12 of the best wines to see you through autumn

Zoe Gater

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autumn

As the days draw in and the air becomes crisp, Round & About magazine’s resident wine columnist, Giles Luckett, recommends the best wines for cosy autumn evenings.

With summer officially over, even if the sun didn’t get the memo, it’s time to celebrate the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Or if 2026 continues as it is, with smoke from wildfires and alarming scarcity. 

So, with Keats’ love of wine in mind, here are a dozen autumnal wines to fall for.

First up, Esporao’s Monte Velho (Noble Grape £9.50). Esporao was my winery of the year in 2024, and this is another gem.  Gentle and generous with an unexpected lightness of touch, it’s berry-driven with complexity added by prunes, sage, and a touch of tapenade on the finish.  Another example of a great Portuguese wine; try this on its own or with lamb or game birds.

Next up, the Gaia Malbec from Domaine Bousquet (Waitrose £18). This is a beautifully composed, fragrant Malbec that effortlessly delivers black fruits, cherries, spices, and its signature floral lift.  Medium-bodied and refined, toward the finish, a seam of minerals and rounded tannins adds structure and length. I found it the perfect foil for red meats or tomato-heavy dishes.

If you are thinking of firing up the BBQ for an Indian Summer cook-up, then crack open a bottle of the Folklore Merlot (Tesco £10/£8 with a Clubcard).  This Western Australia wine is a little cracker.  So much Aussie Merlot is gloopy and lazy, but this is crisp and full of energy.  Deep purple, it blends plums, cherries, raspberries, chocolate and spices in a tangy, refreshing fashion.  Just the thing for rosemary-infused lamb steaks.  

The French know a thing or two about red wines, or so a bloke in the pub told me last week.  Tasting the Parallèle 45 (Majestic £14/£13.50 on a mixed 6) makes me think he had a point.  Weighty with plenty of red and black berry flavours with plum, bramble, and spice notes, give it a light chill and summer berries and flowers come forth, making it a delicious partner to smoked fish or cold meats.

Heading south into the Roussillon, we have the Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem (London End Wines £20).  This stonking wine combines power and intensity with freshness and finesse.  Dried black fruits, smoke, leather, and seductive aromas of pepper and herbs are followed by a mouth-filling combination of blackberries, damsons, and black cherries before raspberries ride in on the firm finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape lovers, take note.

Provence is best known for its rosés, but I often find the reds are where the real excitement lies.  Take the Domaine de la Croix Eloge (Perfect Cellar £29.95).  This Grand Cru Classé blends Syrah and Mourvèdre to give an intense, juicy red offering layers of blackberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, and cherries, with pepper and toasted vanilla.  A serious wine, savour it with wild mushroom risotto or a baked camembert.

Bordeaux has had a torrid year. Wildfires have threatened the region as temperatures reached an unprecedented 107°F. While it’s too early to say how the harvest will turn out, fears of smoke taint are rife; other hot years such as 2022 produced wonderful wines such as the Right Bank 2022 (Perfect Cellar £39.95).  Claret was Keats’ favourite wine, and I’m sure he’d find suitably honeyed words for this fascinating wine.  Produced from Merlot and Cabernet Franc from a selection of right-bank communes including Saint Emilion and Pomerol, it’s big, juicy, exotic and refined.  Inky blue-black, aromas of plums, cherries, crushed rocks, and liquorice rise from the glass.  Medium-bodied and refined, layers of black berries, plums, chocolate, vanilla, and Asian spices make for a superb young claret.  Drink now with roasted meats or hold for another 5-7 years.

Pinot Noir encapsulates autumn for me, and while I’d like to recommend the Romanee Conti 2022, I won’t, as a) I haven’t tried it and b) at £21,000 a bottle I’m not likely to.  Instead, I’ll give a thumbs up to the Louis Jadot Couvent Des Jacobins Pinot Noir (Sainsbury’s £21 or £18.50 with a Nectar Card).  This is the best value red Burgundy I’ve tasted this year.  Deep ruby, complex aromas of summer and autumnal fruits, married to oak and tart, sour cherries.  The palate conveys everything from strawberries and loganberries to cherries and mushrooms with an effortless air, giving the impression that the winemakers have left its natural beauty shine through.  Give this a couple of hours open and pair with mushrooms, steak and ale pie, or gammon.

