Plus a perfect Cape Clear gin 

— still time to sort some drinks-related Christmas presents

— and madeira which can't be 'killed' even if you forget to put the cap back on

— including a delicious one I've never featured before, and one so joyous I'm recommending you buy two bottles

2020 has been a very difficult year for the world but one small benefit that has come out of the trauma is that it has made all of us look to the local

A major perk of writing about wine used to be the vineyard visits — and one of my very favourite regions to visit is the Veneto. Just over a year ago I spent a few days staying in the pretty village of Bardolino on the shores of Lake Garda.

We are all about Spain this week as Spanish Wine Week runs from October 12-19 with wine events, tastings, promos and competitions in towns all over the country.

This week I want to try to sell you on Chenin Blanc, a grape variety you have probably heard of, but most likely rarely buy or choose in a restaurant.

Leslie's picks this week are all wines that drink well now but are contenders for laying down for a few years.