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This article is a companion piece to my earlier post on the top wines by value. While much of my website focuses on affordable wines and highlighting the best value options, this post takes a different approach. I regularly attend tastings focused on specific countries or appellations, not only to discover under-valued gems but also to calibrate my palate against top-tier wines. But what are the absolute best wines I’ve tasted, regardless of price? Perhaps you’re celebrating a one-off special occasion and want to experience something truly memorable. What should you go for in that case? Another way to frame…

This post is all about the best of the best when it comes to value in wine I have tasted recently. I have a separate page listing what I think are the best value wines overall, but this is a selection of those few that stand out even more. These are, in my view, the very best wines by value. Of course, this is a subjective space. My taste may not match yours. And wine evolves, so by the time you read this, some of these wines may have changed. That said, I will update this post over time. One…

Attending lots of supermarket wine tastings, you begin to notice patterns. One of the most notable trends of late is the rise and still growing success of own label wines. These are wines sold under a retailer’s branding rather than that of the original producer. But what’s behind this surge? And what does it mean for producers, retailers and us as consumers? Retailers like Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morissons and Majestic are upfront about their own label offerings. These wines are proudly integrated into the supermarket’s branding, think Waitrose No. 1 or Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, and often still reference the…

You might wonder why all the wines that I and others review seem to be either satisfactory or excellent, with none described as poor. After all, preventing someone buying a bad wine might be seen as important as choosing a good one. When I began posting wine reviews, it became clear that I needed to establish some guiding principles regarding negative evaluations. First of all, whether I encounter a wine at a tasting event, purchase it myself, or receive it as a sample, I treat it identically. This consistency is crucial in ensuring fairness and credibility. The decision to withhold…

Recent news that Berry Bros & Rudd is announcing a consultation over job cuts came as a surprise to me, given that luxury markets are typically the most protected from wider market difficulties. The new duty rates only represent a small increase for high-value wines and premium customers tend to be far less sensitive to belt-tightening than mass-market consumers. The company itself has cited global market conditions, high inflation and rising national insurance contributions as factors behind its decision. Although one might assume Berry Bros & Rudd and/or customers could absorb these challenges, ‘global market conditions’ can mask multiple underlying…

From 1 February 2025, the UK implements new alcohol duty rates, ushering in changes that will significantly impact both importers and consumers. With 30 different duty rates to navigate, the complexity of this system is daunting, particularly for importers. For consumers, the effects will be felt primarily in pricing and in some cases a change to wines. The first factor driving this change is the adjustment of alcohol duty rates in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation. On top of this, wines will be subject to a new sliding scale of duty meaning the higher the alcohol content,…

Many UK supermarkets frequently offer periods where all wines priced £5 or £6 and over are subject to a 25% discount. Historically, these promotions occurred only once a year, typically in Autumn to coincide with the release of new vintages. However, they now align with significant holiday periods throughout the year, providing regular opportunities to stock up on supermarket wine at reduced prices. If you usually buy from supermarkets, it is a good strategy to make most of your wine purchases during these sales, but it’s worth shopping around. Some discounts might not be as enticing as they seem, and…

Having immersed myself in tasting thousands of wines every year, I’ve come to realise just how dynamic and unpredictable wines really can be. At first glance, people rely heavily on ratings and reviews, believing them to be definitive guides. However, wine is not a static product. It evolves, sometimes subtly and sometimes dramatically, over time. It’s natural that most white wines oxidise and change over time, as their lighter structure and reliance on freshness make them more vulnerable to the effects of ageing and storage conditions. It’s also a given that a very small number of fine wines are deliberately…

Wine Unearthed invites you to a fun and educational Wine-Tasting Experience Day in London, held at Browns Covent Garden. You’ll sample 15 quality wines, enjoy a three-course food and wine-matching lunch, and learn how to taste wine like a professional in a relaxed setting, perfect for beginners and wine enthusiasts alike. Organised by Wine Unearthed, this event takes place on Saturday, 18 January 2025, from 11:00 to 16:00, priced at £125.

I prefer to manage a website as my main platform while most wine enthusiasts are concentrating on boosting their social media presence. I do use social media to share headlines, draw attention and message, but the bulk of my content stays firmly on my site. While gaining followers on social platforms is useful and even fun, it’s not my primary goal. You might think this approach is a bit old-school, but I see it as being more about thinking differently, controlling the narrative and planning for the unexpected. The truth is, social media posts can be quite fleeting. Posts are…

The Big London Christmas Wine Fest is set to take place at Lindley Hall from Friday, 22nd November to Saturday, 23rd November 2024. Hosted by wine experts Oz, Olly, and Tim, the event features a wide selection of over 600 wines from around the world for attendees to taste. Visitors will have the chance to explore various wine styles including red, white, rosé, sparkling, sweet and fortified. In addition to the main walk-around tasting, the event includes three themed masterclasses for those keen to deepen their wine knowledge. There will also be special show offers from exhibitors, making it a…

Devon Life is reporting that Stephen Barrett, the UK wine critic and restaurateur, has passed away at the age of 77. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen at many press wine tastings. He had a remarkable way with words that truly set him apart. I mentioned him in the Bordeaux Experience tasting where he described some of the wines as simply ‘mad’. It was a perfect example of his unique and vivid approach to capturing the essence of a wine. Photo: Stephen at a Wines of Rueda, Navarra and Toro tasting. We always had a great rapport, and whenever…

Co-op Members have the opportunity to save £5.00 when purchasing three bottles of wine. This offer includes a broad selection of wines and sparkling priced over £7. The promotion will be in effect from the 3rd to the 23rd of April 2024, inclusive. Examples of wines included in the deal are…Les Pionniers NV ChampagneThe Ned Sauvignon BlancMuriel Tempranillo RiojaCo-op Irresistible Casablanca Valley Pinot NoirCo-op Irresistible Prosecco RoséCo-op Irresistible Pinot GrigioCo-op Fairtrade RoséChateau Senejac Cru Bourgeois I particularly like the Les Pionniers NV Champagne which is one of my Picks.

The inaugural Dorset Wine Festival is set to dazzle wine aficionados and epicureans alike on the 5th and 6th of October 2024. Hosted within the historic grounds of Highcliffe Castle, this premier event promises an exploration of the globe’s most exquisite wines. Over 50 esteemed wine exhibitors will be making their way from every corner of the world, each bringing a slice of their unique viticulture and heritage to the heart of Dorset. But it’s not just the wine that will be drawing crowds. The festival is a celebration of culinary excellence, featuring a mouth-watering array of food from some…