November Newsletter

Following the success of our 'Fun-Size' wine tasting sessions we hosted throughout August, we're introducing 'Festive Fun-Size' tastings, in addition to our usual Evening Wine Tastings in December.

In this edition, we'll present our recommendations for the all-important Christmas Day feasting.

'Tis almost the season to be jolly, so, as always, "Happy drinking!"

Our fizz recommendations for your seasonal aperitifs...

Jansz Cuvee N/V

Jansz Tasmania is a luxury sparkling wine house, solely devoted to the art of sparkling winemaking since 1986. Location is integral to growing outstanding fruit and only Tasmania can boast such idyllic conditions. "Aromas of honeysuckle, citrus zest and fresh strawberries from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit. Extended time on lees during secondary fermentation contributes to more complex aromas of nougat and roasted nuts. The palate is balanced with delicate fruit flavour, fine creamy texture and refreshing natural acidity." £19.99

Pradio, Passaparola, Prosecco, Spumante DOC, Veneto, Italy, N/V

The Cielo's family estate based in Friuli Grave DOC is the source of top quality white and sparkling wines. Machine harvested to ensure the shortest possible time between harvest and pressing in order to preserve the delicate aromatics of the Prosecco grape. "This classic from the North of Italy is a delicious sparkler with aromatic pear flavours on the nose followed by a crisp palate of succulent apple and pear. Gently foamy, with a crisp and delicate finish, drink on it's own or in true venetian style, as a Bellini." £12.99

Mezzacorona Blanc De Blanc

Mezzacorona is a driving force behind the quality of Trentino wines with a state-of-the-art winery handling estate grown fruit from the company's extensive vineyard holdings in the heart of the Dolomites. The grapes for this wine come from ten to fifteen year-old pergola-trained vineyards in the Dolomites, at altitudes of 400 - 800 metres. "Elegant with rich aromas of orchard fruits, white peach and melon with a hint of pineapple. A soft mousse with balanced acidity; fresh yet easy drinking." £13.99

Our wine recommendations for your festive table...

The Grapesmith Die Kluisennar 2018

An award winning wine from the vineyards of the Malan family, Simonsig. With a bright straw colour, Die Kluisenaar shows top notes of citrus blossom, lemon tart and baked apples followed by some toasted nuts and yeasty complexity. "A focussed and well structured palate shows layered stone fruits with a touch of minerality. Well defined acidity contributes to beautiful length on this complex white blend. Die Kluisenaar will gain in complexity, depth and texture for several years." £22.45

Domaine Pierre Marchand, Pouilly Fumé, Les Loges, Loire, France, 2024

Eric Marchand spent his childhood in the vineyards helping his parents, instilling in him a love for the land. He went on to study viticulture then after graduation he and his brother, Pascal, took over from their father. Across their 17 hectares they practice minimum intervention as well as conducting a green harvest and de-budding in the spring to improve quality further. "100% Sauvignon Blanc, a complex, concentrated example of Pouilly Fumé with well balanced, crisp gooseberry and blackcurrant leaf fruit overlaid with hints of citrus and mineral. The finish is elegant and long with hints of flint and ripe apple. £18.45

Paul Hobbs, Crossbarn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2020

Paul came to winemaking via studying to be a doctor and this scientific background and attention to detail has helped hone his approach to crafting wonderfully precise, complex wines in California, and around the world. He has famously been called the 'Steve Jobs' of wine by Forbes magazine and it is clear he is a driven perfectionist whose hard work has paid off with numerous 100 points scores from the critics. However, to stop there would do Paul an injustice. Notwithstanding his mainstream winemaking training at UC Davis, Paul is an advocate of low intervention methods. "100% Pinot Noir with 9 months in oak. Bright ruby in colour and scented with inviting notes of bergamot, fresh blueberry and red clay combine with invigorating acidity as it evolves across the palate, ending with the power and grace that's in character with its coastal influences." £38.99

Stift Klosterneuburg St. Laurent Ausstich 2022

Our fizz recommendations for your seasonal aperitifs...

Jansz Cuvee N/V

Jansz Tasmania is a luxury sparkling wine house, solely devoted to the art of sparkling winemaking since 1986. Location is integral to growing outstanding fruit and only Tasmania can boast such idyllic conditions. "Aromas of honeysuckle, citrus zest and fresh strawberries from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit. Extended time on lees during secondary fermentation contributes to more complex aromas of nougat and roasted nuts. The palate is balanced with delicate fruit flavour, fine creamy texture and refreshing natural acidity." £19.99

Pradio, Passaparola, Prosecco, Spumante DOC, Veneto, Italy, N/V

The Cielo's family estate based in Friuli Grave DOC is the source of top quality white and sparkling wines. Machine harvested to ensure the shortest possible time between harvest and pressing in order to preserve the delicate aromatics of the Prosecco grape. "This classic from the North of Italy is a delicious sparkler with aromatic pear flavours on the nose followed by a crisp palate of succulent apple and pear. Gently foamy, with a crisp and delicate finish, drink on it's own or in true venetian style, as a Bellini." £12.99

