As the August bank holiday approaches, it’s the perfect time to elevate your gatherings and dinner parties with an array of exquisite drinks that will impress your guests and enhance the summertime atmosphere. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or a wine aficionado, our guide has you covered. Dive into our curated selection of refreshing craft beers, innovative cocktails, and spectacular wines that will complement your celebrations and make this three-day weekend unforgettable. Raise a glass and toast to good times, great company, and memorable moments.
Wines
Burn Valley Wines has outdone itself for 2024, launching a record-breaking 10 new vintages! These include Bacchus 23, Schonburger 23, Solaris 23, Marsh Red 23, Solar 23, Chalk Bed Reserve 22, Regent 22, Chardonnay 22, Sparkling Rose 21, and Blanc de Blanc 21. The feather in the cap has to be the Chalk Bed Reserve, which is the bigger brother to the Marsh Red and also the same blend of Rondo & Regent (six barrels of each). Fermented on skins for nearly three weeks to produce a richer, bolder, medium bodied wine and aged in American and Hungarian oak barrels for 12 months. Subtle oak merges well with the sweeter aromatic notes from the American oak, Black forest fruits merge well with floral notes leading to a rich yet soft palate with the fine tannins giving length and the vibrant fruit adding complexity with hints of spice. Perfect for steak.
The star appellation, Sancerre is the benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc. The Villebois team has worked on the appellation’s three terroirs to produce a contemporary Sancerre regarding its tradition. Expressing an uncommon aromatic intensity, the palate is smooth, fruity and fresh. The terroir supports but does not dominate the palate, accompanying the range of aromas (lemon zest and redcurrant). An emblematic cuvée that is gradually establishing itself as a must-have in Sancerre. The colour is gold with yellow highlights. The initially discreet nose gradually opens up to citrus fruits such as tangerine, yuzu and pink grapefruit. The palate is full-textured with fresh white fruit and citrus. Elegant freshness underlines the wine, accompanied by saline mineral notes and a hint of a bite on the very long finish.
The award-winning Gordon Ramsay Intenso Rosso is the perfect choice to sip this August bank holiday. The Intenso Rosso is a testament to the world-renowned Michelin starred chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay’s pursuit of perfection and excellence. It’s crafted to represent the vibrant culture and flavours of Italy in partnership with well-known Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini. Recognised for its versatile pairing, whether you’re enjoying a casual party or a gourmet dinner, the Intenso Rosso beautifully complements a variety of dishes from hearty meats to vegetarian delights, ensuring that your dinner party wins the weekend. A rich Italian blend, it has a bright, intense ruby red colour with vibrant notes of fresh red fruit and bright black fruit. The delicious blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Motepulciano grapes delivers depth and intensity on the palate, with a soft, succulent, velvety finish.
Cocktails
BrewDog Distilling Co. Wonderland Cocktails
Celebrate the three-day weekend this summer with the addition of five new ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails thanks to BrewDog Distilling Co.’s Wonderland Cocktail range. The new flavours include Cosmo, Whisky Sour, Strawberry Daiquiri, Watermelon Margarita and Long Island Iced Tea. The oaky whisky, tangy lemon and sweet sugar syrup make up the delicious Whisky Sour offering a velvety smooth and creamy texture, while the classic Margarita is transformed with the addition of juicy watermelon and paired with Casa Rayos Tequila. This cocktail balances sweetness and earthy agave flavours, transporting you to the Mexican coast this August bank holiday.
Beers
Stroud Brewery are the good guys of craft beer, using their 100% organic beer to promote sustainability and community. These principles are fundamental to the Brewery’s make up, but the star of the show is the multi award-winning beerthat’s been created. From the first award in 2006, these guys have continually won awards, locally and nationally, winning 10 already this year! Among the range you should explore Budding – a characterful and complex pale ale. Quirkily named after Edwin Beard Budding of Stroud who invented the lawnmower in 1830, this pale ale offers aromatic citrus notes from Amarillo hops with a sweet malt backbone and a balanced grassy bitterness. Other notable standouts for your bank holiday include Easy Peasy (a light session ale), LOL (a light organic lager) and Hop Drop (a tropical fruit explosion).
