12 Stunning Supermarket Red Wines for Under £10

UPDATE: For the latest monthly supermarket deals from Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Aldi and more, click here.

The selection of great quality wines available on supermarket shelves has come on leaps and bounds in recent decades, and there are now plenty of options that provide not just good value for money, but sublime flavour full stop, even compared to pricy classics.

Times are tough right now, so here are some bold and beautiful red wines curated by us that all cost less than a tenner. More good news is that they should be available at a supermarket near you too, so you can easily pick them up on the weekly shop. Check them out below!

Corte Alle Mura Chianti Riserva

This fantastic Chianti represents incredible value with a full body and complex flavour. There are detectable notes of fruitcake and sweet spice, and a slightly balsamic finish too. It really is punching above its price point!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.99 Lidl

Piccodoro Nero D’Avola DOC 2021

There’s more fantastic value here with this Nero D’Avola from the stunning island of Sicily. It’s rustic and figgy with notes of wild strawberry jam and all in all, it’s a tremendously food-friendly and comforting wine. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.75 Tesco

Extra Special Chilean Pinot Noir 2021 

Concentrated, plush and plummy, this generous Pinot hails from the prestigious Leyda Valley in Chile. It’s dry, beautifully balanced and very loveable indeed. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here £6.50 ASDA

Marqués de los Zancos Rioja Crianza DOC 2019 

If you like your wine tangy then this Spanish Rioja is right up your street. Think autumnal flavours with subtle notes of peppery spice. Delicious. There are some hefty price tags slapped onto good Rioja, so this is a must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.75 Tesco

Extra Special Sicilian Reserve 2019 

Made with 100% Nero D’Avola, this rustic red has been partly aged in French oak barrels before having a further year in bottle before release. Rustic and tangy, there’s fantastic flavour on show, with strawberry and mocha noticeable. Superb value from Sicily once again!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 ASDA

Tesco Finest Stellenbosch Pinotage 2021 

A fantastically modern example of South Africa’s flagship red wine made by the family owned Stellenrust winery. This Stellenbosch is distinctly fresh and moreish with a medium body and those rich, meaty notes come through clearly. Enjoy with barbecued meats or (given the time of year), a nice hearty stew.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.50 Tesco

Taste the Difference Barbera d’Asti 2018

Hailing from the Piedmont region in Italy, winemaker Claudio Manera has produced a terrific, soft and saline wine with notes of ripe red and black berries balanced by a super fresh acidity. Smooth and mellow. Yum! 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8 Sainsbury’s

Lisboa Bonita 2020

This bottle uses a blend of local grape varieties like Caladoc and Castelao, which grow close to Lisbon where the sprawling vineyards have a long history with winemaking. It’s rich, chocolatey, and packed full of bramble fruit flavours for an intriguing and complex flavour. Nom! 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £42 for a case of 6 (£7/bottle) M&S. Also available in store. 

Johann Wolf Pinot Noir

From the Pfalz region, this is a classic, cool-climate German Pinot. It’s elegant with plenty of silky cherry and raspberry fruit to enjoy. Try pairing it up with a hearty roast and it’ll show brilliantly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 Waitrose (could be on offer even cheaper!)

T-Bone Malbec 

This is a really excellent benchmark Malbec from San Juan that brings to mind the velvety notes of chocolate dipped blueberries. With some added structure from the inclusion of a little Cabernet, this inky black red has plenty of oomph. Unsurprisingly given the name, it would sit perfectly beside Argentinian steak but it’s more than capable of crowd pleasing on its own too. Lovely!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99 (Mix 12 Price) Laithwaites 

Tesco Finest Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021

This is a light and elegant Pinot from reliable New Zealand producer Indevin, with lifted notes of violet and cherry. The thin-skinned grapes from the Waihopai Valley give an inviting light colour, and they’ve mellowed it in French oak for a welcoming, smooth finish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 Tesco

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2021

Last on our list is a banging benchmark Shiraz. Penfolds are so reliable when it comes to this area, and Koonunga Hill is yet another example of this. It’s a traditional Australian blend that blends a wonderfully expressive Shiraz with the structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is an interesting, full-bodied red with silky red fruit, liquorice notes and a peppery kick. A complete winner at that price. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £8.50 Morrisons // US $19.99

If you’re more of a white than red kind of person, then we’ve got a list of our favourite white wines for under £10 here! And with the sleigh bells of Christmas ringing louder each day, there are some more great value reds perfect for Christmas here too.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Sustainably Scrumptious: The Churchill Bar & Terrace

After the summer we’ve had, it’s hard to deny the ever-looming discussion of global warming and the ways we can make strides to lessen our impact. Everyone is doing their part such as recycling, reducing waste, and lowering their energy consumption. But have you ever taken a step back and thought about what your favourite bars and restaurants are doing? This is what we love about The Churchill Bar and Terrace’s new sustainability-focused cocktail menu.

