Dazzling seasonal highlights across Bucks

Liz Nicholls

Christmas

Winter is coming, which means dark nights! But here’s our guide to highlights which are sure to lift spirits & keep the gloom at bay…

November beckons… so are we safe to start talking about Christmas now?! I know it’s not technically Advent yet (before the sticklers write in!) but, after the dazzling delights of Diwali and Bonfire Nights have finished lighting up the skies, we’re looking for other seasonal highlights. And there’s plenty cheer here to light up our lives!

Get your flow on at The Realms of Mystica lantern festival walk at the Dinosaur & Farm Park in Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT, from 1st November; Land of Lights Festival Milton Keynes | Land of Lights Festival Milton Keynes

The atmospheric greenhouses at Peterley Manor Farm near Great Missenden, HP16 0HH, will be chock-full of goodwill and festive cheer for the Christmas Market, 14th-17th November. You’ll find more than 70 boutique shopping stalls, food and drink, a local talent music tent, street food area, fire pits & more; visit Peterley Manor Farm | A family run farm set in the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire

With a sprinkle of magic, between 15th November & 5th January, Waddesdon Manor and its gardens, HP18 0JH, turns into a Sleeping Beauty-inspired wonderland with light projections on the manor’s façade. Explore the beautifully illuminated gardens and woodland trails; perfect for families or couples looking to light up date night! Inside the manor, opulent decorations and exhibits will offer a Victorian Christmas. The Christmas market, running until 22nd December, offers hand-crafted gifts, festive food and more. Waddesdon Manor | A French Renaissance-style château

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is returning for its fourth year to light up the iconic Great Park, SL4 2HT, 15th November to 4th January and dogs are welcome, too! For more info & to book please visit Windsor Great Park Illuminated: light up your year!

High Wycombe will offer you a warm welcome in the High Street & Frogmoor, 1-6pm on Saturday, 16th November for the Christmas Lights Festival featuring music, entertainment & more; visit – HWBIDCo for more info.

Marlow’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday, 21st November, will bring lots of sparkle to the high street with carol singers, live performances, and late-night shopping; Home – Marlow Town Council. More late-night shopping on 5th December, too! Marlow Chamber of Commerce | Business Networking & Events

Chesham’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is all set for 6-9pm on Friday, 22nd November. Enjoy live performances, Santa’s grotto at Chapter Two bookshop, a funfair, music and dance, food, drink & craft stalls. Visit Chesham Events.

Great Missenden High Street will be all-atwinkle, 3-8pm on Saturday, 23rd November. Head along to shop for artisan produce, tuck into street food and be dazzled by entertainment. Cooper’s Markets – Old Amersham Artisan Market

Enjoy a festive family adventure with rides, a Santa’s grotto & gifts, 23rd November to 23rd December at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT. Visit Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort | Milton Keynes

Christmas On The Cobbles in the Market Square & Exchange, Aylesbury, 12-5.30pm on Sunday 24th will offer market stalls, an illuminated parade, theatre stars, Santa & fireworks; Aylesbury Town Council

Christmastime at Stowe Gardens, MK18 5EQ offers a serene escape into one of Bucks’ most famous landscapes. From 24th November to 5th January, experience the stately grounds illuminated with interactive light displays, enjoy storytelling for children and warm up treats at the café or make a wreath.

Celebrate Christmas with a Scandinavian twist at Hughenden Manor, HP14 4LA, from 25th November to 3rd January. Disraeli’s former gaff will be transformed into a Nordic winter wonderland, the manor house, gardens, and stable yard adorned with decorations. Follow a festive trail, enjoy storytelling, take part in crafting activities, enjoy choir performances and seasonal food. Visit National Trust

Buckingham’s light switch-on will draw happy families, 4-7pm on Thursday, 28th November, outside The Old Gaol with stalls, lots of live entertainment & food; Buckingham Town Council

Beaconsfield Festival of Light will dazzle in the new town on Wednesday, 4th December, from 6pm. Enjoy the children’s lantern parade, Christmas Shopping, market stalls, a food court and lots of entertainment. For more info please visit Beaconsfield Festival of Lights

