If there’s anything better than having a bunch of mates over for dinner, and also having a fistful of English wines to taste as part of the process, I’d like to know what you suggest.

I mean, there’s having dinner with Jeff Goldblum, perhaps. But as far as joy-filled summer evenings go, this is hard to beat. And yes, it’s a tough job etc. But you’re here, so I’m assuming you’d like to know more about English wines. In which case it’s a good job we’ve selflessly tested a few out.

Wine and food are always the best bedfellows, so I fired up the barbie, cleaned the glasses at the back of the cupboard that never get used, and welcomed a small but motley crew to mine for a bit of expert assessment.

Meet your tasters

Would you buy a second-hand car off this lot? L-R this is Zoe Cunliffe, one half of the legendary Mixology Group, arguably the most functional half, as she deals with the outside world and chases down the business like a puma going full pelt. She also loves wine. Next comes yours truly, who knows a lot about everything, natch, including wine. Then you’ve got Myles Cunliffe, the second half of the Mixology Group, and definitely the one with the real viticultural knowledge. And finally Adrienne Palmer, who not only has a sterling background in dedicated wine drinking, she’s also an experienced licensee who now also works at the glorious Bolney vineyard.

I’d like to say that my daughter Lili and her boyfriend Dylan also joined in but they weren’t there from the start, so we couldn’t count their take. Which is just as well because by the time they steamed in, I was five wines deep with no clue what was going on.

Let’s get started.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage 75cl, £42

They say:
The signature wine of Nyetimber is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and is a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. The blend includes wines from all our vineyards and also from several vintages.
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Citrus notes. Short, sharp, easy to drink.
Sam: Very fresh and lemony, very quaffable – could drink this all summer long.
Myles: Crisp, clean, gorgeous mouthfeel. Citrus fore and back. Great bubble structure. Bright and light – smashable.
Adrienne: Lemon sherbet and elderflower fizz.

Rathfinny Classic Cuvee Brut 2019 75cl, £38

They say:
Rathfinny 2019 Classic Cuvée is our ‘house-style’ English Sparkling Wine, made in the Traditional Method from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes grown and hand-harvested on the Rathfinny Wine Estate.
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Nicer in a flute (we tried bubbles in both coupes and flutes). Very bubbly, a little bicarbonate. Not one to chug, not a lot going on.
Sam: Very bubbly, more mousse than expected. Good wine but would’ve liked a bit more warmth or depth.
Myles: Huge biscuits, shortbread, buttery finish. Chewy texture. Buttered apple but short finish.
Adrienne: Classic, with not a lot going on. Preferred in a coupe glass.

Plumpton Estate Bacchus Reserve Lot 324 75cl, £25.95

They say:
The Plumpton Wine Estate is located in a beautiful countryside area of Sussex located on rolling hills that capture the sunny afternoon weather. This Bacchus is created with hand-picked grapes grown on small plots over sandstone soils. This has notes of dried apricots, honeysuckle and melon, followed with a more herbal touch of lime and fennel. Bracing acidity and a creamy palette.
Find it here (Not currently available on their website but can be bought through other retailers)

We say:
Zoe: Smooth and elegant. Greengages, elderflower, lemon. Smells better than it tastes. Not memorable or a standout for the grape.
Sam: Light and easily drinkable. Expected more tropical notes, but leaned citrussy. A refined wine, but surprising.
Myles: Elderflower, citrus, greengages. High acidity. Noticeable sulphur.
Adrienne: Lime notes. Neutral. More like Pinot Grigio.

Chapel Down Flint Dry 2023 £16 bottle

They say:
Chapel Down Flint Dry 2023 is a crisp and fresh white wine with notes of apple, pear, and citrus. This refreshing wine pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood, and salads.
Find it here (hard to find this year now, think it might have sold out everywhere)

We say:
Zoe: Gooseberry. Light in colour.
Sam: Bone dry, super elegant. Crisp with lemon ‘Space Dust’ vibes. A standout wine.
Myles: Gooseberry, greengage, greenhouse. High acidity, well-integrated alcohol, green apples.
Adrienne: Tomato leaf note stood out.