Located inside the luxurious Hyatt Regency London, but not without its own entrance right on Portman Square, The Churchill Bar & Terrace offers bar bites, craft cocktails, and hand-picked cigars (to be enjoyed on the terrace of course). This bar is pure class, with brilliant service and passionate bar tenders. We spent the evening sipping cocktails and chatting to Simon (one of the mixologists). You can hear while he explains each cocktail, and with each of our questions he answers that he loves the art of mixology. 

The new sustainably focused cocktail menu aims to enlighten and educate those that choose these tipples and was made with 11 different environmental causes in mind including wildlife support, bee care, and waste reduction to name a few. With each cocktail ordered, a donation is also made toward various conservation charities. Our top recommendation would be the Be Hive cocktail. Served in a beautiful handmade beeswax cup, the cocktail features South African Inverroche gin and hibiscus mead to create a smooth and sweet floral cocktail. For something slightly different, try the Green Lung cocktail. The reforestation inspired cocktail is bourbon based, and has wonderful vanilla and earthy notes. 

The end goal of this new menu is to serve a scrumptious cocktail while exploring how the bar industry can take those small steps towards a more sustainable footprint. Ordering from the sustainably focused menu immediately shows your own willingness to learn and begin your own journey towards an environmentally friendly way of living. There is something for everyone and it’s all for a good cause. Recycled ingredients litter the menu (in a good way!). Deep consideration has gone into every portion of this project: from drinking vessel to the edible components. Truly a menu to experience! By supporting The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s mission for a more sustainable bar industry, you are indeed making a direct impact yourself. 

Churchill Bar and Terrace is ideal for: a drinks experience. For people who love the art behind the drink in their hand.

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: 9/10

Address: Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH

Website: thechurchillbar.co.uk

The Three Drinkers In Ireland Wins Award For ‘Cultural Contribution To The Spirits Industry’

The Three Drinkers are delighted to announce that their TV series The Three Drinkers in Ireland has won the award for ‘Cultural Contribution to the Spirits Industry’ at The Spirits Business Awards 2022.

WHAT ARE THE SPIRITS BUSINESS AWARDS?

The Spirits Business Awards is an annual, global competition, established in 2019 with the aim of rewarding the people and brands that are doing great things across the industry. There are multiple categories in the awards including celebrating retailers, distributors, marketers, brands, distillers, blenders, and more.

Aidy Smith from The Three Drinkers says “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised for this award as this is exactly what we had hoped to achieve. When we made this show the idea was to move away from the intimidation that is all too often wrapped around drinks on TV. No abundance of swirling glasses and mundane tasting notes, just some friends on a journey exploring a world they have such a deep rooted passion for while getting to know the region they’re in through travel, food and tourism.”

WHO ARE THE THREE DRINKERS?

The Three Drinkers are drinks experts, writers and broadcasters Helena Nicklin and Aidy Smith, joined by a deliciously diverse revolving roster of ‘third drinker’ guests. As well as this, their second Amazon Three Drinkers TV series, they also produce the popular ‘Bring a Bottle’ podcast, run the drink, travel and lifestyle-focused online magazine thethreedrinkers.com and have a growing social media/influencer presence (@thethreedrinkers @HelenaSips @Sypped).

MORE ABOUT THE THREE DRINKERS IN IRELAND

The Three Drinkers in Ireland is an aspirational, gastronomic journey through the picturesque island of Ireland. Drinks experts Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin with special guests Beth Brickenden and Eulanda Shead-Osagiede explore a variety of Irish drinks, from whiskey, gin and poitín to cider and Irish cream, take a deep dive into Ireland’s incredible food scene and showcase some traditional activities such as bog snorkelling, cheesemaking, eel fishing and Irish dancing.

The Three Drinkers returned to our screens in March this year with a brand new, six-part series on Amazon Prime called ‘The Three Drinkers in Ireland’.

Mara Barrat from Bord Bia says “Ireland is renowned for producing high quality, sustainable food and drink. So, it is really important that we work with the right partners to showcase this to the world. Working with The Three Drinkers was excellent as through their global reach, production expertise and innovative production style, we are able to demonstrate the premium quality and sustainability of Irish produce and furthermore tell the story of the passion, love and craftsmanship of Irish food and drink producers. We are also very excited about what this series will do for Irish food and drinks tourism."

