How to Enjoy the Summer Events Season at Home
Finally, some things seem to be getting to normal. Some of us have been out trying pubs and restaurants, shops are open, and holidays are back on the cards.
Despite that, the usual summer season of events is still cancelled so you won’t be able to enjoy some of the fun stuff like Wimbledon, a day at the races and other live events.
But thankfully Neil Phillips, AKA The Wine Tipster, has come up with a guide of how you can enjoy the British summer season at home – along with the best drinks to complete the experience – whether you’re making your own fun or enjoying some online alternatives.
A Day at the Races
A quintessential summer activity, you won’t be able to get dressed up and enjoy a day having a flutter on the horses as races are currently being held behind closed doors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t replicate the experience and enjoy it from home.
According to Neil, you’ll be able to enjoy: Newmarket’s Moët & Chandon July Festival (9th – 11th July); Ascot’s King George VI Weekend (2 th July); the Qatar Goodwood Festival (28th July – 1st August) and the Yorkshire Ebor Festival (19th – 22nd August).
Neil says: “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.”
Neil’s recommendations
Moët & Chandon 2012 Grand Vintage Brut (available from Majestic and other retailers around £52).
Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde 2019, Portugal (Waitrose £8.99)
Muga Rioja Rosado 2019, Spain (Waitrose £9.99)
Stonier Pinot Noir 2017, Mornington Peninsula Australia (£22.99 Majestic, Cellar One).
Luscombe Sicilian Organic Lemonade (£3.00 for 100ml, Sainsbury’s)
Wimbledon
Wimbledon fortnight might have been cancelled but it doesn’t mean you can’t get involved thanks to #WimbledonRecreated, which is getting people to recreate their favourite Wimbledon Championships tradition, moment or memory via the official Wimbledon website.
“What could be more rewarding after a summer afternoon of tennis than a magnificent bowl of season-ripe strawberries and cream, matched with top fizz from the Official Champagne of Wimbledon?,” says Neil.
Neil’s Recommendations
Lanson Black Label Brut Champagne NV, France (Tesco £33.00 and other retailers)
Lanson Rosé Brut Champagne NV, France (Tesco £38.00 and other retailers)
Henley Regatta, Foodie & Music Festivals
Other popular annual events like Henley and the Foodies Festivals are also off, but Neil has some suggestions of how you can recreate the fun. Instead of setting up your picnic by the river for Henley, or tipping up to a festival with your food prepared, stage your own picnic at home with local produce and a bottle of something nice.
Instead of live demos at the Foodies Festivals, The Wine Tipster will be running Prosecco Tastings on Facebook Live at 1pm on 25th July and 8th August.
He says: “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.”
The Wine Tipster’s Recommendations
Astoria Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry & Galìe, Italy (£12.95 www.gerrardseel.co.uk)
Maree d’Ione Fiano, IGP Puglia Italy 2.25L (£25.99 Waitrose).
Santa Julia Plus Malbec Rosé 2019 from Argentina (Sainsbury’s £9.00).
If it’s beer you’re after, try Chadlington Ale’s Oxford Pale Ale (£29.99 for 12 bottles from www.chadlingtonbrewery.com)
