How to brew and serve a ‘proper’ cup of tea Choose a ceramic tea pot as metal ones don’t hold the heat as well and can affect the taste. Run the tea pot under hot[...]

Wine is undoubtedly gorgeous and great at lifting the spirits, but knowing how and what to choose can be a minefield to the uninitiated.   Different people take different appr[...]

There are ways to get the most out of the smell (nose/bouquet) and taste (palate) of wine, by agitating the liquid and mixing it with lots of air once it’s poured. It’s[...]

Grapes come in many varieties which are used in a number of ways to make different wines. Particular countries and regions have realised their suitability to growing certain grape [...]

Where grapes are grown makes an enormous difference to their flavour, as does how the wine is made. Grape varieties can be better suited, or develop certain flavours, in particular[...]

What did you drink the last time you went out for dinner? If “red” or “white” is the answer, then it’s time to take charge of ordering the wine in a r[...]

Dinner parties need not be a wine nightmare! Wine storage Have you got a well-stocked wine cellar at home? No? Well you are not alone. Many people have a few bottles lying around o[...]

Beer is as varied and as complex as wine in colour, texture, aroma, flavour and alcoholic content. This variety is steadily becoming better appreciated by the public at large as hu[...]