Julie Wakley, Head of GB at Tourism Ireland says: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to work with The Three Drinkers, to create this exciting new series. With many people set to watch the series on Amazon Prime and beyond, it promises to be a great way to shine a spotlight on Ireland’s great food and drink offering, rich culture and spectacular landscapes.”

The series is available worldwide on Amazon Prime Video and you can now also watch episodes of the series on major airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Iberia, Aer Lingus and more.

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars for 2022

It's November and that means one thing… Christmas is a common feature on all the shelves with piles of baubles here and boxes of shimmering tinsel there. It also means that this year’s round of drinks advent calendars are being released! Woo-hoo!

The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to enjoy it than by opening a boozy treat each day? If you’re a bah humbug then it makes the countdown enjoyable, and if you’re already a Christmas convert then it makes it even better! They’re getting more and more creative every year with options a-plenty, and we’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below!

For Fine Spirits drinkers:

The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar

Welcome to the ultimate, luxurious treat for a lover of fine spirits. The Whisky Exchange have put together 24 minature bottles of whisky, rum, gin, amaro, calvados and more, all of which are exclusive bottlings, under-the-radar spirits or some of the biggest names in fine booze. Simply stunning and berautifully packaged.
Find here: £150

For Gin drinkers:

Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar

Most gin drinkers will already be on drinking terms with Fever-Tree and their cracking selection of tonics. This year, their masters of mixology have paired them up with some of the UK’s best-known gin brands like Tanqueray and Hendrick’s, as well as some new kids on the block. Perfect dance partners like Ginger Ale and Ophir’s spicy gin wait behind each door so have fun finding and tasting the pairings as the month rolls on!

Find here: £60

The Premium Edition Gin Advent Calendar

With 24 wax-sealed 30ml samples of gin from around the world hand picked by experts, there’s something for everyone behind each door! From classics to new releases, Tarquin’s Figgy Pudding Gin to Bluecoat’s American Dry, this is a yuletide medley you won’t want to miss!

Find here: £99.95

For Rum drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Rum Advent Calendar

There’s something tantalising behind every door for the rum drinkers too, with this Drinks by the Dram calendar. Dark rum, white rum, golden rum, whatever you’ve wished for it’s in here. Try unusual delights like award-winning Discarded Banana Peel Rum and enjoy old familiars such as Plantation’s XO.

Find here: £149.95

For Tequila drinkers:

The Spirit Co – Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

You will begin a 24-day long journey to enlightenment with this, and how many advent calendars can you say that about? Although they’re 30ml sized bottles, The Spirit Co’s 24 tequila picks are designed for you to taste and discover the subtleties of this Mexican icon. From fresh Blanco, to complex Añejo, you will understand tequila on a whole new level by the time the big day comes.

Find here: £124.95

For Vodka drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Vodka is a spirit that can be found being dismissed by some as monotonous. Well, with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to change those misconceptions. These expertly curated tasters are a perfect opportunity to learn about how vodka can vary, and what you’re individually drawn to. Whether it’s drinking crisply smooth originals or subtle berry beauties, every day is a school day and school has never been so fun.

Find here: £99.95

For Whisky drinkers:

Whisky Explorers’ Edition Advent Calendar

Winter whisky warms the soul perfectly over the festive season, and as you prize open each cardboard door, a new whisky awaits. From traditional Irish whiskeys to a new whisky that is actually designed by artificial intelligence(!!), this advent calendar is perfect for someone wanting to dip their toe into the wonderful world of whisky.

Find here: £99.95

Whisky Premium Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re already a card-carrying whisky explorer or know someone that is then this calendar is for those ready to take the step up. Every door is filled with a wax-sealed 30ml dram of top tier whisky, carefully selected by world-famous producers. Aged to perfection, this is a great way of eying up your favourite premium whisky without buying a whole bottle. Pricey sure, but if you can’t treat yourself or others at Christmas time when can you?

Find here: £249.95

For Wine drinkers:

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is jam packed with Brixton Wine Club’s favourite canned wines from throughout the year, including limited editions and ones that have sold out so it’s a real treat. There are reds, whites, seltzers, bubbles and not only that, but we were happy to see so many up and coming British wines included too!