If you need a lift as the nights descend, try the Leone 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Perfect Cellar £21).  Aussie Cabernet can be a little forthright, in the same way that Gordon Ramsay can be forthright when presented with an overcooked turbot.  The Leone is a jolly charmer of a wine.  The usual bold black and fruits, eucalyptus and green pepper, earth and spices are all there, but the intensity’s been turned down, allowing a subtle filigree of citrus, cinnamon, and grilled meats to come into the equation.  A super sipper; enjoy this with lasagne, herby sausages or roasted veg.

Italy is probably the most exciting wine nation on earth right now.  Innovation within established regions and the emergence of new ones has created a vibrant scene with so much to enjoy.  The perfect example of innovation in a classic region is G.D. Vajra in Piedmont.  Founded in 1973, this family-owned estate makes classical wines with a modern outlook.  Their G.D. Vajra Barbera D’Alba 2025 (Vinum £23.90), for example, shows considerable freshness and focus, while maintaining Barbera’s natural enthusiasm and weight.  The nose offers red berries, plum jam, and tobacco.  The first sip brings a surge of cheering cherries, mulberries, black pepper and fresh, tangy raspberries.  This exuberant opening is followed by subtle tones of coffee, smoke and minerals, before the firm, taut finish brings things to an elegant end.   Brilliant on its own, it’s perfect for all manner of hearty Italian dishes and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your lips.

Next, a wine I wouldn’t have drunk, let alone recommend ten years ago.Saumur-Champigny is a red from the Loire made from Cabernet Franc.  Until climate change got its hot hands on the region, this meant growing a naturally green and tangy grape in a cool, marginal climate.  The results were invariably harsh, acidic, and stalkier than a freshly combined wheat field.  Things have evidently changed, as the Saumur-Champigny Le Boisclair, Joseph Mellot 2023 (Noble Rot £17.50) is a delight.  Deep purple, the nose offers a classic mix of leafy blackcurrants, strawberries and black and green pepper.  In the mouth is smooth, soft, and plump.  At the periphery, there are green notes, but these just go to show the berry fruits in an even better light.  I had this chilled (with chèvre) and at room temperature on its own, with equally impressive results.

I’ll finish with the best Rioja I’ve tasted this year (and it’s a crowded field), the Viña Real Gran Reserva 2018 (Hic! £32).  Made only in the finest years, aromas of summer pudding, toast, and sage are followed by bold blackberry, cherry, and cranberry fruits, minerals and mint, orange zest and vanilla smoke.  Remarkably easy to drink for a wine of such tender age, give it a couple of hours open and serve with sausages, roast beef, or a hearty vegetable stew.

Cheers! Giles

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Are we enjoying an early autumn?

Round & About

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Round & About

This month gardening expert Cathie Welch answers questions on drought and trees losing their leaves early 

Heat and drought: Following the very wet spring all the trees and shrubs burst into life only to be punished by the hottest and driest summer on record. As a tutor I am always talking about the importance of water in plant growth as without it they die. Not only has it been exceptionally dry there have also been extremes of temperature and as a result many different problems have arisen. 

New planting: When we plant new plants, whether bare rooted or container grown, they need water to grow new roots to become established. This can take a few years! Establishment failure due to drought is extremely common even for ‘drought tolerant’ plants. When plants are small it is easy to reach the roots by soaking the root area thoroughly and regularly. We can also mulch with organic matter which acts like a sponge to hold onto the water for longer. 

Established trees and shrubs: Once plants are established as a result of regular watering and maintenance they can sort of look after themselves. Their roots grow very deep looking for the water table and watering from above is futile. During the last few months trees have started to shed their leaves early and show Autumnal hues. This is just the trees way of conserving energy and shutting down early to prepare for dormancy over winter. Evergreens also shed leaves to conserve water as water vapour is lost through the leaves by a process called transpiration. It can also lead to dieback in future years. We can only hope next year is more positive for our plants, farmers and growers. 

Cathie’s Gardening School runs gardening courses and practical workshops. Limited spaces available next year. 

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Education Guide Autumn 2025

Round & About

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Round & About

Read more articles in our 2025 Education Guide

Is your child “refusing” to comply?
Supporting Young People’s mental health
Therapy to help your child thrive
All ages welcome! Adult learning
Schools invited to showcase their work


View the interactive schools map

Interactive Map

Independent schools, reinvented for today 

September brings a new school year and many of our best local schools are here to help your child thrive, including some unusual subjects to help shape modern minds 

When you think of independent schools, what does that conjure up? You might picture the old-school: Latin verbs, echoing corridors, lacrosse sticks… But in 2025, as education continues to adapt to a changing world, many top schools are quietly reinventing the curriculum with a dose of modern relevance. 

