Amelia's

This Monday morning I am trying to channel the excitement Ivy experienced upon tasting her first bite of ice cream.
When my father’s away….. 😉

And that is not even half of the ice cream haul from my parents freezer 😂😂😂

Happy Monday all! And if you can’t stay warm, just adjust to the cooler climes with ice cream!!

A Picture of me giddy with delight in Mendocino wine country accompanied by the ‘Poem in which I practice Happiness’ by Joe Dunthorne

It’s been a slow online start for me in 2023 and a rather uncharacteristically relaxed engagement with the year ahead.

Whether you define it as ‘micro joys’ (courtesy of Sunday Times); or simply living in the present, this year I am definitely focusing on:

listening to my gut more, being fully conscious about what/ who gives me joy and to never be afraid of taking up space. This also ties into not being apologetic for being authentically me.

My sister gave me this poem at the end of 2021… It is still a poem I go back to as a little life enhancer. The childlike joy and curiosity which it evokes is something I want to carry with me for whatever 2023 has in store. I also hope it gives you a smile or fantastical mental image this Monday morning.

Cheers to finding love and appreciation in all of the little things as most of the time they are actually the big affirming things. And when the sun eventually arrives in this country, I definitely would like to celebrate with a tray of drinks!


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That’s the father–daughter recording wrapped… now just the presents….😬

Definitely a work highlight was being able to collaborate with my biggest cheerleader and also the person who weaned me on wine from 6 years old… my waistcoat / cravat clad father!

Next year I will be launching a podcast highlighting all the varied conversations one can have Through Wine!

It therefore only makes sense to have my father as my first guest. He enlightened me to the vinous world but even more importantly, he made me appreciate just how powerful wine and food can be in regards to human connection.

Cheers to wine ( or your preferred indulgence) and connection this festive season! Christmas time is always crazy but I hope that it is also a time for reunions, affirmative conversations and life enhancing get togethers.

Always a December highlight for me - doing the top supermarket wines for Christmas with SheerLuxe] !

Sadly I had to leave my Christmas onesie at home . It didn’t feel quite on brand 😂
But these wine options very much are! A fun versatile range of highstreet hedonism for any Christmas scenario..:

Please watch the video via the link in my story or the Linktree link in my bio!

And if you don’t have time for that, please scroll down for the wine info. Just in time for the weekend shopping!

Cheers and Happy Friday! And also a huge super thank you to the SheerLuxe] team for having me back…. Luckily they now know what they are in for 😉

Sparkling

Cremant de Alsace Bestheim 2017 £24.00 Oddbins]

Waitrose] Blanc de Noir £22.99

I wanted to include Champagne Premier 2015 £20 - but it didn’t make it in time!

White

Famille Bougrier Pure Vallee Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Oddbins] £10.00

Katherine’s Vineyard Cambria Chardonnay Majestic Wine] £27.99

Rosé

Tommasi Le Fornaci Rosé Majestic Wine] £15.99

Red

Lost and Found Frapatto Waitrose] £8.99
Medic Bordeaux Rouge
Baccolo Appassimento Rosso Veneto 2020 £7.25

This Thanksgiving I wish you health, wealth and love
AND
also the time to enjoy them …..

Thank you @[1784140130610@vonstrunckel] for teaching me that new favourite blessing whjch seems especially pertinent this year.

To all my US friends and family, I hope that the next few days brings much merriment, much delicious food and wine and much delighting in the moment.

Cheers to Thanksgiving and its emphasis on being present.. physically and emotionally.

Now what will all of you be pouring into your glasses tonight?!

Everyone I have spoken to recently has been feeling fairly frenetic and frazzled!
I am definitely in that camp!

This Friday I am meditating upon calmer times earlier in the year, when I went away on a sunny holiday with my father. A much needed respite which restored the body and soul.

For anyone who is also feeling slightly overwhelmed, I hope that you can have a restorative weekend ahead. And to my American friends, bring on Thanksgiving already with plenty of food, friends, family and wine.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and affirmative end to the week. Happy Friday

Two of my favourite things: Music and Wine. But I need your help with the latter..

Here I am singing at the amazing winery in Southern France alongside my friend . We were soon joined onstage by – an esteemed wine peer who I really got to know over our mutual love of jazz.

Steven is sadly no longer with us but during this London jazz week, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my love of both crafts – wine and music.

Lots of people who work in wine are also keen musicians who may have thought about joining the music industry in the past. Some keep it going as a hobby and up until the last few years so did I.