Find here: £125

Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar

Every December day is made that bit better by a delicious quarter-bottle of wine waiting for you, isn’t it? All packaged up in a cosy Christmas market scene too, so it makes a wonderful festive addition to your home. We won’t spoil it for you but there also may or may not be a special treat on Christmas Eve too ;)

Find here: £69.99

For Cocktail drinkers:

NIO 12-day Advent Cocktail Box

This is the perfect advent for sharing because you can reveal cocktails two at a time over 12 days, so don’t worry you do still get your 24 drinks! And you even get a garnish too, so you can really indulge in the authentic cocktail experience. The calendar houses a very alluring cocktail hall of fame, with Negroni, Manhattan, Cosmo, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri to name a few. There’s also sure to be some surprises for you too.

Find here: £115

For Beer drinkers:

Beavertown Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Don’t worry beer guzzlers, there’s something for you to countdown to Christmas as well. Craft beer extraordinaries Beavertown have created a delightfully vibrant advent calendar this year, and a limited-edition version that includes a load of cool gifts too. 6 mini boxes are included so they’re perfect to pop in the fridge, meaning that the only surprise is which beer you get, not that it’s warm!

Find here: £58 / £68 (Limited Edition)

For Cider drinkers:

Lilley’s 2022 Advent Calendar

There are even cider advent calendars these days, and we love the interesting concoctions of Lilley’s. Pear flavoured Bee Sting had picked up plenty of awards for the Somerset company, and the same can be said for their Rhubarb flavour. Also, if you like sweet ciders, then let us tell you that the Mango is a must try. There are 24 full size bottles so it’s good value too, and you can go look up each interesting flavour... or keep it as a Christmas surprise! Scrumptious.

Find here: £66

If you’re still stuck for gift ideas or just fancy looking at what else is out there, check out our other drinking gift ideas and be sure to let us know if you’ve got your eyes on any advent calendars we’ve missed out here.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

21 Great Spots to Drink Sherry in the UK

Where to drink Sherry in the UK for International Sherry Week and all year round…

Now in its 9th year, International Sherry Week is the world’s largest celebration of Sherry wines from Southern Spain. This year, it runs from Monday 7th - Sunday 13th November 2022. 

Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Cream Sherry… Lovers of this fabulous, fortified wine from Jerez, Spain, know that it’s not all about the sweet stuff Grandma drinks at Christmas but instead, is about enjoying a savoury and saline, food friendly drink in all its wonderfully complex, fudge, salted almond and citrus peel glory.

You can watch a short film and read about what Sherry actually is this bite-size guide but if you just want to get out there and do some tasting, perhaps with a masterclass or with some tapas thrown in, then here’s your ultimate guide to some great venues around the UK for discovering the delights of Sherry for Sherry Week and beyond. 

Sherry Week Events (7th-13th November)

All the locations below are fantastic destinations to try Sherry all year round, but first, here are some specific events to check out during International Sherry Week this November:

Helena with José Pizzaro at José in Bermondsey Street, London.

José Pizarro’s restaurants and tapas bars (London)

‘Get lost in our huge Spanish wine list and sherries and cocktails’ they say. We say, ‘yes please!’ A celebration of all things Spanish awaits you all year round at José Pizarro’s venues but for Sherry week, they are offering the perfect way to kick start your dinner: try three sherries beautifully complemented by Jamón Ibérico Cinco Jotas. £18.50 per head from 7th-13th November.

Pizarro
194 Bermondsey St, 
London,
SE1 3TQ.

José Tapas Bar
104 Bermondsey Street,
London,
SE13UB.

José Pizarro Broadgate Circle
36 Broadgate Circle,
London,
EC2M 2QS.
josepizarro.com

At José on Bermondsey Street, London

Fourth And Church (Hove)

This restaurant and wine bar has quickly earned a reputation as a great foodie destination in Hove, offering tastings and events all year round. Join their expert Paul for a relaxed afternoon during Sherry Week, exploring six wines from Jerez, all perfectly paired with a six course menu.

When: November 13, 2022, 1-4pm
84 Church Rd, 
Hove,
BN3 2EB
www.fourthandchurch.co.uk

Ambiente Tapas (Hull, Leeds & York)

Ambiente Tapas is a welcoming group of restaurants dotted around the country, each celebrating the world of Spanish food and wine - especially Sherry. To celebrate International Sherry Week, Ambiente is hosting exclusive, five course, sherry paired dinners featuring wines from Gonzalez Byass sherries across its various locations:

When: 9th November - Bodega Lustau  - Hull. 
When: 10th November - Bodegas Gonzalez Byass - Leeds.
When: 11th November - Bodegas Barbadillo - Tabanco By Ambiente Restaurant, York
ambiente-tapas.co.uk

The Reliance (Leeds)

This pretty bar and dining room has the gorgeously relaxed feel of an old school classroom with its wooden floors and mismatched chairs and tables. For Sherry Week, join the team on the 9th November for a menu of seasonal small plates paired with eight delicious Sherries.

