Carol singers
In our (quite remote, even for Hampshire) village, the carol singers are driven around by tractor between three houses at different points along the length of the village. When we host, we have a fizz from The Grange, as the vineyard is literally in the village and it would be heresy to do otherwise (01962 458069; www.thegrangewine.co.uk). Alongside this, we’ll have some tasty mulled wine (this is homemade, of course—there are no sachets here) for those who believe that drinks for carols have to feel Christmassy. The secret is to use a red with low tannin and lots of fruit and don’t go too cheap. Find something from southern France or Argentina at about £10 a bottle, if you don’t want to suffer the next day.
Village drinks party
Here again, we might be tempted to have some fizz and would source from the local wineries. Fortunately, there are a few to choose from including Raimes (07792 924914; www.raimes. co.uk), Exton Park (01489 878788; www.exton parkvineyard.com) and Hattingley Valley (01256 389188; www.hattingleyvalley.com). Alternatively, we might be more likely to serve a tasty South African Chenin Blanc— rounded and fruity with a definite flavour, which will pull in lovers of both bone-dry and off-dry wines, without the partisan effect of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Look to spend between £8 and £15 a bottle.
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