and amazing wines from local English & emerging worldwide producers who really care. Local & provincial producers delivered to your door or visit The Hatchery our shop on a destination farm. Free UK delivery*, click & collect and shop openThursday 5-7.30 and Saturday 10-5pm Support & buy local️

 http://www.beerginvino.com

Libiamo Wines

London-based online wine store specialising in Italian wine and spirits. The team has a huge experience in the industry and deep connections with rigorous and talented small wineries throughout Italy. The website also hosts a blog with useful insights into the traditions of Italian winemaking. Most wines are highly prized. Products are delivered in 24/48 hours to UK Mainland.

 http://libiamowines.co.uk

Burgess & Hall

Independent wine shop & bar 353 Winchelsea Rd, London E7 0AQ NOW OFFERING LOCAL HOME DELIVERIES FOR OUTSTANDING WINE & BEER info@burgessandhall.com burgessandhall.com

Cépage

A conscious importer and retailer of unique, hard to find wines. Challenging what you taste, promoting new liquid discovery and removing preconceptions in wine. Available for personal recommendations and bespoke wine expert services.

http://www.cepage.uk/

Cellier

Wines, spirits, beer & gifts - from case deals on your supermarket favourites to great deals on niche products, FREE next day delivery on case deals & purchases over £75

 http://www.cellier.co.uk

DrinKit

We are wine enthusiasts who want to share our love of good, carefully sourced, and affordable wine with you. We want to help vineyards that have truly suffered during these difficult times while creating a community of wine lovers who enjoy discovering undiscovered wines!

 http://Buydrinkit.com

Grape Britannia

The English and Welsh wine specialists - over 200 wines in stock. Lots of amazing English Sparkling Wine of course, but also over 120 still wines of all colours, plus pet nat, charmat, natural, fortified and more.

 http://grapebritannia.co.uk

BloomsYard

The BloomsYard e-shop showcases specialty tea, coffee and wonderful wine - all handpicked for their specific attributes. Read all about each online before you buy.

http://Www.BloomsYard.com/shop

Slurp

Online wine merchant with our flagship retail store based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Delivery nationwide. Slurp offers you excellent wines from around the world at exceptional value. From New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to French Bordeaux we have something for everyone and we offer FREE next-day delivery when you spend £100 or more. We are continually seeking out new and exciting wines to share with you. Cheers!

http://Slurp.co.uk

 Eynsham CellarsWine Merchant with a shop in Oxfordshire, delivering Nationwide

http://Www.eynshamcellars.com

Husky Wines

Uk agent for the wines of Vinchio Vaglio Serra in Piedmont, N Italy. A co op of two valleys, growing Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir , Arneis, Moscato , Brachetto amongst others

http://huskywines.co.uk

James Hocking Wine

Leading Californian specialist, James Hocking Wine, is offering free delivery – and same day where possible – to the Andover, Salisbury and Winchester hubs and their surrounding villages. Nationwide delivery is also available. JHW has created a limited-edition "Ultimate Californian Case" comprising six bottles of fine and rare wines from The Golden State. JHW also offers single bottles from its “Fine & Covetable” range, which includes Moone-Tsai 2017 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay; CAMi 2016 Napa Valley Estate Wine; and Scarecrow 2017 M.Etain Cabernet Sauvignon. Many of these wines are usually destined for restaurant sales and are available to private customers for the first time.

 http://www.jameshockingwine.com.

The Drop Store

Short Description: Shop for award-winning premium spirits, craft beers and wines, exclusive brands not available on the high street from one of UK’s most established drinks specialists.

 http://thedropstore.com/

The Wine Barn

German wine specialist! A mixed case of twelve red, white and sparkling German wines to lighten your evenings and enjoy at home. Delivery included. https://the-winebarn.myshopify.com/products/stay-home-stay-safe

Winebuyers.com

Winebuyers.com is an exclusive online wine club with a simple mission: to bring wine and spirits into the 21st century. Using custom built API technology, developed over 18 months, Winebuyers connects wine lovers directly with some of the best vineyards, specialist merchants and distilleries. Winebuyers provides access to over 50,000 bottles, spanning 40 countries, all with zero mark-up and all with a commission free price-tag. Winebuyers.com