Today’s independent schools aren’t just nurturing future barristers and biochemists; they’re developing coders, conservationists, climbers, and culinary critics. So if you’re wondering what’s bubbling beneath the traditional school crest, here’s a look at some of the more unexpected (and exciting) offerings. 

Game on 

At Box Hill School near Dorking, a student-led Esports and Game Design club is taking off. “At first, it was just casual gaming after hours,” says one teacher. “Now, students are designing full game levels and competing in national Esports tournaments.” Far from being a distraction, gaming is proving to be a serious 21st-century skill, combining coding, design, media literacy and teamwork. Parents may take some convincing, but the students are all in. 

Big questions, little voices 

Godstowe School in High Wycombe is getting philosophical, with even its youngest pupils. The school has introduced Philosophy for Children (P4C), a discussion-based approach that uses books and real-life scenarios to explore concepts like fairness, time, and morality. “You’d be amazed at what a nine-year-old will say when asked, “Can animals have rights?” or “What is identity?’” says one teacher. “It’s like a mini TED Talk every Tuesday.” 

Forest finds 

At St Edward’s School (AKA “Teddies”) in Oxford, the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing) has been introduced as part of the school’s wellbeing programme. Weekly walks in the woods, guided reflection, and screen-free time offer students a much-needed reset during stressful study periods.  

Caring & sharing 

The new kitchen garden farm at Frensham Heights near Farnham is home to four pygmy goats (Issy, Belle, Edith and Bea), named after their founders and a flock of different rare breed chickens. The farm sits between the junior school and the senior school hub (pastoral centre) allowing all ages, and the staff to benefit from the wellbeing effect.   

Sport and outdoor education remain an important part of the Frensham offer. As well as a flashy new weights room, the high ropes in their woodland have had an upgrade with new platforms and a zipwire already added and more high platforms to follow. The extensive extracurricular programme offers archery, forest bathing, foraging, climbing, scuba, ultimate frisbee, high ropes and gardening. Climbing, wakeboarding, dry slope skiing and high ropes are also offered as games afternoon.  

Material world 

At Marlborough College in Wiltshire, traditional textiles have gone high-tech. The Design & Technology department is exploring smart fabrics, combining sewing and embroidery with conductive thread and microelectronics. 

Robot ready 

At Radley College near Abingdon, students are engineering their future in the school’s thriving Robotics and AI programme. Working with industry-grade kits and 3D printers, pupils design and build their own robots for regional and national competitions. From line-followers to maze-solvers, the challenges build coding confidence and practical problem-solving skills.  

Learning buzz 

At St George’s School in Ascot, biology has taken a buzzy turn. Pupils trade lab coats for beekeeping suits in a practical ecology and conservation project that’s creating a buzz. They manage their own hives, monitor bee health, and harvest and sell honey, tying the project into their business studies. The school also works with conservationists to track wild bee populations on local National Trust land. 

Media magic 

At Bedales School near Petersfield, students are leading their own podcast network. Discussions range from school lunches to teenage politics, all recorded, produced and hosted by the pupils. A termly radio show is also broadcast from the studio to the wider community, giving students valuable experience in script writing, sound editing, journalism and presenting. 

Snow & serve 

At The Oratory School between Wallingford and Reading, traditional team sports have been joined by fast-growing favourites such as Padel tennis, a fun, sociable hybrid of squash and tennis that’s sweeping across Europe. This complements the school’s existing quirky sport offerings such as Real Tennis – it is one of only four schools in the country to own a court. All pupils are coached in racquets by the Ladies reigning World Champion Claire Fahey. 

Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in the school’s annual Alpine ski trip, with dedicated coaching for beginners through to advanced racers. Both activities promote balance, focus, and teamwork – with just the right mix of adrenaline and adventure. 

These all reflect a deeper shift in education focused on curiosity, creativity & collaboration. 

View previous Education Guides.

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Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme: What to See

Round & About

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Live arts, music icons and festive cheer are all on the bill for the new season at Newbury’s Corn Exchange

Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme: Exciting Music, Comedy, Theatre & Family Fun

The Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme is packed with world-class music tributes, laugh-out-loud comedy, family favourites, inspiring talks, and fantastic theatre. This season promises entertainment for audiences of all ages, making Newbury Theatre the place to be this autumn.

