Tasting Planes and Tasting Trains: The Best Wine and Spirits Tastings

In the world of wine, a tasting flight is sometimes used to describe a selection of wines for tasters to sample and compare. Well, in New Zealand, one company has taken that to new heights by making it a literal reality.

Booze trains (and now planes too) are a growing attraction for drinks lovers like you and me to experience local drinks on the tracks or in the skies. Far removed from the usual hectic, cramped stress of transport, these idyllic odysseys are sprouting up all over, so here’s a rundown of a few you might want to check out!

UK

Real Ale Train - Watercress Line Dining

Chugging through the Hampshire countryside is the Real Ale Train. Departing from Alton Station near Farnham along the Watercress Line to Alresford, breweries from the surrounding areas will be on the menu with pints reasonably priced at £4, or half pints for £2.

Every ticket comes with a complimentary pint to kick things off, and you can buy individual tickets for £20 or secure a charming six-seat compartment for £150.

The Real Ale Trait also stops by the West Country Buffet where you can feast on chilli, burgers, curry and more before washing it down with more great local brews.

Check out the website for the release of new dates because they sell out quickly!

Keith & Dufftown Railway

North East of the Cairngorms in Scotland, the Keith & Dufftown railway is one of the most Northerly preserved railways in the country, as well as being one of the longest and gloriously scenic. Ten miles of line awaits between Dufftown and Keith, passing the Glenfiddich viaduct, mountain scenery, Loch Park, Drummuir Castle…and that’s not even half the journey!

Various events are held on board, such as the Whisky Train in Spring trying specialist drams from the many distilleries in the area. There’s also the Emerald Isle Express for £40 per person offering ‘whisky’ as you travel through the land of ‘whisky’.

Events come and go, but the same stunning route remains so it should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking to explore this part of Scotland.

Explore their website for any new events and to book and to see the train in action check out Episode 2 of The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime.

East Lancashire Railway – Rail Ale Trail

East Lancashire Railway’s Rail Ale Trail takes you onboard one of their beautiful heritage steam or diesel trains and through the lush valleys and quaint villages, guiding you through the history and heritage of the area and delving into surrounding area’s brewing traditions.

Whilst you’ll enjoy a local bottle of ale on the train, this experience involves more guided tours to traditional pubs in the Irwell Valley and a hearty pub lunch.

The tours all begin at Bury Bolton Street Station, but from there they vary. Some involve short walks, others almost hikes. The price looks to be set at £59.50 regardless though so explore their website for more information! Journey goers rave about it once it’s finished so you’ll have to be quick.

It’s worth mentioning that they also have gin nights and wine nights occasionally too if that’s more your thing!

Other Rail Ale Trails

Rail Ale Trails are massively popular and available all over it seems, and whilst they do often provide some local ale on board, they are more focused on visiting pubs along the way. Here are some Rail Ale Trails that might be nearby you:

Churnet Railway, Staffordshire
Devon & Cornwall’s numerous trails
Great Central Railway, Loughborough
Spa Valley RaSpa Valley Railway, the High Wealdlway, the High Weald

INTERNATIONAL

Invivo Air – Cloud Wine

The image at the top of this article is of the world’s first winery airline! That’s the promise of Invivo Air, who not only produce their own wine in New Zealand but have created a flight from Auckland to Queenstown to try them on.

30 guests tasted over 16 wines whilst cruising at 18,000ft, as well as a vineyard tour with winemakers’ dinner and overnight stay at the 5-star lakeside Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa. That’s a lot packed in! Celebrity wines like Graham Norton’s and Sarah Jessica Parker’s are nestled amongst Invivo’s own and New Zealand’s finest, with the cabin even decorated with hanging vines.

Ahead of the launch, the founder said: “Invivo Air is the world’s first winery airline and we’re looking forward to guiding our guests through the ultimate wine lovers experience – both at 18,000ft in our winery in the sky and also on terra firma at one of our beautiful Central Otago vineyards.”

Otago is known for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Noir, and it’s not just fine wine but fine food included. Guests will dine at the Botswana Butchery, a new five-star seafood joint that has opened exclusively for Invivo Air. Local New Zealand cuisine such as fresh oysters, whitebait, lumina lamb and salmon are all on the menu.