The Feast of St Peter team have organised a family friendly highlight in Chalfont St Peter on Friday, 6th December in Market Place. Head along to enjoy stalls, entertainment, family fun & more; Christmas Fun Night — Feast of St Peter

Finally, don’t miss perfect panto; Aladdin, 13th December to 5th January at Wycombe Swan. We’ll bring you our interview with shining star Vernon Kay next month! Book Show Tickets | Wycombe Swan Theatre


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Festival of Light at Longleat

Round & About

Christmas

Journey through a vibrant colourful display of lanterns, twinkling lights and the singing Christmas tree

Dinosaurs and mammoths are not the first things that spring to mind when you think of seasonal illuminations but that’s exactly what you can expect at Longleat.

A video preview of the spectacular lanterns and more on show at The Festival of Light this winter has been released by the Wiltshire estate.

The scale and majesty of the event, which is celebrating its 10th year, can be seen in the video which shows a Roman chariot, mammoth, dinosaurs and an Egyptian pyramid as well as a boat from the Shang dynasty.

But the highlight will see Longleat House transformed as part of an immersive video display into a vibrant colourful story, says Head of Operations Scott Ashman.

Guests are invited to ‘journey through time’ from the age of the dinosaur through to present day with an appearance too by Elizabeth I who visited Longleat 450 years ago.

The display which opens on 9th November and runs until 5th January features more than 1,000 lanterns which are created using 40,000 metres of fabric, 45,000 lightbulbs, 50,000 metres of light strips and 150 tons of metal.

Scott said: “These are all weaved together to create displays to take your breath away.

“One of the highlights will be the Longleat House Light Show. This year we are marking the 75th anniversary of the House opening with an immersive projection showcasing our story from when the estate was first bought through to opening the first Safari Park outside of Africa.

“Longleat House will be transformed into a vibrant colourful display.

“We also have our famous singing Christmas Tree which towers over the estate at over 15 metres tall with more than 88,000 twinkling lights and our popular Santa Train where Father Christmas can be discovered in his snow-covered winter wonderland.

“All of this is in addition to our winter drive-through safari, Animal Adventure and more.”

Tickets are on sale now at Longleat


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Christmas Toys & Teens Appeal

Liz Nicholls

Christmas

Reading Family Aid’s Toys and Teens Appeal is back to put smiles on people’s faces in time for Christmas 2024!

Reading Family Aid is a local charity supporting disadvantaged children and their families. Each Christmas, the Toys and Teens Appeal helps guarantee that children who would otherwise not receive a single present have something to open on Christmas morning.

The Reading area seems so prosperous that many people might find it hard to imagine there are desperately deprived families here, but the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit families hard in so many ways and your support makes a real difference to every family.

Last year, more than 2,500 children received a gift at Christmas, thanks to the generosity of wonderful donors and supporters, but the charity needs your help again this year and there are two ways you can do this:

1. Donate toys at one of the donation points (or they will collect)
2. Donate money to the appeal, to go towards additional toys

If you are buying a new gift please try to limit the cost to a maximum of around £30 per item. Secondhand items must really be ‘as good as new’ so they must be clean, complete, working – good enough that the receiving family can’t really tell they are not new. Sorry, no soft toys, audio cassettes, computer games, DVDs or CDs, baby equipment or clothes.

Nothing electrical or rechargeable unless it is brand new still in its sealed packaging – if it has a plug on the end and is not new, the team are not insured to donate it.

Please make sure that all the pieces of a set are bagged up together and all the pieces of a jigsaw are together in the original box.

For details of how to donate toys, please visit Donate Toys – Reading Family Aid

To donate money, visit Reading Family Aid | Localgiving


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Christmas Everyday with Ivy’s Festive Menu

Ellie Cox

Christmas

From breakfast and festive lunch to Boxing Day Brunch there’s something for everyone to get in the festive spirit at The Ivy Collection

This Christmas season, The Ivy Collection invites guests to experience an Alpine winter wonderland with the launch of its festive menus. Available nationwide from 13th November, the menus offer a variety of seasonal options for breakfast, all-day dining, a two- or three-course Festive Set Menu, and Boxing Day Brunch. Throughout the season, diners can enjoy festive decorations, live music, and even appearances from Santa Claus.

