With spring around the corner what better time to experiment with your usual wine choices than by exploring different grape varieties from around the world. Get ready to head to your local wine merchants with a new understanding and appreciation of what makes an exciting red this year with The Wine Tipster’s top class red grapes for Spring 2022.

Gamay

The Wine Tipster’s guide to: Gamay

Primary flavour profile

Pomegranate, Blackberry, Bramble, Violet and Earth!

Palate Profile

Dry

Light to medium in body

Low tannins

Medium to high acidity

Low to medium Alcohol

Starting with the lightest bodied grape on The Wine Tipster’s radar this year, Gamay is similar to Pinot Noir a thin-skinned variety packed with red fruits. It’s not surprising as the two varieties are related. Gamay is primarily grown in the Beaujolais region in Burgundy, France. It also thrives in cooler-climates such as Canada, Switzerland, Oregon, and New Zealand. Gamay is often more budget friendly than Pinot Noir but is no less delicious, with stunning floral and red fruit aromas of red cherry, and red plum. As a high acidity, low tannin wine, Gamay is a great option for nearly any food pairing so try it with everything! The 10 Crus of Beaujolais offer tremendous value and Morgon (see below) is the closest in weight and structure to Moulin-à-Vent arguably the fullest bodied of the crus and super food friendly.

• For a classic soft, savoury, complex and fruity Gamay, try the Domaine Lucien Lardy Morgon, 2019, Côte du Py available from Majestic (£16.99 or £14.99 multibuy). A wine with ageing potential too.

Grenache

The Wine Tipsters guide to: Grenache

Primary Flavours Profile

Cooked/stewed strawberry, cooked red plum

Aged characteristics: Leather dried herbs

Palate Profile

Dry

Medium to full body

Medium tannins

Medium acidity

Alcohol high 15% or more.

On the cusp between being a light and a medium-bodied red due to its higher alcohol, Grenache has an unmistakable candied fruit and spice flavour that makes some of the most expensive wines in the world. The major regions for Grenache are the Southern Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In Spain it can be found in Priorat, and Calatayud as well as parts of Italy, North America, and Australia. The different climates result in different Grenache flavour and aroma profiles. Grenache is a great blending partner as it’s high alcohol and red fruit pairs well with some dark fruit flavour profile grapes. It can also go alone and produces some much underrated single varietal wines that are still not recognised as much as they should be. Regardless, the distinct spice aromas of Grenache make it perfect for pairing with rich and spice-laden dishes and can even reduce the heat of spicy food.

• The Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Villages 2020 is a well-balanced, medium to full-bodied, vegan Rhône, which is lovely to drink at a great price. Available from Waitrose (£9.99).

• The Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2019, Barossa, is a classic example of an Australian Grenache, full of dark chocolate and plum flavours. Available from Laithwaites (£25.00).

Carménère

The Wine Tipsters guide to: Carménère

Primary Flavours Profile

Red and black fruits: Raspberry, red plum, black plum, blackberry

Herbal and vegetal notes: Bell pepper, paprika

Aged characteristics: Notes of sweet vanilla

Palate Profile

Dry

Medium Body

Medium Tannins

Medium Acidity

Medium alcohol

Carménère is one of Europe’s most ancient grapes and is at the lighter end of Medium-Bodied. It gets its name from the French for crimson due to its vibrant leaves at certain times of the year. Carménère has an interesting history, having been presumed extinct in the Médoc region of Bordeaux after a plague of Phylloxera aphids in the mid to late nineteenth century. However, today it is largely found in Chile after being rediscovered when the Merlot grapes that had been growing there for 150 years were in fact Carménère! Its likeness to other red grapes in the Cabernet family make it a firm favourite for blending as it brings vibrant berry flavours and a subtly bitter taste that balances well. Another all-rounder for food pairings too.

• An affordable and top-class Chilean Carménère is the award-winning Mont Gras Reserva Carménère. Available from Waitrose (£9.49).

• The Mayu Carménère Appassimento 2017/18 is a terrific bottle with great richness and depth and is the first appassimento Carménère in the world. Available from Majestic (£12.99 or £9.99 multibuy).

Sangiovese

The Wine Tipster’s guide to: Sangiovese

Primary Flavour Profile

Red fruits: Red cherry, red plum

Savoury notes: Roasted tomato, balsamic vinegar

Herbal notes: Oregano

Palate Profile

Dry

Medium to full body

Medium to high tannins

Medium to high acidity

Medium to high alcohol

Sangiovese is a true Medium-Bodied red although it presents differently depending on where it is grown – which is typically across Italy. It can be more savoury and earthy in flavour or more fruit forward with distinct cherry flavours. Most good bottles of Sangiovese find the perfect balance between its earthy and fruity qualities which make it a great option for pairing with the rich flavours of Winter.

• A bottle of Chianti Riserva DOCG Castellani is a great introduction to Sangiovese as an aromatic and fruity vegan wine from Tuscany. Available from The Great Wine Co. (£11.50 or £8.63 multibuy)

• For a well-balanced example of this complex grape, Querciabella Organic Chianti Classico is a vegan wine which delivers on juicy red fruits and subtle acidity. Available from Waitrose (£19.99).

Tempranillo

The Wine Tipster’s guide to: Tempranillo

Primary Flavour Profile

Red and black fruits: Red cherries and dried figs

Herbal notes: Dill

Aged characteristics: cedar from oak and tobacco

Palate Profile

Dry

Medium to full bodied

Medium to high tannins

Medium to high acidity

Finally, Tempranillo is on the border between being a Medium and Full-Bodied red and can change depending on the ageing process. Those that are young generally have bright red fruit notes, while those that have the quality and capacity to age over decasdesevelop t give rich, dried fruit characteristics. As Spain’s number one red wine grape, you will most likely see Tempranillo from Rioja. It’s a great one for pairing with Spanish food, smoky barbeque dishes, and tomato based Italian or Mexican dishes.

• For a Lighter-Medium Bodied young Rjioja, the Monte Llano Tinto Rioja from Ramon Bilbao is a fresh example of Tempranillo. It is vegan-friendly and available from The Great Wine Co. (£10.25 or £7.69 multibuy).

• Bodega Matsu ‘El Viejo’ 2019, Toro is a more complex and Full-Bodied wine thanks to its long maturation. Full of jammy black fruits and smoky notes. Available from Majestic (£29.99 or £19.99 multibuy).

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Keep in touch with The Wine Tipster via Social Media to share any new bottles and grape varieties you try this year. Cheers!