At the time of writing, there has only been one flight but more domestic flights are on the horizon as well as international availability. To experience Cloud Wine, go to their website for further details on pricing.

Wine Train, Napa Valley – Legacy Experience

A legacy is handed down over time, through family and tradition. And lots and lots of wine. Charles Krug. V. Sattui. The legacy of these Italian families represents a combined winemaking history of more than 200 years. And some very fine vintages. Some say this is where it all began. And this is where your journey begins

America has some amazing wine trains on offer but one of the best-known ones is the simply named Wine Train. Their legacy experience provides a 6-hour adventure through the iconic Napa Valley, with a 3-hour train ride departing in the morning. After a welcome glass of sparkling wine, your first tasting occurs onboard the open-air car by your onboard Maitre’D at the legendary Napa Valley welcome sign.

After this, you have a four-course meal inspired by the stunning surroundings and a further 2 hours of tasting at Charles Krug and V.Sattui Winery, exploring 7 prestigious blends. Finally, it’s back on the train which is an attraction in itself with plush velvet, gleaming brass, smooth marble and a dreamy vintage aesthetic. What a way to explore one of the world’s most important wine regions!

Unsurprisingly, this is pricier than most wine trains and tickets vary around $500, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it looks amazing. See what’s in store for yourself on their website!

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train – Bourbon Excursion

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is two beautifully restored 1940s dining cars pulled through Kentucky by two 1950s locomotives. Departing from Bardstown which just so happens to have been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America numerous times, the breathtaking Kentucky countryside awaits. The Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Jackson Hollow Trestle in Bernehim Forest for starters.

During these two-and-a-half hours of exploration, a gourmet four-course dinner is served. On top of this, master distillers guide guests on a journey through bourbon history, pairing select liquids with your meals. Everything is included on this 32-mile roundtrip so if you’re a bourbon lover and want to visit its home, $127 doesn’t sound too bad, right?

For more details on the Bourbon Excursion, visit here.

Anosmia: The devastating effects of losing your sense of smell

With a wine tasting career and fragrance studies leading her passions, when Helena lost lost her sense of smell for three weeks with Covid, she panicked. Very luckily for her, it came back. This is not always the case with anosmia, sadly. Here’s why you need to know about this debilitating ‘hidden disabilty’.

Our sense of smell is so much more important than we think. Sadly, it’s not until we lose it that most of us realise this fact. It is a hidden disability.

Covid-19 certainly raised the awareness of viral anosmia; losing your sense of smell after exposure to a virus, but the devastating effects this can have on a person from extreme weight loss to severe depression, are still not discussed or recognised in medicine as much as they could and should be. Smell is, after all, our most primitive sense, governing our most basic instincts as well as memory and all sorts of emotions. Losing it, whether total (anosmia) or partially (hyposmia) can have a devastating effect on our mental health and quality of life. 

This Anosmia Awareness Day, I want to highlight some of the negative ways anosmia can affect people, to raise awareness and help find new avenues of research into finding a cure.

Eating problems

Even hyposmia can have a significant effect on the enjoyment of food, which often leads to a lost interest in eating, which can then in turn become so severe, it leads to eating disorders and malnutrition. A desperate attempt to taste something can lead to the addition of too much salt or sugar, which brings its own negative effects on health. 

Social disconnection

Anosmiacs report feeling lonely and disconnected from the world, unable to engage in their environment or bond as well with other humans. Relationships appear more strained as your subscious is aware it is ‘missing something’ from the conversation - and it is. Bonding even with loved ones is harder. Losing a major part of one of life’s greatest human pleasures - to eat and drink with a tribe -  can also be devastating. We feel left out of a social connection, even if we are physically present. 

Depression & Anxiety

These combined effects of anosmia can lead to paranoia, anxiety, depression and anhedonia; the inability to feel pleasure. How do we know if we - or our home - smells bad or not? Did we leave the gas on? Will I know if I step in something? How can we tell if what we are serving our guests is well cooked? It’s easy to see how anxiety can be ramped up and depression can find a way in, as so many of life’s pleasures are stripped away. 

Danger

Our sense of smell is crucial for warning us of potential dangers, often numerous times a day. From smoke or a gas leak to food that has gone off and bread caught, burning away in the toaster. Without it, we are stripped of some crucial survival skills. 