The Festive Set Menu offers a decadent holiday feast, featuring two (from £55) or three courses (from £60), complete with Christmas crackers. Highlights include the twice-baked Stilton and Walnut Cheese Soufflé to start, a succulent Turkey Ballotine with apricot and pork stuffing, and indulgent vegetarian options like the Foraged Wild Mushroom and Truffle Linguine. Dessert selections include the Ivy Snowman, a vanilla parfait with chocolate brownie, and the traditional Flambéed Christmas Pudding, with warm Almond Mince Pies available as an additional treat.

The Ivy Collection’s all-day dining menu also gets a festive update. Guests can start their day with the Festive Breakfast Special (from £17.95pp) or enjoy seasonal dishes for lunch and dinner. Options include a Chilled Lobster and Prawn Cocktail, Whiskey Barrel Smoked Venison Tartare, and a festive twist on the Shepherd’s Pie made with goose, turkey, and duck.

For sides, guests can select Brussels Sprouts with chestnuts and cranberries or classic Pigs in Blankets. To finish, festive desserts like the Christmas Crème Brûlée and the Ivy Chocolate Bombe are available. To enhance the meal, guests can enjoy seasonal aperitifs such as Scotch Coffee or a refreshing Champagne Mojito.

The festive celebrations continue with The Ivy Collection’s Boxing Day Brunch (£34.95pp), offering comforting dishes like Chicken Supreme Milanese with Truffle Sauce and iconic desserts such as Ivy Classic Frozen Berries.

Laura Mills, Managing Director at The Ivy Collection, expressed excitement about creating the perfect festive setting, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the season without the hassle of holiday meal preparation.

Whether it’s a family gathering, an annual tradition, or a festive catch-up with friends, The Ivy Collection promises to create unforgettable holiday memories.

To book a table, visit https://ivycollection.com/book-a-table/.

To become a member of The Ivy Premier Rewards App, download here: https://theivycollection.app/


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Chiltern Toy Bank: could you help?

Liz Nicholls

Christmas

Could you donate new & (giftable quality) pre-loved toys – between 28th September & 6th October – to bring Christmas cheer to local families in need?

Thanks to the hard work of between 30 & 50 dedicated local volunteers (“Elves”), Chiltern Toy Bank has been providing free toys and gifts at Christmas to children, aged 0-18, living in parts of the Chilterns who would otherwise not receive anything due to financial hardship or other disadvantages of their parents or guardians.

They have operated in and around Chesham, Amersham and Prestwood for over a decade formally became a registered charity in 2018-2019.

Their aim is to make sure that no child will go without a gift over the festive period.

What can I donate?

Any new or pre-loved toys and gifts that are clean, complete and in good condition are welcome. If you wouldn’t gift it to a child in your family for Christmas then they can’t take it. Chiltern Toy Bank particularly needs: arts, crafts and creative kits for ages 8+, science kits for ages 8+, gifts for teenagers aged 13+ (like make-up, toiletries, hats, scarves etc).

They cannot accept soft toys without their CE label attached, any games with missing pieces, books that are scribbled in or have missing pages, colouring and activity books or make-up and arts supplied that are used.

Where can I drop gifts?

Chesham:
• White Hill Centre, White Hill
• Post Office, High Street
• Chesham Town Hall, Parsonage Lane

Prestwood:
• Hildreths Garden Centre
• Wye Country Estate Agent, High Street
• The Pantry at 51
• (All subject to individual opening times)

Amersham:
• Chiltern Lifestyle Centre
• Amersham Common Village Hall, Saturday 28th Sept & Saturday 5th Oct 2-5pm
• King’s Church, Raans Road, Mon 30th Sept – Fri 4th Oct, 9.30am-12pm

To find out more about the charity, or offer to help, or request help, visit Chiltern Toy Bank – Christmas 2023


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Share your dinner with the birds

Karen Neville

Christmas

BBOWT Is asking people to do one ‘wild’ act for each of the 12 days of Christmas to connect with nature at the coldest time of year

Sharing some of your Christmas leftovers with the birds this year could make a real difference for local wildlife.

That is the message from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), which is asking people to join its 12 Days Wild challenge.

