wine

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. 

Valentine’s Day has long been associated with grand gestures and sentimental traditions, but at its core, it’s simply an occasion to slow down and share something meaningful. Few things do this as effortlessly as wine. Whether opening a bottle for a quiet dinner at home or selecting something special to toast an evening out, the right choice enhances the moment without needing fanfare. This year, rather than reaching for the predictable, I have chosen 8 wines that you might not ordinarily choose - it is good to be adventurous after all!

Heavens Door

Bob Dylan has spent a lifetime resisting definition. The man who reshaped folk music, redefined rock, won a Nobel Prize, and became a reluctant prophet of a generation also has his own whisky - and, fittingly, a new film that refuses to pin him down. The Complete Unknown, a biopic, doesn't attempt a straightforward retelling of Dylan’s life. Instead, it fragments his identity, reflecting the ever-shifting enigma of the man himself.

In the rolling hills of Umbria, where medieval towns overlook sun-soaked vineyards, Tenuta Castelbuono is a wonderful blend of winemaking, art, and environmental stewardship. Nestled near Montefalco, the estate is not only celebrated for its wines but also for its iconic winery, the Carapace, an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned artist Arnaldo Pomodoro.

The Lisbon wine region, with its sunlit hills, cooling Atlantic breezes, and vineyards steeped in history, is a place where tradition and modernity intertwine. I recently caught up with two wineries there, Cas’Amaro and Quinta de Chocapalha, to see what they’ve been up to.

Graham Beck is one of the most highly regarded producers of South Africa’s Cap Classique, the country’s answer to Champagne. With a reputation for exceptional sparkling wines made using the traditional method, Graham Beck has become a favourite for many, especially with their quality to price ratio. 

Located in the west of Romania, Cramele Recaș is a reflection of the country’s winemaking heritage and modern ambitions; it’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where people’s warmth resonates with you. My visit to Cramele Recaș in October was my first visit to Romania. The rolling vineyards, occasionally graced by deer, stretch toward the horizon, and the historic town of Timișoara nearby provided a wonderful blend of old-world charm and vibrant energy and passion. 

When Bruno Paillard founded his eponymous Champagne house in 1981, his vision was clear: to make a Champagne of purity, reflecting the finest expression of its terroir. I first visited the estate 10 years ago and fell in love with this purity then.