Can anything be done to help anosmia?

There’s not currently an official cure for anosmia but in some cases, retraining the nose to smell has had some positive effects, so it’s worth a try. Anosmia awareness charity Fifth Sense suggest smelling the same strong scents for around twenty seconds each day while really paying attention to what you are doing. Essential Oils are the most effective here as they are strong and they last a long time. Pick four very different ones will have a greater effect. They suggest rose, lemon, clove and eucalyptus.

Are you affected by a full or partial loss of smell? If you need help and advice or just want to find a community, check out Fifth Sense.

Words by Helena Nicklin

Iconic Cocktails and Drinks from TV & Film

You only had to see the surge in popularity for the Negroni Sbagliato after House of the Dragon star Emma D’Arcy namedropped it to know the power TV & Film can have on drinks. D’Arcy’s response to being asked about her favourite cocktail went viral on TikTok and just like that, the next generation is ordering a cocktail that long pre-dates them – and that wasn’t even in the programme itself!

These are some of the drinks that are synonymous with iconic film and TV, and even stole the spotlight themselves, from Hollywood’s Golden Age through to modern-day Netflix hits. Let’s start with a bang!

What drink is James Bond known for?

We couldn’t start anywhere else but James Bond and the suave sophistication of the Vodka Martini. It’s practically impossible to not follow that with, ‘shaken not stirred’ just as the original recipe dictates. Bond does swerve from tradition however, because gin came first whereas he opts for vodka.

Bond’s Vodka with Vermouth and a little lemon peel is the most famous drink in cinema, but did you know that in the Ian Fleming novels, the agent actually prefers Scotch and soda? Sean Connery ordering those instead would have been very different.

What drink is The Big Lebowski known for?

Created by the prolific Coen Brothers, the 90s hit is a cult classic with Jeff Bridges’ ‘The Dude’ at the centre of everything. Defined by his full head of blond hair, dark sunglasses, loose jogging bottoms and a sweater, he loved a White Russian, or ‘Caucasian’ as he called it.

The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream crops up nine times in the film!  He’s often making one, drinking one, carrying one or generally finding a way to get to one, and because of the film’s cult status, many fans found themselves doing the same after watching.

What drink is Moulin Rouge known for?

Absinthe is the umbrella term for very strong anise-flavoured spirits, and because of the alcohol content it’s often dismissed. Not by Moulin Rouge though. It has been banned in many countries in the 20th century, earning it a reputation for mystery and debauchery. The five main characters gulp down absinthe in excess and experience hallucinations, including seeing The Green Fairy played by Kylie Minogue. Pretty much the opposite of a quiet one down the pub.

What drink is The Great Gatsby known for?

Particularly in the novel, the Mint Julep cocktail is ever-present. Daisy Buchanan loves it and is often holding one, as displayed by Carey Mulligan in the 2013 film. But what is it? It’s an iconic southern Bourbon-based cocktail that adds sugar, water, crushed ice and crucially, fresh mint. Within the narrative, Gatsby is a breath of fresh air who makes his money from bourbon smuggling, so the cocktail with mirroring characteristics represents her yearning for him. Or maybe that’s just a coincidence!

What drink is Mad Men known for?

Mad Men is one of the most admired and enjoyed series of all time, making Don Draper a household name. Set in 1960s Manhattan, drinking features heavily and as Draper’s favourite drink, The Old Fashioned went from declining popularity to one of the most, if not the most popular cocktail of the 2010s. To make it like Draper, saturate a sugar cube with bitters, dash with water, fill with ice cubes, add whiskey and garnish with orange or cherry.

What do they drink in Sex and the City?

The Cosmopolitan may be the closest thing there is to a fifth Sex and the City member. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda get around to trying most drinks throughout the hit films, but the Cosmo remains their constant.

Playing such a starring role in the lives of girlfriends living in New York, the Cosmo enjoyed the spotlight as much as the actors and it became one of the most ordered cocktails of the modern era. They order it so many times that there isn’t one recipe, but generally, it’s vodka, triple sec and cranberry juice with a dash of lime. There are even forums ranking all the Cosmos that appear in the show – that’s how you know it’s iconic.

What do they drink in Harry Potter?