Recycling Christmas cards, creating nature-themed crafts and going for a walk in the park are among suggested ways people can take part.

Liz Shearer, Community Engagement Director for BBOWT, said: “Cold roast potatoes are a fantastic thing to give to birds at this time of year because they’ve got natural carbohydrates with a bit of extra fat which is great in the cold. You can also leave out Christmas pudding, fruit cake and mince pies which all have useful sugars and fats, and a little bit of mild low-salt cheese is good too!

“Doing things like leaving out leftovers is a really simple way to help local birds and mammals, and also helps us feel like we have a real connection to wildlife, especially at this time of year. Feeling more connected to wildlife is also the first step in taking action to help it.”

The 12 Days Wild challenge runs from 25th December to 5th January. Anyone who signs up online will receive daily inspirational emails with fun activity ideas.

Doing ‘wild’ things to connect with nature can also help us feel happier and healthier, as the Wildlife Trust’s summer challenge, 30 Days Wild, has shown. Whether you take a walk in the park, watch starling murmurations or create some natural art, this shorter winter challenge could offer real wellbeing benefits.

Signing up is also a chance to give something back to nature by making some small changes. You could:

· Do some detective work and spot animal tracks in the mud or snow

· Get crafty using natural materials and create some wild art

· Go wild in town or country and visit a nature reserve

· Beat the January blues by listening to our Wild about Wellbeing podcast

· Make a New Year’s resolution for nature to go plastic-free, cycle to work or volunteer

Or simply get out there and enjoy a walk on the wild side.

Sign up online here for free guides, activities, and inspiration. Share photos and videos of your nature inspired moments on social media using #12DaysWild and please tag @BBOWT in your pictures.

*Picture Credit: Margaret Holland

Christmas Like A King

Round & About

Christmas

This Christmas, families visiting the Official Residences of His Majesty The King in London, Windsor and Edinburgh can learn how the Tudors and the Victorians celebrated Christmas and enjoy festive carols beneath magnificent Christmas trees.

The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

This Christmas, children can enjoy a special storytelling performance bringing to life the tales and traditions of the festive season at the Tudor Court, while exploring the exhibition of Holbein’s works at The Queen’s Gallery. Two performers dressed as Tudor Londoners will give young visitors a glimpse into Tudor life as they prepare for the festive season. Children can find out what gifts were given and what food and drink was consumed at the Tudor Court, discovering how many Tudor Christmas celebrations form part of today’s traditional activities. 

On selected dates, families can also join a Christmas activity day where they can make twinkling, miniature portrait decorations, inspired by the jewel-like miniatures in the exhibition; perfect as a gift or to hang on a Christmas tree.

A Tudor Christmas Storytelling experience takes place on a drop-in basis and lasts approximately 40 minutes.

(Saturday, 16 December, at 11:20, 12:20, 13:30, and 14:30). The Merry Miniatures: A Christmas activity day runs on a drop-in basis (Sunday, 17 December and Monday,18 December, 11:00 – 15:00).

Windsor Castle

Throughout the Christmas holidays, families can participate in craft activities and workshops exploring how the Victorians celebrated Christmas as well as enjoying the beautifully decorated Castle. This year’s displays include a magnificent 25-foot-high tree in St George’s Hall with sparkling Garter Star decorations.

Families can drop by the Castle’s Pug Yard Learning Centre where they can hear all about a Victorian Christmas and even make a special memento to take home, such as a tree decoration, a wreath or an angel, just as Victorian children may have made. They can also devise their own Christmas menu for Queen Victoria and her family to enjoy on Christmas Day or even dress up as an elegant Victorian stepping out on Christmas morning.

As they tour the Castle, children can take a Christmas family trail and then families can treat themselves to a festive menu at the Undercroft Café.

Throughout December, local school and community choirs will be performing a variety of festive songs and music under the impressive Christmas tree in St George’s Hall.

Activities run daily on a drop-in basis, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays

(Saturday, 16 December – Monday, 1 January, 10:00–15:00). The timings of choir performances vary from day to day.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

On a special Christmas activity day, families visiting The King’s official residence in Scotland can join special crafts activities and enjoy local choirs performing festive songs. Children can explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse and view the Christmas displays including a magnificently decorated Christmas tree in the wood-panelled Throne Room and a grand Christmas table display in the Royal Dining Room. 

