All over Europe and the Northern Hemisphere, grape growers are checking the weather forecast on an hourly basis, and saying prayers that the rain stays away.

The Dog Days are over to quote Florence and the Machine (who will be at Electric Picnic this year, as will I - of which more next week).

The wine industry in Ireland used to be a bit of a boys’ club but times have changed.

I have written in the past about the difficulties faced by small wine importers given our draconian wine taxes. We are around 650% higher than the EU average and more expensive for wine than countries such as Sweden and Finland.

According to some Canadian research, men find the scent of grilling meat more arousing than any perfume.

I have been rather neglectful of Australia in recent months so this week I want to focus on one of the great icon estates of Australian wine as a way of showing that there is more to this country than big blowsy Shiraz and Chardonnay.

May seems to have become food and wine festival month. This weekend it is Wexford’s turn with a craft beer trail in the town tomorrow. Greenacres wine shop will be hosting wine tastings Saturday and Sunday.

From festive fizz to top tipples for turkey Leslie Williams serves up must-have holiday drinks.