We’ve seen the last of the sunshine and autumn is starting its late arrival bringing chillier winds and plenty of rain (so far). As we begin to dig out our warmer outfits and wonder how much longer we can put off turning our heating back on, consider what food and drink to stock up on for the autumn months ahead. Whether you’re looking to restock your own collection or after a very special gift for someone, here’s our roundup of the best food and drink picks for Autumn 2023.

For the foodies

Eversfield Organic Home Farm Kitchen

One of the country’s leading online organic food retailers, Eversfield Organic has unveiled its new Home Farm Kitchen Lamb, Carrot & Prune Tagine just in time for autumn. The delicious tagine captures the essence of the season, offering a warm and comforting meal for when the nights start drawing in. Slow-cooked to perfection, this is a chef-prepared dish using the highest quality organic ingredients, sourced directly from Eversfield Organic’s own pastures as well as trusted local suppliers. By prioritising sustainable farming practices, Eversfield Organic ensures that the lamb used in the tagine is of the highest welfare standards, guaranteeing a meal that is both ethical and delicious.

DukesHill Savoury Hamper

Sure to satisfy any whisky, cider and cheese lover, this Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper is the perfect gift. It features an incredible selection of the tastiest and most satisfying treats. The star of the show is the Isle of Mull Cheddar – a cheese that is known for its exceptional quality and flavour. This is perfectly paired with a fine selection of charcuterie, including Sliced Lomo, Sliced Bresaola, Sliced Porchetta, and Sliced Pastrami. These cured meats are expertly sliced and full of rich, savoury flavours. Presented in a 14″ wicker basket with leather straps, it’s the ultimate luxury gift for the foodie in your life.

DukesHill Venison Wellington

Delight your family and guests with this incredible DukesHill Venison Wellington. This luxury twist on a classic British dish makes for a perfect dinner centrepiece this autumn and combines tender British venison fillet with mushroom duxelles and buttery crisp puff pastry. From this Venison Wellington you can expect a truly rich and robust game flavour that oozes quality and luxury.

Good Taste by Alain Ducasse

Good Taste takes the reader back to Alain Ducasse’s modest childhood in the French countryside, where he picked mushrooms with his grandfather and found a passion for cooking with his grandmother. The reader follows Ducasse‘s journey to becoming a chef, through tales of his apprenticeships across France and heartfelt stories of mentorship under revered chefs. The book also serves as a poignant ode to the humble vegetable that Ducasse‘s cuisine seeks to elevate, explaining how his early years growing up on a farm fed into his philosophy of ‘Naturality’ and his connection to the land, producers and growers. This pioneering approach to a sustainable, vegetable-based style of cuisine was many years before its time. This long awaited memoir of one of just two chefs in the world to have been awarded 21 stars altogether is a must read for any devout foodie.

For the wine lovers 

Villa Maria

Villa Maria has over 60 years of rich winemaking history and a passion for sharing the best of New Zealand wine with the world. This autumn, savour the Villa Maria’s Private Bin Pinot Noir – an intense, elegant wine bursting with fruit flavours of cranberries and fresh raspberries intermingled with freshly roasted coffee beans and soft cocoa like-tannins. This is an extremely food-friendly wine and great choice for any autumn dinner parties.

Little Giant

The southern hairy-nosed wombat is smaller than other wombats but it is stocky, robust and the proud state emblem of South Australia. Like the might of the little wombat, Little Giant is crafted from premium regional South Australian fruit from established vineyards that deliver character and interest well above their size and weight. We love the shiraz; crafted from fruit sourced from select premium vineyards of both the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley, it’s picked in the cool of the morning to retain freshness. The fruit is de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine then spends nine months in used large format French and American oak barrels to build structure whilst softening the palate and developing flavour complexity without overt extraction of oak characters. Available to purchase from Waitrose.