Corney & Barrow

Next day delivery within M25 / UK-wide delivery from our Hoddesdon and East Kilbride warehouse corneyandbarrow.com

Thomson and Scott

Offering free delivery on their organic, vegan Prosecco and Noughty (alcohol-free sparkling). Also doing daily live cocktail sessions on their instagram thomsonandscott.com

The Fizz Company

We are delivering wine, sparkling wine and champagne nationwide . Leeds, UK thefizzcompany.com

Noel Young Wines 

We are locally and nationally - thanks for shout out for the indies! Cambridge nywines.co.uk

Ditton Wine Traders

Fast growing fine wine merchants specializing in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Italy. Always well priced. Happily sharing all we know on /dittonwinetraders.co.uk

Elicite

We're a boutique e-commerce wine retailer based in the UK, specialising in wines over £15 and  yes, we're still delivering (express and also no-contact for those that need it), throughout the UK. https://www.elicite.com/

Le Vignoble

Fabulous selection & great service - Wine Lounge, Wine Merchant & Wine Education in the New Cooperage. Royal William Yard, Plymouth levignoble.co.uk

Red Squirrel Wine

We are delivering nationwide, free delivery over £70. Native, alternative & naturally lovely wines online since 2012. “An inspiring range,” Steven Spurrier. Try our new Rosé Tour de France mixed case. London. https://redsquirrelwine.com

BinTwo

Local delivery and mail order. We're that amazing little wine shop, Champagne & coffee bar just off the harbour in Padstow. Come and say hello! Padstow bintwo.com

The Little Fine Wine Company

We are still delivering our wines throughout the UK. Next day service. We specialise in half bottles. thelittlefinewinecompany.co.uk

Georgian Wine

Bringing you the Georgian wine experience... #gvinouk gvinouk.com/wines

Armit Wines

Still delivering in London. Leading contemporary UK #wine merchant. Armit Wines supplies wines from the world's best winemakers to private customers, on-trade and the trade. London armitwines.co.uk

Wines With Attitude

Wines With Attitude is still delivering in England & Wales https://wineswithattitude.co.uk

George Hill Wine & Worth Brothers

Both very good independents in the East Midlands. @GeorgeHillWine @worthbrothers 

Wanderlust Wine

UK based importer of small producers making sustainable organically farmed wine. London, England wanderlustwine.co.uk

Hawkins Bros.

Specialist English Wine Merchants, selling stunning English wines to a thirsty public, based at Secrett's Farm Shop, Milford, Surrey. hawkinsbros.co.uk

The Real English Drinks House

We are still operating and delivering nationally. We stock fine English wines, craft beers and artisan spirits. http://redh.co.uk

Feelgood Grapes

The online wine shop championing all things sustainable, organic, and biodynamic in the world of wine. https://www.feelgoodgrapes.com/shop

Good Wine x Good People

Introducing a new way to order wine online! We offer personalised wine selections, paired with YOU - for your palate, your meal, moment or mood. Central to this process is our Personal Somm Questionnaire, a few simple questions to help us get to know you and your preferences. Seasoned wine educator Dan Belmont then gets to work choosing your wine selection and writing personalised tasting notes! We also offer limited edition collections which include an exclusive video greeting from one of the featured winemakers! Most UK deliveries in 2 business days, free shipping on all orders over £150.

