IT’S that time of year again and, along with other non-perishables, good drink can make a great celebratory Christmas gift — from a simple single bottle costing a tenner or €20, through to a delivery of a case of luxury wines.

THE recent public tasting in Cork organised by the Spanish Embassy was, as expected, both a great way to survey what’s on the market in Ireland today, and a thrilling immersion in total sensory pleasure.

ANOTHER convivial Slow food event - I’ve just had the best fun wending my way up to the top of Lough Ine Hill - my daughter and my well-toned friend from boarding school powered their way ahead, I adopted a more leisurely pace.

WE had a tasting of the new season’s honey at the East Cork Slow Food Convivium recently.