Our current seasonal selection has all you’ll want, from light and fragrant Nutbourne Bacchus, Gold-medal bubbles from Dorset's Furleigh Estate, through to England’s first off-dry sparkler from the pioneering Nyetimber. Choose between the impressive debut traditional method sparkling cider release from Jake’s Orchard at Hush Heath in Kent or the more weighty Henney’s Vintage 2011, the victor in our Cider vs Wine challenge.
From Adnams’ refreshingly moreish Sole Star, for those who want flavour without the units, to the utterly delectable and recently relaunched Courage Imperial Russian Stout, ideal with any chocolate that may be kicking around the house.
From the Jurassic coast and this year's UK Winemaker of the Year comes this white winner.
Apricots and ripe, ripe apples on the nose, perhaps with a light mandarin peel note, this is expressive and elegant. The palate has gentle stone fruits, yeasty notes, and a long finish.
Furleigh Estate Blanc de Blancs 2009, £25, Furleigh Estate website
This year’s André Simon Book Prize of the Year will be announced tonight at The Goring Hotel. On the Drinks shortlist you'll find the fantastic tome Wine Grapes by the three J’s – Jancis Robinson MW, Julia Harding MW and Dr José Vouillamoz – and Neal Martin’s Pomerol, plus a trio of other accomplished works.
Last year, those that know me will have seen me much immersed in the glories of Bordeaux, more specifically Pomerol, thanks to Neal and his first book on that magically small region on the Right Bank.
Following a chance conversation between Mr F and Neal on the way back from Portugal in 2011, Neal invited me to act as his managing editor, and so our journey began.
Residents of Kent have until 18 February to apply for 1700 free tickets to over 100 Kent visitor attractions, from wineries to castles, wildlife parks to historic river tours, for this year’s My Big Kent Weekend, 23-24 March.
Wineries and Cider houses taking part include DrinkBritain.com favourites Biddenden Vineyards, Meopham Valley Vineyards, Terlingham Vineyard, Hush Heath Estate and Chapel Down Winery and Brogdale Collections.
Information on how to apply for tickets is given on My Kent Big Weekend’s website.
Cider took on wine and won with resounding success at its first battle for the diners’ hearts at The Thatchers Arms on 2 February.
Despite an all-glittering wine cast provided by Harpers Best Sommelier of the Year Emily O’Hare and Adnams’ Dan Probert, the selection from eighth-generation cider maker, Henry Aspall and Beer Writer of the Year, Pete Brown took four of the five rounds.
Cider takes on wine in a battle for the diners’ glass at renowned foodie pub, The Thatchers Arms, near Colchester, on Saturday 2 February.
Publican Mitch Adams has teamed up with DrinkBritain.com to stage the first such tournament. Diners will sit down to a five-course meal, each paired with both a cider and a wine, before being asked to vote at the end for their favourite match.
Run once a month, this is your chance to visit one of the UK's finest wine producers without having to get together a group of your own.
Head to rural Sussex for a couple of hours with this delightful family business, seeing the surrounding vineyards and the all-important tasting room, and finishing with a tutored sampling of current releases in the delightfully airy tasting room overlooking the estate.
£15; tickets must be booked ahead since spaces are limited
With its sprightly mix of ripe orchard fruit and zesty, tart peach to finish, alongside a lick of citrus twang, Laithwaites have fashioned a lively sparkler form its weeny vineyard outside its HQ in Theale.
Wondering where to head for that drink gift or bottle for the Christmas table? Here's my Top 25 Best of British Drinks Shops for 2012. These places all offer more than just their own creations. Many offer foodstuffs too, and all offer an inviting welcome, where you can generally taste before you buy and get as much advice as you like. All are worth a detour.
You know me, I love a good selection. So it’s the mixed cases that I always favour. and when there’s a few foodie bits tucked in, that’s me hooked.
And don't forget, if there's somewhere else that you know of that should feature, let me know.
Our current seasonal selection has all you’ll want, from light and fragrant Nutbourne Bacchus, Gold-medal bubbles from Dorset's Furleigh Estate, through to England’s first off-dry sparkler from the pioneering Nyetimber. Choose between the impressive debut traditional method sparkling cider release from Jake’s Orchard at Hush Heath in Kent or the more weighty Henney’s Vintage 2011, the victor in our
This year’s André Simon Book Prize of the Year will be announced tonight at The Goring Hotel. On the Drinks 
Cider took on wine and won with resounding success at its first battle for the diners’ hearts at The Thatchers Arms on 2 February.
Wondering where to head for that drink gift or bottle for the Christmas table? Here's my Top 25 Best of British Drinks Shops for 2012. These places all offer more than just their own creations. Many offer foodstuffs too, and all offer an inviting welcome, where you can generally taste before you buy and get as much advice as you like. All are worth a detour.