Getting prepared for Christmas

Each glass of wine is a unique experience. From the swirl of the glass to the aroma that rises with each sip, every detail contributes to the enjoyment. One often-overlooked aspect of wine appreciation is the glass itself. The way you hold it and the type of glass you choose can significantly elevate your wine drinking experience. Hold with grace Start with how you hold your wine glass. Grasping it by the stem isn’t just about looking refined – it serves a practical purpose. Holding the bowl of the glass transfers heat from your hand to the wine, potentially altering its intended temperature and flavour profile. By holding the stem, you preserve the wine’s integrity while adding a touch of elegance to your presentation. Choose the right glass Not all wine glasses are created equal. The shape and size of the glass can enhance the wine’s aroma, flavour, and overall experience. Here are three tips to help you choose wisely. Match the glass to the wine Different wines have unique characteristics, and the right glass can highlight them beautifully. Sparkling wines, for instance, shine in tall, narrow flutes that help preserve their effervescence. Meanwhile, full-bodied reds benefit from wide bowls that allow the wine to breathe and develop its complex aromas. Mind the rim Trim of the glass affects how the wine flows onto your palate. A wider rim suits bold wines, offering a fuller taste experience. For delicate, aromatic wines, a narrower rim helps concentrate the bouquet, enhancing the sensory pleasure. Pairing with food The right glass can also complement your meal. A wide bowl is ideal for red wines paired with rich dishes like steak or pasta, allowing the wine’s aromas to mingle with the food’s flavours. This harmony between wine and cuisine creates a more immersive dining experience. Sip, savour, celebrate By paying attention to these details, you can transform a simple glass of wine into a moment of indulgence. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, the right glass and a mindful approach can make all the difference. So next time you pour a glass, remember – it’s not just about the wine – it’s about how you enjoy it. Cheers to enhancing every sip! Check out our latest blog to find out more.

Wine is more than just a drink – it’s a ritual, a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and connection. To truly appreciate wine, one must go beyond taste and aroma and embrace the art of pouring with precision and grace. This seemingly simple act can transform the entire experience, adding elegance and intentionality to every glass. Mastering the pour Mastering the pour begins with how you hold the bottle. Always grip it by the neck, not the body. This prevents fingerprints from smudging the label, preserving the bottle’s presentation – especially important when serving guests or showcasing a prized vintage. It’s a subtle gesture, but one that speaks volumes about your attention to detail. Next, focus on the pour itself. Wine should be poured slowly and steadily, allowing it to gently cascade into the glass. This not only minimizes splashing but also helps release the wine’s aromas, enhancing its bouquet. A controlled pour also ensures the right amount is served – typically about one-third of the glass – to allow room for swirling and aeration. Decanting For red wines, especially older vintages, consider decanting. Decanting allows the wine to breathe, softening tannins and unlocking deeper layers of flavour and complexity. It’s a graceful process that signals reverence for the wine and heightens anticipation for the tasting to come. These techniques aren’t just about aesthetics – they’re about respect. Respect for the wine, the winemaker, and the moment. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening alone, pouring with care elevates the experience from routine to ritual. Glass etiquette Once you’ve mastered the pour, the next step is understanding proper wine glass etiquette. From choosing the right glass shape to holding it correctly, every detail contributes to the enjoyment and appreciation of wine.  In the world of wine, grace and precision go hand in hand. By refining your pouring technique, you not only showcase your knowledge but also create a more immersive and memorable experience for yourself and others. So, the next time you uncork a bottle, take a moment to pour with intention – and savour the elegance in every drop.