When: 9th November
76-78 North Street,
Leeds,
LS2 7PN.
The-reliance.co.uk

The Wine Rooms (Cambridge)

A destination fine wine bar and shop bringing the world of wine to life through their extensive list of over 500 bottles and a large list of wines by the glass. During Sherry week, Spanish Sommelier Gonzalo will lead a masterclass through all the styles of Sherry. Come here any time of year though to taste with seasonal plates and regular events. 

When: 10th November
57 Hills Road,
Cambridge,
CB2 1NT
thewineroomscambridge.com

Lo Rapitenc Spanish Deli (Frome)

For something a little different, hold onto your hats and head to Lo Rapitenc in Frome! Join Antonio Morenés, co-founder of Diatomists and leader of the so-called ‘Sherry Revolution’ for an overview of the region and tasting of each wine. Described as ‘a guerrilla wine night, which promises to be intoxicating, festive and a delight to the senses,’ the evening will conclude with after dinner drinks and live music by a Latin music duo. Bring your dancing shoes!

When: 12th November
21 Cheap St, 
Frome,
BA11 1NN
Lorapitencspanishfood.com

Lunyalita (Liverpool)

Ok, so not officially set in Sherry week, but just afterwards, Luyalita will be hosting a Sherry tasting of six wines with matching tapitas, hosted by their resident expert, Ian Jackson. Part of the Lunya family, Lunyalita is set over two floors overlooking Liverpool’s gorgeous Albert Dock. The menu offers a  wide range of classic and modern tapas at lunch and breakfast, with tapas, deli platters and paella served throughout the rest of the day.

When: 24th November
Britannia Pavilion, 
Royal Albert Dock, 
Liverpool, 
L3 4AD.
lunya.co.uk/events

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (Edinburgh)

The brilliant Rose Murray Brown MW will be hosting a 12 wine tasting including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso & PX from leading bodegas, all served with Spanish charcuterie. Personalised gift vouchers are also available on request. No prior knowledge required!

When: 9th November
The Vaults, 
87 Giles St, 
Leith, 
Edinburgh,
EH6 6BZ.
Rosemurraybrown.com

Lind and Lime Gin Distillery (Leith)

Lind & Lime Gin Distillery has got together with Slonk for a fantastic Sherry experience. On arrival, you'll be treated to a Sherry Cocktail, followed by a five Sherry masterclass served with a delicious Spanish Tapas feast by Pablo Sensat of Manda Huevos fame.

When: 13th November
24 Coburg Street,
Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6HB.
Tickets here

Oxford Wine Café (Oxford)

This cosy café style wine bar is a vino lover's dream, boasting a huge list of wines from all over the world, made by smaller, ultra-passionate, boutique-style producers that you will not find in supermarkets and big chains. During Sherry week, they will be showcasing an extensive sherry menu paired with a number of delicious tapas dishes and are holding a big tasting on the Thursday night.

When: 11th November
32 Little Clarendon Street,
Jericho,
Oxford,
OX1 2HU.
oxfordwinecafe.co.uk

Other great locations to taste Sherry all year round

BRISTOL

Adelina Yard

Adelina Yard is found nestled in Bristol’s Welsh Back district and serves fine, seasonal, modern European dishes in a relaxed, informal, yet highly instagrammable atmosphere.

Adelina Yard, 
Queen Quay, 
Welsh Back, 
Bristol,
BS1 4SL.
adelinayard.com

BIRMINGHAM

Loki Wine

Loki Wine has risen to fame these past few years and is the most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham. This fabulous, wine merchant-cum-wine bar offers a huge range of Sherry and other wines to purchase as well as taste by the glass. This is also the place for various fun, wine and tasting courses and events. Choose from any of their three locations:

Loki Wine Edgbaston, 10 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3AU
Loki Wine Birmingham City Centre (GWA), 36 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU
Loki Wine Knowle, 20-22 Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0HT
Lokiwine.co.uk

FROME

The High Pavement 

This cosy, Moorish jewel of a restaurant is set above the picturesque cobbled streets of Frome’s St Catherine’s quarter and offers a delicious, ever changing menu of Moorish Tapas inspired by the flavours of Spain, North Africa and the Middle East. The wine list boasts an excellent selection of bottles from small, independent growers as well as an extensive sherry list.

8, Palmer St, 
Frome,
BA11 1DS.
thehighpavement.co.uk

LEEDS

Iberica (Leeds)

The stunning Hepper Building in Leeds is a location to behold with its high ceilings and chandeliers. It’s like stepping back in time! Iberica is a place to celebrate all Spanish food and drink with an extensive wine list including many types of Sherry. Check out their events too and you can opt for private dining and even a Spanish afternoon tea. 