This is the first drink on the list that didn’t exist until it featured on the screen; the legendary Butterbeer. It is without a doubt the go-to beverage of the Wizarding World and is described as tasting like, ‘less-sickly butterscotch’.

In Harry Potter, butterbeer gives people a slight buzz but whether that’s from sugar or alcohol or some otherworldly ingredients isn’t clear. At Universal Studios, it is alcohol-free but if you combine butterscotch schnapps, vodka, cream soda and milkshake-style toppings you’ll have something close to Butterbeer at home!

What drink is The Blues Brothers known for?

This one is difficult to miss, because Jake Candy’s character repeats his order four times saying, “Who wants an Orange Whip? Orange Whip? Orange Whip? Three Orange Whips!” The 1980s musical comedy was a huge success, and this line has been referenced in popular culture. But what is Orange Whip?

It’s a sweet cocktail with rum, vodka, cream and orange juice that’s usually blended to create a delicious froth poured over ice. The funny thing is it isn’t even in the script! Orange Whip’s sales director provided the refreshments and asked if it could be mentioned in the film, and the improvisation included not one but four mentions! What a result for him!

What drink is Casablanca known for?

Any film buff is familiar with one of the most legendary romances of all time, 1943’s Casablanca. Not just a hit for Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, it also shot the French 75 to stardom. This fizzing cocktail using Cognac, Champagne, gin, syrup and a little lemon zest was named after the French 75mm gun used in World War One. Just like the film, the drink is fantastically bittersweet and the only drink ordered by name in the entire film.

What drink is in The Queen’s Gambit?

For a long time, The Gibson Martini was obscure. Constructed in the same way as any other Martini, it differs by opting for a controversial pickled onion instead of the conventional olive or lemon. One person who loves this concoction is Beth Harmon, and her Mother too.

Always one move ahead, genius chess player Beth’s love for the Gibson Martini sparked a trend with the 62 million viewers of the show and is responsible for a surge in popularity. Maybe even Bond will be asking for a Gibson Martini in future films? “Shaken, not stirred and with the biggest pickled onion you’ve got!” – we can see it now!

We’ve got detailed recipes for most of these on the Cocktails part of our website and if you’re looking for more celebrity news, why not check out these Celebrity Owned Tequilas?!

Glenmorangie – It’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The dining room at Glenmorangie House

Settled into the landscape, right next to the Dornoch Firth in the highlands of Scotland is something wonderful. Creating whiskies known the world over and experimenting with new delicious expressions released every year to delight us is Glenmorangie distillery. It is a well-known place, especially amongst whisky lovers, who travel from far and wide to visit the distillery and obtain special bottles only found there.

What is less known is where one can stay as you visit this beautiful cathedral to the amber nectar. Well off the beaten track is Glenmorangie House, around fifteen minutes from the distillery looking out onto the Moray Firth and the North Sea. It is a traditional, large house with white walls and small windows set in beautiful gardens at the end of a long driveway. There are many large guest houses and hotels which might look like it. However, you realise something is very different here as soon as you get out of the car. You’ll be greeted by a life size giraffe at the front door. Made of metal it is the first hint, that the interior may not reflect the exterior, and it certainly doesn’t.

Glenmorangie House

I have been to Glenmorangie house quite a few times as a whisky writer and broadcaster. My first time over ten years ago. The house then was extremely smart, reflecting a smart and yet traditional Scotland, with an interior of many shades of greens and blues and light tartans, it was stylish and comfortable. A few years ago all this changed.

The Glenmorangie Company decided they would like their house to reflect the whiskies they were creating at the distillery, rather than a Scottish idle. Out with the simple blues and greens and in with the bold. Bright oranges and golds, pinks, violets and vivid greens and electric blues now deck the walls, fabrics and furniture. Now, this might sound a little extreme, and at first like looking directly into the sun, you need to squint, but as with the sun, the lovely heat on your skin and its magnificence make you want it to stay for ever. The new interior of Glenmorangie house is quite brilliant. There is a lot of detail in the design. Each room has been names after expressions of the whisky or themes which reflect the ethos of the brand. For example, there is a bedroom called Nectar d’Or, after the whisky they create with a finish using Sauternes barrels from Sauternes in Bordeaux, France, giving a sweeter style of whisky. The colours in that room have golds and oranges, reflecting honey and the core flavour of Glenmorangie, which is oranges. But the details are wonderful. There are paper flowers in one of the vases, which seem to be made of muted colours, and it isn’t until you get close to them that you realise, they are made of maps, and then when you get closer, you’ll see that the maps are of Sauternes. There are details like this throughout the house.

