Grover Zampa joined forces with tennis legend Vijay Amritraj to bring out two wines from their vineyards in Bangalore, southern India. They chose Vijay’s annual Wimbledon Summer party at the St James’ Court Hotel – a Taj hotel to launch them. This glamorous even was attended by stars of the worlds of tennis and wine […]

Wine people are generally lovely! Winemakers have the long view to life that is needed when working in a job where, from planting to drinking can be 30 years! Wine importers and sellers and keen for us to buy things that make us feel good (if used in moderation) and, generally, wine writers and journalists really, […]

For lovers of Rioja and tapas, this is the best party in London! London’s Spanish restaurants and wine importers got together to offer a weekend of delight, in the shadow of Tower Bridge.

González Byass are not just sherry! They offer a range of fantastic wines. We caught up with them at the London Wine Fair 2014.

Beer is everywhere and is the oldest known alcoholic drink – beer yeasts were found in the Pharaoh’s tombs. The quality varies place to place and the styles and tastes vary over time but, starting from America out into the English-speaking world, craft beers are taking over. They have now properly reached Honolulu on Oahu in […]

Leaving the autumn wine-tasting in the cellars of Berry Brothers and Rudd last October was more difficult than normal: not just because it was saddening to leave behind the blissful wines and the delightful company but also because, towards the end of tasting tables, was stationed the … well, I don’t know a better way to describe her, even […]

As winter takes its hold and the mince pies are starting to make you yearn for a light green salad with balsamic dressing, it can’t be avoided, I’m afraid: Christmas is here. You will need to provide drinks (probably wine or sherry) for your guests and family (I suggest a discrete store of something stronger […]

English sparkling wines have a perception problem: Yes, they’re good, yes, they’re elegant and stylish, yes, they’re local but, when you come down to it they’re just not Champagne, are they? For now. True, they don’t yet have the history that comes with Champagne; but the times and the weather they are a’changing: with European temperatures rising, […]

When you go on holiday to the south coast, you might travel to Devon. Perhaps to the rather twee and delightful fishing village of Beer. You’ll find a pleasant pebble beach, welcoming tea-houses and cafes, some very high-end art galleries and cosy pubs. You might wander into one of those pubs seeking a pint of local beer … you are […]

As I’ve said before on these pages, what you wear to a tasting is important because you’re likely to spill some wine on it. However, occasionally, the appropriate dress is a raincoat and wellies. Not because it’s going to be “that sort of party” but because it will be outdoors in this washout of a summer! […]