Hepper House, 
17a East Parade, 
LS1 2BH, 
Leeds.
Ibericarestaurants.com

LONDON

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Gordon’s wine bar is a London institution. The city’s oldest bar is set in a fabulous, candlelit, 19th Century vaulted cellar that has maintained its original Dickensian décor, it boasts a fabulous range of wines including an impressive array of Sherries. Come here to plot a revolution and have a great glass of vino.

47 Villiers Street,
London,
WC2N 6NE.
Gordonswinebar.com

The Opera Tavern

Part of the Salt Yard group, the famous Opera Tavern is a classic, Covent Garden pub and is ideal for a quick bite of jamon Iberico and a slurp of Palo Cortado before catching a show at the theatre or opera. 

23 Catherine St, 
London,
WC2B 5JS.
saltyardgroup.co.uk

Bar Pepito

Cosy and romantic with bottles everywhere, Bar Pepito combines a warm, Andalusian atmosphere with an extensive range of speciality Jerez sherries and a fantastic tapas menu served with a twist. It’s a must at any time of year!

3 Varnishers Yard,
The Regent Quarter,
Kings Cross,
N1 9FD.
camino.uk.com

Andanza

Down the road from Pizarro in Bermondsey is a tiny little, rustic, Spanish foodie gem in the form of Andanza. Come here for authentic Spanish meats and cheeses with a great range of wines and Sherries. You’ll want to photograph everything too!

66 Weston St,
London,
SE1 3QJ
andanza.co.uk

MANCHESTER

Flok

Flok is a cosy, yet vibrant,  vintage feel bar and kitchen offering Mediterranean-inspired small plates as well as wines, craft beers, cocktails and spirits. This place has a reputation for its Sherry list too, which you can taste by the glass. Highly recommended. 

5 Stevenson Square, 
Manchester,
M1 1DN
flokmcr.co.uk

CARDIFF

Curado Bar & Vermut

Curado Bar Jamon & Pintxos in Cardiff and its snug little wine bar Vermut next door, offer a piece of authentic Spain right in the heart of the city. Vermut has Spanish wines on tap and specialises in three styles of wines: Sherry, Vermouth and Montilla-Moriles. 

2 Guildhall Place, 
Westgate Street, 
Cardiff, 
CF10 1EB.
curadobar.com

BATH

Pintxo Bath

Tucked away in Barton Street, Pintxo de Bath is a cosy, wood-clad, authentically Basque-style tapas and sherry bar in the heart of Bath’s theatre district. Inspired by the famous Pintxo bars of San Sebastián, they also serve a large range of Sherries all year round and even have a secluded, dedicated Sherry garden! 

31 Barton Street, 
Bath, 
Somerset,
BA1 1HG.
pintxobath.co.uk

Heading to these? Tag us on Instagram @TheThreeDrinkers using #SherryWeek. Want more sherry info? Here’s Helena’s wine basics video guide.

Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 96

Episode 96 of the Bring a Bottle podcast is out now! There’s perfect bonfire booze, vegan OatNog, the new Monopoly game that could be the source of controversy, and some hilarious confessions thrown in for good measure! Listen in via the player below.

Our Guest Drinkers

Joining Aidy in this episode are two guests! Entrepreneur Jay Akbar is the brains behind the decanter concept Wolf Whiskey, but he also gets involved in boxing, bouldering and he’s even written his own book! Welcome, Jay! @wolf_whiskey_

Completing our line-up is Lewis Stairs, founder of the Sunday Cocktail Club Instagram account. By day, Lewis is into software and tech but by night he is a mixologist, experimenting with so many different drinks that he’s built a shed to house them all! Great to have you! @sundaycocktailclub

What’s In Our Glass?

We can’t get enough of the Glen Grant lately, and over the last few episodes, we’ve enjoyed both their 10 and 12 year old single malt Scotch so it seems only right that this week it’s the 15 year old in our glasses! Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, it’s eventually bottled at a hearty 50% ABV. It has a really well-rounded bold and fruity flavour profile and a rich vanilla oak char running throughout. It is a beautiful example of a classic Speyside whisky!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £59.95

Classic Highball Cocktail

For those wanting to mix it up, it would work really in an Old Fashioned, however, it would work equally well in a classic Whisky Highball. Recipe below!

