Four of the best for the 4th of July

Independence day is the ideal time to highlight the breadth of America’s vinous offerings, writes Peter Ranscombe. HAPPY fourth of July! While the United States’ independence from Great Britain may have begun with tea in Boston there will certainly be millions of Americans raising a glass of wine to celebrate their country’s birthday. I love…

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New kids on the blanc: New Zealand goes beyond sauvignon

Inspired by this week’s masterclass led by Archie McDiarmid from wine merchant Luvians, Peter Ranscombe picks six lesser-known wines from New Zealand. FEW countries have such a strong affinity with a single grape variety as New Zealand and sauvignon blanc. Chalking up 72% of the country’s wine production and 86% of its exports, the white…

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Skye Food and Drink Festival kicks off today

The third Skye Food and Drink Festival kicks off today (Monday, 24 June) with a sold-out seafood launch. This will featuree Ready, Steady Cook with Skye’s celebrated chefs Marcello Tully, from Kinloch Lodge, and Scott Davies, of the Three Chimneys. This fun afternoon will include high tea and music and takes place at An CrĂąbh,…

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Music and beer at the heart of weekend festival

Ferry Fest 2019 take place this weekend with the return of the large outdoor beer and musical festival. Running on Saturday, June 29, Ferry Brewery, the first and only brewery in South Queensferry since 1851, are set to host Ferry Fest 19 with the main goal of providing a much bigger and better event. The…

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Offers over ÂŁ1million for restored 17th century home

An enchanting and meticulously restored 17th century house in secluded grounds is now for sale – for over ÂŁ1million. Northfield House, in Prestonpans, East Lothian, is presented to the market by Savills.  This is a rare opportunity to acquire an enchanting family house in excellent order in delightful and secluded garden grounds of 1.74 acres.…

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Scots chef Nico Simeone expands To England

Renowned Scottish-Italian chef Nico Simeone is set to introduce his Glasgow dining concept to Manchester this July when he opens Six by Nico in England’s north west. Six by Nico Manchester will be the fourth addition to his growing restaurant portfolio, with award winning venues including ‘111 by Nico’ and ‘Six by Nico’ already well…

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A charming home with an open rural outlook

A charming, well-appointed home offering flexible accommodation, with a separate cottage, has been made available on the property market. Presented by Rettie and Co, New St David’s is set in an attractive garden with an open outlook over rural Perthshire. New St David’s enthuses charm with its sympathetic balance between traditional design with a classical…

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Character and charm in attractive converted mill

Catcune Mill is a characterful conversion which captures the eye. Presented by Knight Frank, this is a six bedroom house for sale in Fushiebridge, Midlothian. Providing spacious and flexible family accommodation over two floors, the house stands in its own private gardens and is surrounded by open countryside yet is within 12 miles of Edinburgh…

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Mar de Frades: Doing albarino differently

Innovation is the name of the game for Spanish winemaker Paula Fandino at Mar de Frades, as Peter Ranscombe finds out. FOR a lump of old rock, granite is an incredibly versatile material. It’s been used to make everything from posh kitchen worktops to the carved faces of the American presidents on Mount Rushmore –…

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Orkney – the islands that aren’t just for summer

If you’ve visited Orkney during the summer months, you’ll already know about its breathtaking vistas, rugged coastlines, stunning beaches, incredible archaeology, diverse wildlife, rich culture, and unique food, drink and crafts. But this is a place that delivers memories all year round, with each season offering something different. Stretch your legs on a dramatic coastal…

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