Bolney Estate Rosé Lychgate 2023 75cl, price £16

They say:
Our Lychgate Rosé 2023 is bursting with fresh stone-fruit and raspberry flavours and is perfect for sipping at home in the sun or enjoying at our Estate whilst admiring the spring vines.
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Raspberries and cotton candy. Smells sweeter than it tastes.
Sam: Light and easily drinkable, bit sweet for me. Perfect for quaffing in the sun and having with seafood though.
Myles: Crisp raspberries and berries. Light.
Adrienne: Off-dry. A good food wine.

Balfour Pinot Noir 1503 Red 2023 75cl £20

They say:
Balfour have a reputation for producing some of England’s very best red wines. The 1503 Pinot Noir is made from a Burgundy grape in one of the estate’s warmest vineyards allowing for optimal ripeness and expression of flavour. Aged for a short time in new oak the elegant, fruity notes classic of Pinot shine through. (Exclusive to Majestic)
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Light in colour. Soft and mouth-filling. Notes of pepper and cassis.
Sam: Amazing wine. Light in colour, soft and velvety. Could be served chilled or room temp. Star wine of the night.
Myles: Delicious. Well-structured fruit with delicate tannins.
Adrienne: Smooth, round, light. Strong blackberry note.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post We tried some English wines: this is what we thought appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Fear not, we have done the research on the best bargains and luxury drinks for stocking your cellar up. From champagnes and wines to brandies and the best vodkas, we’ve got them all here. There are also some amazing deals on luscious low and no alcohol options. What are you waiting for? It’s time to treat yourself to a sparkling night in. After all, hoppy hour is the best hour.

Gorgeous gins

Gin is a clear spirit, flavoured with juniper berries and botanical ingredients. This premium spirit offers a refreshing and smooth experience with every sip. Served best with tonic or lemonade or shaken into a creative cocktail – I’m certain one will catch your eye. Elevate your senses and indulge in these delicious gins. A little bit of gin-spiration goes a long way.

Chase Distillery Pink Grapefruit and Pomelo Gin – 40% 70cl

Roku Suntory Japanese Craft Gin Cherry Blossom, Yuzu and Sansho Pepper 43% 70 cl

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, 70cl 46%

Warming whiskies

There’s no whisky-business involved when buying these drinks, we highly recommend you try them. Whether served neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a timeless cocktail, these whiskies promise an unparalleled experience for those who indulge. Cheers to golden hour. Add a little something to your cocktail evenings with custom coasters too. Your friends will each have a personal keepsake

Think you know your drinks? Take our fun quiz

Aberlour A’Bunadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70 cl

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 43% vol  70cl

Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 70 cl

Vibrant vodkas

For many, vodka embodies the essence of refinement. Commonly known as liquid confidence, what’s stopping you from treating yourself? These selected spirits have a crisp, clean finish, making them ideal as the foundation of your favourite cocktails. Or take a shot before heading out to your favourite bar, who are we to judge?

Ciroc Premium Vodka, 40% Vol, 70cl

Crystal Head Vodka 70cl, 40% ABV – Award-Winning Premium Distilled Vodka

Grey Goose Le Citron, Premium Lemon Flavoured French Vodka

Tangy tequilas

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. Get ready to party. Each sip transports you to sunny beaches and festive celebrations, capturing the essence of Mexico’s vibrant spirit. Impress your gathering guests and ignite your senses with the unmistakable quality of these discounted tequilas.