Mezzacorona Blanc De Blanc

Mezzacorona is a driving force behind the quality of Trentino wines with a state-of-the-art winery handling estate grown fruit from the company's extensive vineyard holdings in the heart of the Dolomites. The grapes for this wine come from ten to fifteen year-old pergola-trained vineyards in the Dolomites, at altitudes of 400 - 800 metres. "Elegant with rich aromas of orchard fruits, white peach and melon with a hint of pineapple. A soft mousse with balanced acidity; fresh yet easy drinking." £13.99

Our wine recommendations for your festive table...

The Grapesmith Die Kluisennar 2018

An award winning wine from the vineyards of the Malan family, Simonsig. With a bright straw colour, Die Kluisenaar shows top notes of citrus blossom, lemon tart and baked apples followed by some toasted nuts and yeasty complexity. "A focussed and well structured palate shows layered stone fruits with a touch of minerality. Well defined acidity contributes to beautiful length on this complex white blend. Die Kluisenaar will gain in complexity, depth and texture for several years." £22.45

Domaine Pierre Marchand, Pouilly Fumé, Les Loges, Loire, France, 2024

Eric Marchand spent his childhood in the vineyards helping his parents, instilling in him a love for the land. He went on to study viticulture then after graduation he and his brother, Pascal, took over from their father. Across their 17 hectares they practice minimum intervention as well as conducting a green harvest and de-budding in the spring to improve quality further. "100% Sauvignon Blanc, a complex, concentrated example of Pouilly Fumé with well balanced, crisp gooseberry and blackcurrant leaf fruit overlaid with hints of citrus and mineral. The finish is elegant and long with hints of flint and ripe apple. £18.45

Paul Hobbs, Crossbarn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2020

Paul came to winemaking via studying to be a doctor and this scientific background and attention to detail has helped hone his approach to crafting wonderfully precise, complex wines in California, and around the world. He has famously been called the 'Steve Jobs' of wine by Forbes magazine and it is clear he is a driven perfectionist whose hard work has paid off with numerous 100 points scores from the critics. However, to stop there would do Paul an injustice. Notwithstanding his mainstream winemaking training at UC Davis, Paul is an advocate of low intervention methods. "100% Pinot Noir with 9 months in oak. Bright ruby in colour and scented with inviting notes of bergamot, fresh blueberry and red clay combine with invigorating acidity as it evolves across the palate, ending with the power and grace that's in character with its coastal influences." £38.99

Stift Klosterneuburg St. Laurent Ausstich 2022

The history of Klosterneuburg Monastery and its wine estate begins in 1114, it is therefore the oldest wine estate in Austria. The winery cultivates 108 hectares of vineyards and counts to the biggest and renowned wine estates of Austria. The vineyards are situated in selected top locations in Klosterneuburg, Vienna, Gumpoldskirchen and Tattendorf. Since the year 2009 it is the first carbon neutral wine estate in Europe. "This St. Laurent Ausstich shows deep ruby-pomegranate colouration. Hints of star anise and gingerbread, and fine cherry and sour cherry notes make it a particularly elegant representative of its variety. A red wine with balance and velvety texture which leaves one waxing enthusiastic." £18.99

And finally...at last a vegan Armagnac (just in time for Christmas)!

Janneau VS Tradition Grand Armagnac 70cl

Janneau have been producing France's oldest spirit since Pierre Etienne Janneau founded the maison in 1851. Today Janneau is not just one of the oldest of the great houses but also the world's leading Armagnac.

Armagnac is traditionally drunk neat as an aperitif or after-dinner liquer. The addition of a slight dash of water will develop the expression of more fruity aromas. "Very fresh and fruity with aromas of young plums and iodine as well as vanilla and liquorice. Flavours of oak and chocolate." £36.99

Vegan Tipples at Christmas markets

We will be bringing a fabulous festive selection of our wines, beers and spirits to two Christmas Markets in November (the only time before the big day!)

Cockenzie Market - Friday 28 November
Leith Market - Saturday 29 November

Do come and say 'hi' if you're in the local area. These markets are always wonderful, and particularly so at this time of the year. Don't forget, if you would like us to bring any orders with us, to avoid paying a delivery charge, you are very welcome to do so. Simply place your order online and select collection, then drop us an e-mail and we can arrange for you to collect your festive drinks from the Vegan Tipples stall!

Christmas Boxes.......

We know we probably say this every year, but we are particularly delighted to present our Christmas Wine Boxes for 2025!

We have some absolutely cracking wines and are pleased to have been able to achieve an incredible value for money Christmas Box option for our valued customers, whilst excelling also on the quality of the wines included!