The Wine Tipster’s Guide to Rosé Prosecco this Valentine’s Day

If rosé be the fizz of love drink on! Or so the late, great William Shakespeare nearly said. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the most romantic night of the year than with a bottle prosecco rosé.

Lovers of the Italian bubble have been treated in recent years with the creation of pink prosecco and yours truly, The Wine Tipster was in on the action from the start. I managed to taste trial samples at Taste of London back in 2018 when the prosecco DOC team came over from Treviso, in northern Italy. We knew straight away that this was something very special.

So how does this fizz get its pink? With white prosecco being made with the Italian grape variety ‘Glera’ its blush sibling gets its rosy hue thanks to the Pinot Nero grape a.k.a Pinot Noir the only red grape allowed in the blend.

Many wine lovers may recognise Pinot Noir’s other nickname ‘The Heartbreaker’, so dubbed because of the challenges it poses to winemakers and growers. Rest assured there should be no hearts broken this Valentine’s Day with this bubbly!

Perfecting the pink took time and producers played around with varying amounts of Pinot Noir in the blend to make sure the wine hit the right colour and flavour notes. Legally, rosé prosecco will have around 85-90% Glera grape and 10-15% Pinot Noir to hit the perfect pink.

Prosecco DOC rosé first hit British shores in time for Christmas 2020 making it the perfect gift for festive fizz lovers everywhere and has rightly gone from strength to strength. Consumers can be safe in the knowledge that only the strictest rules and regulations are followed to ensure that the quality that we’ve come to expect with prosecco DOC is the same for the rosé we buy.

The strict regulations set out by the Prosecco Consortium (the governing body) dictate the wine must come from one single harvest to produce a vintage wine or ‘Millesimato’ with 60 days of slow fermentation to increase its flavour complexity. As for the intensity of the bubble, well fans of prosecco won’t be disappointed as these wines keep their fizz long after pouring.

Valentine’s Food Pairing Suggestions

How best to enjoy this fantastic drink this Valentine’s Day and beyond? Prosecco rosés embody springtime in a glass so enjoy chilled to truly savour its natural fresh fruit and floral notes.

Like all great fizz this wine is versatile with many foods and here are some sensational suggestions courtesy of The Wine Tipster.

Much like a traditional white prosecco this rosé works well with canapés before a main meal like the classic pairing of smoked salmon on blinis. Cured meats like prosciutto or bresaola and olives are also easy and natural friends.

Fancy a light meal this Valentine’s Day? Then look no further than a classic Japanese pairing of sushi or sashimi with pink prosecco.

Cocktail Prosecco Passion

This fizz is great served chilled and straight up but if you fancy getting in touch with your inner mixologist then there can be no better blending partner. Here are The Wine Tipster’s suggestions for prosecco rosé cocktails:

Rose and Strawberry Spritz

A great cocktail for the romantic at heart, packed with colour and passion perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

75 ml Prosecco DOC Rosé Brut

25 ml vodka

20 ml lime juice

15 ml rose/elderflower cordial

1 tsp of brown sugar

4 strawberries

Rose petals to garnish

Ice cubes

Method

• Serve and mix easily in a large Prosecco glass
• If the rose cordial is difficult to find, switch it for an easier elderflower cordial. If using a syrup, reduce the amount by half
• First, add the chopped strawberries, the lime juice and the sugar and stir well to dissolve the sugar and break down the strawberries. Then add the vodka and cordial and fill the glass with ice cubes
• Now add half of the Prosecco and stir to mix everything well
• Add the final top up of Prosecco DOC rosé and garnish with a couple of rose petals

The Rosé 75

This is a twist on a classic French 75 perhaps one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. Named after the kick the gin gives you that resembled an old wartime gun known as ‘The French 75’. Here the recipe is the same but for the addition of some rosé prosecco instead of the usual white bubbles. Soon to be a firm favourite in everyone’s home cocktail repertoire.

Ingredients

25 ml of gin

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

½ a tablespoon sugar or simple syrup

Rosé prosecco

Garnish with lemon twist or strawberry for added pink punch.

Method

• Add the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
• Shake, and then double strain into a prosecco flute.        
• Top with rosé, and garnish with a lemon slice.

Rosé Prosecco: Buyer Suggestions

So if all this talk of drinking has whetted your appetite then look no further than the suggestions below for some ‘fizzspiration’. Recommended and tasted by us here at The Wine Tipster HQ.

Valdo Marca Oro Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Brut £9

Valdo Marca Oro Prosecco Rose Brut 750ml | Sainsbury’s (sainsburys.co.uk)

Coming in at a good value point of under a tenner this fresh and elegant wine is packed with floral and stone fruits and works wonders with sushi and sashimi.

Viticoltori Ponte Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Extra Dry

Available in bars, restaurants, hotels.

An award winning Prosecco style that works well on its own but shows versatility in cocktails see above for The Wine Tipster’s cocktail concoctions for inspiration. Look out for it at your next hotel stay or local prosecco loving bar and restaurant.

Bosco del Merlo Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Brut £14.49

Available from: www.eythropewine.co.uk   www.vinissimus.co.uk

With careful wine making techniques all the great fresh flavour and aromas have been intensified in this bottle. Beautiful in colour and delicate in style. A highly versatile Prosecco to be enjoyed on its own, in a cocktail or Aperitivo time.

Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Brut

£14.99 – £19.50 

Available from:www.bellavitashop.co.uk  and Selfridges

Packed with the house trademark floral aromas of violets and roses with a large slice of fresh red cherry pie on the palate, what’s not to love?

Le Rughe Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Brut £14.95

Available Beverage Boys London  https://beverage-boys.com/

If you are looking for the perfect partner to your oysters then look no further than the Le Rughe Prosecco. As romantic a match as you can get and packed with all those delicate rose aromas and red fruits. This fizz will slip down faster than your oysters if you let it!

Whatever you choose to drink this Valentine’s Day I hope you enjoy your pink prosecco and these hints and tips. Cheers from The Wine Tipster.

As 2021 draws to a close, The Wine Tipster looks back on another busy year. From racing wins to wine tastings, there has been a lot to celebrate amidst the continuing pandemic.

In particular, 2021 has been an exciting year for Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato, as The Wine Tipster has been able to present to audiences at virtual and live events in his role as Prosecco DOC UK Ambassador. All of the Prosecco DOC producers of white and rosé wines have received great feedback from trade and consumers. If you haven’t already tried Prosecco Rosé then 2022 is the year!