Taking inspiration from the decorations around the Palace and its beautiful 17th-century plaster ceilings, children can make their own clay decoration for their tree at home in the Palace’s Family Room. Many of the Christmas traditions that we know now were popularised by the Victorians and families can learn more as they try their hand at making a Victorian invention, the Christmas cracker.

By the light of the glittering Nordmann Fir Christmas tree, visitors can see the Great Gallery come to life as they enjoy festive performances by the Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers and the Colonies Choir.

Saturday, 16 December, 10:00–15:00. Choir performances at 11:00 and 14:00.

River & Rowing Museum Festivities

Round & About

Christmas

The River & Rowing Museum in Henley has just celebrated its 25th anniversary and will be curating a host of events over the next 12 months. For now, it’s time to focus on more festive pursuits and there’s plenty of fun to be had over the next few weeks.

For those of you who fancy learning a new skill on 14th December there’s a Beaded Decorative Wreath Workshop – there will also be mulled wine, mince pies available.

To book – please email: [email protected]

There’s plenty of family fun too with plenty of activities to keep you occupied on the run up to the big day.


Monday 18th: Gingerbread Decorating* – Decorate gingerbread and a box to take it home. 10.30-11.30

Tuesday 19th: Make a Snowman* – Craft with Maddy. 10.30-11.30

Wednesday 20th: Christmas T-Shirts* – for the while family. 10.30-11.30 and 13.00-14.00

Thursday 21st: Festive Bag Printing* – with Camilla. 10.30-11.30

Friday 22nd: Christmas Decoration Making* – decoration & calendar. 10.30-11.30

*All days include a visit to Father Christmas and a gift!

All children must be accompanied by an adult (18+), free of charge. Activity charge is in addition to museum admission, but you do not need to visit the museum to access the activities. 

Email: [email protected] to book your place. Spaces limited so don’t miss out!

Festive fortification tipples for all

Round & About

Christmas

Our wine columnist Giles Luckett suggests some great fortified wines for the season of goodwill

Hello. Christmas is a time for traditions. The tradition of opening a present on Christmas Eve just after you’ve put the sprouts on! Of partners asking you to buy them something you think they’ll like with the surprise being they need to ask if you’ve kept the receipt! To not so much as driving home for Christmas as stuck in traffic for Christmas.

OK, so, some traditions we could all definitely do without, but there’s one tradition that the British have clung to since the late 18th century, which is one to be treasured – enjoying a glass of fortified wine over the festive season. From Port to Madeira and Sherry to something from the New World, there’s a world of fortified diversions out there, and here is my pick of this spirited bunch…

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a glass or two of Tio Pepe (Sainsbury’s £10). Some of my generation are wary of Sherry, but wines like Tio Pepe are increasingly finding favour with younger wine lovers, and it’s easy to see why. Pale, fresh, dry and clean, its combination of abundant pear, watermelon, and apple fruit and savoury, creamy yeast make for an easy-drinking yet wholly satisfying glassful. Try this on its own and with smoked fish or creamy cheese canapés.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, then why not enjoy something truly indulgent? Pedro Ximenez (PX to his friends) produces gloriously sweet wines such as the Adnams X Sopla Poniente (£10.99 Adnams). This phenomenal mouthful of treacle, butterscotch, liquid caramel, and hazelnuts is a joy on its own, but with enough acidity to prevent it from becoming cloying, it goes down beautifully with strong blue and white cheeses or, as I found, liver pâté.

When most people think of fortified wines, they think of Port, and this year, I discovered the excellent Adnams Finest Reserve (Adnams £15.99). This has to be one of the best everyday drinking Ports I’ve ever tasted. Many entry-level Ports struggle to integrate the spirit and have a hot, disjointed finish, along with overly sweet, one-dimension fruit profiles. The Adnams, however, is luscious, packed full of dried black fruits, blackcurrant conserve, and prunes and has a rounded, seamless finish. If you’re looking for brilliance on a budget, give this a whirl.