There’s something undeniably sophisticated about serving wine with finesse. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening with friends, mastering the art of wine presentation elevates the entire experience. From how you hold the glass to the way you pour, every detail matters. Holding the wine glass correctly Let’s be honest – no one wants to be that person awkwardly clutching their wine glass like it’s a science experiment. The key to elegance is in the grip. Always hold your wine glass by the stem, using your thumb, index, and middle finger. This not only looks refined but also prevents your hand from warming the wine or leaving smudges on the bowl. The goal is to let the wine shine—visually and aromatically—without interference. Think of it like this: you’re not just holding a glass, you’re holding a moment. A swirl of flavour, a hint of aroma, a sip of sophistication. So, grip that stem with confidence and a touch of sass. You’ve got this. Pouring wine with precision and grace Now that you’ve nailed the hold, let’s talk about the pour. Pouring wine isn’t just about getting liquid into a glass – it’s a ritual. Tilt the glass slightly and pour slowly, allowing the wine to flow smoothly. This controlled pour helps the wine breathe, releasing its full bouquet of aromas and flavours. Precision in pouring also shows respect—for the wine and for your guests. It’s a subtle way of saying: “I care about this experience.” Avoid overfilling the glass; a good rule of thumb is to fill it about one-third full. This leaves room for swirling, which enhances the wine’s aroma and taste. Final thoughts Serving wine with finesse is all about the details. A graceful hold, a thoughtful pour, and a confident attitude can transform a simple glass of wine into an elegant experience. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just starting your wine journey, these small touches make a big impact.  So next time you raise a glass, do it with style. Because wine isn’t just a drink – it’s an experience. And you, my friend, are the curator of that moment.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of wine, understanding the finer points of wine etiquette can elevate your experience. From how to hold a glass to the ideal serving temperature, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about enjoying wine with style and sophistication. How should you hold a wine glass? The way you hold a wine glass says a lot about your appreciation for the drink. Always grip the stem delicately between your thumb, index and middle fingers. This not only prevents your hand from warming the wine but also adds a touch of elegance to your presentation. Holding the bowl of the glass is a common mistake that can affect the wine’s temperature and your overall experience. What’s the proper way to aerate red wine? Aerating red wine is essential for unlocking its full flavour profile. The best method is to use a wide-bottomed decanter. Pour the wine slowly into the decanter, allowing it to mix with air and release its aromas. This process softens tannins and enhances the wine’s complexity. While red wines benefit most from aeration, some white wines can also improve with a bit of breathing time. Does glassware really matter? Absolutely! The shape and size of your wine glass can significantly impact the taste and aroma. For example, red wine glasses typically have a larger bowl to allow for better aeration, while white wine glasses are narrower to preserve delicate aromas. Using the correct glassware ensures you get the most out of every sip. What is the ideal serving temperature for wine? Temperature plays a crucial role in how wine tastes. Red wines are best served slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F (15–18°C). White wines, on the other hand, should be chilled to about 45–50°F (7–10°C). Proper storage and serving techniques help maintain these temperatures and preserve the wine’s intended flavor. Should you swirl your wine before drinking? Yes! Swirling your wine is more than just a stylish gesture – it helps release the wine’s bouquet, enhancing your sensory experience. This technique is especially useful for wines that have been decanted, as it allows them to breathe and reach their full potential.  Mastering these basics will not only improve your wine tasting skills but also add a layer of sophistication to your gatherings. Cheers to enjoying wine the refined way!

We’ve joined five other independent vineyards in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire to pool our experience, expertise and reputation for growing great grapes and making excellent wines (September 2025) . The Malvern Hills Vineyards Collectively, we will be known as The Malvern Hills Vineyards and together we grow 14 grape varieties across more than 68 acres. We’re delighted to be collaborating with these wonderful vineyards on this joint venture. Excellent wines Making excellent wines is going from strength to strength in our area and together we want to capitalise on this and ensure we make our joint name better known national and internationally. We’re working together to raise awareness and interest in our sector and have a wonderful new website where people can find out more here . Tremendous growth The wine industry in the UK is experiencing tremendous growth and we’re delighted to be part of this. The Malvern Hills Vineyards group includes us and Three Choirs, Chase End, Bromesberrow Place, Marlbank and Two Beacons. Deep roots The character and story of each vineyard is unique, but what we all have in common is people with a passion for the art and craft of viticulture, and a respect for the soils that nurtures their vines. Winemaking has very deep roots in the Malvern Hills – grapevines were grown in the area back in Roman times. Production We’ve had some great production years recently including 2023, which was pretty near perfect in terms of the weather, the harvest and the number of bottles produced. 2024 proved a bit challenging with all the wet weather at the start of the year so it’s going to be interesting to see how we all fare in 2025, especially with the drier year we’ve had so far. Wine tourism WineGB’s ‘UK Wine Tourism in 2024 Report’ shows that visits to vineyards and wineries have risen by 55% and that vineyards and wineries are now actively involved in wine tourism. Good terroir Martin Fowke, Managing Director at Three Choirs says: “We’ve been growing grapes at Three Choirs since 1973, when this was a very innovative thing to do. The terroir has always been good for vines, and the effects of climate change now mean that we regularly have excellent growing conditions. Changing climate “In that time, we have seen huge changes in the shape of the market, with food and accommodation complementing the tours and tastings. Today, we are seeing more and more interest and desire to understand how we grow grapes, how we manage sustainably the vineyard and the winemaking, and how the changing climate is affecting quality, choices and practices.” Marl soils The youngest vineyard in our Malvern Hills Vineyards collaboration is Marlbank, where Manager Jeremy Macklin has experience working closely with vineyards in France.  He says: “When I moved here in 2020, I discovered the marl soils were very similar to those in Burgundy, which produces excellent pinot noir grapes, so it was a bit of a ‘no-brainer’ to plant 1,500 pinot noir vines in a field where apples and pears used to grow.”