Beyond the interior styling, there are other attributes the house has. The staff being the best thing. Staying at Glenmorangie House is a personal experience. Your every whim is looked after by David, the house manager and Amy, front of house, look after you very well. Making you feel comfortable, and always there when you need them, slipping away when you are chatting away to your friends or family, magically reappearing when glasses are needing to be replenished. Should however you need replenishing at any point, and they are not there, simply help yourself. The bar is always there. Magically hidden away in the bookshelves behind a door, it opens to display and array of expressions from the distillery. Including whichever annual expression is relevant. This year it was Tale of the Forest. A whisky which had the barley dried using not peat or coal, but heather, juniper and birch tree bark. Other spirits from the Möet Hennessy portfolio, should anyone not be a whisky drinker.

In the evening, once your thirst has been sated, dinner is called. There is no restaurant at Glenmorangie house. Guests dine together, which, having experienced this many times at the house is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Having made a decision to stay at the house, you’ll find those that have also made the same decision will have things in common and getting to know new people over great food and wine feels like a dinner party. More Downton Abbey than Hilton Hotel.

There are plenty of other things to do at Glenmorangie House other than drink, eat and be merry. The coast is a short and very picturesque walk away, with beaches and rocky pools. Fun games, such as archery can be organised. Falconry displays can come to the house. There is a large fire pit with seating to sit out at night and watch the stars, and sometimes, even the northern lights can be seen in the dead of night. Fireworks can be organised, and the firepit seating becomes a mini amphitheatre to watch them from, and with a hot toddy in hand, it’s a warming experience.

It's a glamorous place to stay, a place to be pampered and a place to relax. It’s bright and stylised interior is unpretentious, as is everything else about a stay at the house. It feels like a home from home. If you could imagine being a millionaire. Above all, it leaves the ordinary world behind and everything at the house is kind of delicious and wonderful.

The cathedral like still room at the Glenmorangie distillery

There are a couple of very exciting weekend breaks on offer from Glenmorangie inspired by Tale of the Forest and include all of the following:

- Two nights’ accommodation
- Afternoon Tea on arrival
- Botanical cocktail mixology session
- Falconry display
- Visits to the Glenmorangie Distillery and surrounding Scottish woodland
- Forest-inspired tapas dining on the first night with a light lunch on Saturday
- Four-course gourmet dinner with paired wines on the 2nd night
- An exclusive tasting and introduction to Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest
- Full Scottish Breakfast on both mornings
- 1pm late check out
- Exclusive bottle of Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest to take home with you 

The Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest Weekend Break is available on 27th and 28th January; 24th and 25th February; and 24th and 25th March for £1200 per room based on two guests in a Standard or Cottage Room and includes all aspects detailed above & VAT.

Upgrade to a Master Room for an additional £150.00 per room – subject to availability.

Additional nights can be booked for £200 per night based on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Call 01862 871671 or e-mail relax@glenmorangie.co.uk for more information or to make a booking.

IT London

Words by Hannah van Houweninge

Last week we had the absolute privilege of trying out the new cocktail menu at IT London. The bar is perfectly situated in Mayfair, and a five minute walk from Green Park Station. The setting itself is beautiful, with the round bar being in the centre of the restaurant. The in-house DJ plays upbeat music creating a social vibe without disrupting your conversation.

Now onto the most important part: the drinks. The new cocktail menu is expertly curated by Mattia Lufrano who combines classic cocktails that everyone knows and loves with Mediterranean twists. Mattia’s recommendation would have to be the Milk and Cereals cocktail. This cocktail reminds him of his breakfast of choice when he was young- the star of the show being… Cheerios. Don’t let the cereal-cocktail put you off. This beautifully made drink includes Wisemen Kentucky Whiskey, hazelnut liqueur and caramel tea to make a lovely smooth drink experience. The cocktails range from £18-26. The steeper price is 100% validated by the incredible attention to detail and stunning craftsmanship. Even the ice cubes are engraved with IT’s logo. 

