I’ll find any excuse or celebration to mark the opening of a bottle of wine to two! This week it was time to indulge in one of the most beloved culinary traditions - National Steak Day . Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well-done, this day is all...
This week I’ve been back to Cellar Door Wines to ask Penny what wines she has in store to delight our palettes! She has something for everyone and can recommend wines to suit all of your spring food choices. Having recently taken part in a Ribera del Duero masterclass I was...
Yealands a renowned winery based in Marlborough, New Zealand was the first winery in the world to achieve carbon zero certification from the outset. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vineyards and into every aspect of their operations, every day. Natalie Christensen is a celebrated figure in the wine industry,...
March is a month dedicated to honouring the incredible contributions of women throughout history and is therefore the perfect time to raise a glass to the remarkable women who have shaped and are shaping the world of wine. From pioneering vintners to innovative sommeliers, women have played a pivotal role in...
When I first started writing for the St Albans Times back in 2023, my first piece on International Women’s Day featured an interview I held with Penny Edwards, co-owner and director at Cellar Door Wines in St Albans and Hatfield House. Penny has been running Cellar Door Wines since 2017 and...
A couple of weeks ago I attended Tim Atkin’s Best of Rioja 2025 Portfolio tasting at One Great George Street, London. The event featured a wide range of wines, including traditional and modern styles, single vineyard wines, and blends from different sub-regions and villages within Rioja, arguably among the world’s...
As we move past the cold and quiet months of January and February, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with friends and invite them over for a delightful dinner party. There’s no better way to celebrate than with the exquisite wines of Alsace, which offer a range of styles perfectly suited...
Last week I attended the Champagne Castelnau Masterclass with Keith Isaac MW, general manager of Castelnau Wine Agencies, in the Bull Room at the Swan at the Globe, London. The Bull Room, a spectacular private dining space for up to 14 guests, offers stunning views of Shakespeare’s Globe and the...
Nestled in the northwest corner of Italy, Piedmont, or “Piemonte” in Italian, is a region renowned for its exceptional wines and picturesque landscapes. The name “Piedmont” translates to “at the foot of the mountains”, aptly describing its location surrounded by the Alps to the north and the Apennines to the south....
Renowned for his culinary prowess and relentless pursuit of excellence, Gordon Ramsay has expanded his passion for food and flavour into the world of winemaking. Partnering with acclaimed winemaker Alberto Antonini, Ramsay has curated a collection of wines that reflect his commitment to quality, innovation, and the art of pairing wine...
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