The Best Pinot Noir to Try in 2023

Light, silky, elegant with bright red fruits and acidic crunch – Pinot Noir is one of the most loved red wines and we’re no different. It loves cool climate so you can find bottles from all across the globe… as you’ll see below.

Whilst a gorgeous Pinot is graceful, elegant, and flavourful but light, they are temperamental and therefore hit and miss. And when they miss, they really miss. The bottles below, however, are certified hits with delicious Pinot from France, America, Spain and more. Each is wonderful in its own way, so have a read and see which gets your tastebuds tantalising!

Dubard Coeur du Mont Pinot Noir 2021 - France

This is a lively and interesting Pinot Noir that is bursting with cherry jam at the fore and flanked by strawberries and apples. The velvety texture is there which is exactly what you want, as well as a peppery alure, a curious minerality, and a touch of menthol on the finish. There’s a touch more acidity than most Pinot so if you lean that way, this is the one for you.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10.49

Odd Lot Pinot Noir 2018 - USA

Delight in the sustainably produced Odd Lot Pinot Noir 2013 from the USA, a wine that really embraces conscious practices. Powered by wind turbines and bottled with 100% clean energy, it boasts a unique blend of from the Schied Family Estate's Monterrey plantings. The Pacific air imparts freshness, yielding red cherry and subtle oak smoke aromas, balanced acidity, and a lush palate of red cherry, raspberry, mocha, and toasty oak. This pale ruby Californian gem showcases the Pinot’s red fruits masterfully, and at great value too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10.99

Clos Montblanc Únic Pinot Noir 2019 - Spain

Time for some Catalonian Pinot now from Clos Montblac. Behind that vivid ruby red hue is full, jammy strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry, as well as an earthy minerality and subtle leather note anchoring it. Fruit, florality, sweetness and acidity, there is a lot to love about this wine and especially served with dishes like grilled fish, white meats or mushroom.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £12 (usually more!)

Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir 2020 - Argentina

25-year-old Valle du Uco vines produce perfect Pinot grapes brimming with rich and floral character. This is a particularly voluptuous liquid that really fills the mouth with those intense black fruits and spiced notes, as well as a waft of smoke on the aftertaste. As irresistible as it is now, it would also age very nicely too. A wonderful wine,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £15.99

Eloisa Limited Collection Pinot Noir 2020 - Chile

When you take your first sip of Eloisa, you’ll know what that translates to ‘the chosen one’. Everything about this Loncomilla Valley Pinot is enticing, from the red ruby hue to the spiced black and red fruits, to the toasty French oak. The freshness is excellent, the structure is great, and the finish is persistent and sooth. A charming benchmark Chilean Pinot Noir indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £19.95

Adnams Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 – New Zealand

An IWC Brozne International Award-Winning Pinot Next, it’s Adnams’ Central Otago 2019 boasting classic summer fruits of dried strawberries and raspberries alongside a pleasant mineral edge. It’s fleshy and so full of flavour, but also light and easy drinking. The lingering spice on the tongue is the perfect final note on what really is a stellar example of New Zealand Pinot.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99

Davenport Vineyards Diamond Fields Pinot Noir 2021 - UK

A shout out to some native Pinot to finish, with Davenports’ organic Diamond Fields. Grown on south facing sandy clay soil in Kent, it has a character that stands out from most Pinot Noir. It’s wonderfully soft and smooth, with less acidity than you normally expect, just a slight tartness instead. It opens up really invitingly with those notes of blueberry, cherry and raspberry and a strong tannic backbone which would age nicely, though drinking this year is delicious also.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.35

The reputation and quality of English wines increases every day, and leading the charge is our sparklers, so check out the bottles you need to try here!

Great Value Supermarket Rosé to Enjoy This Summer All Under £10

We adore a pink escapade at The Three Drinkers, so we feel very well placed to recommend some of the affordable Rosé bottles on supermarket shelves (if we do say so ourselves!)

