If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll be familiar with the term ‘mini measures.’ It’s a phrase I’ve coined for trying different wines without having to think about it too much. The idea is simple, instead of ordering a bottle you order small glasses of different wines throughout an evening thereby trying something new whilst helping to avoid a fuzzy head the next day (that last part is entirely in your own hands of course!)

I’ve been enjoying practising what I preach for months now and it’s been going pretty well. But lately I’ve noticed this simple try-it-and-see practice isn’t as satisfying as it should be as I’ve frequently been walking away from the bar unconvinced that what’s in my glass is actually what I asked for. It’s like standing at the checkout at the supermarket, you know the scenario; “Would you like a bag madam?” “Yes/No” (delete as appropriate) only to find that the cashier has bone-idley decided to give you one anyway. (Dear cashier, if you offer me a choice please allow me to choose.) ………

There’s an annoying trend at the moment that makes me rather uncomfortable. At the end of every West End musical worth its weight in ‘fun’ the audience has to get on their feet and dance in the aisle like a bunch of loons. What happened to traditional seated applause to show your appreciation and a standing ovation to mark excellence? Now it seems you need a singing and dance class before qualifying for a ticket.

If you’ve experienced this lately then you’ll empathise with the discomfort I felt when I went to see Hair on Shaftesbury Avenue last night. Not only did we get full frontal nudity from the entire cast **eyes wide open in delight shock** but also 100 or so members of the audience got a birds eye view of their seat when they were dragged on to the stage to help the cast repeat ‘let the sun shine’ over and over again. Luckily I think my loud internal monologue – which was undoubtedly reflected on my face “Please don’t drag me up, please don’t drag me up” – meant I got away with a half hearted hip wiggle and sore palms. ………

It surprises me every year just how satisfying the ritual of putting away my winter coat has become. Mine is already tucked in the trunk by my bed and my credit card is gearing up for a shopping spree. I do however find the wine-shift, now synonymous with this routine, much less rewarding. It’s a moment you’re probably familiar with too. You get off the tube gasping for a glass of something cool only to find the last bottle on your rack is an Icon wine from Chile you never found an occasion grand enough to warrant opening.

Whether it’s the weather or the wine itself nothing affects the taste of a wine more than temperature. Red wine served too warm or white wine served too cold, and don’t get me started on “best served at room temperature!”

If you’re a natural born red wine drinker and are accustomed to putting away your corkscrew at the same time as your winter jacket then think again. A lighter style red like pinot noir from Chile, gamay from Beaujolais or sangiovese from Italy are all refreshingly light in style and ………