Use code GOODPEOPLES for 5% off your first order!

http://www.goodwinexgoodpeople.com

MySomm

We are a family-run online wine merchant based in South West London. Our dream is for wine to be more approachable and less elitist. With this in mind we are ready to take on any wine related questions you have to help you buy the perfect wine for you. We look forward to helping and recommending where we can. We store a selection of great value and quality wines from around the world, specialising in wines from America.

http://mysomm.co.uk

Natty Boy Wines

Short Description: Natural, Organic and Biodynamic Wine Specialists. Same day delivery in London and next day UK wide.

http://Www.nattyboywines.co.uk

VINEYARDS

Amber Valley Wines

A Derbyshire vineyard, producer and merchant selling a range of high quality English wines, local spirits, cider and ­ales. Free local and national delivery available. Tel: 07920484207

www.ambervalleywines.co.uk/shop

Alder Vineyard

Alder Vineyard is a family run vineyard, based in Devon. We ship our award winning wines throughout mainland UK, and offer local delivery.

http://ALDERVINEYARD.UK

Woodchester Valley Vineyard

Outstanding still and sparkling wines from the Cotswolds.
Vegan, low sulfite and sustainable.

http://www.woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk

Dalwood Vineyard

A very small CoOp in Devon. We make about 6000 bottles of award winning Brut and Still wines
Exclusive and Different.

http://dalwoodvineyard.co.uk

Rathfinny Wine Estate

 Producing Sparkling wines to rival the best in the world from a vineyard in the Sussex South Downs, near Alfriston. Available online for delivery across the UK or from our Cellar Door shop and various independent wine merchants.

http://rathfinnyestate.com/

Lyme Bay Winery

The Devon based winery makes award-winning still and sparkling English wines and offers free delivery on orders over £20. They are also currently offering 10% off all English wines with the code GOODFRIDAY10 https://www.lymebaywinery.co.uk/english-wines

WineGB.co.uk

Search here for English & Welsh vineyards near you that deliver to your door. WineGB.co.uk

Tickerage Wines

Boutique vineyard specialising in Sussex sparkling wines. Next working day delivery service. Sussexsparklingwines.co.uk

Flint Vineyards

Innovative Norfolk vineyard and winery, blending cutting edge science with traditional winemaking techniques. Times Top 100 Wines & Indy Best Buy 2018. We're offering free next day delivery nationwide on orders of 2 bottles or more. flintvineyard.com

Gusbourne

Award-winning wines from Kent. Wherever you are in the mainland UK, Gusbourne continues to offer free delivery on all orders, no minimum order required. gusbourne.com

Breaky Bottom

Sussex sparkling wines. Delivering to your door. Free delivery in April for cases of 6 wines. Breakybottom.co.uk

Dunleavy Vineyard 

I’m sending out mainland uk orders and delivering local. Award Winning English Wine | Bristol-Bath-Somerset-London | Instagram & FB Dunleavy Vineyards. Bristol & Somerset dunleavyvineyards.co.uk

Domaine du Météore

We are still delivering their great tasting case of reds in the UK with 20% off. http://domainedumeteore.com from the only vines in the world grown in a meteorite crater!

Carr Taylor Wines

We are one of the longest established vineyards in England, making fine English wines since 1971, in the heart of 1066 country. East Sussex. We're offering free delivery to mainland UK on all orders. carr-taylor.co.uk

Fox & Fox Vineyards

Boutique grower-producer of crafted English Sparkling Wines. Sussex. foxandfox.wine

Paso-Primero

Paso-Primero is an independent, family run company in Somontano in the central Pyrenees of northern Spain. Winemakers Thomas and Emma Holt settled here to achieve their ambition of making their own wines, in their own style. Their award winning wines are available throughout the UK, distributed direct from the winemakers in their hometown of Shrewsbury.

 http://www.paso-primero.com

COCKTAILS, SPIRITS , MEAD & MORE

York Gin

Short Description: We offer free UK delivery on our full range of dry gins. We regularly win major international gold and silver medals - our Old Tom is one of the world’s best. Our distillery runs on 100% green electricity, and all our products and packaging are plastic free.

http://yorkgin.com

Speakeasy At Home

Helping to light up your lockdown, Speakeasy at Home is a brand new, UK-wide cocktail delivery platform bringing together offerings from three of the world’s best bars, Swift, Nightjar and Oriole. Each cocktail is available in 220ml pouches (2 servings) and 500ml bottles (5 servings), catering for smaller and larger household alike from just £6.00 per cocktail. Several mix-and-match deals and gifting options also make it possible to experience all three bars under your own roof for less - the perfect indulgent treat or present over the festive period in lieu of in-person catch ups over cocktails, Christmas parties and seasonal drinks. Over the coming weeks, we will also launch a range of Christmas and New Year cocktail sets, alongside a subscription model for monthly themed deliveries.

http://www.speakeasyathome.co.uk

Easy Social Cocktail Co.