I would work in wine Monday to Fridays and then sing in a Knightsbridge cocktail bar on Saturday evening. The euphoric high I would get; immersing myself in Etta James, Peggy Lee, Nina Simone , was incredible. The heightened connection you have with the intimate audience simply cannot be replicated in everyday life.

Sadly life did take over … The performances stopped and I only sung at a few weddings. BUT THIS IS WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP!

I have been saying to pestering family/ friends that I will take singing lessons and that I will organize another gig but I keep putting it off. I say I am too busy but really I know that I am actually quite nervous. Will I still have a voice? Do I still have the confidence of an innocent 24yr old who hadn’t experienced that much of the world and was still unscarred? Would it just be a bit sad?

And yet I know I need to do it!

So, I am asking for your help and support AND I make you my witnesses to this promise:
by the end of this week I will have booked in a singing lesson.
And…. I promise that I will do a gig next year…. Even if it just a teeny one in my parents garden!

I know that this is a bit of an offpiste post to write but I always love sharing my passions with you and I could really do with your help in keeping my love and engagement with music alive and fruitful. Thank you!

Music and connection is my Monday motivation today. What is yours?

Yes – it may be pouring – but why make your wine choices boring?
 
This weekend I purposely brought Rose to the brunch and dinner party I was invited to.
 
Why? During the dank, gloomy parts of the year what can look more appealing than shimmering pink in your glass? But also, I would argue, that it is the most food friendly style around and also SO reasonable in price due to its unappreciated status.
 
What Rose should you go for in winter? My immediate thoughts are either something which has been oak aged which gives it a more robust structure and greater complexity. Or Roses in a light red wine style such as grenache based Rosados from Spain.
 
Huge shout to my local independent for choosing an awesome option in each category.
 
The wine which I brought to a brunch: ‘Y by 11’ Minutes Rose made by for £21.00

Forget Chateau Garrus for 100 pounds, this is a super savvy oak aged Rose equivalent!
 
I adore the wines from this Veneto based winery and this is a fantastic blend ( Corvina, Trebbiano and Carmenere) that was fermented in oak. The oak provided a beautiful satiny texture and a long elegant finish which complemented the fresh peach, passionfruit and white blossom freshness beautifully.

The guests could not get over the beautiful bottle and it complemented the eggs, cheese, bacon and a charcuterie board perfectly!
 
The Dinner Party option: Almodi Petit Rosado from Altavines in Catalunya, Spain. £11.95
 
DO NOT get freaked out by the colour. It has the shade of strawberry laces but this wine is as dry as they come! This gorgeous Grenache based Rose brims with pink grapefruit and red berry flavours which burst with refreshing zip and brightness.

I was slightly nervous bringing this to the dinner as I had not tried it before and yet it paired beautifully with the steak and also the vanilla bundt cake dessert served with strawberries.

I still can’t believe the price tag… and yet, sadly I can understand it, as it is usual to confuse colour with sweetness.
 
So don’t be grapeist and brighten up these shortening days with fun, interesting and cost effective Roses!

The theme was: Dark Circus
Naturally I went as an untameable Cat who had eaten their Ringmaster.

And yes, that is a FINGER in my mouth and a circus Trainer’s whip in my hand. Not at all embarrassing going to pre party dinner at a restaurant where NO ONE was in fancy dress!!

But whether you celebrated over the weekend or will be celebrating TODAY, just wanted to wish you a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

And if you need some spooky Halloween wine and candy/ sweet pairings, just check out the post I did with the snickers bar. You won’t be disappointed!

A Creepy Cheers to everyone this Monday!

to my Top Halloween wine and food pairing and Possibly my fave dessert…

Dunking is thoroughly encouraged.

The salted caramel nuttiness of tawny port just elevates and enhances the chewy chocolate peanut panache of Snickers!

With Halloween less than a week away what candy / sweets and wine will you be treating yourself to next weekend?

I also highly recommend high acid Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc with anything sour or tropical fruit flavored.

Candy Corn is a bit of a mare - would love to know your thoughts. I have had it with a well balanced Chardonnay which was just creamy enough to complement the beeswax texture but had enough acidity for it not to be too cloying. It was right on the edge though.... harmony hanging by a single thread! Lol.