Another, less well-known style of Port is White Port. While much of this is fine but forgettable, there are quality-focused producers who are breathing new life into this old-style wine. I tasted the Quinta Da Pedra Alta White Port (Master of Malt £17.42) at the estate in the summer, and it blew me away. Fresh-tasting and bursting with white fruits, apricots and peaches in syrup, the way it managed to combine the sugar and the spirit into the body of the wine to create a luscious yet clean and refreshing whole is remarkable. We tried this with tonic, and it made for a delicious long drink too.

My favourite style of Port is a wood Port, wines that are aged for an extended period in barrel rather than in bottle. This long ageing in cask has the effect of leaching colour, accentuating the freshness and adding a lovely nuts and dried fruit tone to the wines. An excellent example of this is the Kopke 10-Year-Old Tawny (The Secret Bottle Shop £23.95). Deep red-gold, the nose offers an inviting mix of preserved cherries, plums, almonds, spices and candied citrus peel. In the mouth, it’s warming, full, and gentle, but with a wonderfully complex mix of dried fruits, nuts, caramel, smoke, and a clean, tangy acidity. Try this with blue cheeses or fruity desserts.

Fancy something a little different this Christmas? I have just the thing, the Zuccardi Malamado (Tesco £9). This is an Argentinean fortified Malbec – so Argentinean Port, if you will – and it’s amazing. At first, it tastes like a great Malbec, all blackberries, blackcurrants, fresh blueberries, and sweet spices, but then a warm wave of sweetness comes in, adding decadent richness and power. You can drink this with food as though it were a table wine or with hard cheeses; either way, it’s a Christmas cracker.

South Africa built their wine industry on fortified wines, and while they’re not as important these days, the best can still be world-beaters. Take the Kleine Zalze’s Project Z (Noble Green £33). Made from a blend of noble white grapes, this luscious golden sipper is opulently sweet (think marmalade) and offers creamy flavours of dried pears, candied apples, and peaches in syrup, with a lovely hit of lemon peel and lime juice to the finish. Enjoy this chilled with fruity desserts or white cheeses.

Madeira is one of the world’s most misunderstood wines. It isn’t a type of Sherry – it’s 700 miles from Spain and made in a completely different way – it isn’t all sweet, and if it’s an old maid’s wine, then call me Old Maid Giles! Madeira is joy as the Henriques & Henriques 10-Year-Old Sercial (Waitrose £18.99) shows. Sercial is the driest style of Madeira and it’s only after a decade or so in barrel that it reveals its brilliance. Dark amber, the nose offers caramel, roasted nuts, sweet coffee, citrus peel, and grapefruit. On the palate, it’s rich, yet tangy, with honey, green fig, and dried orange and pear tones offset by lemon and lime.

My next recommendation is one of Australia’s great wine originals. Take Muscat grapes (a Petits Grains Rouge, in case you were wondering) and leave them till they are raisins on the vine. Pick and press but stop the fermentation mid-way with spirit to preserve the sugar. Then age them in a Sherry-style ‘solera’ system, and bingo, you have wines like Campbells Rutherglen Muscat (Waitrose £13.99). This golden ‘sticky’ as the Aussies call it, tastes of sultanas laced with spiced honey mixed with citrus peel and given a mocha shot. This unique wine is phenomenal and is an after-dinner delight.

I’ll finish my festive fortified feature with what most wine lovers regard as the ultimate fortified wine, Vintage Port. Vintage Port is a rare wine – they make up about 3% of Port production – made only in the finest years that can only spend 2 years in cask before bottling with their sediment. The resulting behemoths can age for decades (the 1955 Taylor (MWH Wine £420) was amazing in 2022) and offer a level of complexity and elegance no other fortified wine can match. For drinking now, try the Niepoort 1997 (Fareham Wine Cellar £57.50). A great vintage, time has softened this, giving it a red-amber colour with a nose of fruits of the forest, chocolate, cherries, and smoke. In the mouth, it is sumptuous, loaded with black and red berry fruits, black figs, plums, sweet spices, and liquorice. Decant and enjoy on its own with good company.

Well, that’s it from me for 2023. I’ll be back in January with some no-and low-alcohol wine recommendations. So, until then have a fine wine Christmas, and here’s to a happy 2024.

Cheers!

Giles