Looking forward to 2022, The Wine Tipster has the perfect recommendations for seeing the new year in which have been firm favourites of his throughout 2021.

Winbirri Vineyards Bacchus 2020, Norfolk, England, £16.99, Waitrose

English and Welsh still wines remain overlooked. The Wine Tipster hopes that quality wines from grape varieties like Bacchus, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay reach a wider audience in 2022. There are some great UK producers like Bolney Estate, Chapel Down, Woodchester Valley, Simpsons and of course Winbirri producing top class wines. The Wine Tipster first presented Winbirri Bacchus a few years ago and Winbirri first hit the headlines when winning the Platinum Best in Show medal for best value white wine made from a single grape variety at the Decanter World Wine Awards. The Winbirri Bacchus 2020 has been a firm Wine Tipster favourite in 2021 and wines made from Bacchus are reaching new levels as a dry style that should be shouted about more.

Domaine Tempier Rouge Classique 2018 Bandol, France, £29.50

Bandol wines are so underrated and The Wine Tipster’s Dad was a massive fan of Domaine Tempier. The excellent Savage Selection list the fabulous Domaine Tempier wines and their 2018 Rouge Classique. This includes one of The Wine Tipster’s favourite grape varieties, Mourvedre, and is very accessible now as well as after ageing for years. 

Domaine Tempier Rosé 2020, Bandol, France, £23.50 

This is a stunning dry rosé which has been so enjoyable in 2021 and will age for years. 

Andreas Syrah 2018, Boviei Valley, Wellington , Western Cape, South Africa, £21.95 Slurp, Cellar Door Wines

Andreas have 4.5 hectares of vineyards and The Wine Tipster first tasted their wines back in 2014. Their 2015 vintage was excellent and the 2018 is truly memorable, with beautiful intense dark ripe fruit flavours, attractive spicy, herbal and smoky notes, backed by well balanced oak, making an integrated wine that is not over-powering. A wine for South African and Northern Rhône fans too.  

Mediterranean Léoube Gin, £50 Daylesford Organics

Gin has remained incredibly popular in 2021 with the recently released Mediterranean Léoube Gin showcasing why the UK loves Gin so much. Known for their stunning Provence rosés, Léoube have introduced this spirited new addition, which is distilled with olives and wild Mediterranean botanicals. Try a little neat and as a gin and tonic, where you can pick these fabulous botanicals. Léoube recommend a range of lovely seasonal Mediterranean Léoube Gin cocktails too including Autumnal Gin Cocktail⁠.

The Wine Tipster’s recent pieces for The Jockey Club are full of Festive Wines and Christmas Cocktails which are great for seeing the new year too.

However you choose to celebrate, The Wine Tipster wishes you a very Happy New Year and a great 2022. Cheers!

It’s the most wine-derful time of the year and The Wine Tipster is armed with bottle recommendations to make your seasonal celebrations go off with a bang, or maybe a pop. With options for a tipple on Christmas Eve, right through to drinks to accompany the Boxing Day leftovers, there is something for everyone here and all are under £?. He’s made his list, he’s checked it twice, it’s time to find out which wines are nice!

Christmas Eve

A magical evening of log fires and mince pies calls for a warming glass of something, and The Wine Tipster is excited to try the Mediterranean Léoube Gin (Daylesford Organics £50). Known for their stunning Provence rosés, this new addition to the Léoube family is a wonderful treat at Christmas, distilled with olives and wild Mediterranean botanicals. A Winter Cocktail is perfect for sipping by a roaring fire and captures the magic of advent. To make your own:

• Place ice in a serving glass to chill it
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Shake together 40ml Mediterranean Gin by Léoube, 100ml organic almond milk, 5ml orange flower water, 5ml maple or cinnamon syrup
• Discard the ice from the serving glass and double strain the cocktail into it
• Try it hot – heat it gently on the hob after straining it

Christmas Morning

The excitement of Christmas Morning means all rules are out of the window. The perfect serve for Christmas morning is the Bottega Pink Gold Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato Brut 2019/2020 (Ocado £25.99 down to £21.99). This award-winning Prosecco DOC Rosé is elegant, truly memorable with soft fruit flavours of cherries and raspberries. It’s sure to get the day off to a cracking start.

Christmas Lunch or Dinner

Whether you have your Christmas meal at lunch or dinner, a bottle of Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2020, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (VINVM £12.65) is the perfect accompaniment. Argentinian Malbec has rightly become very popular, and yet you need to study the form in terms of discovering the high quality, complex and beautifully balanced wines like this Estate Malbec from Doña Paula from the Uco Valley, where some of Argentina’s great red wines are produced. This wine has ripe black and red fruit flavours, is full bodied, yet not overpowering and matches with beef, your turkey roast and vegetarian Christmas roast. 

For a festive white, the Louis Latour White Burgundy 2020, Burgundy, France (Waitrose £14.99 on offer £11.99) is wonderful. This Chardonnay has been a popular choice throughout 2021 and is a classic with soft, ripe citrus fruit flavours, and creamy texture. Lovely to enjoy as an aperitif and paired with seafood and fish dishes.

Christmas Cheeseboard

A Christmas cheeseboard after the Christmas meal is a must for The Wine Tipster and pairs beautifully with a port. Port is very popular during the Festive period and is a great match with a range of cheeses including stilton. The Quinta Do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Port 2015, Douro, Portugal (The Great Wine Co. £19.95) is a great option for any cheeseboard as the LBV style is the most popular port style. Quinta Do Crasto’s 2015 has beautiful dark fruit flavours, is full flavoured, with finesse and balance. This port is vegan friendly and bottled without fining and filtration so a light sediment may form in the bottle over time. Pour gently into a glass jug or decanter leaving the sediment in the bottle. 

Boxing Day

After a brisk walk, a bottle of Morgon Château de Pizay 2020 Beaujolais, France (Majestic £12.99 and £10.99 in a mixed case of six bottles) pairs well with a table full of leftovers. Gamay is such an underrated grape variety and this Morgon has lovely silky-smooth cherry and blackberry fruit character with friendly tannins. Perfect to enjoy on Boxing Day with turkey, stilton leek and celery tart, or on its own. 

For a white option, The Wine Tipster is a massive fan of the Gérard Bertrand wines and his Gris Blanc Gérard Bertrand 2020, Pays d’Oc, Roussillon, France (Strictly Wine £13.25 on offer £10.47) is outstanding. This is versatile, dry, and refreshing, with subtle red fruits which makes it great on its own, with fish and lightly spicy dishes. 