For under £10, it’s easy for Rosé picks to go wrong, but not with these. Scroll to find your local supermarket and see which Rosé bottle is providing serious bang for buck…

Chassaux Et- Fils Atlantique Rosé

Sail away to summer paradise with Chassaux Et-Fils Atlantique Rosé – a French coastal delight that's as refreshing as it is wallet-friendly. A sea of redcurrant and rhubarb scents await, with waves of ripe strawberries and a zesty, dry finish. If you like Whispering Angel, then this is a perfect cost cutting replacement.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.49 Aldi

Costières de Nîmes Rosé

Now for something with a little more substance to it from the Rhône Valley. Crafted from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvédre, the personality is more savoury and richer, with darker fruits, savoury touches, herbal hints. If your usual is red wine then this is the Rosé for you.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.49 Lidl

Mirabeau Belle Année

Bringing the joie de vivre yet again is Mirabeau, with Belle Année, a glassful of Provence’s finest. Easy going dryness, crunchy red fruits, and vivid citrus whisk you away to the French sun, and with a distinct lack of sweetness, this is perfect alongside food. Top value.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually more!) Ocado

The Hidden Sea Rosé

Not just a looker, but a marine superhero, it’s the beautifully bottled Hidden Sea Rosé. With every bottle, you're part of the rescue team, saving 10 plastic bottles from the ocean and so far they’ve saved tens of millions. With the gorgeous fruity ecstasy of strawberries and cream dancing on your senses, and cleansing zest refreshing with each sip, this is a delicious win win.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7 (usually more!) ASDA

The Best Vinho Verde

The resurgent retro charm of Vinho Verde from Morrison’s The Best range here, with delightful raspberry sherbet vibes. Ripe, rich stone fruits and in particular sweet peach stand out amongst a backdrop of rose petal florality and sweet red berries. There is a mineral acidity that’s crisp and very welcome, getting the balance spot on.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8.50 Morrisons

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

A Sauvignon Blanc grape Rosé presents us with something a little different, offering that crisp white feel and cutting citric acidity as well as the luscious peach and strawberry notes. The floral red berry notes that dominate most Rosé are subtle here, with that zesty freshness dominating a wine that feels like it should be more expensive. Try it before it is!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.25 Sainsbury’s

Maison Castel Rosé d’Anjou

Meet Maison Castel Rosé d’Anjou, a picturesque blend of pale pink and coral hues. Its red and citrus fruit explosion on the nose is a prelude to the fresh, aromatic palate, beautifully balanced with strawberry sweetness and refreshing dryness. It’s got summer night sipper written all over it and for under a tenner, you can’t go wrong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £9 Tesco

If you want something bubblier, how about Prosecco? And if you’ve written it off in your head just reading it, then we insist you revisit it because it’s often misunderstood – see here!

4 of The Best Boozy Ice Lollies for Summer

People are loving alcoholic freezer pops more than ever before and these four boozy ice pops are reimaging childhood favourites better than the rest. Be it on sunny walks, at barbeques or as a special dessert at home, these sorbet style ice lollies are incredibly satisfying – just keep them away from the kids!

POPS Pimm’s No.1 Frozen Cocktail

If a glass of Pimm’s is the definitive summer sipper, then surely a Pimm’s Popsicle is the out and out king? Established in 2014 by childhood companions Harry and James, the Pimm's popsicle is crafted in the UK using the iconic drink alongside lemonade, real strawberries, and wonky cucumbers. Check out their Prosecco and Peach too!

Size: 75g
ABV: 4.3%
Find here: 3 for £5

Ice Kitchen Mojito Poptails

This is a very tasty 100% natural and handmade in London Mojito lolly that completely stays true to the freshness of the original. Fresh mint steeped in syrup is blended with fresh lime and of course, white rum to create a sweet, creamy, and tangy treat.

Size: 75g
ABV: 1.5%
Find here: 3 for £4.90

24 ICE Strawberry Daiquiri

Dutch manufacturer 25 ICE have made what has to be the cocktail most suitable for becoming an ice lolly, and that’s the slushy Strawberry Daiquiri. They merge the childhood nostalgia of a refreshing strawberry ice lolly with the adult oomph of a boozy Daiquiri so well and are definitely worth trying on a rare boiling British day.

Size: 75g
ABV: 5%
Find here: 5 for £6.99

Tipsies Premium Ice Pops Pina Colada

A gorgeous tropical blend of Ghanaian pineapple, aromatic coconut and premium white rum, these Pina Colada ice pops are everything you want them to be – creamy, naturally sweet, and silky smooth. Take note that these arrive unfrozen, so pop them in the freezer and then take out whenever you feel like it!

