Last time round there was a passing mention for organic and natural wines; the same goes for English wine. And crémant and orange wines were practically unheard of in the UK. There’s lots more good stuff happening in places like South Africa and Australia in particular, so it was great to get in a few more references of what to look out for there. We’re given the dishes in advance so we can cook them at home and find the right match for them. I’ll try out lots of different wines and even though I usually have a pretty good idea of what’ll work, I love finding a surprise pairing. Come and explore the wonderful world of wine with drinks expert Helen McGinn. With tips on how to make the right wine choices for every occasion, from children’s parties (because adults need something fizzy too) to planning a wedding or matching wine with food, this book will help you to choose with confidence.

Like prosecco with its light, lemony froth – but slightly drier. Made in the same way but with different grapes and from a neighbouring region in Italy, it makes for a properly refreshing change.The blog was 10 years old last year and I remember hitting ‘publish’ on that first post thinking at least my mum and sister would read it. I had three children under five at the time so the blog was my way of carving out time to focus on something other than work or kids. I’m just glad I didn’t think about it too much. I had no idea it would lead to so many opportunities. I just posted and hoped people would find it useful. And funny, obviously. Helen McGinn has found a way to talk and write about wine that appeals so much to the everyday wine drinker

I don’t miss the pace but I definitely miss the people – we had a fantastic team. And the novelty of travelling the world had definitely worn off by the time I left to go on maternity leave. Mind you, the idea of a few nights in a hotel anywhere without kids is very tempting nowadays. McGinn, Helen (2022). This is us. London. ISBN 978-1-80280-596-3. OCLC 1355099568. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link) Take 1 vanilla pod and slice down the middle then cover with a generous amount of white sugar and leave overnight. Remove pod, cover the sugar with just enough boiling water the soak the sugar and stir until sugar dissolves. Pour into a cooling bottle and leave to cool. McGinn, Helen (2016). Mcginn's teetotal tipples, for dry January and beyond. London. ISBN 1-4721-3940-2. OCLC 992189286. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link) Method: put everthing into a jug over ice and top with plenty of fresh lime wedges. Serve in tumblers or highballs over ice with more fresh lime wedges to garnish.

You are also now a regular on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. How did that come about and how do you find that? Feilden, Eloise (2022-03-02). "The Drinks Trust welcomes three prestigious patrons". The Drinks Business . Retrieved 2023-04-01. You also have your regular column in the Daily Mail. How do you approach that? Who do you see as your target audience and what is the brief you get from the Daily Mail about what they want?