From the
journal.
What we're drinking, who made it, and what to put beside it. Written by the people behind the counter — no scores, no jargon, no sponsored bottles.
Featured · Christmas wines
From the First Toast to the Last Slice: Christmas Wines from The Wine Cellar
Five festive picks from The Wine Cellar, from a Champagne welcome and wines for Christmas dinner to a mellow tawny Port for the cheese board.
The Wine Cellar · The Wine Cellar team
Everything else
Sparkling
Why Crémant is back in fashion
Fine bubbles, regional character and plenty of charm: discover why Crémant is winning fresh attention, and why it deserves a place at your next gathering.
Sparkling
Italian Prosecco: a little sparkle, plenty to discover
Apple, peach, a lively sparkle — Prosecco has an inviting style all its own. Discover the grape behind the bubbles, what the labels mean, and two Italian bottles to try from The Wine Cellar.
Grape
Why not all Sauvignon Blanc tastes the same
Fresh, zesty, citrus-led - you think you know Sauvignon Blanc. But from cool-climate Loire to tropical New Zealand it is one of the most diverse whites in the world. For Sauvignon Blanc Day, three bottles that prove it.
Grape
Tannat - the world's healthiest grape?
With Tannat Day celebrated on 14 April, how much do you know about this bold Basque grape - now the pride of Uruguay, and often called the world's healthiest?
Whisky
Finding the perfect single malt for Burns Night
On 25 January the world toasts Robert Burns, a well-documented lover of Scotch. How to choose a single malt that does the night justice - whether you want authenticity or a match for the haggis.
Guide
Old World meets New World
Old World or New World - a loaded choice for many drinkers. What actually separates the two, from terroir and labelling to alcohol, acidity and fruit?
Guide
A beginner's guide to Champagne
Bubbles act as a magnifying glass for a wine's flaws, so Champagne has to be exceptional. A short guide to the styles - non-vintage, rose, vintage, demi-sec - and where to start.
Producer
Sea Change: wine with the ocean in mind
"Everyone has a role to play in protecting our oceans." The family-run wine business, commended by Sir David Attenborough, that funds ocean conservation with every bottle.
Grape
French varietals in the New World
Burgundy owns Pinot Noir and Bordeaux owns the blend - or do they? The New World makes both styles beautifully, and often for a few pounds less.
In the shop
What is new and interesting this summer?
Sherry worth taking seriously, biodynamic wine from Waterkloof, and the rise of the virtual tasting - how the way we drink is changing, and changing fast.
Nothing filed under that just yet.
Every new piece, once a fortnight
Pairings, guides and the odd long read from the Wine Cellar — plus new arrivals and tasting dates. Never more than twice a month.