Size: 75g
ABV: 5%
Find here: 12 for £19.99

If you wanna make your own refreshing cocktails, then we’ve pulled together 7 tried and tested Daiquiri Twists that are so easy to make at home – you could even turn them into your own ice lollies!

The Best White Rums for Cocktails

White rum is the backbone of so many incredible cocktails, and most of the rum serves as you can see from The Most Popular Rum Cocktails, so you want a bottle that’s totally dependent, versatile, and powerful enough to shine through the other ingredients.

Well, these are just that and more. Let’s waste no more time and get exploring our curated selection of top-notch white rums, starting with the best value picks out there.

£15-25

Merchant's Choice White Rum

This is an unaged Guyanese rum that’s crying out to be a reliable cocktail ingredient. Aromas of ripe banana, zesty lemon, and soothing vanilla invite exploration. Coconut, cacao nibs, grapefruit zest, and toffee tantalize the palate. Notes of cinnamon, almonds, and a hint of milk add depth. The finish features a touch of bitter grapefruit completing a hugely flavourful and varied sip. A versatile addition to your cocktail arsenal for sure, and plenty of those notes would suit a Piña Colada down to the ground.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £17.45

Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum

A globally recognized white rum, Bacardi Carta Blanca's presence graces backbars across the planet. Hailing from Cuba, the brand's origins are as unique as its bat-adorned labels. Crafted since 1862, it boasts a smooth, clean profile thanks to column distillation and charcoal filtering post-aging, THE latter of which it totally pioneered back in the day. Zippy lemon and pear drop notes are detectable on the nose, while the palate offers a little citrusy goodness but what you get with Bacardi is impeccable smoothness and a clean feel, something that is very useful for cocktails. Starring this in a Mai Tai really cannot go far wrong.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £19.90

El Dorado 3 Year Old White Rum

An award-winning gem, this rum secured silver at the 2006 and 2007 International Wine and Spirits Competitions, and a resounding Gold at the International Review of Spirits. Versatile and lively, it really shines in cocktails. As a Demerara rum, it embodies tradition in its crafting bringing alluring brown sugar notes as well as the fresh crispness you want from white rum. We love it. Honestly it could go into pretty much any cocktail, but a Pornstar Martini works very well indeed.

Size: UK 700ml/US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £23.99 / US $19.99

£25-£35

Takamaka Rum Blanc

Straight from the Seychelles, this white rum offers a delicate sweetness and crispness, making it ideal for cocktails and more specifically, the Daiquiri which has established somewhat of a reputation for. Notes of syrupy peach and sugary biscuits are subtle alongside spiced fruits before softly finishing with a touch of peppercorn. It really offers a lot more than so many white rums and whilst the flavours aren’t instantly in your face intense, they creep up on you in the best way possible.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £26.74

J Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum

Something different here, and something unforgettable. As hinted by the green and yellow label, this is an iconic Jamaican overproof rum, clocking it a seriously punchy 63%... and there’s no getting away from that. It’s unaged and pungent with herbal, grassy undertones but more noticeably the funk of overripe banana and pineapple. For adding rum oomph, it’s perfect for tiki cocktails like Mai Tais but for the experience alone, try it with a little coconut water and ice as it’s often enjoyed in Jamaica.

Size: UK 700ml/US 750ml
ABV: 63%
Find here: UK £29.45 / US $25.99

Hoolie Manx White Rum

Embrace the gusts of flavour with this delightful Isle of Man creation, aptly named after the local term for 'very windy'. Crafted from molasses, it's double-distilled in a wood-fired still and charcoal filtered, offering notes of sweet liquorice, biscuity butterscotch, and a zesty kick. It’s one that is really moreish on its own whilst also shining in classics like Mojitos, Daiquiris, and even a simple rum and coke. Could easily become a go-to, especially with the craftmanship and sustainability of the distillery Outlier. Oh, and if you want something stronger than the Hoolie…keep scrolling.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £34