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As harvest approaches, we shift gears into full preparation mode. We pick by hand and every detail matters to ensure a smooth and successful harvest. Canopy management We start by tidying the canopy so the ripe, pickable fruit is clearly visible. Ground maintenance Our team clears the under-vine strip of weeds, so we can place crates directly beneath the vines without risking damage from tractors. Alleyways are mown to make movement easier for our pickers. Planning & coordination We meet to review yield estimates and lock in harvest dates. We book picking teams, winery slots, and transport early. Coordinating pickers, machines, winery, and logistics is a balancing act – constant communication and flexibility are key. We may even have to delay picking based on ripeness and weather. Hand-harvesting essentials We estimate around 50 kg of fruit per picker per hour. Crates are laid out the day before, and we ensure we have enough secateurs, buckets, gloves, and plasters, for everyone. Ground crew & palletising Each collection team includes a tractor driver and crate collectors. Everything is labelled, weighed and logged. Smooth logistics  Harvest is complex, but with careful planning and teamwork, it’s one of the most rewarding times of the year. We arrange everything ahead of time to ensure a smooth process from vineyard to winery.

We often get asked what dishes go well with our wines and have blogged about this subject. However, BBQs would never be the top of ours or your list of options, or so we thought… Grilled meats & veggies It’s commonly thought that grilled meats and vegetables, do not go well with wine white. But white wine should be there on your garden table, mixing with those smoky flavours. Why? It’s the smokiness itself, which comes from the charcoal used in the cooking, combined with the paprika and garlic in the marinades and rubs you may be using, that make white wine perfect for BBQs. Cutting through White wines can cut through the sweetness of BBQ sauces and provide a perfect contrast and balance to the palate. With vegetables an essential part of the BBQ offering, white wines also go brilliantly with any grilled vegetables – sweetcorn, courgettes and peppers. Light & versatile  In fact, white wines provide lightness making them a versatile option that won’t overpower the meal, while red wines might actually be too overwhelming for your BBQ food.

When you take your wine glass, it’s vital to hold it by the stem. This doesn’t just look sophisticated, it also stops you from warming up the wine too quickly with your hand. It’s also important for wine glass etiquette, to understand how to pair your glass with your wine – selecting the correct glass is key. Shape, aroma, flavour The shape can influence the aroma and flavour of your wine. Glasses for red wine are generally larger than white ones and are often wider too. This gives the wine the chance to breathe and enhances the flavour. But for white wines, such as ours, your glass should be smaller and narrower. This helps maintain the wine’s subtle aromas. Pour correctly To also boost your wine drinking experience, there are other things to consider. To start with, it’s essential to pour your wine properly – fill the glass about one-third full to allow the aromas to develop. Gentle swirl Gently swirling the wine can also release the aromas further.  By following our guide and giving wine glass etiquette the attention it needs, you can raise your wine drinking experience to a whole new level of pleasure and class.