Theatre Shows in the Newbury Autumn Programme

Theatre fans can look forward to a thrilling lineup as part of the Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme. The season opens with Shamilton: The Improvised Hip Hop Musical on August 28th. Audiences choose the historical figure, and the cast improvises the plot and songs live.

On October 14th, enjoy Drum, a story by two Ghanaian creatives set in 1960s London. October 21st brings Stories from an Invisible Town, a darkly comic solo show exploring childhood myths. The programme also features Revenge, After the Levoyah on November 4th, a chaotic Jewish comedy about a kidnapping plot.

Dance Highlights in the Newbury Autumn Programme

The dance offerings in the Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme blend tradition and innovation. On September 24th, witness the Kathak performance Story of One, Story of Many. Then, on October 16th, Richard Chappell Dance presents Hot House, mixing Indian classical dance with garage beats.

Music Tributes and Live Performances This Autumn

Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme. Tribute acts include the UK Pik Floyd Experience (Sept 13th), Bootleg Eagles (Sept 19th), Emilio Santoro as Elvis (Sept 20th), The Doly Show starring Kelly O’Brien (Sept 25th), and Some Guys Have All the Luck: The Rod Stewart Story (Oct 18th).

Additionally, the season features the soulful Northern Live: Do I Love You (Sept 18th) and festive favourite Step into Christmas (Nov 15th).

Comedy and Talks in the Newbury Autumn Programme

For comedy lovers, the Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme offers performances by The Comedy Network (Sept 5th, Oct 17th & Nov 7th), Jenny Éclair’s Jokes, Jokes, Jokes Live (Sept 26th), and Matt Richardson’s Brash (Oct 9th). November features Milton Jones (Nov 5th) and Suzi Ruffell (Nov 8th).

Special talks include Adam Kay’s A Particularly Nasty Case (Sept 6th) and gardener Adam Frost reflecting on life on October 22nd. Clare Balding appears on September 16th, supporting the Old Library fundraising.

Family Shows and Festive Fun

Families can enjoy the Newbury Theatre Autumn Programme’s children’s shows, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Oct 10th-12th), Stick Man (Oct 28th-30th), Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians (Oct 31st), and Dinosaurs Live (Nov 9th).

The season closes with the festive panto Robin Hood and Maid Marian from November 28th to January 3rd.

For more details of all shows this autumn, please visit here.

To learn more about your area, click here.

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Get cosy with seasonal interior ideas!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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As summer draws to a close, the world of interior design embraces a shift toward spaces that are not only stylish but also profoundly reflective of personal taste. This season’s trends are about creating environments that stand out while providing comfort and a sense of individuality.

From luxurious textures to nature-inspired tones, here are the top trends to make your home a sanctuary of style and personality.

Luxurious textures: deep jewel tones

Deep jewel tones are the hallmark of the next season’s decor, brining a rich and sophisticated colour palette into your home. These bold hues – ruby red, sapphire blue, and emerald green – are not confined to small accents but are embraced in larger, more impactful ways.

Whether it’s a plush sofa, an upholstered chair, or even a statement rug, these vibrant colours add a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. The intensity of jewel tones creates a striking contrast that elevates your decor, making it both inviting and opulent.

Natural materials: wood beyond the basics

Wood is making a solid statement in Fall 2024 decor with its timeless appeal. This season focuses on high-quality, beautifully crafted wooden pieces that add warmth and a sense of wellbeing to your home.

Whether a handcrafted dining table that becomes the heart of your home or a sleek wooden side table, these elements bring enduring elegance and character to your space. Far from being mundane, these wooden pieces are designed to stand out, offering both style and durability.

They’re not just furniture but investments in your home’s aesthetic and comfort.

Warm embrace: earthy tones

Earthy tones are taking centre stage this season, bringing the warmth and tranquillity of nature into your home. Inspired by the rich palette of the outdoors, shades like deep terracotta, rich browns, muted greens and warm ochres create a cozy, grounding atmosphere perfect for the fall season.

Imagine a living room bathed in a soft clay tone, enhanced by a warm nude velvet bench and a deep red marble coffee table – together, they craft a serene and sophisticated space.

Sculptural pieces: art meets functionality

Sculptural furniture and decor are all about bold, artistic shapes that double as functional pieces. This trend brings in items like totem sculptures and furniture with striking, unconventional forms, turning everyday objects into statement pieces that define the room’s character.

