This year we went with roast beef (Marks & Spencer) for Christmas Day itself which made a fantastic alternative to the traditional turkey (which I admit to loving) with more roast potatoes and vegetables than you could shake a chocolate stick at. This was a metaphorical chocolate stick as I had eaten all the chocolate for breakfast.

We enjoyed a couple of hot glasses of Christkindl Gluhwein which went down a treat. I haven’t tried this in a while and had forgotten just how delicate and well produced this compared to the other mulled wines tried in the past.

“Thank you, l have been impressed by both your goods and service. My Christmas present  was delivered to Scotland in less than twenty four hours of placing an order with yourselves. Have no doubt l will be a repeat customer. Happy Christmas to you all.”

L. Davidson

“I have just heard from my parents, the recipient of this order, they are delighted with it.  Thank you so much for getting the port and stilton hamper to them so quickly, I really do appreciate it. A ruined Christmas present by ************* has turned into a wonderful New Year present from Barrels and Bottles.

Will be very happy to use your services again and recommend you. Thank you again you have saved the year!

Very best wishes for 2012, Louise Ward”

On November 16th Mr. Obama and Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, were joined by 600 guests in Parliament House’s Great Hall, enjoying a showcase of Australia’s best food and wine.

Founder and Managing Director of Hollick Wines, Ian Hollick, was humbled by the honour.

"We obviously have come to realise our Cabernet Sauvignon is much loved, but we hope an endorsement of this magnitude really elevates the status of the wine in the eyes of the trade and consumers," he said.

"Our understanding is that the wine was matched with lamb on the night – so a perfect combination to impress the visiting President."

This latest endorsement of Hollick’s Cabernet Sauvignon comes just as the brand has enjoyed a number of award wins, including the Intercontinental Adelaide South Australian Wine of the Year Awards, People’s Choice for "The Nectar".

The “Christmas Bitters” were designed as the perfect seasoning for any winter cocktail made with rum, whisky or brandy, and are flavoured with festive spices such as cinnamon, clementines, nutmeg, cloves and, of course, 23 carat Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh! These flavours add depth and complexity to rich winter-warmers such as an Old-Fashioned, a Hot Toddy or a heady Irish Coffee. Perfect for a crisp December evening…

The bitters, which will have a retail price of £12.95, are available to pre-order from Master of Malt, and are currently ageing in a top quality oak cask that previously held 38 year old Glen Grant single malt. You can also literally watch the bitters ageing via a live webcam feed on Master of Malt’s site, where you’ll notice a striking festive scene replete  with a cheap plastic Christmas tree, some USB-powered fairy lights, the cask containing the bitters, and a small cardboard cut-out angel in the form of Brian Blessed as Prince Vultan from Flash Gordon.

The Christmas Bitters will be bottled on the 31^st October 2011, and make the perfect Christmas gift for anyone into their rich, spicy cocktails.

About Christmas Bitters

- Made with 25 different botanicals, include 23 Carat Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh.

- Aged in a barrel that once held 38 year old Glen Grant single malt whisky

- The perfect addition for rich, spicy Winter warmer cocktails and drinks

Full story and ticket details

Vinsafe is the only globally patented wine packaging system which allows wine to be canned with quality, integrity, stability and extended shelf life. Granted in 2006, the EU patent for wine in a can covers the entire process for packaging of wine in a can/can bottle.

Cacolac is the second European filling facility licensed to fill to wine in a can this year, with Spanish company, Font Salem based in Valencia, licensed in May.

Read full story on www.packagingeurope.com

The precious bottle of 1811 Château d’Yquem today became the world’s most valuable bottle of white wine, after it was sold for £75,000.

The rare vintage set a new Guinness World Record, after The Antique Wine Company sold the bottle to the wine connoisseur and private collector Christian Vanneque.

Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk

A team works at its best when motivated, happy and pulling in the right direction.

Developing your team into an effective unit is essential to maximise potential, reduce waste and fill capacity. Our cookery based team building events are a fun way to motivate, even reward, staff to help improve communications and improve efficiency by working as a team.

Further details on team building days

The Australian brand had plans to rename the underground station Oxford Landing, plant vines at the entrance, cover the walls with posters of vines and even make the platforms look like dirt-covered tracks.
The idea came about after England won the Ashes earlier this year and the brand’s general manager, Brenton Fry, thought it would be a way for Aussies to get their own back in a small way.

Read full story : http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12923&Itemid=66