Ingredients
50ml Glen Grant 15YO
Soda (to top up)
Freeze dried apple (garnish)

Method
Sometimes simple is best and topping up the Glen Grant with soda over ice and a nice garnish (the apple works incredibly well) lets the amazing flavour of this whisky shine through.

Drinks News

Just in time for Christmas, a Napa Valley Monopoly has been released! The key wineries, restaurants, and landmarks of one of the most coveted wine regions in the world are all included, but will there also be controversy over who missed out?

The Perfect Cocktail for Bonfire Night – Toffee Apple Hot Toddy

This truly is a wonderfully warm cocktail for cool Autumn nights and perfect for sipping as you watch a bonfire crackle.

Ingredients
25ml toffee vodka
30ml bourbon
40ml apple juice
Splash of lemon (optional)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
All you’ve got to do is heat everything up and take it with you in a flask! Only add the lemon if you enjoy a slightly sour edge, but we think it pairs nicely. Let it sit for a while to infuse the cinnamon and enjoy! You can check out Lewis making it here.

Buy it or Bin it

We try a switch up on the festive classic of Eggnog this week. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla intertwine with rum and oat milk to create Oatnog! Black Lines Drinks have created this vegan alternative to be enjoyed hot or cold this Christmas, and for every bottle sold, they’re donating 5 meals to Londoners in need, so try it and see what you think!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 6%
Find here: £20

If you enjoyed these snippets then make sure you listen in to the rest of the episode here.

7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs in Their Home Bar

At The Three Drinkers, we spend so much time thinking about different rums and all the cocktails to make from them, so it’s no surprise that we’ve noticed the same things popping up over and over.

Whether it be barware, garnishes or mixers, if you love rum as much as we do, these 7 things are a must for your home bar. After all, if you’ve always got them in the cupboard then you’re never far away from a drink that really hits the spot!

What Barware do you Need for Rum Cocktails?

Cocktail Set

Some cocktails will just require a light stir, others shaken and strained. If you’re experimenting with rum, then having a cocktail set that can do it all will make everything that bit easier. This kit contains a professional shaker that’s essential to any home set up, strainers to smooth out your mixes and much more. Also, you can stay on top of the notorious ‘home measures’ with the jiggers included ;) All in a fabulous gift box tube too!

Find here: £24.99

Rum Glasses

Traditionally, each cocktail has its own glass to match. The Poco Grande for a piña colada, the Collins for a mojito etc. If you want the ultimate experience, then spoil yourself with a beautiful glass for each of your favourite rum concoctions but to a certain extent (shh don’t tell anyone we said this!), a glass is a glass, right? A sturdy low baller for you drinkers who like your rum neat and a tulip shaped number for your cocktails will more than suit your rum needs.

Find here: £35 for 4 x Lowball / £5.50 for 2 x Hurricane

Which garnishes work well with rum?

Lime - Fruits for Drinks

Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Mojito, the list goes on. Lime and rum go brilliantly, whether that’s the juice, zest or as a garnish. It’s by far the fruit that you’ll need most for your rum concoctions, so always have some on hand. For your garnishes, Fruits For Drinks’ lime bags are freeze dried and come in a resealable fresh pack that lasts for 9 months once opened, so you don’t need to worry about fresh limes going to waste. Lime = essential.

Find here: £7.99

Which spirits and mixers go well with rum?

Angostura Orange Bitters

Angostura’s orange bitters have become a staple part of many bartender’s inventories across the world, and there’s no reason your home bar should be any different. The rustic bottle contains an intense blend of Caribbean orange peel as well as infused spices like cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. You’ll find it coming into play an awful lot, whether that’s in a Zombie, a Rum Old Fashioned, or pretty much any pineapple rum cocktail or rum punch. It’s also great to liven up a simple rum and coke. They say nothing rhymes with orange, but rum certainly does...taste wise anyway.

ABV: 28%
Size: 10cl
Find it here: £8.50

Bob’s Vanilla Bitters

Another bitter you can rely on is Bob’s Vanilla Bitters. The rich vanilla takes those sweeter rum cocktails to the next level, accompanying the creaminess of a piña colada perfectly. It’s another one that can breathe new life into a simple rum and coke, and you’ll find it blends perfectly with the vanilla notes in many Caribbean rums. Yum!

ABV: 35%
Size: 10cl
Find it here: £12.74

Ginger Beer

Ginger is a magical match for the spicier rums, so a good ginger beer or ginger ale is always useful to have on hand. You’ll be able to knock out Dark ‘n’ Stormies like nobody’s business, as well as Caribbean Mules and all kinds of punches. Fever-tree has pulled together ginger from the Congo, The Ivory Coast and India to give a hot and root-y flavoured ginger beer and Franklin & Sons uses natural root ginger extract and sparkling spring water in their subtle, refreshing ginger ale.