Patron Reposado Premium Tequila

Don Julio Anejo Tequila, 38% vol, 70cl

Herradura Anejo Tequila, 70 cl

Breathtaking brandys

Age is just a number, but a good brandy is timeless. Life is too short to settle for anything less than the finer things, and brandy embodies sophistication in every sip. Delicate notes of spices and vanilla dance on the palate, delivering a warm, velvety finish. Whether enjoyed neat by the fireside or as the centrepiece of a classic cocktail. Get ready to make a toast this Prime Day.

Volare Apricot Brandy Liqueur, 70 cl

Torres 30 Jaime I Brandy, 70 cl

Baron De Sigognac 10 Ans Bas Armagnac Brandy 70 cl

Ravishing rums

Cupboards rumming a little empty? Time to restock on this gorgeous selection of rums. Every sip of these smooth, spiced drinks guarantees to transport you to tropical beaches and sunny breezes. With a rich amber hue and a complex flavour profile of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, rum offers delight to the senses. Time to get ship-faced!

Kraken Black Cherry and Madagascan Vanilla Black Spiced Rum 70cl

Salcombe Rum ‘Island Street’ 40%

Kadoo Club 8 Year Caribbean Rum, 40% 70 cl

Charming champagnes

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy good Champagne. It’s time to treat yourself, put your feet up, and pour yourself a glass of bubbles. Whether toasting achievements, celebrating milestones, or simply indulging in a moment of luxury, Champagne elevates every occasion with a symphony of crisp notes. Make ordinary moments feel extraordinary, life is better with bubbles.

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non-Vintage Champagne, 75 cl

Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne

Taittinger Brut Réserve Non-Vintage Champagne 75cl

Wonderful white wines

White wine provides the ultimate grape escape for all who indulge. Fresh, classic, and fruity, these wines are crafted for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Filled with delicate aromas and crisp acidity, enjoy on a sunny balcony or as the perfect accompaniment to a gourmet meal.

Canti – Italian White Dry Wine 12%, 6×750 ml

Telmo Rodriguez ”Basa”, Rueda, Spain, white wine – 75cl

Radiant rose wines

Want to feel on cloud wine? Fresh from sunny vineyards, rose wine is always a crucial ingredient for having a good time. Rose embodies relaxation and luxury, two things you deserve. Embrace the beauty of a sunny afternoon and treat your family and friends to these sweet and delicate rose wines.

Bottega Rose Gold Pinot Nero Brut Rose Sparkling Wine Magnum – 150cl

Beronia Rioja Rose – Spanish Rose Wine, 75cl Bottle

Remarkable red wines

You had me at merlot. Rich in colour, flavour and history, these red wines are crafted for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of fine wines. Each sip elegantly lingers on the pallet, give the glass a swirl and indulge. These wines can be paired with a hearty meal or enjoyed by a dancing fire. Just try not to spill any…

Batasiolo, BAROLO DOCG, 75cl, Still Red Dry Wine Barolo

Bottega Venedika Rosso Venezia DOC Italian Red Wine – 75cl

Bubbly beer

Ale you need is love. And these beers will certainly provide that hoppy feeling. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast, or just starting your journey into the world of craft beer, these pints are all brewed with the absolute best ingredients. Bursting with flavour, these refreshing lagers will quench your thirst. Often hailed as the world’s oldest and most beloved alcoholic beverage, give these beers a try.

Camden Town Brewery Hells, 12 x 330 ml

Modelo Especial Mexican Lager Beer, 24 x 355 ml

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri Lager, ABV 4.2%, 24 x 330ml

Amazingly alcohol-free

Fancying a night out whilst attempting to avoid pour decisions? Try these 0% spirits. Crafted for those who want a sophisticated drinking experience without intoxication. Carefully created to work in a variety of different alcohol-free cocktails, why not try them.