The easy social cocktail co was started by a group of friends who believe in a simple idea – life is better when we mix. Our cocktails include the 'very naughty boy martini', 'super strawberry negroni' and 'holy sassy molassy old fashioned' all available in 500ml bottle or eco pouch. Already have enough booze at home? Try our 'make mine a…' range: simply add to your favourite spirit and give a little shake or stir to turn your dram into a delicious cocktail. We also offer a bespoke cocktail service - the perfect present for the cocktail lover in your life.

https://easysocialcocktail.co/

Sociovino

Created by a team of former sommeliers, Sociovino gives you online wine expertise without the fuss, importing wines from small producers with big flavours. Build your own case, select from one of our themed collections or enjoy one of our cocktail kits.

http://www.sociovino.com

Sky Wave Gin

Craft Gin Distillery based near Bicester in Oxfordshire, producing traditional hand crafted gin in micro batches using the one-shot method. Began life in 2018 and won "World's Best Contemporary Gin" at the 2020 World Gin Awards for our signature London Dry Gin. Offering FREE 2nd class Postage & Packaging until 2 December 2020.

 http://www.skywavegin.com

Northumberland Honey Co - Beekeepers & Mead Makers

Commercial Beekeepers & Mead Makers. Traditional Method Sparkling Mead and quality honey. Beekeeping experiences, courses & bees. Talks & tastings. We're still delivering. Haltwhistle northumberlandhoney.co.uk

Sipping Liquor

We’re still delivering spirits! Get a curated selection of the world's finest spirits delivered to your door. Use the code TWITTER at checkout to get your first box for just £40. United Kingdom sippingliquor.com/join

The Single Cask

We ship awesome single cask whisky world wide. They’re all top quality, cask strength, and non chill filtered - presented in a decanter style bottle to make pouring a dram a moment of celebration. www.thesinglecask.co.uk

The Good Spirits Company

We aim to provide you with superb customer service, the best possible selection of fine wines & spirits from every corner of the world and we work with scores of suppliers to track down hard to find bottles. We are also trialling a free local delivery service for the Glasgow area. www.thegoodspiritsco.com

The Dram Team

Our subscription box club delivers unique whisky tastings to your door once a month; simple, easy, educational - and most of all, delicious. www.thedramteam.co.uk

GREAT LISTS OF RETAILERS COMPILED BY OTHERS

Jancis Robinson - Jancisrobinson.com  HERE

Susie Barrie & Peter Richards -  thewinefestival.co.uk HERE

Victoria Moore - The Telegraph HERE

Three Wine Men - HERE

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Fill in the form below and we’ll add you to the list.

Tweet us or email us to be added! helena@thethreedrinkers.com or @the3drinkers.com

How Much Do You Know About Wine?

LVMH increases American Whiskey portfolio by investing in WhistlePig

Words by Aidy Smith @Sypped

It was announced today that wine and spirits luxury giant LVMH will take a stake in Vermont based WhistlePig. A brand that has risen to fame in the USA for its quality. LVMH believes they can take this typically American rye whiskey and turn it into a global sensation with their investment.

This is the second major investment of an American Whiskey brand by Moet Hennessy after they took on a stake of Woodinville, based in Washington in 2017. The deal was sealed during the pandemic, making it one of the most exciting to have taken place despite such uncertainty in the market.

While Rye Whiskey is mainly consumed in the USA, LVMH believes they can create a global love for the style by tapping into a consumer base that trusts the company based on years of attaining one of the worlds most famous scotch portfolios. WhistlePig fits hand in hand with LVMH’s luxury portfolio, fetching up to $200 a bottle for the WhistlePig 15 Year Old.

More information is to follow in the coming months…