Fever Tree - Size: 200ml // Find it here: 4 x £3.60
Franklin & Sons - Size: 150ml // Find here: 24 for £15

Cointreau

Cointreau is a fresh and fruity orange liqueur that you’ll see on many an ingredients list, and one you should definitely have ready to go. Mai Tai, Long Island iced tea, Rum sidecar, Daiquiri, we could go on. Cointreau and rum make for a pretty formidable duo!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £22.99

If you’ve got all of the above then you’re well on the way to an impressive rum armoury, but let’s not forget that the star of the show is of course the rum itself. If you want to stock up on some of our favourite rums for under £30, go here! And to find out how to make all those rum cocktails mentioned above, click here!

8 Stunning Wine Finished Whiskies You Need in Your Glass

If you’re not familiar with a ‘whisky finish’, then let us very quickly explain what it is. It’s when the spirit is aged in a cask from a certain origin, before being moved to a different cask for further maturation. More often than not you’ll find American oak ex-Bourbon barrels have been used for the first cask, but it’s often with the second cask that more unusual flavours come into play. 

One of our favourites for this whisky finish is wine, but there’s a hell of a lot of inconsistency with the results. It’s no simple task aging whisky with wine, so if it sounds like it might be up your street, here are a few of our absolute favourites worth seeking out.

Black Bottle Double Cask Alchemy Series

Two blends intertwine to create this; a malt whisky matured in Spanish sherry casks and a grain whisky matured in red wine casks. As a result, the red fruits and berries are influential from nose to finish, but they are balanced out by vanilla and nutty notes. This is delightfully sweet wine finished whisky and we love the bottle too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find here: £25.75

Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition

This splendid whisky is matured in American oak barrels and finished in French Cabernet Sauvignon casks imparting gorgeous notes of apple, honey, vanilla, and sweet red berry. It’s beautifully balanced because the mellow Tamnavulin works so well with the expressive fruity sweetness. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.74

Tullibardine 225 Sauternes Cask Finish

This is a gloriously golden single malt distilled in the Scottish Highlands finished in a 225-litre cask - hence the name! These casks used to hold Sauternes dessert wine, so it’s no surprise that this whisky is particularly creamy and citrusy, with traces of sweet spice lingering on the finish. It would work really nicely for a fruitier Irish Coffee.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.90

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 Bordeaux Edition

A fairly rare dram with a total of 358 bottles produced, it was distilled at Linkwood in Speyside and finished in a Bordeaux wine barrique (a fancier way of saying oak barrel, but particularly used for wines like Bordeaux). There’s a lot of very alluring baking notes with this one, including gentle spice, buttery pastry, baked apples and rich red fruits. The finish in particular is very warming with touches of roasted nut, pepper, and nutmeg. Super sippable!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.95

Green Spot Château Léoville Barton

Another whiskey finished in barriques, but this one is Irish! In fact, it’s billed as the first of its kind in that respect. Before reaching these Château Léoville Barton casks though, it’s initially matured in a mixture of ex-Oloroso Sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a deeply layered blend, with floral fruity notes, and a lingering spice that continues from palate to finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £53.99

Glenmorangie Nectar D'or Sauternes

The exquisitely named Nectar d’Or has the syrupy, honeysuckle, and orange peel notes that you’d expect from a sweet Sauternes wine. No smokiness, it’s golden inside and out and is definitely one for the wine lovers out there. It would work well with a lightly flavoured soda like grapefruit, but at this quality you’ve got to try it neat first. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £58.94 // US $81.99

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Sauternes Finish 

This was whisky legend Billy Walker’s favourite wine finished whisky when he spoke with us recently, so you’re in good hands trying this one. A wonderfully well balanced Sauternes cask finish with plenty of fresh fruity sweetness on the palate, it’s a delightful dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £59.95

Whistle Pig 12 Year Old - Old World

Whistle Pig have been impressing people big time with their releases over the last few years and their award shelves must be feeling the strain, which explains the jump in price for this one. Old World is straight rye whiskey finished in three different wine casks – Madeira, Sauternes and finally Port. The spicy rye combines so well with the sweetness from the casks to create probably the best wine finished rye whiskey in the world. If you want to go all out, then this is the one for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £174.95 // US $179.99

We love wine finished whiskies at The Three Drinkers, so there’s a more detailed article here about Helena’s journey of discovery in Scotland. There’s also a few other fantastic options there that aren’t mentioned above!

Words by Calum Ecroyd