A PASSION FOR WINE FROM HOW IT’S MADE TO HOW IT TASTES

Imbibe; sip; quaff; savour; consume. There are many ways to describe the act of drinking wine. But they should all mean only one thing: pure pleasure.  My approach to wine is exploring, experimenting and enjoying – from French classics to obscure Italian grapes to New World boutique wonders.

Bottle of Septima Malbe 2010 and two steaks from Argentina

Malbec and Me

Look, Argentinian Malbec, it's not you, it's me. I like you. I drink you. I'm just not THAT into you. But, hey, why don't we just keep it casual? With some steak. You never know...
A bottle of Ca' del Bosco Cuvee Prestige in front of a Christmas tree

Franciacorta’s Coming To Town

At least in my house it will be this Christmas. But don't expect the shelves to be groaning with it anytime soon.
Shop signs for Oddbins wine merchants

Something Old, Something New…

Oddbins is back, in some high streets at least. And it's stocking its stores with a diverse range of pocket-friendly wines.
Exterior sign to Cantina Terlan, a winery in Alto Adige, Italy

Wine Every Mountain

The Alpine foothills of Alto Adige are alive with the sound of vines producing grapes for some of the Italy's finest wines.
Leo Steen 2007 Chenin Blanc wine from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, CA

Let Me Tell You A Wine Story

Heard the one about the Danish ex-sommelier making Chenin Blanc in Sonoma? Then read on my friends, read on.
A pillar carving at Zidarich winery in the Carso, Friuli, Italy

Kings Of The Carso

Idiosyncratic, headstrong or masters at getting the best wine out of their land? Meet the dedicated producers of the Carso.
Bottles of Zinfandel at Ridge Lytton Springs winery , Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma

Take It To The Ridge

Its flagship wine beat a top Bordeaux, but Ridge Vineyards' Zinfandels are distinctly Californian in the very best way.
Russian River Winery Sign, Sonoma

Russian River Wine Roaming

Or what happens when you tear up the schedule because you adore wine - but you really, really fancy sitting by the pool.
Exterior of the Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg

Sonoma: A Wine Odyssey

There's only one way to kick off a trip to Sonoma, and that's dinner at the Dry Creek Kitchen with local wine for not-so-local food.
Entrance to Opus One winery in Napa

Where Every Grape Is Sacred

What do you get if money is no object? Opus One, that's what. I visit the hallowed Napa winery where each grape is hugged. Almost.
Chateau de Malle Sauternes

Friends With Benefits

No, not THOSE sorts of benefits. This is about fine wines. A good cellar. And friends who love to share its contents.
Sign in till saying "no sale"

My Two-Penneth On Cheap Wine

Race, religion and politics aside, nothing seems to divide the Brits more than wine - and how much you should spend on a bottle.

SipSwooshSpit on Twitter


  • Paola Tich@pc_wines came via @liberty_wines to my local independent. @SlurpWine stocks it too. Always looking for alternatives for SB-loving friends. - posted on 27/01/2012 18:25:47

  • Paola TichIf you like Sauvignon Blanc, try this alternative for approx £8 http://t.co/CNssrI4w you can get cheaper Cotes de Gascogne, but not as good. - posted on 27/01/2012 18:05:49

  • Paola Tich@Winerackd I love the fact you had a wine in mind for that exact amount. But I'm beginning to suspect you know everything. - posted on 27/01/2012 15:10:30

  • Paola TichWondering how to spend my mahoosive tax rebate http://t.co/NXDF81wO - posted on 27/01/2012 15:04:15

  • Paola Tich@BrandTaylor & I are discussing whether our Columbia Valley Semillon smells of ripe brie or warm farts (obvs. your own). Both, I'd say. - posted on 26/01/2012 22:22:43

  • Paola TichKeeping the #semillon theme after today's #aussiewines #ATT am now drinking this from Wash. State http://t.co/pv77OcAK glorious stinky nose - posted on 26/01/2012 22:16:43

  • Paola Tich@mrtomhux absolutely. - posted on 26/01/2012 17:59:23

  • Paola Tich@DharshiniSky Here's someone who's been going to McDonald's on our behalf http://t.co/lDcHxkZe - posted on 26/01/2012 17:06:00

  • Paola TichThrilled to taste Tower Estate 2010 Semillon after seeing the grapes for it crushed & pressed two years ago http://t.co/GHENH0DE #ATT - posted on 26/01/2012 16:22:53