If you still can’t wrap your head around the cereal-concoction, perhaps try the Chocolate and Coconut Negroni. This lovely twist on my favourite cocktail order has coconut infused Whitley Neill Gin and dark chocolate liqueur. Who wouldn’t love this?

IT London is great for a special night out such as an anniversary or birthday drinks.

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: 9/10

Address: 28-29, Dover St, Mayfair, London W1S 4LX

Why do hangovers get worse with age?

Remember your early 20s? After a few too many drinks, you’d wake fresh as a daisy, ready to tackle work, run a marathon, pen a bestseller. But, as we slip into later life, our hangovers become incapacitating. Pounding headaches, nausea and hangxiety (read our piece on what that is here) can all turn up after just a couple of tame pints at the pub. Even choosing what to watch on Netflix becomes a chore.

It’s not just your imagination  though - there is some science behind it. According to physicians, as you age, your body’s metabolism slows down and that doesn’t just mean the inevitable waistline expansion. Your body no longer metabolises certain things, including alcohol, as well because your liver doesn’t work quite as efficiently as it did when you were 21.

Enzymes in your liver begin to process alcohol by breaking it down into acetaldehyde, a toxin commonly thought to be a contributor to hangover symptoms. From there, enzymes break the acetaldehyde down into non-toxic acetate. But, here’s the thing: your liver can only do that so fast, and it gets slower as you age. So, in effect, acetaldehyde hangs around in your body for longer, getting pushed into your bloodstream – and increasing that grim hungover feeling.

Of course, there are other factors at play. Your genetics are important – we all have those annoying friends who ‘don’t get hangovers’, at any age – as is the quantity you drink and how often. And, perception matters. You might recall that you didn’t get hangovers when you were younger, but was that really true? Your hangovers may be more about feeling anxious and having low productivity rather than nausea and headaches. 

Earlier in life, feeling rubbish after a big night out with mates almost feels like a badge of honour. Yet over time, the novelty wears off. And, when combined with increased responsibilities like high-pressured jobs or childcare, hangovers genuinely are worse  - and longer - than they used to be as you take longer to recover. 

Want to know why we get ‘hangxiety?’ Read all about it here.

The Best UK Vineyard Stays

What’s better than a visit to a UK winery? An overnight stay at one. Book into the best, and after the daytrippers head home you’ll be left to bed down with bottles of fine English fizz – and to wake to a sunrise over sleepy rows of vines. If it wasn’t for that hallmark British summer weather (ahem), you’d swear you were in the south of France…

Rathfinny Wine Estate, East Sussex

Encircled by gently sloping vineyards and open Sussex skies, Rathfinny’s historic Flint Barns are Instagram-perfect inside and out. Ten rooms come with a shared snug – accented with exposed brick walls, cushy leather sofas and a wood burner – though better for summertime is the courtyard, a dreamy place to savour the Classic Cuvée sparkling, a typical Champagne blend aged for 36 months in bottle. Given you’re just three miles from the coast, break up sipping sessions with strolls to nearby chalk cliffs and beaches. Return for gastropub-style cooking in the onsite restaurant, plus hearty breakfasts of shakshuka or oozy Burford Brown eggs.

Book here

Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey

One of England’s oldest and best-known wineries, Denbies gives good vineyard: 265 acres of it, to be specific. And tucked among the manicured rows of Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rondo you’ll find a properly lovely hotel. Seventeen rooms, dressed in contemporary stylings with citrussy pops of colour, stripey hues and (as you’d expect) enticing views over the estate, are split between an 1850s restored farmhouse and a new extension, The Brokes. Pick the wing that suits you best, drop your bags, then head off on a tour and tasting – there are several to chose from – or for a lazy meal at one of the multiple on-site restaurants. 

Book here

Three Choirs, Gloucestershire

Get that camera ready. Floor-to-ceiling – and wall-to-wall – windows on the contemporary lodges at Three Choirs mean that scenic vistas to vineyard and lake pervade every minute of your stay. Just a short stroll from the winery’s popular tasting area – but pleasantly private – the lodges also come with wraparound verandas, so you can soak up the summer sunshine over a glass of Three Choirs elderflower and nettle-scented Bacchus, or strawberry-bright Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling. You’ll get a discount on the informative afternoon vineyard tour, too, a natural follow up to a tapas lunch of patatas bravas, blackened padrón peppers and smoked mackerel pâté.