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However you are celebrating Christmas this year, The Wine Tipster wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheers!

Christmas is just around the corner and the highlight of the Jump Racing calendar is upon us at Sandown Park this weekend (3rd and 4th December). The Tingle Creek Festival is always a magical two days of high quality racing and is a great chance to spot your winners for the Cheltenham Festival next Spring. The Wine Tipster is excited to be presenting at Sandown this year in the fantastic award-winning Equus Restaurant where he will be talking food, drink and horse racing.

The Opening Day – Tingle Creek Friday 3rd December

Today’s 6 race card is a must watch from start to finish, with the Grade Two Winter Novices’ Hurdle headlining the day. The Wine Tipster is looking out for Mahler’s Promise, who is a superb jumper and has good course form in the 1.50 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. In the Grade Two Ballymore Winter Novices’ Hurdle at 2.25 Harper’s Brook, who was really impressive when winning a Novice Hurdle at Carlisle on seasonal debut, looks open to plenty of improvement, whilst in the 3.00 Handicap Chase One True King can strike for the inform Nigel Twiston-Davies team. In the final race of the day the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Mr Harp, off bottom weight, has been overlooked. He put in some good performances last season when winning at Uttoxeter and then running well at Warwick in a hot Handicap Hurdle. Mr Harp will come on plenty from his seasonal debut at Ffos Las.

Watch the racing on Racing TV and ITV4.

Tingle Creek Saturday 4th December

Saturday is a storming race day with two Grade One races on the card – The Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and The Tingle Creek Chase which is 1 mile 7 furlongs and 119 yards, has 13 fences, and 52 years of history. It is named in honour of the great National Hunt racehorse from the 1970s who won the Sandown Park Pattern Handicap Chase 3 times.

One of The Wine Tipster’s favourite racing moments of all time was the 2018 Tingle Creek Chase which was run in appalling conditions but Altior and Un De Sceaux raced heroically with Altior just taking the win. An emotionally charged day for all watching, here’s hoping to some more racing history moments at this year’s Tingle Creek.

Check out his Unibet Racing blog for selections and includes the top races from Aintree too.

Watch the racing on Racing TV and ITV4.

Celebrating In Style

Get ready for Christmas at the Tingle Creek Festival this year with hospitality and entertainment to get you in the festive spirit. Join The Wine Tipster in the Equus Restaurant for a stunning view of the racecourse and top quality hospitality.

It’s wine time, and the perfect accompaniment to the races, whether at home or at Sandown Park, is a glass of the wonderful Louis M Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 from Sonoma, California. This wine just shows how brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon from California can be, with intense dark fruit flavours and spicy and herbal notes (available from The Great Wine Co. £22).

Staying in California, the Bogle Chardonnay 2019, is a lovely balance of creamy and buttery flavours, with gentle oaky notes and attractive crisp acidity (also available from The Great Wine Co. £16.50).

For those of you looking for a glass of bubbly then try the Ruggeri Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Brut from Treviso in the Veneto region of North-East Italy. Their white Ruggeri Prosecco DOC Argeo Brut, Treviso also has a lovely freshness, with citrus fruit and good acidity too. Both available from the Great Wine Co. (Rosé £13.95, white £11.10 on offer).

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Here’s to another smashing Tingle Creek Festival – keep up with The Wine Tipster over the weekend via Social Media, and share how you’re celebrating the meeting. Cheers!

The November Meeting is back with a bang this year! Friday 12th-Sunday 14th November will be packed full of top-quality racing, hospitality, and entertainment for punters both at Cheltenham racecourse and at home. This is an unmissable event at the home of Jump Racing which The Wine Tipster is excited to present at. Here he shares his top hospitality tips and racing selections ahead of the weekend.

Racing

Countryside Day (Friday 12th) launches the meeting off in style with six outstanding races including Handicap Chase (1:45), The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeplechase (2:55), and The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Race (3:30).

Paddy Power Day (Saturday 13th) features seven exciting races including the biggest Jump racing fixture before Christmas: Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2:15). Last year, Coole Cody joined the historic list of Gold Cup winners, who will be joining them this year?

Finally, Family Fun Day (Sunday 14th) rounds off the meeting with top-quality entertainment all day alongside the last six thrilling races of The November. The highlight of the schedule is The Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (2:55).

Catch most of the weekend’s races on ITV and check out Race Replays for the action right after it’s happened. For all the information on the weekend’s schedule of races, download your Digital Racecard with The Jockey Club App.

Hospitality

The next question after which races to watch and who to back is where to watch them from? Cheltenham’s three enclosures each boast a unique racegoer experience with different hospitality options. The Best Mate Enclosure has a top class view of the Grandstand and course and a good selection of food outlets; The Tattersalls Enclosure gets you closer to the action of the Winner’s Enclosure and Winning Post as well as having great views from the Grandstand and top food options; and finally, The Club Enclosure will get you into all the food and drink outlets and racecourse areas for a truly premier Cheltenham experience.

This year’s food and drink options are second-to-none, with something to satisfy every racegoer from mobile catering units to luxury bars and restaurants. See below for a map of all the top attractions this meeting:

The Wine Tipster is especially excited about visiting The November Lounge over the weekend, and with its TV and bar, what more could he need! The wines on offer across the course are particularly special this year, and The Wine Tipster is looking forward to presenting on the wine list and the value of raceday hospitality in the Panoramic Restaurant and the Cheltenham Club on the top floor of The Princess Royal Stand.

In particular, the following wines really stand out from the wine list and are well worth a try if you are at the course or at home:

• Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyards Pinot Gris 2019, Sussex England – an aromatic and fruity white wine which is medium-bodied and smooth with plenty of fresh pear and citrus. Goes well with fish, goat’s cheese, and spice.
• Petaluma White Label Chardonnay 2019, Adelaide Hills, Australia – a rich and complex white wine with lovely creaminess and ripe melon on the palate. Goes well with risotto and smoked fish.
• St Hallett Faith Shiraz 2018, Barossa, Australia – a medium-bodied and spicy red with dark berry fruits and pepper and chocolate tones. Goes well with lamb, slow-cooked stews, and meat dishes.
• Catena Appellation Vista Flores Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina – a rich and complex red which is highly rated and full-bodied. Goes well with steak.
• Château Léoube Rosé de Léoube 2020, Côtes de Provence, France – a classy and elegant rosé with flavours of wild strawberries. Goes well with seafood and lighter dishes.

