Sunshine (and rain!), vineyards, local food - what more could you want from a holiday? Often overshadowed by its neighbour Bordeaux, Bergerac is perched on the banks of the Dordogne, and was designated a Town of Art and History by the Ministry of Culture in 2013. Its rolling vineyards bask in warm summers, with just … Continue reading Bergerac’s Vineyards: Tours, Tastings, and Local Delights
Tasting Notes and Reviews
Honest, insightful takes on bottles I’ve tried—whether it’s a supermarket find or a hidden gem from a wine list
Discover Renishaw Hall: Derbyshire’s Hidden Vineyard
Tucked into the gentle green folds of Derbyshire sits a vineyard you might not expect to find this far north. Renishaw Hall, a historic estate best known for its grand architecture and classical gardens, is also quietly home to one of England’s most northerly vineyards—a surprising little haven of cool-climate winemaking. I recently spent a … Continue reading Discover Renishaw Hall: Derbyshire’s Hidden Vineyard
🍴 What the Fork Do I Drink With That?
Let’s face it — some foods just don’t play fair with wine.You lovingly pick a bottle, pour a glass… and then one rogue ingredient ruins everything. Bitter veggies, fiery heat, stinky cheese — the usual suspects that send pairings sideways. But don’t panic. With the right bottle and a little insider know-how, you can turn … Continue reading 🍴 What the Fork Do I Drink With That?
Balfour Winery’s Leslie’s Reserve: A Sparkling Delight
Wait—Sparkling Red? While sparkling whites and rosés steal most of the spotlight, red sparklers have been quietly fizzing away for years. I first crossed paths with one in early 2022—a glass of Bouvet Ladubay's Rubis in Saumur. From the frothy Lambruscos of Emilia-Romagna to the bold, velvety sparkling Shiraz of Australia, red bubbles come in many styles—some … Continue reading Balfour Winery’s Leslie’s Reserve: A Sparkling Delight
Chenin Blanc: The Rising Star of the Loire Valley
Photo by Sylvain Brison on Unsplash Known for its diversity of grape varieties, the Loire Valley is well-known among wine lovers. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre to the rich, full-bodied reds of Chinon, the region offers a wide array of flavours and styles. But in recent years, one grape variety has been quietly stealing the spotlight in … Continue reading Chenin Blanc: The Rising Star of the Loire Valley
The Curious Cork 