Book here 

The Fallow Treehouse, Hampshire

How to make a vineyard stay even more spectacular? Combine it with an epic, luxury treehouse. This glam pad in the Test Valley, on the edge of award-winning Black Chalk Wine’s vineyard, is built around a mature tree and comes with an outdoor bathtub, herringbone wood floors, button-back sofas and a toilet straight out of a glossy interiors mag. (And, of course, a bottle of Black Chalk Classic 2015 sparkling, a crisp blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.) Visit during harvest and you can watch the grapes being plucked over your morning cuppa; come in November, and you can partake in truffle hunting tours among the neighbouring trees.

Book here

Oxney Organic, East Sussex

The very picture of a cutesy English cottage, Oxney’s Vineyard House is perfect for a small crowd – it will sleep you plus seven of your nearest and dearest, across three bedrooms within grape’s toss of the vines. Tumble out from the beamed-ceiling interior on a Saturday morning to join a tour around the vineyards, then return for a BBQ feast in the sprawling garden. Travelling as a twosome? Book the quaint shepherd’s hut instead, set in a small paddock near Pinot Noir grapes. Throw open the French doors, then enjoy your complimentary bottle of wine in a cute picnic area, complete with fire pit. When darkness falls, there’s a wood burner to keep you cosy.

Book here

Llanerch Vineyard Hotel, Wales

It’s not just the rows of photogenic vines – taken in through floor-to-ceiling windows from homely but contemporary rooms – that draw visitors to this hotel. There’s the slick restaurant, serving up fluffy scones at afternoon tea and heirloom beetroot tarts at dinner. And, of course, the top-notch cookery school from chef Angela Gray, where you’ll learn to whip up barbecue fish tacos or grilled mascarpone peaches with bourbon caramel. Join a tour around the vines, sip your way through the Cariad wine range, then retire to a suite, dressed in white walls, countryside prints and cushy throw pillows.

Book here

Don’t fancy a stay but still want to enjoy yourself? Then how about checking out some of the Best Cocktail Terraces in London? Or if it’s a city stay you are looking for, click here for more hotel inspiration!

Luxury Epicurean & Sensory Gifts for a Perfect Christmas

Although we are big fans of all things drink at 3DHQ, we love a nice scented candle or a quirky drinks related calendar too. Here are some of our favourite picks this festive season…

Parks Luxury Scented Candles

There’s nothing quite like the luxury of an incredible smelling home and being massively into our aromas, we love Parks candles. Made sustainably with 100% natural wax with a range of options from small to large, Parks offer fragrances across all aromatic ranges from citrus, spicy and fruity to woody and floral. Our favourites are the Nordic Spruce, which fills your home with the aroma of Christmas trees and the Cinnamon and Clove candle. They’re Christmas all over!

Find here: £5 - £75

Book: The Art of Whisky - Black Edition

A splash-out gift for whisky lovers in the form of a simply stunning art book, which takes readers on a breathtaking visual tour of whisky production. Only 1000 copies were made, numbered and hand bound in leather before being presented in a bespoke leather and suede slipcase. Understated yet sophisticated, this stylish tome would not look out of place in any contemporary or classic interior. If you’re feeling really fly, there’s a copper edition too for £1,250. Let us know if you would like our address to pop one over… 

Find here: £450

N25 Caviar

Aidy discovered N25 this year while on the hunt for some fabulous caviar for his 30th birthday. Let’s just say he wasn’t disappointed! As far as selection goes, they have everything you could ask for and more... Baerii, Hybrid, Oscietra, Schrenckii, Kaluga, Beluga, Almas and Albino. See, you’ve probably never seen that many choices! The crème de la crème is their signature caviar; Kaluga. Cousin of the famous Beluga caviar, this could quite possibly be the rarest sturgeon in existence. There is also Almas and Albino Beluga which elevate the experience visually too thanks to their yellow and white colours. With 24 hour shipping throughout Europe and the fact they sell Krug like it’s on tap alongside a variety of super quality seafood such as lobster – you’re in good hands.