If you’re not at Cheltenham this weekend, you can still get in the racing spirit with a Glenfarclas cocktail (sponsors of the Cross Country Handicap Steeplechase). Why not try the delicious and easy to make 105 Mizu-Wari cocktail with 25ml Glenfarclas 105 and 150ml Soda water, served long with lots of ice and garnished with an orange slice.

Entertainment

The November Meeting is always packed with fun and exciting entertainment from music to family fun activities. This year is no different, with a spectacular range of features to enjoy. Countryside Day has a huge amount to offer, with a Gun Dog Display and Hound Parade, the ROR parade, an Air Display from the Bremont Great War Display Team, Kaleb Cooper from Clarkson’s Farm, and the return of the Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale. For more shopping opportunities, make your way to The Shopping Village with over 70 trade stands.

For great music, the Hipcats will be walking around bringing Jazz to every corner of the racecourse and in the Village, The Lucky 15’s are playing between races. After-racing entertainment across the three days will also include a DJ set from BBC Radio 1’s Chris Stark and The Chip Shop Boys.

Looking for some family fun? Sunday’s activities for all the family include a bouncy castle, inflatable fun, animals from St James City Farm, face painting, arts and crafts, pet balloons, and much more! Under 18s go free and 18-24 year olds get half price tickets, so why not make it a family day out to Cheltenham?

For more information on the weekend’s schedule of events, check out the November Meeting website here.

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The Wine Tipster wishes you the best November Meeting yet and hopes you enjoy the raceday hospitality experience. Share how you celebrate with him on Social Media, subscribe to his latest blogs here, and look out for his Unibet Racing blogs across the weekend. Cheers!

Tweets by TheWineTipster

Summer truly begins when the gates open on the first race of the Möet & Chandon July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. These three days of world-renowned racing and fashion are a must for any racing fan. Here, The Wine Tipster shares his advice for a memorable July Festival so read on for top quality wine recommendations, food pairings, celebration ideas and racing tips whether you are marking the festival at home or in person.

Thursday 8th July is Ladies Day

The Official Racecard will be available the day before each raceday so you won’t miss any of the top quality racing. On Thursday, The Wine Tipster is especially excited for the

Big Race Entries of the day will all be covered by Racing TV and include:

• 1.50 1m 5f (July) Bahrain Trophy Stakes (Group 3) (3yo) ITV3
• 2.25 6f (July) Tattersalls July Stakes (Group 2) (2yo Colts & Geldings)
• 3:35 1m4f (July) Princess Of Wales’s Tattersalls Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV3

To make the most out of your day at the races, download the free Jockey Club App to access mobile tickets, exclusive content, competitions and the chance to win prizes in the Raceday 5 Game.

Alongside the breath-taking racing, the racecourse becomes a catwalk of the best style and fashion of punters. The Style Awards celebrates the bold and the elegant outfits of you and your friends and family, and is the chance for you to win an amazing array of prizes. Show off your creativity and originality at the Style Marquee in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure to enter. Good luck!

Friday 9th July is Gentleman’s Day

Big Race Entries of the day will all be covered by Racing TV and include:

• 2.25 6f (July) Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (2yo Fillies) ITV3
• 3:00 1m6f (July) Trophy (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (4yo+) ITV3
• 3:35 1m (July) Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV

When you’re not focused on the races, the hospitality available at racecourses is always second to none. This industry is coming back with a passion after the pandemic, with exciting and innovative cuisine gracing the enclosures this year.

This year, The Wine Tipster will be presenting in the Summer House Restaurant in the Premier Enclosure. This restaurant is a tasteful retreat from the busy raceday, and features an exquisite menu from the Executive Chef, Damian Adams. Having worked together for many years, The Wine Tipster admires Damian’s passion for food and his ingenious modern twists on traditional dishes. Don’t miss The Wine Tipster in action at the Summer House Restaurant!

If you’re looking for a walk-in hospitality experience at Newmarket, Mozart’s Bistro is an open-air restaurant with impressive lunch options that are quick enough to get you straight back out into the action. This year’s menu features some great bites from the sea and the grill as well as vegan options, created by Head Chef Damian Adams.

Saturday 10th July is Darley July Cup Day

The Darley July Cup is one of the most valuable and prestigious Group 1 sprint races in the world. Winners are known as the best sprinter in Europe so this day really isn’t one to miss. The July Cup was first run in 1876 and has a reputation as one of the most stylish events of the horse-racing calendar. The roll call of previous July Cup winners is so impressive and worth checking out before watching this year’s horses making history in the day’s top races:

Big Race Entries of the day will all be covered by Racing TV and include:

• 3.15 7f (July) Superlative Stakes (Group 2) (2yo)
• 3:50 7f (July) Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+) ITV
• 4:25 6f (July) Darley July Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV

The July Festival At Home

If you haven’t got a ticket this year or are still enjoying sports from home you can still be a part of the action of the July Festival. You can watch the races on ITV Racing and Racing TV, and don’t worry about missing a thing because Racing Replays are available 20 minutes after the winner crosses the line!

If you’re celebrating virtually with friends and family, why not download a July Festival Virtual Background and relive all the great action from the meeting!

Fizz is a must for the Möet & Chandon July Festival, and The Wine Tipster’s top fizz favourites should see you through the meeting. Although fizz is a celebratory drink, it can be a lot more accessible, affordable and available than you might think.

Champagne, of course, is a must for the July Festival, and what else but a bottle of Möet & Chandon Impérial, the house’s iconic champagne. This wine’s elegant maturity and bright fruitiness have made it a classic since its creation in 1869. This is a timeless wine which works on its own to celebrate the big wins, or as a pairing with sushi, a creamy or rich dish, or seafood platter.

For a touch of pink, the Möet & Chandon Rosé Impérial is another classic for any raceday. With juicy berries and peaches on the palate, this is a lively bottle you won’t be able to resist with a colourful summer salad, lightly grilled steak or a shellfish bisque.

Treat yourself to a Champagne Cocktail this Newmarket. The Wine Tipster will be trying out the Golden Hour from Möet & Chandon. This fruity cocktail is inspired by the delicate scents that float on the air at sunset. Here’s how to make one:

• Cut 1 strawberry, 2 raspberries and 3 blueberries and add to a large glass. Gently press them with the back of a spoon
• Add 10ml Creme de Peche Liqueur and 5ml Maraschino Liqueur
• Top up with 75ml Möet & Chandon Brut Impérial, stir and add ice
• Garnish with a sprig or two of mint and some extra berries

Balfour Chardonnay Ortega 2020 Hush Heath Estate, Kent, England (£13 Marks & Spencer) is a Group 1 dry, elegant blend of Chardonnay and Ortega. The 2020 vintage is the best yet and a must try this July Festival.