Copalli White Rum

From Belize comes Copalli White Rum, an organic marvel that captures the essence of the region and in an environmental sustainability way too. Crafted from organic sugarcane, harvested, and crushed within hours, this pure gem is distilled using a unique blend of pot and column methods, and canopy water! Even better, the leftover sugar cane fuels the pot stills. The result is a smooth, crystal-clear rum with soft grassy notes, hints of lemon, and a refreshing minty undertone. Embrace the jungle's finest in a clean and fresh feeling Mojito.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £34.44/ $17.99

£35-45

Hurricane Overproof Manx Rum

Isle of Man distillery Outlier already gave us the Hoolie, but what’s stronger than just ‘very windy’… yes, a Hurricane. This powerful rum weaves a tale of double-distilled molasses, with a portion matured in Islay whisky casks, masterfully blended with the unaged brilliance of Hoolie white rum. A smoky intrigue awaits within, a touch of caramel and seaweed, with hints of vanilla, coconut, straw, and star anise. Remarkably smooth for an overproof, it's a force to be reckoned with in cocktails. Pair the Hurricane up with a Dark & Stormy for whirlwind of flavours.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 64%
Find here: £44

Prefer dark rums? Check out our best bottles to try this year right here!

Step Into The Curious Cocktail Cabinet of Hendrick’s Gin

Gin lovers out there will certainly be familiar with Hendrick’s, and possibly even their very own Gin Palace on the southwest coast of Scotland, but if that’s a little inaccessible for you then how about stepping inside the enchanting world of Hendrick’s Gin through, ‘The Curious Cocktail Cabinet’.

This is not your run-of-the-mill cocktail book; it's a guided tour led by none other than Ally Martin, the Hendrick's Gin Global Ambassador, and a maestro of mixology. His concoctions and creations have earned him accolades, and now he's sharing his expertise with you. With Hendrick's Gin at the helm, this book is a treasure trove of liquid delights, perfect for both novices and seasoned sippers.

Get ready to explore the secret garden of Hendrick's, where all eleven key botanicals are paired with an inventive cocktail to celebrate it. Discover the secret stories behind the legendary Hendrick's cocktails, straight from the imaginative minds of expert bartenders worldwide.

From iconic classics like the G&T, Martinis, Gimlets and Negronis to more complex and unusual serves, as you flip through the pages, you'll journey through seasons and continents. Summer stunners, winter warmers, and an array of peculiar ingredients will unveil the versatility of Hendrick's gins and truly elevate your cocktail game. Brewberry Yum, Mint 500, Hot Spiced Apple and plenty more intriguing concoctions await.

It really is a joy to shake, stir, and sip your way through this book, and because of the beautifully charming design, it makes such a lovely gift for any gin drinkers too. If you think it’s for you or someone you know then it’s available to pre-order now from Penguin and Amazon for £20 ahead of a September 7th release date!

The Complete Guide to Prosecco Styles

Prosecco has taken a bit of a bashing over the last decade, and we think it’s unjust, so today we’re flying the flag for it. If you’ve had your Prosecco bubble burst or just never clicked with it, then it really is worth giving another go because it’s one of the most misunderstood sparklers out there.

Yes, it’s not usually going to come with the luxurious complexity of an aged Champagne, but that isn’t what Prosecco is about – it’s about fresh fruit, early-drinking and exceptional value and we salute that.

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco is a sparkling wine originating from the Veneto region of Northern Italy, made using predominantly Glera grapes. It’s known for its easy drinking nature, affordability, fruity freshness, and plenty of bubbles.

There styles and sweetness within Prosecco are more varied than you might think though, so let’s dive a little deeper into the spectrum…

Is all Prosecco bubbly?

In short, no but almost always yes.

The most common style you’ll find in shops is Spumante (fully sparkling), which really hold their bubbles. The other style knocking around is Frizzante (semi-sparkling) which doesn’t keep its fizz as well as Spumante but perhaps that’s what you want?

If you’re interested in still Prosecco then it does exist and it’s called Tranquilo, but you won’t usually see this on supermarket shelves!

What do the letters on Prosecco mean?

There are two different acronyms you may have seen on Prosecco bottles, and they are D.O.C and D.O.C.G. These both represent a seal of approval to signify that the wines have met the standards required for them to be included.

D.O.C stands for Denominazione d’Origine Controllata and you’ll find this a lot more than D.O.C.G. Plenty of rules and regs needs to be followed to achieve this status, but not quite as many as D.O.C.G or Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita. There are only a few provinces like Valdobbiadene and Conegliano producing it and within this label, there are actually sub-categories.