Find here: From 57 Euro

Phillips hue lights

I was first introduced to Philips Hue about 5 years ago and it has changed my life. We often disregard just how important lighting is and the affect it has on our moods. Philips Hue hits every colour on the colour spectrum and comes in a variety of lightbulbs for existing fighting, standalone lamps and even strip lighting. You can create a variety of ambient lighting moods for waking up to give you energy, peace-time for a little midday meditation or nap time and as the evening rolls around to calm your senses and get you ready for a good night’s sleep. Their app allows you to control everything seamlessly via smart devices such as Google and Alexa and there is a plethora of in-app functions to get the most out of your tech. I cannot recommend these more highly. 

Ranging from £25

Glencairn Gin Goblets

The maker of the world’s favourite whisky glass, Glencairn Crystal, has launched the ultimate gin drinking vessel: The Gin Goblet! Using their famous Mixer Glass as a starting point, the Glencairn design team carefully considered the needs of the gin drinker, the bar staff and the distillers, giving it a unique lip for easy drinking, a curved top to enhance aroma, an elegant stem to keep your hand away from warming the gin and a smaller bowl to require less ice and stop the gin from being diluted. You can also have them personalised with hand engraving.

Find them here: £10 each

Mostly Foodie Days of 2021 Calendar

A must for content creators or anyone with kids, this vibrant calendar captures just about all the food and drink days of 2021. It looks brilliant on the wall too! You can get it in A2 or even A1 size and while you’re at it, pick up some super cute legoman greetings cards. 

Find here: £15 A2/ £50 A1

Coravin Pivot

The Coravin Pivot is a new, entry level device from Coravin that extends the life of your everyday wines for up to a month! No more wasted bottles. It works by replacing the air in the bottle with inert Argon gas, kept in by a rubber stopper. It’s brilliant value at its introductory offer of £99 and one to start with before graduating to its more elaborate systems. We recommend you get a few extra rubber stoppers too.

Find here: £99

Geo Glass Gold Tumblers 

A gorgeous twin pack of metallic edged, hand-blown tumbler glasses that are modern and minimalistic with a vintage twist. We love these with Negronis and Old Fashioned cocktails, but anything with a mixer will look super swish in these! Perfect for the mixology fiend in your life and to bring to life your own home bar.

Find them here: £28 for 2

Click & Grow Indoor Smart Garden

The past year has been… yes, we won’t even go there. While 99% of the population took up making banana bread, those with gardens decided to plant flowers and herbs – how successful they were is another story. While we weren’t all lucky enough to have an outdoor space to unwind, Click & Grow have brought the greenery to us! This revolutionary technology is like an indoor greenhouse, allowing you to grow seed to plant or flower in as little as two weeks. Tried and tested, we can happily swear by it.

Find here: From $99.95

Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

Taking Australian coffee culture into the night, where it is so much more than just a drink. Mr Black was born out of a love of perfect coffee and great distilling put together for a good time! This one is concentrated just like a great espresso and has a hint of caramel sweetness on the finish. As well as single bottles, they offer a range of gifting options such as an Espresso Martini set (£39.99), a festive Espresso Martini set (with booze for £65) or the Mr. Black Holy Trinity: three bottles of their best; their iconic coffee liqueur, their single origin Colombia liqueur and their Amaro version.

Find here: £25.99 - £29.99

Don’t miss our wine, cocktails and no-low gift guides too!

Hot Sauce by Dunstan’s Recipes

Those who make hot sauce well have achieved a somewhat cult status in their field over recent years. Welcome to a new mover and shaker in this market - and absolutely one to watch! Dunstan’s Recipes is a family run, luxury condiments business with a focus on spice and a deep love of complex flavours. The owners, brothers Oscar and Alex Dunstan, started the business from scratch and are quickly building a name for themselves at farmers markets and selling to their local community. They now ship world wide! Try their premium sauce ‘Toxic Masculinity’ (£10) if you like it uber spicy with a blend of Scotch Bonnet and Naga Bhut Jolokia. For those looking for a gentler blend, try ‘Humbug’ (£5), for a hot, Christmassy take on cranberry sauce.

Price: £5 - 10 for 170g

Find it here.