Fonte do Nico Adega de Pegões Rosé 2020, Portugal (Waitrose £7.99 on offer to £5.99). This is incredible value at £7.99 and on offer too! Beautiful, light, rosé bursting with summer fruits. Portugal does it again.

Beaujolais Village Louis Tete 2020, Beaujolais, France (£12.50 with Multibuy £11.25 The Great Wine Co). Vibrant, fruity summer red that can be served lightly chilled. Beaujolais is so underrated and The Wine Tipster has been a fan of the Louis Tete wines for years.

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A quintessential summer picnic is top of the list for The Wine Tipster this July Festival. He can’t wait to shop local for scones, strawberries and salad to accompany Frazer Wilson’s, Culinary Director of The Jockey Club, perfect Pressed Picnic Sandwich. The Jockey Club website is also full of delicious recipes to elevate your picnic to the next level!

Now it wouldn’t be Newmarket without some famous Powters Sausages. The Newmarket recipe dates back to the 1881 and has stayed in the family ever since. The distinctly peppery taste of the sausage and its award-winning quality saw it recognised with EU Protection in 2012. This means only three local companies can produce official Newmarket Sausages! Get your hands on some here to really bring Newmarket home with you.

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Share how you’re celebrating the Newmarket Möet & Chandon July Festival with The Wine Tipster on Social Media, and follow him for daily updates and Unibet Racing blogs, and subscribe to get his next blog straight to your inbox. Cheers!

As we approach Midsummer’s Day, Royal Ascot arrives in style on the 15th-19th June. A pinnacle of British horseracing, Royal Ascot is synonymous with style, prestige and, of course, Her Majesty The Queen. Whether you are celebrating At Home or In Person, The Wine Tipster has all the tips and tricks for making this year’s Royal Ascot unforgettable.

Since the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807, Royal Ascot has stormed into the history books as Britain’s most valuable race meeting where the world’s finest talent competes for over £7 million of prize money. Each of the five days are opened by a Royal Procession, a tradition started by King George IV and which continues to this day.

This year, The Wine Tipster is especially excited for the top races on all five days of the meeting:

Tuesday 15th June

• 2:30 Queen Anne Stakes Group 1, 1m, 4yo+, ITV
• 3.05 Coventry Stakes Group 2, 6f, 2yo ITV
• 3:40 The King’s Stand Stakes Group 1, 1m, 3yo+, ITV
• 4:20 The St James’ Palace Stakes Group 1, 1m, 3yo colts, ITV4
• 5:00 Ascot Stakes Handicap, Class 2, 2m3f, 4yo+, ITV4
• 5:35 Wolferton Stakes, Listed Race, Class 1, 1m1f, 4yo+, ITV4
• 6:10 Copper Horse Stakes Handicap, Class 2, 1m6f, 4yo+, ITV4

Wednesday 16th June

• 2:30 Queen Mary Stakes Group 2, 5f, 2yo, ITV
• 3:05 Queen’s Vase Group 2, 1m6f, 3yo, ITV
• 3:40 Duke of Cambridge Stakes Group 2, 1m, 4yo+ fillies and mares, ITV
• 4:20 The Prince of Wales’ Stakes Group 1, 1m2f, 4yo+, ITV
• 5:00 Royal Hunt Cup, Heritage Handicap, 1m, 3yo+, ITV
• 5:35 Windsor Castle Stakes Listed Race, 5f, 2yo, ITV
• 6:10 Kensington Palace Stakes Heritage Handicap, 1m, 4yo+ ITV4

Thursday 17th June

• 2:30 Norfolk Stakes Group 2, 5f, 2yo, ITV4
• 3:05 Hampton Court Stakes Group 3, 1m2f, 3yo, ITV4
• 3:40 Ribblesdale Stakes Group 2, 1m4f, 3yo fillies, ITV4
• 4:15 Ascot Gold Cup Group 1, 2m4f, 4yo+, ITV
• 5:00 Britannia Stakes Heritage Handicap, 1m, 3yo colts and geldings, ITV4
• 5:35 King George V Stakes Handicap, 1m4f, 3yo, ITV4
• 6:10 Buckingham Palace Stakes Handicap, 7f, 3yo+, ITV4

Friday 18th June

• 2:30 Albany Stakes Group 3, 6f, 2yo fillies, ITV
• 3:05 King Edward VII Stakes Group 2, 1m4f, 3yo colts and geldings, ITV
• 3:40 Commonwealth Cup Group 1, 6f, 3yo colts and fillies, ITV
• 4:20 Coronation Stakes Group 1, 1m, 3yo fillies, ITV
• 5:00 Sandringham Stakes Handicap, 1m, 3yo fillies, ITV
• 5:35 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap, 1m4f 3yo+, ITV
• 6:10 Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes Handicap, 5f, 3yo, ITV4

Saturday 19th June

• 2:30 Chesham Stakes Listed Race, 7f, 2yo, ITV
• 3:05 Jersey Stakes Group 3, 7f, 3yo, ITV
• 3:40 Hardwicke Stakes Group 2, 1m4f, 4yo+, ITV
• 4:20 Diamond Jubilee Stakes Group 1, 6f, 4yo+, ITV4
• 5:00 Wokingham Stakes Heritage Handicap, 6f, 3yo+, ITV4
• 5:35 Golden Gates Stakes Handicap, 1m2f, 3yo, ITV4
• 6:10 Queen Alexandra Stakes 2m6f, 4yo+, ITV4

To get your bets in, look out for The Wine Tipster’s Unibet Racing blogs for each day of the meeting.

At Ascot

Hospitality is a huge part of the raceday experience, and Ascot typically sees more than 6500 temporary staff join the team to provide the top quality service punters come for. For those on the course this year, you are spoiled for choice with the 5 magnificent fine dining experiences available. Managing Director of 1711 by Ascot, Jonathan Parker, can’t wait to welcome diners back for a memorable Ascot experience. This year, for the special return to racing, there is a Michelin-star studded array of chefs offering the finest gastronomic experiences for the Royal Meeting.

Two Michelin-star chef and Ascot regular, Raymond Blanc OBE will once again be in the Panoramic Restaurant in the Royal Enclosure. His 2021 menu showcases the best of British produce.

For a third year, five Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan will once again be bringing his impeccable standards and sustainability practices to the course. His innovative and delicious menu will be available in the award-winning ON 5 in the Queen Anne Enclosure.

