As we try to ditch our winter coats and head into spring with some alfresco dining on our minds, we face the question – which wine will complement the dishes we’re preparing? Whether you’re opting for a spring salad, some fresh seafood, or a picnic as the sun comes out, there is no need to worry as California Wines can answer all of your needs and show you how to make the perfect pairings.

James Clay, the specialist beer people, presented a collection of ‘attitudinal’ beers from four of America’s most highly regarded breweries: Brooklyn of New York; Anchor of San Francisco; Goose Island of Chicago and Flying Dog of Maryland.

To be fair these new Ocean Spray commercials are better than the last ones featuring acidic women from Crouch End hinting at problems ‘down there’. These feature two mentally-challenged Americans standing waist deep in a cranberry bog. Perhaps they are applying the berry to their parts externally? They didn’t succeed in putting me off Ocean Spray though, so that’s a result of sorts.

Whilst Roman poet, Martial described the wines as ‘terrible’, Douglas Blyde finds pleasure in a particular pink wine from Provence…

Tea lovers can make a brew to support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) volunteer crew with the new Lifeboat Tea range. Each of the full bodied, flavoursome teas raise invaluable funds, with 7p from every pack sold going directly to the RNLI to help train and equip the charity’s dedicated volunteers*

Where once Smirnoff ruled Duty Free, and countless teenage parties, now comes brand upon brand from Poland, Sweden, Holland and Russia. So many in fact we’re in danger of floating on top of the stuff. And to that long list you can add Herefordshire Chase Vodka. And, what’s more, it’s made from (cue Jeremy Clarkson pause) … potatoes.

The idea of beer drinkers as all weird beards clutching their CAMRA membership certificates to their anoraked chests is well put to bed these days. British ales are to be enjoyed and cherished, especially in the face of fizzy lager, alcopops and other disgusting drinks. Fullers have brought out the 2008 Gales Old Prize Ale.

Anyone here remember Weebles? These 70’s egg shaped toys had a low centre of gravity so that no matter how hard you tried you couldn’t push them over. You could throw them at your annoying sister and get a satisfying ‘thunk’ as they bounced off her head, but that’s another story. These Balancé glasses do the same trick.

Made from blackcurrants and aronia berries, blended with a selection of winter spices to capture that taste of the festive season, all you need do is add hot water to a measure of bottlegreen Spiced Berry Cordial to release its warm aromas.

As the Teacher’s master blender unscrews the cap and pours two glasses, then adds a splash of water to one, the effect is alchemical – the aroma, leaping from the whisky as the water goes in, fills the air with festive smells of fruit, cinnamon and everything you would find in a fat Xmas pudding. That’s the 45% malt talking and the water is what makes it sing.