Wow! That was Christmas done and dusted. Now it's the turn of the New Year celebrations. It's going to be party time at the "Last Chance Saloon".
The traditional drink for the end-of-year festivities is sparkling wine, or Champagne, and you'll probably find that the last, desperate hangers-on from your extended family Christmas will still be around somewhere in the house. Go and look now, check behind the kitchen door, or in a warm spot in the conservatory (if you have one). Don't be surprised to find errant "Uncle Andrew", still clutching a plate of mince pies, waiting for the clock to strike twelve when, hopefully, he might actually go home!
The bottle-fermented sparkling wines from the Loire's Saumur region make an affordable party fizz option for those of you who like a dry style of wine made using the same production techniques as Champagne, but without the hype and consequently higher prices demanded by the wines from that famous region. Frazier Jones stock "La Grand Marque" Saumur Brut which is perfect for parties at any time of year.
Gaining in popularity over successive years are the sparkling English wines which are now, rightly, taking the world by storm. Nyetimber Classic Brut is our usual recommendation, but (oops!) we've already run out of it this year. Some of their other exceptional wines, including Brut rosé and Blanc de Blancs, are available here
If you need the complex aromas and flavours of lemon peel, freshly baked Madeleines patisserie, and roasted hazelnuts found in true vintage Champagne, one of the best value is the 2018 Pol Roger. Aged for seven years before release, this wine offers the broad, classic Pinot Noir style of the house and is definitely a bottle for sipping with fine food, as well as making an excellent aperitif.
There's been much consternation in the media throughout 2025 about the demise of the "local", with many publicans being forced to shut their doors for good due to rapidly rising costs. So, if you don't want to see yours become a "Last Chance Saloon", use it, or lose it! Every pub has its own unique character often built up over many decades, or in some cases, over centuries. The old coaching inns are historical icons and true examples of British culture which should not only be cherished but, all importantly, patronised.
If you're looking to venture out on New Year's Eve, make sure you support your local pub if you possibly can. They're the centre of many communities and they're sure to make you feel welcome on the night. A few rounds of drinks along the way, with a bottle of Prosecco for the midnight toast, will bring your evening to a spectacular and merry close.
The Brilla Prosecco Rosé is always a winner for New Year celebrations and comes highly acclaimed by the critics and ourselves! Peach, apple and sweet orange flavours are balanced by crisp acidity keeping the wine fresh and bright. A beautiful, pale pink colour, it could almost be from Provence, but it's from vineyards in IIaly's north-eastern Verona region.
If wine is not to your liking, and there are some of you out there who prefer beverages from the hop or the orchard, why not stock up on our carefully selected range of beers and ciders? Pick up a case instore, or make up a mixed case online. Local ales from Hook Norton and North Cotswold, along with the real, hand-crafted Napton ciders, will keep you going throughout 2026. I have to admit that a chilled, dry farm cider is my "go to" secret drink when wine just can't hit the spot that needs a refreshing blast of tangy fruit. Just don't bother with all those fake, commercial, sugar bombs which claim to be cider. They're not the real thing at all and, in my opinion, should be banned from the being described as "cider". Shame on the big producers who try to fool their customers!
"Happy New Year" to all our customers from Frazier Jones. Commit to drinking the good stuff in 2026