The Ultimate Summer Virtual Events Guide - What To Watch, Drink and Do
The traditional Summer season of events might have been cancelled due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic but there is no reason not to commemorate these quintessentially British celebrations, at home, the right way. So we have quizzed Neil Phillips a professional wine, bubbles and horse racing expert over at The Wine Tipster on how we can all enjoy the best of the British Summer’s events complete with the best drinks to make the experience complete. Grab your best hat, pour out your best tipple and we will (virtually) see you there!
BRITISH HORSE RACING
Leave the binoculars behind - but don’t forget to dress up! Horse Racing via the TV screen can be just as enjoyable as the real thing.
Royal Ascot is well and truly over but that doesn’t mean the season is. Bookmark and tune in to these fantastic events from the comfort of your own home: Epsom’s Investec Derby Day (4th July), Sandown Park’s Coral-Eclipse Day (5th July), Newmarket’s Moët & Chandon July Festival (9th – 11th July), Ascot’s King George VI Weekend (25th July), the Qatar Goodwood Festival (28th July – 1st August) and the Yorkshire Ebor Festival (19th – 22nd August).
The Wine Tipster’s Tip: “Dress to impress and bring out the canapés! Keep a cool head with a lower alcohol white while studying the form, build the excitement with some top Rosé, bring out a pedigree fizz when you bag your first winner, and relax with a smooth red when you’re ahead.”
What to Drink:
Moët & Chandon 2012 Grand Vintage Brut (Majestic, £52) is the 74th Grand Vintage produced by this world-renowned Champagne House. Enjoying vintage Champagne is a special experience and a great way to celebrate in style.
Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde 2019, Portugal (Waitrose £8.99) a wonderfully light 11.5% alcohol which offers a perfect match to smoked salmon or guacamole canapés which have been spritzed with fresh lemon juice.
Muga Rioja Rosado 2019, Spain (Waitrose £9.99) Bodegas Muga is a highly respected producer in Rioja and they make a lovely dry, elegant, delicately fruity style of rosé.
Stonier Pinot Noir 2017, Mornington Peninsula Australia (Majestic, £22.99). This is a real classic that shows how brilliant Pinot Noir can be from Australia, and Stonier is way ahead of rivals at a similar price. Beautifully crafted and balanced.
Luscombe Sicilian Organic Lemonade (Sainsbury’s 74cl £3.00) is an excellent soft drink option that hits all the right notes with a zingy finish.
The Wine Tipster
CLASSICAL MUSIC EVENTS
Glyndebourne Festival is still taking place, albeit virtually, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still tune in. Listen online every Sunday at 5pm throughout July
There will also be an opportunity to wave your Union Jack as the 2020 season of The Proms will go virtual with the opening night on Friday 17th July on BBC Radio 3 and Sunday 19th July on BBC Four. There will be eight weeks of broadcasts on television, radio and online. Find the schedule here.
The Wine Tipster’s Tip: “I love opera and The Proms and will sorely miss the summer serenade in my garden coming from The Albert Hall and Glyndebourne this year. However, I’ll be tuning in to these fabulous alternative performances with some vino classics too!”
What to Drink:
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, Sussex (Waitrose £36.99) is always refined, elegant and beautifully made. A vino composition to savour with every melody.
Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019, (Waitrose £11.59). is classic New Zealand style and just what you are looking for from a high-class Marlborough producer based in the beautiful Awatere Valley.
Château Léoube Rosé 2018, Provence, France, (Daylesford- £17.49) is pitch-perfect dry Provence Rosé that has the style and elegance to suit every musical occasion.
Espérance de Trotanoy, Pomerol Bordeaux 2014 (Corney & Barrow £69.25) is a powerful, perfumed performance of a wine with dark brooding fruits and purring tannins which combine for a crescendo finish.
Luscombe Organic Cranberry Crush (Sainsbury’s 74cl £3.00) is an excellent soft drink option that hits all the right notes with a dry but sweet finish.
The Wine Tipster
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA, FOODIE AND MUSIC FESTIVALS
Founded in 1839, Henley Royal Regatta is famous both as a great summer sporting event and as a social occasion, with picnics by the river very much part of the scene. Lay out a picnic at home this year instead; with foodie and music festivals also off the menu this summer, why not pack your own picnic basket complete with local seasonal produce and a bottle of English beer?
Foodies Festivals – will be running Prosecco Tastings with The Wine Tipster on Facebook Live at 1pm on the 25th July and 8th August. So make sure to tune in.
The Wine Tipster Tips: “Picnics are great fun, with lots of tasty and easy-to-nibble choices. Select drinks to give your blanket banquet a touch of casual elegance with the below top tipples.”
What to Drink:
Maree d'Ione Fiano, IGP Puglia Italy 2.25L (Waitrose, £25.99 ) is the perfect white wine that comes in a stylish picnic-friendly box. Organic and vegan-friendly too, and has lovely refreshing citrus and tropical fruit flavours.
Santa Julia Plus Malbec Rosé 2019 from Argentina (Sainsbury’s £9.00) is just the ticket and goes amazingly well with the pickles and pâtés. It’s a Rosé with a hint of spice alongside its dark berry fruit.
Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône 2018 (Tesco, £8.00) is as warm and smooth as the summer afternoon. Coming from France, this bottle is gently spicy and a true crowd pleaser for all snacks and nibbles
Chadlington Ale’s Oxford Pale Ale (Chadlington Brewery, £29.99 for 12 bottles)- the perfect ale from the Cotswolds which has a character you just have to try.
Fentimans Ginger Beer (Sainsbury’s, £1.30 for 275ml) is a superb non-ale that kicks a punch but is still a super refreshing alternative.
The Wine Tipster
For more wine pairing tips check out thewinetipster.co.uk