The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and indulge, and no Christmas feast is complete without the perfect wines to match the occasion. From the sparkle of Champagne at breakfast to the richness of a fortified wine with cheese (if you still have room!), each moment of the day offers an opportunity to open something different.
Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most revered wineries. Established in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo and Gabriella Anca Rallo, the winery draws from over 170 years of family history in winemaking. Now under the stewardship of their children, Antonio and José, Donnafugata continues to champion Sicily’s extraordinary terroir, making wines that capture the island's unique essence and character.
The Furygan WB08 Vented+ jacket is a versatile and stylish option for riders seeking comfort and protection during the warmer months. Designed with a focus on airflow and adaptability, this jacket is packed with features that make it a great choice for various riding conditions.
I haven’t worn this much yet as it arrived at the end of the summer, just as the weather closed in, but you will see plenty of me wearing it in 2025.
Christmas might be a few weeks off but Aston Martin is already in full swing. Say hello to the Valhalla, the new hypercar that Gaydon’s best have pulled out of their own AML Santa’s Sack. Forget socks and novelty jumpers this year - this is the only gift I want to see under my Christmas tree.
For the discerning watch enthusiast, Christmas is the perfect occasion to invest in a timepiece that embodies luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. This festive season, a selection of iconic brands is setting the stage with exceptional designs that go beyond mere functionality. U-Boat, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Panerai, and Roger Dubuis each bring a unique heritage and innovation to the table, offering models that are as much works of art as they are statements of refined taste.
Where’s the most exciting place to test a cutting-edge sea scooter like the AquaDart Nano 550E? How about Mauritius—a jewel in the Indian Ocean, nestled off the east coast of Africa. This vibrant island is a melting pot of cultures, where English, French, Mauritian Creole, and Indian languages like Bhojpuri blend seamlessly. The cuisine? A sensational fusion of Asian, African, and French influences that will have your taste buds singing.
As a food writer, I should write about food. As a wine writer, I should write about wine. But as a human, I must write about people. At Pétrus in Belgravia, the people are at the heart of what makes it extraordinary.
Those amazing men in their flying machines. They go up, Tiddley up, up. They go down, Tiddley down, down. Now the female embodiment of that might well apply to Cornish-born Corinne Dennis, who gave an engaging talk down in the South West the other day, about her journey from learning to fly and building a plane virtually from scratch.
The word ‘Artisan’ has never been more relevant than in Venice. A city with a history of high-craftsmanship, precious products and inimitable style. It is through these arts, crafts and traditions that ‘Le Serenissima’ comes alive, and still visible within workshops, boutiques, restaurants, cafés and bars, all curating an ‘experience’ and ‘taste’ of ‘La Dolce Vita’.
At this time of year, as the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves pondering the perfect wines to share with guests or to give as thoughtful gifts. With so many options available, choosing can feel daunting. To help narrow the field, I’ve curated a selection of wines that are sure to impress and deserve a spot on your shortlist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a bottle to wrap up as a present, these choices offer something for everyone.