M and M’s / creamy chocolate I would recommend a fortified wine like Banyuls. You need that extra depth, viscous texture and residual sugar to compete. In my experience a merlot I tried was not fruity or plush enough which resulted in a dried out wine and sour chocolate. Epic fail!!!

So send me your reccs and Happy Thursday all! Cheers!

Ps Portuguese winemakers please don’t hate me. This is not a desecration of your wine / heritage. It just was seriously a dreamy combination and made me appreciate Tawny Port even more!

Frieze Frame

Pictured: A life enthusiast who refuses to conform to a black and white perspective of the world.

Not pictured: The sneaky paper cup of sparkling wine. Surely the lounge wine offering can only be enhanced by the art itself!

For today’s Monday Motivation I really want to do a huge shout out and thanks to YOU guys! Yes, you!

This weekend I candidly asked people who engage with my social media how they would describe my social media activity in 3 words. And also what they would like to see more of.

I am working on some new projects and ultimately it is meant to entertain and be helpful for you all. So thank you for the free market research.

Thank you also for the extremely kind words. I knew the weekend would be full of life enhancing art but your words added an extra brilliance. It also confirmed that the qualities which I Value when following my ‘wine compass’ are exactly what you appreciate too. Phew!!

So thank you for encouraging me to try new things, put myself out there but also for championing me on just being me. Who as we all know, does not fit neatly into a box. Wine Box or otherwise! 😉

Thank you and Happy Monday!

Photographer and dear friend:

Happy Fri - Yay to the USA!

To all my stateside friends - rejoice! You may not have much GB wine but you do have nationwide these absolutely delicious Bizzarro aperitivos!

Please can someone import them into the UK?!

Not only are they super cute to look at, they make the most easy and hedonistic cocktails.

For weekdays - go for the Bitter Apertivo with small batch Bengal tonic. A super refreshing yet headily bitter combo which is only 5% alc.

And for Fridays / weekends / whenever
I ADORE the Bizarro spritz which combines Bitter aperitivo, natural white wine and bubbles.

Picture a bitter Pimms/ Campari like concoction and you are there! But at 12% alc it’s not quite as lethal..

You can pour these over ice but I personally just love to sip straight from the can.

Thanks to , these beautiful bevvies are available in most states :

Bizzarro Tonic $22 / 4 pack
Bizzarro Spritz $27 / 4 pack

Ok, there you go, I have sorted your weekend drinking for you. Please do let me know what you think.

I am starting a petition to get them across the Atlantic ASAP!!!

Cheers!!

You can take the girl out of the UK
But her beach bag says it all 😂😂


Would love to see more GB wine over here. So far only very few wineries are represented and in only a sprinkling of States. And of course, only sparkling wine..

Excited to see more opportunities for UK wine to hit Stateside shores over the next few months. Even during turbulent times the US and the UK have always had a special relationship . It would be amazing to cheers to that with GB wine in the glass.

2022 is definitely a ‘new normal’ with all kinds of curve balls but I am optimistic to see what 2023 can bring in vinous form over the Atlantic.

If any US wine lover wants to know what is available Stateside - please message me below.

In the meantime watch this space….. And happy hump day!

A pic taken the last time I was in Chicago - March 2020

It turned out to be the last US trip I took for 2 years!!

It feels so wonderful to be back in this windy yet full of heart city. Not least because I can finally host / judge at the epic event !! It had to be postponed twice but in true hardened Chicago spirit it is taking place tonight with close to 400 spectators! Huge congrats for hanging in there - I am so excited to watch this SHOW / TASTING finally in action!!

If anyone wants to grab a last minute ticket then please check the link in bio!

Also if anyone has any reccs for me during my 4 day stay please do put them below. It’s wonderful seeing everything open and there is even sunshine!!

Cheers to throwbacks making you feel even more appreciative of the present!!!!

We share the same family name, wine palate and shaman…

Therefore who else could I do a huge shout to on International Grenache Day but amazing wine maker Angela Osbourne from A Tribute to Grace Wine Co.]] !!

I can honestly say it was Angela’s wines which made me truly appreciate the nuances and elegance of Grenache. I still remember the ‘eureka’ moment when I experienced the intoxicating perfume, pretty nuances and pure elegance which are displayed throughout her whole range.

It has taken them a while to hit the UK but I am delighted to say that some of her wines can be found Lea & Sandeman Wine Merchants] !!! Apparently the company was curious how the UK market would receive these single vineyard, 100% Grenache wines. And yet, they are flying off the shelf!! No longer are people viewing this grape as simply a work horse ingredient to shove into a big red blend.

