Every year I post this round up of recommendations and every year they look better and better. Not only excellent suggestions for those looking for top class examples to show at tastings but also some wonderful drinking. Thanks to all those who have contributed and to @wineeducators for pulling it all together. Link in bio.
I am so pleased that we have two Ukrainian wines from @bolgrad_official back in store at @lidlgb both at £8.49 - you may have to hunt them out in the Limited Offers section rather than main wine shelves!
The Pinot Grigio has much more fruit and character than is often associated with the grape, really nicely done. And the Saperavi is terrific- full-bodied, lots of flavour, a reassuring dash of typical Saperavi “attitude”………and a lot friendlier than most.
If you are so inclined, buying a bottle or three of these will help a worthy cause……..and give much pleasure.
#lidlgb #bolgrad #ukrainianwine
Wine has the power to transcend borders, but sometimes, it also carries the weight of memory and resistance. 🍷🕊️
Last Thursday, at the prestigious @67pall_mall in London, we shared much more than just a glass of wine. It was a moment of profound exchange, emotion, and hope during our « Wine Without Borders » evening.
I was incredibly honored to introduce Cyrhus to this knowledgeable audience. Cyrhus is not just a wine; it is the revival of an ancient Persian winemaking tradition, reborn on French soil. It is a bridge between the Zagros Mountains and Bordeaux, a testament that culture cannot be silenced.
But beyond the notes and the tasting, the most important message of the night was displayed on the screen behind me: Don’t stop talking about Iran.
For us, winemaking is an act of resilience. Keeping this history alive is our way of standing with those who cannot speak.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special gratitude to Richard Bampfield MW
@bampwine for your presence, your support, and for sharing the history of Cyrhus with such passion.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep pouring history.
#cyrhuswine #67pallmall #iranrevoultion2026 #freeiran #donotstoptalkingaboutiran humblegrapewine
A remarkable and memorable evening at @67pall_mall last week with the inspirational @masrourmakaremi Masrour lost his mother when she died in prison following the exile of the Shah of Iran in 1979 and only found his father when he fled to France at the age of 10. He is now dental surgeon, orthodontist, PhD in cognitive neuroscience and specialist in how AI can benefit medicine. Extraordinary.
He also strives to preserve and honour Iran’s pre-revolution history, partly as a collector of antiquities and more recently as a winemaker. Now living in Bergerac he has planted 2 ha of Syrah and has produced 3 vintages of Cyrhus - named after the legendary King of Persia, with an added h as a sign of respect for Shiraz, his home town. Made in amphorae, it is a beautifully pure expression of cool climate Syrah, with each new vintage showing his increasing confidence with the wine.
Masrour is charming and erudite and has found his own way of reminding us of wine’s role in Iran’s rich culture. We are constantly told these days that a wine needs to be able to tell a story. They don’t come much better than this.
Cyrhus is available in the UK from
#cyrhus #syrahvindefrance #67pallmall #humblegrapewine
The @maltbyandgreek portfolio tasting has become one of my favourite events of the year. Always full of surprises and grape varieties I had never heard of. New this year was the Three Bowls range, assembled with the help of the irrepressible @willielebus . The Assyrtiko and Xinomavro are both excellent, authentic examples of these charismatic grapes - a great choice for both retailers and restaurants looking for entry level Greek wines.
Many other wines caught my eye and perfectly illustrated the unique flavours and qualities found in Greece. Excellent Moschofilero from @bosinakiswinery including the spectacular skin contact “Aspela”. The ever-exciting whites and rosé from @ousyrawinery Pricey but genuinely world class wine from @latourmelas in the form of the Palies Rizes Agiorgitiko. Extraordinary Blanc de Noir Xinomavro (still) from @patistiswines And finally top class traditional method sparkling wine from @domainekaranika
Every year I promise myself that I will drink more Greek wine. And I do. And I will.
#greekwine #maltbyandgreek
Lidl Northern Ireland offers a multi award-winning range of seasonal sparklers, personally recommended by Master of Wine, Richard Bampfield, to please every palate this festive season.
Read more on our website, link below and in bio :-
/lidl-ni-award-winning-sparklers-and-wine/
#moretovalue #lidl
A quirky choice for the turkey perhaps but definitely a runner. Proper rosé, dry, vinous, lightly tannic and unashamedly deeper in colour than is fashionable. A triumph from the ever-admirable @feudi_di_san_gregorio
Some things, however boastful, just have to be shared. Choucroute with @domaineweinbach Cuvée Ste Catherine Riesling 1988 this evening was about as good as it gets. Thank you @noblerotmayfair and Ellie for your guidance. #perfection
Impressed by the way the sunlight amplifies the name of the glass design on the tasting sheet😊 @jancisrobinson And the wines from @mountmaryvineyard certainly did them justice. Many thanks to @pol_roger@samdmiddleton for an exceptional tasting.
Bordeaux 2021 was a true test of winemaking mastery and a vintage that rewards attention. Make your own discoveries at this year's Institute of Masters of Wine Bordeaux tasting. See you on 11 November 2025 at Vintners' Hall. Register today, see link in bio #mastersofwine
SOLD OUT ✨ | Bottles Under Fire — London
What an unforgettable evening.
The first edition of Bottles Under Fire brought together art, resilience, and humanity through an extraordinary wine experience curated by Food of War.
We were deeply moved by the participation of Ukrainian artist Zinaida, whose video work Borshch added a powerful layer of memory, ritual and endurance to the event — reminding us that even in conflict, culture nourishes us.
With the presence of Richard Bampfield MW, who described it as “the most moving wine tasting I have attended this year,” and the event masterfully hosted by Food of War and philanthrophy and wine advisor Lucas Rodd, the evening became a true celebration of courage, taste and solidarity.
🍷 Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this SOLD OUT premiere a success.
All proceeds support winemakers working in war zones. @housmans_books@el_rodd@lost_terroirs@omdacast@foodofwar@hernan_barros_@bampwine@foodofwarplatform@art_zinaida
5 wines. 1 (unused) spittoon. 20 people. A book shop as a venue. Probably the best conceived and certainly the most moving wine tasting I have attended this year. The wines were from Ukraine, Lebanon and Syria - and each was presented with a respect that demonstrated excellent research and dedication to a bigger cause. Thank you @el_rodd@foodofwar@domainedestourelles@beykushwinery@villa_tinta_winery@domainedebargylus@winesofukraine #foodofwar #bottlesunderfire #lebanesewine #ukrainianwine #syrianwine
