What’s up winos,

Megan back at last after a week spent sunning myself (or the British version of that, i.e. 18 degrees and cloudy) in San Sebastian. What a place! Where else can you get dinner for two + beer for 17 euros? London could never!

Deprived of my usual go-tos on the wine list (Jura, Champagne, yawn) I was forced to drink local, as you rightfully should when in a country that knows what it’s doing, wine-wise. And I’m so glad I had to! I forgot how freakin delicious Spanish wines are! Forgive me Spain, for I have sinned, but no more.

First off, I’d be extremely remiss not to mention the wine that San Seb (+ surrounding region) is known for - everyone’s fave summer slammer, Txakoli. While sipping it in your living room and looking out the window at the rain isn’t *quite* the same as having a hot bartender pour it from on high out of one of those cool pourer things while the sun blazes outside, it’s still the perfect apero wine no matter where you are. Check out these stunning (and stunningly priced) examples. Serve with anchovies on a tiny piece of toast for the full Basque experience.

Having pinxtos for dinner every night was fun for a while, but I was starting to crave something a bit fancier (and somewhere to sit down, tbh. I am 33 after all), so I swanned over to the recently opened and absolutely excellent Lua Bistro. That’s right, you’re getting a free San Sebastian city guide alongside your wine reccos this week. Sucked down a stunning Godello and remembered why I love that darn grape so much. See here, here and here for why it’s so good. From there I wandered (staggered) over to Bar Manojo and wet my whistle with some of that good volcanic stuff. Unparalleled examples from Suertes del Marques, Tameran, Envinate and Puro Rofe. If you’ve been sleeping on volcanic whites, time to wake up.

While we’re giving Spain the old shout out, time to get around Alberto Nanclares, aka the man pictured above. Jaime (of Dan’s bouncer fame) was lucky enough to go visit last year and he was raving about the wines. To an annoying degree, actually. We get it J, you went to Spain. You’re a big deal. I can, however, see why he was hyping them up. Pure, clean, mineral Albarinos from vineyards with a view of the Atlantic, so they’re absolute freshies. Nice price 2.

Lastly, couldn’t possibly not mention probably my favourite thing I did in San Seb, likely coz it was so unexpected - hike up Monte Igueldo, from where you’ll not only get panoramic views of the city (as I was expecting), but where you’ll also, randomly, find a theme park (which I was not expecting). Seriously, you’ll hike up the side of the road and see absolutely no-one and then pop out at the top in Disneyland. You can even go on a (surprisingly scary) rollercoaster that whips round the outside of the mountain for only 3 euros. Then you can head up to the top deck and sit and have a nice glass of Cava, like this one, to calm your nerves. Unbeatable entertainment value, 12/10 would recommend. If you’re of the lazy persuasion you can take the funicular up there, but I’m not encouraging that.

On the subject of drinking local, don’t forget to snap up your tickets to our tasting with Langham in a few weeks. Masters of English fizz, I’m telling you.

LASTLY (sorry, I haven’t written to you guys in a week and a half so now I can’t shut up) a note on deliveries over Easter weekend - if you want your booze in time to celebrate, get your orders in by Thursday 17th at 2.30pm. Any orders placed after that will be delivered on Wednesday 23rd. Don’t come crying 2 me, etc. If you miss the cut off but still wanna drink well, the bar will be open Fri Sat Sun as normal, with a well earned break (read: staff party) on Monday 21st.

That’s all! Love u!

xoxo

Megan