I didn’t understand the comparison between Grenache and Pinot until I had tried Angela’s wines. I now haven’t looked back! If you love perfume, spice, succulent textures and a wine which just exudes ‘prettiness’ …. Yes that is a word?! 😬

Then check out A Tribute to Grace Wine Co.]] at Lea & Sandeman Wine Merchants] .

Cali friends - A Tribute to Grace Wine Co.]] can be found in LA and

Happy International Grenache Day everyone! You know what I will be drinking but which Grenache will you be opening later?!!!!

Ps - we need to make this our annual winery trip!!!

Yes!!! ‘The Drinking Woman’s Diet’ by has now become an online Liver Friendly Lifestyle Course! And all my followers get a fantastic discount!!

For £47 (usually £77) you will have access to a 7 week liver friendly lifestyle programme complete with online workshops and bonus videos including meditation classes as well as abdominal massages techniques! I love Wendy’s holistic approach combined with scientific facts and industry data!

As someone who struggles with stomach issues and who works full time in the wine industry, this book was a wonderful guide on how to be more of a discerning drinker. The online course enables It to go one step further in its comprehensive perspective on enjoying the most out of life - mentally and physically.

I could never do sober October! Instead I prefer the term ‘discerning drinking’ - being aware of how much I drink but also just really SAVOURING every sip. How one can still enjoy wine and food whilst maintaining ones health sounds like the perfect ‘back to school’ homework as chilly Autumn nights draw near!

Just type in earlybird47 in the voucher code - link to the course is in my bio! The offer is on until the end of September.
I hope this helps with the ‘back to school’ vibes!

Cheers to Wine and Wellness! They don’t have to be mutually exclusive!!

Can’t believe how much has happened since these publicity shots for were taken!

Matthew Goode

Today though it’s exciting to announce to our Aussie friends that Season 3 has finally hit their screens! Check out and for more info!

The HQ is in Portugal but lots of international trips, old and new faces. Not least Dominic West and my wine mentors and !!

It’s a packed 7 episodes which was beautifully executed but an extremely talented team. So great to see the hard work paying off!

Cheers and Happy Monday!

The one and only time I had the honour of meeting HR Elizabeth II RIP

I had just removed my fat suit but was still in my Nicely Nicely outfit from Guys and Dolls. The natural next step was to greet her with “How you doing?”.

She was completely game and chuckled away. In the few minutes we had together; talking musicals, the Edinburgh festival and the Arts, I was lucky enough to witness first hand how engaged, genuine and warm our Queen was. It was all I could do to stop myself from hugging her. But DON’T WORRY I managed to resist!

But you know what? I don’t think she would have minded. For as elegant, courteous and poised as she was, there was also something wonderfully matriarchal. A word which I keep seeing in descriptions of her. Another student even used the word, ‘grandmother like’.

Unwavering in her devotion and loyalty to her country and its people is how I saw her those 20 years ago. And that vision for me, and I think I can say the whole nation, has equally never wavered.

Thank you so much for everything Your Majesty. May you now rest in much deserved Peace. I’ll be raising a glass of Dubonnet tonight and I may even bet on my first ever horse race in your honour too!

1926 - 2022

In two weeks time I will be hosting and judging at !!
The most exciting wine spectator sport out there - not an oxymoron!

Picture America’s Got Talent meets Wine and you have this awesome spectator event where there is $20,000 to be won!

Spectators also have access to over 300 wines plus delicious food from top Chicago caterers. All for only $50!!

There are still some tickets left so please come and join the party! Link is in my bio.

Can’t wait to see YOU plus other fabulous hosts and judges

It’s going to be an epic night…… and I can’t wait to return to Chicago!!!! Yay!! 😍😍😍😍

Happy Labor Day weekend to all my American friends and family!

Sorry not to be able to celebrate with you but I truly appreciate the last month I had over there.

The last few years definitely tested my relationship with the States but this last trip reminded me that what makes a place are the people. And I do have such a wonderful community there.

What also makes a place wonderful are the restaurants and local wine. I will be doing a big post on my fave hot spots to eat and drink next week. But today I just wanted to do a shout out to my Yankee peeps. Thank you for helping me feel the best I have felt in a very long time.

On that note, Have a wonderful weekend celebrating and please let me know what wine y’all will be drinking.

Yes I said y’all….. Do you think I can get away with it in my accent?!! I will try anyway…..