Seedlip Spice 94, Non-Alcoholic Spirit with Distilled Aromatic Botanicals, 0% vol, 70cl

Three Spirit Non-Alcoholic Alternative Spirit- The Livener, 50cl

Abstinence Blood Orange Non Alcoholic Aperitif distilled in South Africa, 75cl

Isabella Poderico

Overly enthusiastic and obsessed with everything a little nerdy, Isabella has written about everything from movie premieres to politics. She can often be found, as many writers often are, sitting in front of her laptop typing away obsessively in an extortionately priced independent coffee shop.

The post Get ready to refill your luxury party drinks cabinet appeared first on Silver Magazine.

There’s only a week of November left and advent is nearly knocking on the door. In case you haven’t thought of how you’re going to countdown to the festive day, we’ve got you. 

We’ve whipped up a collection of what we think are the best advent calendars on the market so you can treat yourself (or a loved one) throughout December. 

Food & drink calendars

Hotel Chocolat Dark Advent Calendar, £11.05

Love a sweet treat? Want something indulgent for the festive season? Hotel Chocolat’s dark chocolate advent calendar ticks both those boxes.

English Tea Shop Pyramid Advent Calendar, £8.67

From Gingerbread, to Tropical Lemongrass. This calendar has a variety of tea bags for you to find your next favourite herbal tea flavour.

Whiskey Advent Calendar, £149.95

24 samples of whiskeys from across the globe, so your December evening tipples are sorted. *Obligatory drink responsibly message*

Wine advent calendar 24 days, £95

Achieve your wine-iest dreams with this advent calendar. We hope you’re not picky, because this box has Chardonnay to Malbec, and everything in-between.

Beauty Calendars

Clarins 12 Day Women’s Advent Calendar, £65

A mix of full size and sample size products from Clarins so you can feel your best, all December long.

Rituals Classic Advent Calendar, £87.90

Wrapped up in a stunning festive building box, filled with Rituals most loved and best selling products. 

Joules Starry Night 24 Days of Gifts Advent Calendar, £28

Luxurious body products and little extras, like a sleep mask, thrown in makes up this colourful advent calendar. 

Jo Malone London 25 Day Advent Calendar, £350

Gingerbread inspired and jam packed with luxurious Jo Malone products – fragrances, bath and body samples, and more.

A little something different

Yankee Candle Wreath Advent Calendar, £19.50

25 christmassy tea light candles to burn throughout the festive month. A nod to traditional pillar advent candles.

Pringle 12 Day Sockvent Calendar, £50

Pimp up your sock draw with 12 quality cotton socks in classic colours in this Pringle advent calendar. 

Artisan Coffee Bag Advent Calendar, £28.99

Perfect if you’re a coffee aficionado, or you need that boost of energy to get you through the busiest month of the year.

Just Spices Large Calendar, £99.99

With 24 quality spices and a recipe book to guide you on what to cook with them, your December meals will be flavoursome as ever. 

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Christmas advent calendar roundup appeared first on Silver Magazine.

English wine isn’t just delicious, it’s an ethical choice too. It has a low carbon footprint due to its on-site vine-to-bottle method. And many vineyards focus on small-batch, sustainable harvests. They also compost, avoid herbicides, encourage healthy biodiversity, and focus on renewable energy.

While some may think of us English folk more as wine drinkers than makers, in the last 20 years English wine production has become an exciting new force. While climate change remains a very real anxiety, the rising temperatures have meant that we’ve had many more locally produced bottles to drown our sorrows with.

Grape ripening issues have become a thing of the past and the warmer, sunnier climate has opened a door to English red wine production. The limestone-chalk soil and warm climate of the South East mirror the ideal environment for bubbly famously found in Champagne. Because the prices for land in England are much lower, English producers can excel with their consumer-friendly prices. With the number of vines planted growing each year, let me take you through our top picks.

Red

Made from the skin, seeds, and stems of black grapes to achieve its rich red-purple colour, red wine arguably accrues the highest praise. Higher in bitter tannins than any other, it is recommended served at room temperature and as we say at Silver, the older the better.

