wine

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards for 2025 have been announced, following an international awards ceremony in Margaret River, Western Australia, where the world of wine converged to recognise and celebrate this year’s winners.

As ever, there are a few surprises in there, with a picture emerging that the top tier no longer belongs exclusively to the ‘old world triangle’ of France, Italy and Spain, with the Americas, South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Lebanon continuing to make gains in this higher end of the market. 

Autumn has arrived with that familiar mix of darker evenings and the cold setting in this week. The past few weeks have delivered plenty worth talking about. England continues to set its own pace, from West Sussex to Kent, with new releases that feel increasingly confident in their identity. Weyborne Estate’s Oriana Golden Spur shows just how far the South Downs has come, while Silverhand is quietly proving that sustainability and ambition can sit comfortably at the top end of the market.

Autumn has a way of coaxing us toward comfort with the warmth of a slow roast (I cooked lamb shanks over the weekend), the glow of a fire, and the kind of wines that bring a little light to darker evenings. This month’s selection travels from the Provençal slopes of the Rhône to the limestone valleys of the Loire, pausing in Rioja and Germany’s Pfalz along the way.

Rosé and red are increasingly sharing the spotlight, with traditional regions producing styles that sit comfortably in a global market that prizes freshness and accessibility. Clarendelle Bordeaux Rosé is a good example. As the first official rosé in the history of Domaine Clarence Dillon, the family behind Haut-Brion. It marks a small shift in their outlook.

If you’re looking for a reason to raise a glass with purpose, Tamdhu Whisky and Waitrose have come together to support the Atlantic Salmon Trust in honour of World Nature Conservation Day on 28 July. The exclusive charity edition of Tamdhu’s 12 Year Old Speyside single malt, fully matured in Oloroso Sherry casksis , available now in selected Waitrose stores and online for £50. Bottled at 41.3% ABV and presented in a gift box, it makes an ideal treat or thoughtful present. 

For decades, wine storage has remained largely functional, often relegated to the shadows of kitchens and utility rooms. Smoked glass, humming fans, and brushed steel: useful, certainly, but rarely something to show off. EuroCave’s new Harmonie changes that. Quietly radical in form and finish, this is a wine cabinet that doesn’t try to hide; it holds its own alongside serious furniture.

There are few places in London that whisper quiet grandeur quite like The Savoy. The Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay is all hushed lighting, polished brass and old-school charm, but slip into the private Wine Room and the atmosphere shifts. This glass-fronted chamber, lined with bottles that include Château Petrus and Romanée-Conti, feels like a secret kept for those who know where to look.

With Father’s Day approaching, now is the time to start thinking about which wines to enjoy over lunch or dinner. Whether you're planning a grand roast, a laid-back barbecue, or a proper sit-down feast, the right bottle can add something memorable to the occasion. This year’s selection includes elegant sparkling wines, expressive whites, structured reds and a serious rosé — all chosen with versatility and food-friendliness in mind.

Easter signals the arrival of spring, a season of renewal, celebration and hopefully some long-awaited warmth. As you get together with family to celebrate this festive occasion, it is important to make your drink selections just right. The following selection offers a diverse range of wine and 3 delicious whiskies, each embodying the essence of its origin and matching perfectly with traditional Easter food.