’all

If you are curious/ already in love with Portugal - listen to this!

UK wine lovers - I hope portugal_the_simple_life] inspires you to drink Portuguese wine this Bank Holiday weekend!

Link in bio!!!
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Thank you so much for having me! It was wonderful to be able to articulate what Portugal means to me and what a revelation that has been in recent months.

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In this 45 min podcast and video we discuss amongst other things, how Portugal has over the years completely intoxicated me with the incredible food, safety, people, Art and time less quality. And, of course, wine. It definitely has been one of my fave countries to discover in recent years.

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To listen or watch ( beware of my emphatic hand gestures) - please check out the link in my bio!

And for Portugal lovers - please do subscribe to portugal_the_simple_life] podcast to receive more stories about living and moving to Portugal.

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Happy Listening and Saude!

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If you are curious/ already in love with Portugal - listen up!

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I hope you enjoy my conversation on what Portugal means to me on the portugal_the_simple_life] podcast! Thank you so much for having me!

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In this 45 min audio and video we discuss amongst other things, how Portugal has over the years completely intoxicated me with the incredible food, safety, people, Art and time less quality. And, of course, wine. It definitely has been my fave country to discover in recent years.

✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

To listen or watch ( beware of my emphatic hand gestures) - please check out the link in my bio!

And for Portugal lovers - please do subscribe to portugal_the_simple_life] podcast to receive more stories about living and moving to Portugal.

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Happy Listening and Saude!

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Las Vegas - April 2020

My work trip to Vegas today immediately had me thinking back to the last time when I was there.

It was at the start of the pandemic and the definition of ‘Ghost town’ didn’t even cut it. Empty streets, dried up fountains, dimmed lights .. The sense of desolation was palpable.

Even though the current times are far from easy, being able to reconnect with this once vibrant technicolour city makes me grateful of certain progress which has been made.

The lights of Vegas are giving me my Monday motivation today. Hope that you are able to find your equivalent xx

What a Monday morning!
My interview is now LIVE!
Link in bio.

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Thank you for capturing me so perfectly in prose - !

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And I loved your description of me as having ‘British humour with LA energy!’.
It was such a delight sharing my passion for all things wine and what the next chapter entails..

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It was also such a privilege to be featured on such an exciting and innovative wine platform. If you haven’t heard of them already - check out now. They truly understand how wine brings people together and how it connects to so many other things outside of the usual ‘wine bubble’. In short, these people are my kind of people and I can’t wait to meet up with them and have drinks together in real life!

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Until then though, their awesome content and fun weekly newsletters will have to suffice. It is such a pleasure to have been a feature in one of the latter!

Cheers guys! And happy Monday!

Picture of a Woman with Two of her favourite things. Books and Wine.

Photo credit: Her father.

As lots of you know, I love how wine so naturally connects to so many of my other interests in life.. and of course is the best connector with people.

Next week I can’t wait to share with you one of my favourite wine tastings where I was asked to pair with the psychological thriller of the summer ‘Sun Damage’ by the award winning author. .

Through wine we covered everything from the subversive nature of the psychological thriller genre, things we love to cook, dream getaways, failure of the foster care system, writing processes and so much much more.

I can’t wait to share this interview / tasting with everyone next week. But in the meantime go out and buy Sun Damage! You will devour it in 2 days so make sure you have a delicious vinous accompaniment for sustenance!!

Cheers guys and Happy Fri yay!! You know what your weekend homework is!

Crunchy Nut Cornflakes paired with delicious, biodynamically made, sparkling Vouvray.

You know at the end of day when you just want a glass of wine and a bowl of cereal? Well this hit the spot…

Yesterday I was asked what was the most surprising wine pairing I had experienced. I do off piste pairings on a fairly regular basis but this moment, during filming last week, immediately came to mind!

The pure apricot and baked apple fruit of the Chenin Blanc was infused seamlessly by the honey nut flakes. Picture a nutty fruit crumble which is then cleansed from your palate by soft, delicate bubbles. 😍😍

I hope Catherine and Pierre Breton don’t consider this sacrilegious. Rather, I hope this just shows just how versatile their beautiful Chenin is and how many different ways it can bring joy to someone’s day. It is called ‘Dilettante’ after all 😉

What has been a surprisingly delicious wine and food pairing for you?
Also, please do share any wine/ cereal inspo - I really want to make this a more widespread trend!! 😂😂😂