Starting at £65, we have a Box which includes, fizz, a dessert wine and four mixed wines:

Belle Modella Prosecco

This beautifully crafted, sensuously rounded Prosecco posseses a vibrant mousse and a fresh, uplifting aroma.Crisp, deliciously frothy and filled with ripe apple and citrus fruit character.

Paparuda Pinot Grigio

This over delivers! It is textured with delicious honey, citrus fruits and ripe pears on the palate as well as the nose. The finish is clean and refreshing and deliciously Pinot Grigio.

Villa Wolf Pinot Blanc

Fresh and bright aromas come from picking the fruit at the optimal ripeness. Crisp with floral notes and textured stone fruit flavour. This medium-bodied dry wine is complex, not too sweet with just the right amount of acidity creating a great balance.

Baglio Gibellina, Sogno del Sud Organic Nero d'Avola

Deep ruby-red and violet flecks. Intense nose of pomegranate and wild strawberries and hints of red berry fruits. Soft and velvety, full bodied with smooth and sweet tannins.

Painted Wolf Wines 'The Den' Pinotage

Medium-bodied with ripe boysenberry and mulberry, savoury spice, milk chocolate and toasty wood flavours, leading to a bright crisp finish.

Luis Felipe Edwards Late Harvest Viognier Sauvignon Blanc 37cl

The nose is very complex encompassing broad sweet aromas of honey, peaches, applesauce and white flowers. In the mouth it is fatty, with an exquisite sweetness that together with its acidity delivered by the base of Sauvignon Blanc

Our £80 box also includes fizz, four mixed wines and a dessert wine:

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel ABV 12%

Flavours of buttered toast and fresh bread, with touches of roast almonds. The mousse is creamy and elegant with delicate bubbles.

Painted Wolf 'The Den' Chenin Blanc

Fresh lemon and pear aromas give way to tropical passion fruit on the nose. Crisp acidity and a hint of oak add to the texture and wonderful fruit flavours linger on the palate.

Stones Throw Chardonnay 13%

Refreshingly unoaked, citrus and white peach flavours combine with a zesty fresh acidity and a clean, bright and linear mineral finish.

Cunning Plan Shiraz 14.5%

Great depth of ripe plum and blackberry fruit flavours. A full bodied wine with a succulent palate, lively spices and fine velvety tannins.

Susumaniello, Boccatino 14%

Made from the indigenous Susumaniello grape variety, this wine has a fruity nose with intense red fruit aromas. On the palate, juniper, liquorice and bramble notes, with a very good length.

Indomita, Nostros Late Harvest 12%

Aromas of white peach, white tea leaves and lychee fill the nose, whilst the palate is clean, bright with a candied lemon peel acidity giving elegance.

Our £90 Box includes fizz, four mixed wines and a Tawny Port:

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel ABV 12%

Flavours of buttered toast and fresh bread, with touches of roast almonds. The mousse is creamy and elegant with delicate bubbles.

Painted Wolf 'The Den' Chenin Blanc

Fresh lemon and pear aromas give way to tropical passion fruit on the nose. Crisp acidity and a hint of oak add to the texture and wonderful fruit flavours linger on the palate.

Alice Verdeca 13%

Straw yellow in colour, the nose shows aromatic white flowers mixed with citrus notes as well as pear and pineapple. Dry on the palate this is fresh and mineral like.

Cunning Plan Shiraz 14.5%

Great depth of ripe plum and blackberry fruit flavours. A full bodied wine with a succulent palate, lively spices and fine velvety tannins.

Salice Salentino Riserva DOC 14%

This has a bit of everything you want in a red wine: plenty of ripe and juicy berry fruit, but all balanced by well-judged oak, pleasant tannic structure, enough acidity to keep things fresh and some bottle age for added complexity.

Delaforce, LBV, DOC Douro, Portugal

A deep red colour, ripe jammy plum and berry fruit aromas combine with the rich mellow flavours of wood ageing and displays the characteristic elegance, balance and harmony of the Delaforce house style. Rich and round on the palate.

Christmas Wine Tastings......

Our Wine Tasting Evening for November is sold out.

Our Christmas Wine Tasting Evenings will take place on 5 and 6 December at 7pm. Just £20pp for these incredibly special Wine Tasting events enjoying our festive favourites and getting well and truly into the spirit of the season!

This year, following the success of our Edinburgh Festival mini wine tasting events, we are excited to announce that we have some new Fun-Size Festive Wine Tasting events on selected days from 26 November to 2 January.

These will take place throughout the day at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm and will run shorter than our monthly evening events, tasting four fine wines in just one hour, including a top up of your favourite wine. Just £15pp.

These shorter tastings are a fantastic way to take a break from festive shopping or just to catch up socially with friends or work colleagues!

All wine tastings take place at our premises in the very heart of historic Edinburgh. Do join us, we'd love to welcome you.