A new wine app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch has been launched by wine blogger Miss Bouquet. My Wine Friend offers consumers a platform to build a ‘notebook’ of the wines they’ve been drinking, enjoying – and those they haven’t liked. It allows users to take photos of, write their own tasting notes on, and rate wines using a star system – a tool designed to ultimately help general wine consumers get to know their own wine tastes.

The creator of Miss Bouquet explains: “When I started my blog two years ago, I wanted to write about wine in the way I speak about wine when I’m out and about with friends, not in wine trade talk. The research I’ve done shows that consumers who enjoy wine want to know more about it but they don’t necessarily want to join a wine club, subscribe to a wine magazine or pay to go on a wine course, the app has been designed to reflect that, it’s about the we live now and the way we drink now. ………

The last time there was a Royal wedding I was two. My parents and all the neighbours held a full on street party, the kind you were allowed to throw in those days without sending off for a pack on health and safety guidelines or gain permission from the council to have a good time. Twenty-nine years on and I’m not only old enough to throw my own street party but I find myself recently engaged and planning a wedding of my own.

It’s all been a bit over whelming so far. Having never really indulged in the dream of a big wedding Mr B was a bit shocked when I said ‘yes’ and then failed to produce a wedding scrap book containing images of our perfect day. In hindsight a bit of time spent thinking about the sort of wedding I’d like wouldn’t have been time misspent as without it every decision so far has been filled with doubt. The venue, the stationary, the dress, the photographer. Each decision has come with an equal dose of sleepless nights and compromise. ………

As Mr B and I save up for our wedding it’s becoming increasingly obvious that our priorities have to change. Less eating out and more eating in, our patience is tested every time we turn on our creaking old lap tops and the snakeskin peep toes that are just what I’ve been looking for will never make it into my wardrobe. Not this season anyway. Luckily I’m not as much of a magpie as some of my friends so this temporary hold on all things new isn’t as painful as it may be for some. But whether you’re saving your pennies or not life’s too short to drink bad wine!

Unfortunately however where technology and fashion have become the fast moving goods of our generation when it comes to wine ‘old equals good’ is a reputation that’s proving difficult to shift. Something I’m reminded of every time I’m shown a dusty bottle of wine and asked if it’s worth anything. Remember, ………

I love internet shopping, whether I’m looking for a coat, boots, or food. Who cares about a delivery charge for a service that bids good riddance to endless queues, sore feet and a moaning boyfriend?

It’s been the fashion world that’s lead the way when it comes to changing our shopping habits and opening our arms to buying online. The ease at which one can browse (without elbowing anyone) pay (without queuing) try on in the comfort of our own homes and return an unsuitable item (without breaking a sweat) are some of the keys to the success of these youthful online boutiques.

But however much I rave about the beauty of online shopping wine is something I very rarely buy on the internet, ………

There are so many great things about living in London; world class restaurants, world renowned shopping districts, a city steeped in history and bulging at the seams with diversity. The work-hard, play-hard raison d’etre creates a city of no limits and gives us access to everything at anytime, anywhere. Top of my favourite London things is the unrivalled selection of wines you can buy from any wine producing region you can think of without having to extend the zones on your travel card. Even a hop skip and a jump over the Channel to Paris, the nearest ‘have it all’ city to rival London and the selection in a wine shop, restaurant or wine bar is a very different matter. J’adore French wine but if I’m looking for value for money then I know my GBP’s will go ten times further if I opt for something from a little further afield, namely South America, and my money’s on the reds.

For some time now I’ve flown the flag for Argentina’s red wines. You can get some pretty serious Malbec to take home having parted with less than a couple of notes but I’ve become a little bit tired of the jump out of the glass and smack you on the nose style that has become the norm. Take a hop, skip and a jump over the Andes to Chile however and the wines over there are a very different matter. We’re talking stonking wines that are balanced with taste, finesse, elegance and a price tag that is more pleasure and less pain. ………