For a brand new dining experience this year, Ollie Dabbous will provide racegoers in The Wolferton on the Trackside Lawns of the Queen Anne Enclosure with an interactive private table experience for a memorable Ascot.

Especially for the 2021 meeting, Rick Stein’s classic summer seafood dishes will make their Ascot debut. This is set to be another spectacular Royal Ascot.

Heralded as the home of raceday elegance, the chance for racegoers to dress to the nines is too exciting an opportunity to pass. The Royal Ascot style guide is a must whether at Ascot or At Home. This year’s 10th Anniversary Royal Ascot Style Guide also celebrates sustainability and the art of conscious shopping as it launches for 2021 in association with Swiss watch brand Longines. In association with Fenwick, the Official Royal Ascot Millinery Sponsor, the 2021 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective is full of high fashion inspiration.

Don’t forget to check the dress code for each enclosure.

At Home

This year, the total maximum capacity for racegoers on all racecourses is 4000 per day, so many will still be celebrating at home. To make life easier, The Royal Ascot Celebration Pack is the perfect way to make celebrating Ascot At Home easy and fun for up to 4 people. Buy yours here in time for the meeting. Check out the Ascot Shop to kit you and your families out with Ascot souvenirs for this and years to come!

You don’t have to miss out on the elegance and style of Ascot while at home, thanks to the Royal Ascot style guide packed full of inspiration for the track or at home. Why not try making your own hat with expert guidance from milliner Awon Golding.

Entertain children (or keen adults) with the Royal Ascot Children’s Activities downloads, and the Royal Ascot History Bingo is a fun way to learn about this momentous meeting.

Over 13,000 flowers are grown each year to ensure the racecourse is fit for royalty. The Royal Ascot Garden Guide has top tips for how to achieve exquisite blooms such as The Queen Anne Rose and how to create beautiful hanging baskets. The Queen Anne Rose was named to celebrate the tercentenary of Ascot Racecourse founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and are now planted all along the track in front of the Grandstand.

Put the fine into fine dining at home thanks to Ascot’s afternoon tea and picnic hampers (from £89.50). Their great selection of traditional afternoon tea and picnic hampers, as well as cocktail boxes, are available to pre-order for nationwide delivery and will be delivered in fully sustainable cardboard containers or premium, Royal Ascot wicker hampers. This can be a guilt-free treat as £5 for each two-person hamper sold and £10 for each six-person hamper sold will be donated to The Tri-Forces charities.

This year, Moët & Chandon’s 10 delicious afternoon tea recipes are also available to download here, provided by Ascot’s Culinary Director Ben Dutson and Executive Chef Gemma Amor who do amazing work across the whole racecourse to make sure every dining experience is to the highest of standards.

To create your own Fine Dining experience at home, 10 recipes from Raymond Blanc OBE and Ben Dutson, Ascot’s Culinary Director, are compiled in the great Royal Ascot Food and Drink Guide. The Wine Tipster is especially excited to make the delicious Coronation Chicken with the Plant-Based Gnocchi with Carrot-Top Pesto and Prosociano.

For the perfect cocktail to accompany Royal Ascot, take your pick from the Food and Drink Guide‘s impressive cocktail selection, developed with Pernod Ricard, Official Spirits of Royal Ascot. The Wine Tipster can’t wait to pair a refreshing Lillet Summer Spritz or Royal Ascot Blush with the summery gnocchi.

On to the wine, and the Ascot Wine Club is stocked full of The Wine Tipster’s favourites, such as the ‘Gris Blanc’, Gérard Bertrand, Pays d’Oc, France 2020, Gavi del Commune di Gavi ‘Fossili’, San Silvestro, Italy 2019 and Malbec, ‘Estate’, Doña Paula, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2018.

The Wine Tipster also loves the following bottles for Royal Ascot at Home:

The Wine Tipster hopes that whether you are celebrating Royal Ascot 2021 in person or at home that you have a most wonderful week and some wins! Look out for his Unibet Blog  for tips, and follow him on social media for updates. For blogs straight into your inbox, subscribe here.

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The Epsom Derby Festival is a chance to see three-year old horses make history with the two classics the Oaks and the Derby. With its strict age restrictions, this really is an exciting meeting where horses must demonstrate speed, stamina and good balance on one of the steepest courses in the country. Whether you have secured a coveted Derby ticket or are making your front room an exclusive enclosure, you will undoubtedly witness history being written before your eyes. Let The Wine Tipster guide you through his tips for the Cazoo Derby Festival.

Legend has it that the 12th Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury spun a coin as to whether the race should be called the Derby Stakes or the Bunbury Stakes. Nearly 250 years later, we are still celebrating this impressive meeting of the finest three year old colts and fillies.

Both days offer the highest quality of racing. On Oaks Day the Coronation Cup (Group 1) and Cazoo Oaks (Group 1) headline a quality card. In this year’s Coronation Cup Al Aasy is deservedly favourite after looking so impressive last time out at Newbury, whilst in the Cazoo Oaks the Aidan O’ Brien trained Santa Barbara will be make significant progress after her fourth in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Derby Day’s Cazoo Derby (Group 1) is a fascinating renewal this year with Aidan O’Brien surprising everyone with one runner only with favourite Bolshoi Ballet, who looked so dominate in his Derby Trial at Leopardstown. John Leeper, named after John Dunlop, would be a poignant winner for his son Ed Dunlop, with Frankie Dettori now in the plate. Mohaafeth looks a raw talent, who has impressed on his last two starts at Newmarket, although he has to show he can make the step up here in this Group 1.

The Wine Tipster is excited to be at Epsom Downs for this return to spectator racing with crowds of 4,000 each day. On Thursday, the final preparation day, it was great to be on course and see lots of hospitality colleagues too.

Catch all the races on ITV Racing and RacingTV. If you missed any of the action, Racing Replays are available here. For all his Epsom Derby tips, keep up with The Wine Tipster’s Unibet Racing Blog here.

Derby Hospitality

Alongside the finest racing talent, Epsom is synonymous with outstanding hospitality. With over 400 people working across the racecourse in hospitality, this meeting really is a chance to celebrate this wonderful industry. For those lucky few with a Derby ticket, make sure to plan your day including downloading The Jockey Club App. All food at onsite hospitality venues will be ordered through this.