Elephant in the Room

The Elephant in the Room wines are proudly large in scale and expansive in flavour. Ignoring fashion and braving the scorn “wine thought police”, Elephant in the Room was created to give consumers exactly what they want – full bodied and mouth-filling wines that deliver maximum pleasure. Each wine is sourced from slow-ripening cool climate vineyards in the Limestone Coast of South Australia and partially matured in French Oak before final blending and bottling by Corey Ryan. Expect light crimson in the glass from the Pinot Noir with aromas of plum cherry and hints of savoury complexity and some nicely integrated oak. The palate is lively with a core of supple red berry flavours  enhanced by some captivating spice notes. Bright acidity and fine tannins provide definition to the long finish. Pair it with Porchetta on baby lentils and you’ve got a fine combination. Available to purchase from Waitrose.

For the drinks cabinet

Samuel Gulliver’s & Co.

Samuel Gulliver’s & Co. has released ‘The Fine Drop’ – an English whisky that commemorates 20 years since the men’s team won The Rugby World Cup against Australia scoring in the final 28 seconds with a drop kick. The whisky has been matured in ex-red wine château-style French oak casks from Margaux, Bordeaux giving a nod to France where this year’s Rugby World Cup is being held. The Fine Drop joins Samuel Gulliver’s England’s No. 6 Single Malt Whisky as the Official Whiskies of England Rugby.

Tomatin

Award-winning Highland distillery, Tomatin has unveiled an exceptional new limited-edition range – The Italian Collection. This trio of single malt scotch whiskies demonstrates Tomatin’s craftsmanship, combining the exceptional Highland malt with the aromatic richness of Italian wine casks, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours. The Marsala Edition opens with enticing aromas of panettone and candied lime, leading to a palate that delights in the flavours of white chocolate, lemon truffles and hazelnuts. Aromas of poached pears and traditional rhubarb and custard sweets surface from The Amarone Edition. On the palate, notes of strawberry jam, Turkish delight and light butter pastry unfold. The Barolo Edition begins with aromas of mulled wine and dark chocolate. On the palate, spiced mead intermingles with cranberry, while an undercurrent of fresh citrus, reminiscent of grapefruit, adds vibrancy. 

Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer

Organic, award-winning artisan drinks producer, Luscombe Drinks has released the Hot Ginger Beer in time for the autumn. With warmth and spice, Luscombe’s authentic Hot Ginger Beer is a popular choice during the autumn and winter months, when thoughts turn to Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas celebrations. This is a classic winter warmer that packs some punch. The Hot Ginger Beer is crafted using only the best organic Peruvian fresh root ginger, organic Sicilian lemons and carbonated Dartmoor spring water, giving it a distinctive yet not overpowering heat. 

 

Chocolate mice nibbling rhubarb, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society  

With fruity notes of pineapples, crisp green apples, coconut, Demerara sugar and white chocolate mice (we said what we said), this is a truly special whisky for luxury lovers with exquisite taste. We think it’s the most decadent, gloriously flavoursome tipple to share with very special guests at your lavish autumnal dinner party. It’s elegantly presented in a chic black and gold wooden box with a special rose gold hued button to press to open and release the magic – perfect for gifting. Part of the company’s special Vaults Collection, which features the most ultra rare whiskies in the world, this 31 year old extravagant spirit is a true 7*Life addition to your luxury drinks cabinet.

For the celebrations

Codorníu

Codorníu has unveiled the perfect holiday gift for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Introducing the extraordinary Codorníu Ars Collecta Bottle which is an exquisite addition to any celebratory occasion! Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Codorníu Ars Collecta bottle is elegant and sophisticated. Encased in an opulent hand-blown glass bottle, the deep amber hues evoke warmth and festivity, while the unique design is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Spain and the artistic legacy of famous architect Gaudí. The bottle showcases a distinct shape that echoes his masterpieces’ organic curves and intricate patterns, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell in Barcelona. Expect fine bubbles and intense aromas of raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry.  The red fruit notes stand out on the palate, typical of the Pinot Noir variety. An excellent accompaniment to gourmet appetisers or perfect with salmon sashimi, sushi, carpaccio, or tartar.