These sculptural elements add a layer of sophistication and intrigue to your space, blending art with utility. Whether it’s a bold dining table with sweeping curves or a dramatic lamp, these pieces transform your home into a gallery of modern design.

Made for you: personalised & unique pieces

Personalisation is mandatory this fall, with a strong trend toward unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your style. Whether it’s an antique mirror, a handwoven rug, or a bespoke piece of art, incorporating these items into your decor adds a layer of personal storytelling to your home.

Custom-built furniture tailored to your space is the perfect way to embrace this trend. A bespoke piece doesn’t just fit perfectly. It also is a testament to your taste, making your home truly yours. These personalised touches create a space as unique as you are, filled with items that carry meaning and tell your story.

Textured designs

Textured rugs add depth and visual interest to any interior space. The interplay of materials, shapes, and colours creates a visually dynamic surface and a tactile experience that enhances comfort.

Geometric shapes and varied pile heights, such as high-low designs, bring a sculptural quality to the rug, while cut and loop pile combinations add intricate patterns and subtle dimensions. Embossed or carved patterns elevate the aesthetic appeal by giving the rug a captivating three-dimensional effect.

These elements work together to create a harmonious blend of style and warmth, making textured rugs perfect for creating cosy, inviting spaces rich in character and design.

HOUSE OF HOMMÉS is the home of three bold and unique design brands that share the same vision – to deliver essential designer furniture, bold decor objects, luxe pet accessories, and stylish rugs for ultra-modern interiors, paying particular attention to how they fit in the same space. Shop at hommes.studio

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Everything is lovely!

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Browse and shop at The Lovely Vintage and Antiques Fair this autumn and find heirlooms and treasures galore

With autumn creeping in, the new season brings with it new thrills. The Lovely Vintage and Antiques Fair opens its doors for the first time at the River & Rowing Museum on October 5th. As the name suggests this fair is set to have a carefully curated collection of gorgeous vintage and antique wares from expert dealers around the country.

The stunning Thames Room with its floor to ceiling windows has stunning views of the River and Mill Meadows and makes the perfect backdrop for you to browse and be inspired by sustainable shopping particularly with Christmas around the corner.

Expect all sorts from our 20 dealers taking part with selection of art, ceramics, textiles, clothing, jewellery, household items, curiosities and ephemera and much more. Every era is covered From Regency to mid-century. There is a splash of brocante and a dash of rustic. Everything will of course be lovely!

Hosted by local vintage dealer Joanna Dickinson of Henley who during the pandemic supported the vintage community with social media marketing when all fairs and markets were forced to close. It was during this time that many dealers banded together on Instagram and took to virtual selling which was a huge hit!

Once life settled back down, Jo realised being a vintage dealer was a natural progression and opened an Etsy store called Jojo Jam Jar Vintage. The community have remained firm friends since and are always kind and helpful to each other.

Jo says: “All my friends who do the fairs up and down the country have the most stunning wares for sales. It seemed unfair to keep these treasures all to myself. I’m delighted to show off the best vintage with our town.

“The River and Rowing Museum is the perfect venue with its architecture and facilities. To avoid disappointment, arrive early as things do sell out quickly. Nothing is as unique and special as a treasured heirloom and the thrill of finding an old piece and giving it a new forever home really is lovely!”

The Fair is open 10am to 4pm. The museum has parking on site and nearby and you can walk into Henley in a matter of minutes. There also is a large café with indoor and outdoor seating. A newly constructed play park was installed in the summer to help lively kids burn off some energy if you need to entertain little ones.

For more details visit our Instagram and Facebook.

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Putting the Garden to Bed

Round & About

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Green-fingered Cathie Welch shares her tips on getting your garden ready for the colder months

I have always thought this was a strange saying as so much goes on during the winter months. Some plants die down but others are coming up as it’s their season. The animals, insects and birds all still need shelter and food.

Pruning

Many plants actually need their annual prune in the winter when they are dormant like roses, apples and pears and many other deciduous shrubs and trees. Think about piling up the prunings or making a ‘dead hedge’ instead of throwing them out or burning them.

Cutting back perennials

Many perennials have gone over and look dead at this time of the year and it is tempting to cut them all back for tidiness. Think carefully about each plant as the seed heads that look dead to you can look beautiful in the frost and can contain valuable food for birds. The base of perennials can actually be protected in the winter, particular those that are slightly tender like Penstemon and many Salvias. Perennials at the side of ponds are refuge for amphibians. If you really need to cut them back consider leaving piles so creatures can hide there. Many perennials are best left until the sap is rising in the Spring like Fuschias, Hydrangeas and Perovskia.