Generally, the ranking goes Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, up to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG, then the ‘Grand Cru of Prosecco’ - Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. Just 107 hectares produce this and the complexity and viscosity is unlike anything else in Prosecco.

Which Prosecco is sweet?

This is where it gets a bit more confusing but go with it.

In the UK, Brut and Extra Dry are the styles we see most of. Now, believe it or not, Brut is actually dryer than Extra Dry and therefore not sweet.

To make it simpler, here are the style names from dry to sweet, some of which are harder to find than others:

Brut Nature: (0 – 3 g/l residual sugar) This may also be referred to as Ultra Brut, Brut Zero, Pas Dosé and Dosage Zéro and is completely bone dry, steely, and fresh.
Extra Brut: (0-6g/l residual sugar) This is very dry with just a touch of sweetness, and a more accessible easy to find option for those who don’t like sweet Prosecco).
Brut: (0-12g/l residual sugar): Generally dry but the fruit will feel ripe.
Extra Dry: (12-17 g/l residual sugar) Medium dry with more of a hint of sweetness. Also known as Extra Sec in French and Extra Seco in Italian.
Dry: (17-32 g/l residual sugar) Also known as Sec or Secco, this really is hitting with the sweetness. By no means is it dessert wine but it’s getting thee.
Demi-Sec: (32-50 g/l residual sugar) This is very difficult to find, particularly in the UK but is thoroughly a dessert wine with tonnes of fruity sweetness.

Which Prosecco should I try?

Co-op Irresistible Prosecco D.O.C ‘Special Cuvée’ Brut

One of the classiest easy to find bottles around, this dry (as in genuinely dry, not label dry – confusing I know!) with noticeably less ripe fruits and a more restrained mousse. The reason it’s won awards is for the honeyed florality and cooling citrus that makes it so elegant.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £9.50

Maschio Prosecco DOC Extra Dry

As you can see, this Prosecco has the DOC stamp of approval and is Extra Dry so comes through with a decent thwack of fruity sweetness. This particular bottle also brings a surprising complexity with florality backing up the fruits.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8 (usually more!)

Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Le Colture NV - Dry

Helena’s favourite, this has that Cartizze label we mentioned earlier and shows it with incredible harmony – aromatic flowers, juicy pears with sweet ripeness, a cool salinity, and just enough biting acidity. Benchmark premium Prosecco.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £25.70

Giol Prosecco Frizzante, Organic

Here is an example of the Frizzante with that immediately quaffable semi-sparkling gentle fizz. Super fresh, citrus and bear burst through and it’s also organic too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.95

Try all the different styles and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with one. Now you’ve got your Prosecco, about some refreshing easy-to-make Prosecco Cocktails to Make at Home!?

The Best Easy-to-Make Prosecco Cocktails

When you’re in the mood, you cannot beat adding some fizzing bubbles to a cocktail and being so fresh, versatile, and affordable, Prosecco is the perfect cocktail partner.

Let’s jump into a few of the super simple to make cocktails with Prosecco at the heart of them, featuring the classics you know and love and a few you might not have heard of...

Bellini

Step into the Italian sun with the Bellini, a timeless concoction born at Harry's Bar in Venice. This elegant but famously simple to make cocktail blends velvety peach puree with the bubbles of Prosecco, creating a sweet and sparkling symphony. A summer sunset in a glass.

Ingredients
60ml peach purée
160ml Prosecco
Peach slice (garnish)

 Method
Unless you’re a Belliniphile, you probably won’t have peach purée laying around so buy some or make your own (peel peaches, refrigerate and blend). Strain into a flute, top up with that Prosecco and gently stir to retain the fizz. If you’ve got a peach left, of course a slice as garnish tops it all off nicely.

Negroni Sbagliato

When a bartender mistakenly used Prosecco instead of gin in a Negroni, the Negroni Sbagliato was born – and thank goodness for that mix-up! This playful twist swaps the traditional bitterness for a touch of bubbly joy and makes for a lighter mix.