The Wine Tipster’s personal hospitality favourite is Chez Roux at the Blue Riband Restaurant, which is always an exquisite fine dining experience. The panoramic views overlooking the Parade Ring, Winner’s Enclosure and the Winning Post, alongside the wondrous offerings of the Roux family, make for a memorable Epsom experience. Look out for The Wine Tipster and Michel Roux Jr on ITV this weekend.

Epsom Chef Rhys Owen is also a huge part of the raceday hospitality, providing superb food across the hospitality venues.

Many of the venues offer an afternoon tea which is easily replicated at home with some top quality scones, cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches and lots of strawberries.

Wines Fit For The Derby

On offer across the racecourse is the Moët & Chandon 2012 Grand Vintage Brut, Champagne, France (Around £50 – £55 Majestic, Ocado, other retailers). This a brilliant vintage and such a great style which would be perfect for an afternoon tea at home as well as on the course. A wonderful limited edition cocktail featuring Moët & Chandon Rosé is The Strongman’s Little Rituals. This labour-intensive cocktail includes a rich, creamy custard made with Glenmorangie 10yo Whiskey, mixed with Rhubarb Wine, Moët & Chandon Rosé and Soda. To get your taste-buds around this amazing concoction, order it pre-made here (£12.50).

For a top fizz from closer to home, the Coates & Seely Brut Reserve NV, Hampshire (£32.95 Coates & Seely online and Lea Sandeman) is an impressive option. Brut Reserve is a very stylish blend of mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with 10% Pinot Meunier that makes for a deep and and complex English fizz. Coates & Seely as they are currently expanding their 30 acres of vineyards so it’s an exciting time to enjoy a bottle!

If Rosé is your tipple of choice then you’re in luck as the release of Prosecco DOC Rosé late last year means we can now enjoy high quality bubbles in a refreshing pink style. Why not try the La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato (£8.99 from Majestic, Waitrose and £12.99 from Ocado) which is a perfect dry example of this innovative wine. Fresh and fun, this pairs beautifully with summer food like salads and berry desserts.

On to the still wines now. If you’re looking for an affordable accompaniment to the Derby then the Castellore Pecorino 2020, Italy (£5.99 from Aldi) is a new favourite of The Wine Tipster. Its citrus and floral aromas make this a great value white for seafood and summer salad dishes.

Another impressive value wine from Aldi: the Bowler & Brolly English Rosé Cuvée 2020, Surrey, England (£8.99 Aldi) is a wonderfully vibrant rosé with summer fruits and crisp acidity, making it a go-to choice for any weekend.

Finally, the Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Villages 2019 (now £7.49 in Waitrose) really is a must-try red. Full of ripe summer berry aromas and rich spice and notes make this a classic Rhône.

Soft drinks don’t have to be boring! Luscombe have an impressive range of fruity and fun still and sparkling drinks and tonic, which work well with slices of fruit and ice or with a splash of Racing Gin (£37.99).

Celebrating At Home

After a year of At Home racing, many of us have come up with some exciting ways to bring the buzz of the racecourse to our front rooms. Last year’s Derby celebrations were no exception, and are a great source of inspiration for this year’s Festival.

The Garden Party activity pack from The Jockey Club is also packed full of recipes, bunting, games, selfie props and fun for a memorable Derby. In particular, The Wine Tipster is looking forward to making Homemade Lemonade and the famous Derby Spritz Cocktail. To make this, fill a large glass with ice. Adding 50ml Pink Gin and 50ml Lemonade. Top up with 25ml Prosecco DOC and a splash of lemon juice before garnishing with halved strawberries and enjoying!

Finally, whether you’re dressing up at home or in person, you may be looking for some style inspiration, but look no further as ideas for your finest, most stylish outfit are here.

The Wine Tipster hopes that whether you are celebrating The Epsom Cazoo Derby Festival 2021 in person or at home that you have a most wonderful weekend and some wins! Look out for his Unibet Blog on Saturday for tips and follow him on social media for updates. For blogs straight into your inbox, subscribe here.

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We are all looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend and some brighter weather. As well as enjoying wines at home, with the reopening of hospitality, this is also a great chance to celebrate the wonderful diversity of wines at your favourite pub, bar, hotel or restaurant. Read on for The Wine Tipster’s 8 recent favourite wines as shared across his Twitter and Instagram accounts over the past few months. Don’t forget to follow for live tips and recommendations!

Simpsons Wine Estate Chardonnay 2020 from Barham, Canterbury, Kent is a lovely Chardonnay stylishly crafted by Ruth and Charles Simpson. English wine is booming at the moment, and this impressive bottle is no exception. Available from Waitrose (£14.99).

Albariño Madurado 2019 Rias Baixas from Viña Lareira, Spain is packed with intense fruit flavours. The smooth texture and balance make it a wonderful drinking experience, and its attractive dry finish result in a great Albariño to shout about! Available from Waitrose (£11.99)

Having celebrated International Sauvignon Blanc Day this May, Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Awatere Valley, Marlborough is a must try. This is the perfect Sauvignon Blanc to pair with food such as sea bass or even fish and chips as the crisp acidity, freshness and beautiful fruit flavours make it a classic for The Wine Tipster. Available from Waitrose (£11.59).

One of The Wine Tipster’s favourite grape varieties is Mourvèdre, especially from the Bandol appellation. A firm favourite of The Wine Tipster is this Bandol 2015 Dedicace Henri Fabre, made from 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. This wine ages beautifully, yet is so impressive now and benefits from being decanted. Available from The Oxford Wine Company (£22.95)

A great value red The Wine Tipster has enjoyed recently is the Altano Douro 2019 Organic from the Douro, made by the Symingtons. Organic wine is an important advance in the industry which has great results with this full-bodied and versatile bottle. Available from Waitrose (£10.99).

The team at Chapel Down make exceptional English wine, and the Bacchus 2019, Kent is a great choice. It has wonderful fruit aromas of green apples and grapefruit, with satisfying citrus and tropical tasting notes. Another great bottle for fish dishes, this really is England’s Sauvignon Blanc! Available from Waitrose (£11.19).

A tried and tested favourite rosé of The Wine Tipster’s is the Côtes de Provence Château Léoube ‘Love by Léoube’ Organic Rosé 2019. With a beautiful delicacy that is classic of the dry Provence rosé style, this is a classy organic bottle from Daylesford (£15.99).

Finally, the crisp white Burgundy Mâcon-Azé 2019 from Louis Jadot has a flinty finish that is perfect for roast chicken. Available from Waitrose (£12.99).

Share your recent favourites with The Wine Tipster on Social Media, and let him know how you’ve been celebrating International Wine Day! Cheers!

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