Tender Perennials

Some plants need winter protection as they don’t tolerate the freezing temperatures of recent years. Hardy Fuschias die back but tender ones will die. Dahlias and Cannas really can be put to bed in the garden by covering with a thick layer of straw mulch topped with compost.

Autumn Leaves

I find the thick acrid smoke of a bonfire particularly upsetting if leaves are the fuel. This is especially tedious when leaf blowers are used. Rake the leaves up into a pile for hedgehogs and other creatures to enjoy. Mulch over the top of them on flower beds as they will eventually rot down. Mow them up on a lawn for exceptional compost. Create a leaf mould pile but do not burn!

Meadows and hardy annuals

A lot of our native wild flowers need to have the seed stratified which means they need the cold winter in order to germinate in the Spring. Consider leaving the seeds in the ground rather than collecting them or re-distribute throughout the garden.

Biennials

Foxgloves, teasels and forget-me-nots need to go through vernalisation which is when the plant is in its first year. It needs the cold to stimulate flowering the following Spring.

Plants are amazing and a little knowledge can transform the way you think about ‘putting your garden to bed for the winter’

CGS Courses
Please ask for details as I am now meeting potential students for Spring Courses as well as bespoke workshops and volunteering. I can also come and teach you in your own garden and am happy to chat over a coffee at Ashdene. Consultancy gift vouchers available too. Visit my website or email:  info@cathiesgardeningschool.co.uk

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Autumn unfolds at Ramster Garden

Karen Neville

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Whether you are looking for foresting bathing or a seasonal walk visit Ramster Garden. Rosie Glaister from Ramster Hall, shares her top five things not to miss that capture the dazzling beauty of autumn colour

With over 1,500 catalogued trees and shrubs in the garden, there is plenty to see as you wander down leaf covered woodland paths that meander past established shrubs, mature plants, and peaceful views.

Avenue of Acers

Our ancient avenue of acers must be the most photographed spot in the garden during autumn. The 120-year-old gnarly twisted trunks and branches create dramatic shapes covered with fiery red and orange leaves.

Liquidambar

This is one of the best trees for autumn colour. It has large maple shapes leaves which transform from crimson colours red, to purple then gold. It is one of my favourite trees within the garden because of its amazing spectrum of colours.

Handkerchief or Dove Tree

During the spring you will see flower-like bracts that flutter gently in the breeze that resemble doves or handkerchiefs. During autumn, the leaves turn a stunning golden yellow to orange.

Cornus

We have an excellent collection of flowering Dogwoods, but perhaps our best is Cornus ‘Normal Hadden’, fantastic for its stunning autumn colour and peculiar red fruits that appear to float on the ends of branches.

Nuts and berries!

There is something so magical seeing all the autumn berries dress the garden with natural decoration. The woodland floor is also a feast of colour and texture from fallen leaves and shiny conkers from our towering horse chestnut tree. Toadstools and fungi complete the enchanting woodland scene – if only we had fairies!

Visiting our garden

Ramster Garden is open 10am-5pm on Thursday, Friday, and weekends until 12th November. We have twenty-five acres of peaceful woodland garden for you to explore and a Tea House which serves homemade soup, quiches, sandwiches, and cakes. You can also enjoy a range of drinks including our own blend of coffee. Parking is free and we welcome dogs (on short leads). No need to pre-book, just come along and enjoy a wonderful walk.

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Dark wines for long dark nights

Round & About

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Our wine expert Giles Luckett shares his red wine recommendations to raise your mojo levels!

Hello. Since I became a wine lover autumn has become my favourite season. Without the harshness of winter, yet with long evenings populated with hearty food, it’s a red wine drinker’s ideal. Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken advantage of this situation and I’ve been doing some ‘research’ for this column. Several trade tastings and somewhat less formal sessions in my sitting room later, I’ve picked up my super six for the autumn. These are food-friendly, warming, and mellow wines, which I hope will bring a smile to your lips as they have mine.