Ingredients
25ml Prosecco (use extra dry for sweetness)
25ml Campari
25ml sweet vermouth
orange slice (to garnish)

Method
Pour the Campari and vermouth into a rocks glass and fill it with ice. Top up with Prosecco. Stir gently to chill and garnish with the orange slice. Voilà!

Hugo Spritz

The first rival to truly challenge the Aperol Spritz when it comes to summer spritz sensation, the Hugo Spritz has spread across Europe from Northern Italy and with the power of TikTok, become more popular than ever. Aromatic, effervescent and invigorating with fragrant fruits and the perfect balance of sweetness and crispness – you’ve got to see what all the hype is about.

Ingredients
40ml elderflower liqueur (like St Germain)
20ml soda water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Dash of lime or lemon juice
Prosecco to top up

Lime/lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Take a large wine or Highball glass and add some mint (muddle for extra flavour or leave for subtle soothing). Pour in your elderflower liqueur or if you want a less boozy version, elderflower cordial works well too. Fill the glass with ice, add a splash of soda, some lemon or lime juice (both work), and top up with that gorgeous fizzy Prosecco!

Kir Royale

Take your Prosecco to regal heights with the Kir Royale. Some use Champagne for this, which works great but the fruity profile of Prosecco works a treat. Use a rich and sweet blackcurrant liqueur (crème de cassis for syrupy sweetness, Chambord for more depth). So, so delicious.

Ingredients
1 tbsp blackcurrant liqueur (crème de cassis or Chambord)
Prosecco
Blackberry/Raspberry (optional garnish)

Method
Ridiculously simple, add your liqueur into a flute and top her up with Prosecco. Raspberries or blackberries for the garnish and away you go!

Pink 75

A beautiful pink 75 fit for Barbie, this twist on the French 75 boasts so much flavour and charm behind that rosy hue. Zesty grapefruit adds some tang to the sweet ripe fruits of the gin botanicals, all pulled together by Prosecco’s gorgeous fizz and refreshment. Include the garnishes and this is a real showstopper when popped in front of your guests.

 Ingredients
50ml pink gin (any decent berry flavour or rhubarb)
10ml pink grapefruit juice
Prosecco to top up
Raspberries (garnish)
Edible flower petals (optional garnish)

Method
Shakers out for this – add everything with ice until your hands are cold, and strain into the flute before yet again, topping up with Prosecco. If you’re feeling extra, then edible petals really give this cocktail that special touch... which is what they’re all about right?

Poinsettia

Quaffable to the max, this is a fantastic all year-round cocktail that refreshes but also has that something special. Not only beautiful to look at, but it also tastes delicious too with tart cranberry playing off light Prosecco so well. Some use triple sec in the recipe, but we want to go for Grand Marnier for extra indulgence and depth. Perfect for celebrations but also a reason to celebrate in itself!

 Ingredients
25ml Grand Marnier
50ml cranberry juice
Prosecco to top up
Fresh bay leaf (garnish)

Method
Simple again, just pour everything with the Prosecco last and give it a nice stir. If everything’s nicely chilled beforehand, then that’s it! Oh, and a fresh bay leaf for traditional garnish. Voila!

Sgroppino

One of the OG Prosecco cocktails, Venetians were drinking this in between courses all the way back to the 1400s. Essentially, it’s vodka and Prosecco blended with lemon sorbet – nom. It’s got a boozy hit, sweet citrus and is perfect on a hot day or as an alcoholic dessert substitute at your next dinner party.

 Ingredients
30ml vodka
50ml Prosecco
1 scoop lemon sorbet

Method
The key here is to make sure everything is chilled and then simply blend them together before serving in a small, chilled glass! Make sure you like the lemon sorbet before adding because you don’t want to spoil the vodka or Prosecco!

If you’re looking for the perfect Prosecco for these moreish mixes, then there are tonnes of great recommendations across our site including in our Prosecco Styles Guide!

5 Inspirational South African Women Winemakers

Breaking barriers in what, for a long time, was a male-dominated industry, these South African trailblazers are shaking up the wine world with their innovative and exceptional creations.

There is probably nowhere else on earth with so many fantastic women winemakers in one place, each overcoming obstacles, making their mark on the industry and inspiring the next generation. There really are so many that it’s difficult to choose, but here are five standouts moulding a brighter and more inclusive wine future. Cheers to that!