Black Ewe Pinot Noir Precoce Vintage 2018

Black Ewe Pinot Noir Precoce Vintage 2018, £45

The unpredictable climate of the South West means that each wine has a character of its own. The beautiful fields of Trevibban Mill in Cornwall have cultivated a pinot noir with aromas of cherries, figs, prunes, and vanilla. The company has been highly celebrated not just for achieving such a full palate but for their sustainable approach. With earthy hints of dark chocolate, pepper, and tobacco, this English wine pairs nicely with beef, lamb, or gruyere.

• Vegan
• On-site production
• Small batch

Giffords Hall St Edmundsbury 2021, £15.50

Giffords Hall St Edmundsbury 2021

Suffolk’s Giffords Hall has produced a Pinot Noir with a lick of Rondo resulting in a colourful fusion of peppery cherry and ripe plummy notes. With hints of blackcurrant, vanilla and cedarwood spice, the softness on the palate is extremely appealing.

• Mixed blend
• Best-selling

White

For me, there is nothing better than a crisp, cold glass of white wine. Ranging from dry to sweet with fruity and floral aromas, white wine is made from both white and black grapes fermented without the skins to achieve its signature pure, naked colour.

Oastbrook Estate Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2022, £21

Oastbrook Estate Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2022

Awarded a gold medal at the IEWA 2023 for their Pinot Blanc, Oastbrook Estate presents a mouth-watering palate of apple, pear, and honeysuckle with a hint of white peach and nectarine; the perfect partner for fish or chicken on the BBQ this summer.

• Sustainable
• Organic

JoJo’s Bacchus Seyval Blanc Blend, £20

JoJo’s Bacchus Seyval Blanc Blend

JoJo’s vineyard is situated on the chalky slopes of the Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire. Their first wine, a Bacchus-Seyval blend, is a  vibrant and expressive white wine that was released at the end of September 2022. With elegant notes of quince, apple blossom and white peach, the light white wine is fantastic with seafood, chicken or garden veg.

• Handcrafted
• Sustainable
• Small batch

Rosé

Made with black grapes fermented for less time and perfect with light bites and nibbles, rosé is a crowd magnet. Its pink, blush colour leaves a dry taste in the mouth with notes of berries, citrus or tropical fruits.

Winbirri Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

Winbirri Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2021, £19

The team at Winbirri Vineyard in Norfolk have expertly crafted a Pinot Noir Rosé with aromas of cherries, strawberries, and cream. Perfect as an aperitif or with fresh seafood, passion is at the heart of this wine. Its quaffable nature tastes as good as it sounds.

• Vegan
• World-class

Gusbourne Estate English Rosé, £25

Gusbourne Estate English Rosé

Similarly, the Gusbourne Estate spread across Kent and West Sussex, boasts a leading collection of Burgundian grapes that thrive in the unique microclimate of the South East. They produce smaller volumes of intensely flavourful fruit that have cultivated an English rosè that is zesty and juicy. The raspberry and redcurrant notes are finished with hints of blossom and ginger for a decadent English summer.

• Hand-picked
• Sustainable

Sparkling

Dunesforde Blanc de Noir 2018, £35

Dunesforde Blanc de Noir 2018

The southeast may be the English wine hub, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look further afield for top-notch vino. The 2018 Dunesforde Blanc de Noir is a charismatic sparkler that won gold at the IEWA. With a vibrant fruit purity of red apple and cranberry, it leaves a youthful yet modern expression. Some may say the weather isn’t ideal, but as one of the most northerly vineyards, Dunesforde has bought the vineyards of Tuscany to Yorkshire proving there isn’t a shortage of homemade booze up north.

• Supports local communities
• Environmentally friendly
• Limited reserve

There is an abundance of excellent bubbly in Britain. Sussex-based Ridgeview’s Blanc de Blancs 2018 edition or Fox & Fox’s Blanc de Noirs are among the many of our award-winning wines. But it was important to me to travel a little closer to home for this next one.