First up is a wine from the South of France, the Domaine Saint Rose La Garrigue 2018 (Majestic £5.99 on offer, down from £8.99). The Domaine Saint Rose was established by a couple of British corporate high flyers Charles and Ruth Simpson, who have brought modernity to a traditional blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre to great effect. Plum-coloured, the nose offers mulberry, raspberry, and blueberry tones with a twist of herbs and raspberries. These are reflected on the ripe, soft, plump palate, which is spiced by hints of white pepper and earth.

Next, a new wine (to me at least) from one of my favourite wineries, Vina Zorzal. I’ve had several Vina Zorzal wines; the Garacha (The Wine Society around £9) is likely to be one of my wines of the year (again), and the Viña Zorzal Cuatro del Cuatro Graciano (The Wine Society £16), is about as good a red as you’ll find for under £20.

My recommendation this time, however, is the Vina Zorzal Graciano (The Wine Society £8.95). Graciano isn’t a grape you see adorning a label that often. It’s a problematic vine as it’s easily affected by rot and doesn’t give great yields, which is not exactly a recipe for commercial success. It is, however, capable of brilliance, as this shows. Inky in colour, this lip-staining beauty is powerful, concentrated, and glorious. Packed to the gunnels with flavours of cooked blackberries, redcurrants, and spices, its bright acidity stops it from becoming overwhelming or cloying. At this price, it’s a wine to buy by the case and partner with hearty, mid-week suppers.

Sticking with Spain, and another new wine from an old friend, we have Cune’s Asua Crianza 2018 (£12.99 – The Surrey Wine Cellar (or Harvey Nichols if you’re passing). Rioja is one of my favourite regions, and let’s face it, no one does it better than Cune. The Asua is made exclusively from Tempranillo (so no Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, etc.) and offers an intense, pure, and delightfully different take on Rioja. Endowed with plenty of black cherries, blackcurrant, and mulberry fruit, shot through with vanilla, dried herbs, and citrus peel, this is already delivering the delightful goods, but has the capacity to age and develop for another 3-5 years.

South African wines have been hitting the high notes for some years, but many remain outstanding value for money. A great example is the Journey’s End ‘Sir Lowry’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Waitrose £14.99). Journey’s End Honeycomb Chardonnay (Ocado £9), then do. It’s got more vanilla than Madagascar and is fruitier than the man from Del Monte’s dinner party conversation.

The Sir Lowry shows the refined side of their wines. Deep purple, the nose is a complex mix of raw blackcurrants, black cherries, woodsmoke, and mint. On the palate, this medium-bodied offering gives layers of black fruits, chocolate, plum, cherries, creamy vanilla, and a crack of black pepper on the end. Food-friendly (we had it with lasagne), it also showed well as an evening solo sipper.

“South African wines have been hitting the high notes for some years”

Another new-world winery that never fails to impress is Catena. Catena is my favourite Argentinean producer, and the Wine Society’s Exhibition Malbec (The Wine Society £12.50) is worth the membership on its own. The wine I’m recommending is the Catena Malbec 2019 (Majestic £9.99). This high-altitude, cool climate Malbec shows this grape’s impressive range and depth. Almost opaque, the nose if full of dark notes of blackberries, charcoal, and prunes that are lifted by scents of rose petals and raspberries. The palate reveals an. equally delicate balancing act, with hefty quantities of super-ripe, black-skinned fruits, coffee, cocoa, and earth given life by a refreshing splash of raspberry and redcurrant acidity. One for steak night, decant it or give it some time open before drinking.

I’ll finish with yet another new wine, one that hails from one of the greatest producers on the planet, Gaja. The Gaja family made their name in northern Italy in and around Barbaresco. Today, they’re acknowledged as Italian winemaking royalty, and their wines sell for serious money – the sensational 2019 Barbaresco, for example, will set you back £200 a bottle.

The Idda (London End Wines or Fareham Wines, £29.50) is the result of a joint venture with Sicily’s Etna pioneer, Graci. This is a terrific wine, one that combines power with elegance, purity with complexity. The bouquet offers floral herb notes backed by vibrant black and red fruits. The palate is dominated by tones of raspberry and strawberry, with touches of coffee, mint, and liquorice adding a savoury dimension. This is a serious and seriously good wine that will develop for another few years. Try it with mushroom risotto or lamb shanks.

Well, that’s it for autumn wines and almost for autumn. With the festive season on the way, next time, I’ll look at festive fizz and suggest a couple of wines that will make even the driest of turkeys taste like manna from heaven.