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini

The beautiful vineyards of the Western Cape are home to Amandla, an all-female all black endeavour at every level of production. Heading it up is a shining star of South African wine, Praisy Dlamini who after completing a degree in Agriculture, studying Afrikaans, completing a 3-year internship at the Cape Winemakers Guild and becoming the first woman CWG Protégée, rose up the ranks of Distell and Anchor Yeast. Then came Amandla, which means power, a vibrant producer that you can now find on UK supermarket shelves.

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel

A juicy and jammy blend without being overbearingly sweet, this is a fantastic creation. Plum, blackberries, and all with underlying spice fill the silky-smooth mouthfeel and on top of that, it’s also food friendly – particularly with BBQ.

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

Aslina Wines – Ntsiki Biyela

Ntsiki Biyela's remarkable journey began as South Africa's first black woman winemaker in 2004, taking on a role at Stellekaya Wines. Just five years later, she earned the prestigious title of 2009's Woman Winemaker of the Year – incredible. From humble beginnings, Ntsiki's life took a transformative turn when she received a winemaking scholarship from South African Airways in 1999. Her passion flourished while working with Californian winemaker Helen Kiplinger through the Wine for the World initiative, igniting her ambition to establish her own winery and in 2007, that dream came true when Aslina Wines was born, named after her grandmother, showcasing her talent and fostering transformation and diversity within the South African wine industry.

Aslina Umsasane

A seriously well-structured Bordeaux-style red made to be the centre of attention. Full-bodied dark depths are plush with rich blackberry and plum, and woody spice before a satisfying long finish – the complete package.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £19

Lelie Van Saron - Natasha Williams

Meet Natasha Williams, the talented winemaker behind Lelie Van Saron, her own label nestled within Bosman Family Vineyards as of 2014. From her early days, a perceptive school counsellor saw her winemaking potential, and after completing studies in Oenology at Stellenbosch University, she learnt even more in California and France before venturing out on her own adventure. Natasha's philosophy revolves around a minimal approach, crafting her Chardonnay and Syrah wines with purity, harmony, and balance. Cheers to her delightful and terroir-driven creations!

Lelie van Saron Chardonnay 2020

Vibrant cool climate single vineyard sustainably farmed Chardonnay, with an inviting citrus nose hinting opening up to fresh minerality on the palate, and the perfect touch of toasted oak.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £31

VineVenom - Samantha Suddons

Introducing Samantha Suddons, the fearless winemaker behind the boldly named VineVenom! Her journey in winemaking started at just 21 when she moved to South Africa. After mastering her craft with the Cape Wine Academy and Wine and Spirits Education Trust, Samantha honed her skills at renowned wineries like Mullineux and Reyneke, the latter of which made a lasting impression on her as she became inspired by low-intervention, biodynamic, and organic practices.

Shining Rosé

Carignan which spent 7 months under flor yeast and Touriga Nacional contribute equal parts to this extremely complex Rose, showing instant saline notes swept away by a bouqet of rose petals, red apples, cherries, strawberries and gentle herbs. Such a fresh and vibrant feel with way more going on than just red fruits.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: R180 (Only in South Africa but it’s around £8)

Carmen Stevens Wines- Carmen Stevens

Meet Carmen Stevens, the unstoppable force behind Carmen Stevens Wines – South Africa's first 100% black-owned winery! In the apartheid-era, she roared to be heard, fighting prejudice to pursue her winemaking dream. Medals came thick and fast for her wines, but despite this she wasn’t able to get a bank overdraft to launch her own business. After blazing a trail as head winemaker at Amani Vineyards, Carmen finally fulfilled her dream by starting her own venture in 2011. With sheer passion and determination, she's won countless awards, including being voted Winemaker of the Decade! Her wines are a true reflection of her commitment to quality and detail, with hand-picked grapes and individual attention to each vineyard block. She even does incredible charity work on the side – what an inspiration.

Catoria Shiraz

This is a Shiraz that stands out from traditional styles, showing off Durbanville and Stellenbosch terroir simultaneously. Jammy fruits galore, wafts of smoke and hints of peppery spice make every sip intriguing and all in all, it’s a characterful full on Shiraz that’s easy to love.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.99

Of course, it’s not just South Africa producing the inspirational women of wine, so have a read through others from across the world here.