Sicily: Italy’s jewel, from foodie hubs to the coastline Life&Style Sicily: Italy’s moreish island, from food hubs to the coast, by Jamie Douglass The history of Anglo-Sicilian relations is long, amicable, and has much to do with wine. In 1773, a travelling Englishman called John Woodhouse discovered the excellence of Marsala – a fortified wine produced in the city of Marsala in Sicily – and [...]
English wine has moved up a notch – here’s why Life&Style English wine is on the up, from Kent’s new Wine Garden of England collective to the Surrey Hills Wine Week. How English counties are racing to establish distinct regional identities English wine is considered a collaborative rather than a competitive industry. The feeling was “a rising tide lifts all ships” as our wines began to [...]
No, you don’t hate Chardonnay. Here’s why it’s your favourite grape Life&Style Here’s why you love Chardonnay (yes, really), by our wine columnist Libby Brodie Move over Christmas, take a sidestep Easter, because this Thursday 21 May it is National Chardonnay Day. For any of the ABC crowd (those who drink ‘anything but Chardonnay’) I am here to tell you that you love this grape… and you [...]
Music and wine is the ultimate pairing- where to enjoy it this summer May 12, 2026 If music is the food of love, no wonder it pairs so well with wine. Many great wine houses have clocked this already, but none so perfectly as Krug Champagne who have worked with famous composers to create truly exceptional artistic experiences. In February I was invited to the Roundhouse in London’s Chalk Farm for [...]
This is how to choose between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris May 6, 2026 While on Alan Carr and Lee Peart’s podcast Bottoms Up recently, Peart asked me what is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris. I replied, “one of them is drinkable”, which was perhaps a little unfair. It is true I would never choose to drink Pinot Grigio, but it remains one of the most [...]
The Inner Table podcast host: Why it’s wrong to demonise alcohol April 30, 2026 Our wine columnist Libby Brodie has teamed up with her friend Anna Lancaster to launch a new podcast exploring the meeting point between wellness, wine and food. We caught up with her to ask what we can expect from The Inner Table: The Art of Living Well. Why does The Inner Table stand apart from [...]
Special relationship: Americans snub champagne in favour of English fizz April 29, 2026 Americans are flocking to English wine and snubbing champagne, the boss of England’s biggest winemaker has said. Kent-based Chapel Down said consumers across the Atlantic are fuelling record demand for English sparkling wine, as the AIM-listed firm bets big on the US market. Chief executive James Pennefather told City AM: “Americans are really embracing Chapel [...]
Why there’s more to Sauvignon Blanc than your ‘standard’ Savvy B April 29, 2026 Sauvignon Blanc remains anchored in the UK’s top three white wines and this fantastically flavoursome grape gets to celebrate its success with International Sauvignon Blanc Day on the first Friday in May. It can be enjoyed in many guises, so which one appeals to you? If you like a wine that makes an entrance and [...]
These are the best bottles of wine to buy for the warmer weather April 28, 2026 It’s almost May, a time that brings its own particular joys when it comes to seasonal food. It therefore offers an opportunity for different wines to take centre stage after winter’s more hefty warmers. Spring’s food, however, is notoriously tricky for wine pairing. Here is a quick guide to the best bottles of wine to [...]
Here is the best wine from Australia, from Chardonnay to Shiraz April 22, 2026 Australian wine seems to be all anyone is drinking this month, perhaps because last month Matthew Jukes, a world authority on Aussie vino, announced his 100 Best Australian Wine report. Australian wine has consistently done well in the UK. We were their primary export market in the 19th century, and as their wine industry expanded [...]