Pebblebed Sparkling Rosé, £29

Pebblebed Sparkling Rosé

From what started as a local community project to 22 acres today, Pebblebed Vineyards in Devon is a thriving wine-growing region. Its unique terroir and warmer summers help the grapes to gently ripen and produce wonderfully fresh aromas. Their Pebblebed Sparkling Rosé is crafted using the Champagne method for delicate red berry and rose petal flavours. Balanced with a fresh acidity, it has the wonderful fresh aromas that make English wine so special.

• Supports local communities
• Mixed blend
• Sustainable

Dessert

Sweet in taste, dessert wines pair perfectly with cheesecakes, vanilla or chocolate puddings, crème brulee – you name it! Perfect for when you never want your meal to end…

Hattingley Valley Entice Dessert Wine 2022, £25

Hattingley Valley Entice Dessert Wine 2022

As well as boasting a range of award-winning sparkling wines, the Hampshire-based Hattingley Valley entice you with an elegant dessert wine that has intense aromas of peach and elderflower. Its crisp acidity balances perfectly with the natural sweetness to give a pure, lasting honeyed finish.

• Vegan
• Individually tested
• Sustainable

Fortified

Made with grapes using the fermentation process, fortified wines have spirits added to them to increase its alcohol content – sounds like a recipe for a party to us. They were originally developed before the days of refrigeration to preserve wine on long journeys.

Sacred English Amber Vermouth, £19.95

Sacred English Amber Vermouth

My favourite is vermouth because it is flavoured with herbs and spices. You can get either dry (white) or sweet (red) vermouth that ranges from dry and floral to sweet and spiced. While vermouth usually originates from Italy or France, the Sacred English Amber Vermouth produced in Highgate, London was crowned the world’s best vermouth in 2019. With delicate floral and sweet orange notes, it is best served on the rocks or in a classic spritz.

• Handmade
• Organic botanicals

Non-alcoholic

L.A Brewery Sparkling English Blush, £10

Ok bear with me – we all know that alcohol-free wine is generally disgusting, right? But finally, there are some great AF options

L.A Brewery Sparkling English Blush

available for those who like a tipple without the topple. L.A Brewery in Suffolk brings you a sparkling English blush that finally offers a chance for your mind and body to reset. Inspired by summer sunshine, it combines seasonal florals with a hint of rhubarb for a crisp kombucha that is delicately dry with a floral fizz for everyone to enjoy.

• Transparent list of ingredients
• No hangover – say no more

Jukes London Tasting Box, £41

Or if you are looking for something more on the still side, look no further than Jukes, London. Their organic apple cider vinegar-based drinks are made with all-natural ingredients. You can enjoy a taste of their full range with The Tasting Box. It is an ultimate

Jukes London Tasting Box

sensory experience that includes two white, two red and one rosé that take you from citrus and herbal to deep and spicy to dry and refreshing.

• Vegan
• Low calories
• Planet-friendly

Read more: 6 of the best alcohol free spirits around

Selecting great wine

At the end of the day, if you don’t really know wine but you want a great glass of something, here are three things to look out for:

Reflect on the flavours you enjoy

Turn to the back of the bottle and consider the flavours YOU enjoy – do they match?

The more details the better

Is there information on the region, valley and grapes listed on the back?

Don’t let price dictate your choice

Discounts can often be a great opportunity to find a good deal in wine. They don’t mean the wine is of a lower quality or won’t taste great. Sometimes a bottle may be on sale because it is not in season or has been sitting in the store’s inventory for a while. In that case, consider the flavours and occasion, then allow price to be a secondary consideration.

Beth Pratt

Beth is one of Silver’s interns. She loves reading and studying literature. Entering her final year of university, Beth still finds time to dance, swim, and have a pint with friends. Her favourite hobby is going to coffee shops, if you can call it a hobby!

The post English wines that should be on your radar appeared first on Silver Magazine.