More soon…

Giles

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Autumn leaves and fiendish fun

Zoe Gater

Posted on

autumn

It may feel as if the children have only just gone back to school but already it’s time for half term. So, if you’re in need of some ideas to amuse them and save your own sanity, read on…

This time of year may be the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, but it’s also the time for ghostly goings-on when things go bump in the night and you can’t help bumping into a pumpkin or two!

There’s a whole week full of pumpkins at Secretts at Hurst Farm, Milford from October 22nd to 29th. Pop along and pick your own to take home. They’re priced by the diameter so bear that in mind when tempted to go for the biggest. Pick up an activity sheet and join in a scavenger hunt. If the fleshy orange squash is to your taste, then tuck into the pumpkin menu of soup, curry or a slice of spicy pumpkin cake.

In the lead up to Halloween, RHS Wisley invites you to delve into the world of deadly plants and bugs. With fun family activities from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th. Follow the trail around the garden to explore how everything from cacti to centipedes defend themselves and their habitats. Meet all kinds of bugs and get stuck in with craft and planting workshops. Design a deadly bug or start growing your own carnivorous plant at a workshop and find out more about the wicked plants and wildlife who make Wisley their home.

Magic and mischief abound on The Watercress Line this Halloween with spooky fun galore to keep the kids entertained. Travel on the Wizard Express steam train, walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the railway footbridge and explore the Harry Potter style coaches in the siding at Alresford. Get up close to hairy, scary creatures, take part in a broom making demo and much more. As well as unlimited train travel between stations. And why not dress up as a spooky character for the chance to win a prize?

There’s a week of spooky make and take craft activities at the Rural Life Centre, Farnham from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th. With the popular pumpkin carving on Saturday and Sunday. Pre-booking essential for this.

If you’ve ever accused your children of being air heads let them revel in this at Brooklands Museum this October half term, at their Air Heads extravaganza where you’ll find all manner of activities to keep them entertained. Join in the Build a Paper Aircraft Family Workshop and watch it fly. Pedal planes will run from the paddock for under 5s. Become a detective and solve clues, decode messages and search for hidden objects to claim a prize.

Fairy Doors will be in the Painshill landscape from Saturday 22nd until November 13th. Discover the secret series of doors hidden around the woodlands and lake. As you wander the route you will see the best spots for autumn colour. Enjoy some stunning trees, collect autumn leaves and celebrate the season. Keep your eyes open for the fairies!

A new after dark trail awaits visitors to Polesden Lacey from October 20th to November 6th with IGNITE. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the gardens at night guided by flickering flames and glowing tunnels of trees, with magical illuminated installations along the way. Nestled in the Surrey Hills, the Edwardian gardens of the estate are the perfect setting for this exceptional after-dark experience.

An autumn stroll through the ancient woodlands and parkland at Hatchlands Park is a joy at this time year. The beech woodland creates a delightful haze of gold and yellow and the native wild service tree, with its vibrant red leaves glows against the sky. There are various way-marked routes to follow and if you need a little help to get around, book an all-terrain Tramper personal mobility vehicle.

There’s a weird, wacky, and wicked Halloween trail to follow at Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming. From Saturday 22nd to Monday 31st where you can uncover the spookier side of trees on a haunted trail around the arboretum. Did you know fungi is closer to an animal than a plant? There’s a tree that smells like candyfloss? Or that some trees can grow fingers? Discover all this and more…

Take part in an autumn colour hunt throughout the month at The Vyne. Search for reds, golden yellows and rusty browns hidden in the grounds using the autumn colour hunt key. Intrigue and curious conundrums are part of the Halloween riddle trail from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th when little ones can also hunt for witches, wizards, cats and toads exploring the gardens with the aid of trail sheets. A chocolate treat awaits at the end.

Spot the pumpkins hidden across the Pleasure Garden and have fun strolling through crunchy leaves at Petworth from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th. Search out seasonal colours and different leaf shapes at Petworth that are marked on the colour catcher chart. Collect what you find, then help create deer shaped wild art installations by attaching your leafy collections to the animal models.

Gin lovers listen up! Did you know there’s an award-winning distillery in the beautiful village of Ripley? Distillers Of Surrey are a family run business on the picturesque Papercourt Lake, Polesden Lane. If you’re yet to discover this hidden treasure, check out their opening times at www.distillersofsurrey.com or book one of their popular distillery tours where you’ll be welcomed with a G&T and enjoy an interesting tour. Younger ones aren’t forgotten with spooky Halloween craft to enjoy on Saturday 29th.

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