Helen McGinn, Author at Helen McGinn

Forward Planning

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 29, 2016April 29, 20164 Comments

Right, a couple of Bank Holiday weekends coming up. Time to get organised and fill the fridge/rack accordingly. We need to cover last minute drop ins, big family get-togethers and something to collapse on the sofa with. But before I get to the wines, let’s do diaries. This Sunday, I’m hosting a wine tasting at the …

London Calling

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 21, 2016April 21, 20162 Comments

Another week in London for me this week, working at the International Wine Challenge. And in the evenings, I’ve gone crazy. Sort of. On Monday, an old wine friend treated me to dinner at Noble Rot, a new restaurant in Bloomsbury. Nothing rotten about it at all, rather it’s the most fabulous place for wine along with …

Know It All

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 14, 2016No Comments

I’ve been tasting a lot of wine this week, about 100 a day, at the International Wine Challenge in London. Yesterday, an old friend and fellow wine judge reminded me of the time we tasted a flight (the fancy name for a line up of wines) of Cabernet Sauvignons from Chile together, almost twenty years ago, …

Holiday Essentials

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 1, 20167 Comments

Last weekend went by in a haze of lamb, rioja and gold Lindt bunnies. Now we’re well into the school holidays and I’m mostly running on leftover eggs (chocolate, not chicken). That and wine, obviously. Talking of which, I’ve gone for more wine recommendations than usual this week given the circumstances. You know, just in case the chocolate runs out.

Sista

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 25, 2016March 28, 20164 Comments

For my sister’s birthday, I ordered her the most fantastic sweatshirt from Selfish Mother’s (uh-mazing) website. It’s this one, grey with the word SISTA emblazoned across the front. Anyway, I sent it on to her, all wrapped up. But after about a week, she still hadn’t received it. Turns out, I’d sent it to her …

Drink Up

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 17, 20164 Comments

By George, wine duty is on the rise again. Delivering his latest Budget, the Chancellor froze duty on beer and spirits. But not wine, which will rise in line with inflation. We already pay £2.05 in tax on every bottle of wine we buy, and that’s before VAT. It’s enough to make you want to…well, you …

What makes a wine suitable for vegetarians? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 12, 2016No Comments

When is a wine not suitable for vegetarians or vegans? Well, it’s all down to fining. Find out more in Read more “What makes a wine suitable for vegetarians? // Helen McGinn”

Wonder Woman

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 8, 2016March 8, 20164 Comments

I posted this picture of Wonder Woman on Instagram to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day. I’m the one in the red t-shirt and blue dungarees. I was six years old, on holiday in Florida. And as you can see, I was in complete awe of Wonder Woman’s fabulousness. I loved that she could fly, had a …

How long can you keep wine once opened? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 3, 2016No Comments

Ever wondered how long you can keep a bottle of wine once you’ve opened it? Here’s a quick guide plus Read more “How long can you keep wine once opened? // Helen McGinn”

Thanks a Bunch

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 29, 2016February 29, 20164 Comments

So, Mother’s Day on Sunday. Already looking forward to my cup of tea in bed, cards and a few hastily freshly picked daffodils from the garden. But given that I plan to be on the sofa, glass in hand whilst someone else does the washing up, I want something really lovely in my glass. So this week’s wines are freshly …

Lightbulb Moment

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 26, 2016February 26, 2016No Comments

Last week, I sent an email to everyone who subscribes to this blog asking what else you might like to see on here. I’m properly overwhelmed by the response so thank you – THANK YOU – for being so amazing. I love how many of you want, among other things, more on food and wine, on best deals …

Silver Linings

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 18, 2016February 18, 201610 Comments

So, Half Term. I’ve loved not having to wake up to an alarm when it’s still dark outside. Eating breakfast in our pyjamas (which may or may not have been chocolate brownies one particular morning – please don’t look at me like that) has been a joy. We’ve caught up with old mates, walked the dogs, played football (actually I …

Fine Lines

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 11, 20167 Comments

Last Saturday, I was front page news. Well, sort of. My face was on the front of the paper – in Spain. Here, I was slightly less in-your-face, tucked inside with a feature on, er, my face. Specifically, the effect a wine-free month had on my skin, along with some rather hideous close-ups of it pre- and post-January. …

Moving On

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 4, 20166 Comments

January is over. I repeat: o-vah. And man, am I glad to see the back of it. Not just because I was wasn’t drinking. Really. But I’m happy to report I’ve had my first glass of wine of the year. It was chilled, sparkling and perfect. We had it with fish & chips, with my in-laws (on the …

Give Me a (Spa) Break

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 28, 2016January 29, 201650 Comments

We’re nearly at the end of January *fist pump* which means I can have a glass of wine soon. So, seeing as we’re celebrating (nearly) the end of the toughest month of the year, I thought it was time for a little pick me up. I live down the road from the most lovely hotel, …

No Picnic

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 21, 2016January 23, 201612 Comments

Yesterday was One Of Those Days. Came back from the school run to find the puppies had escaped from the kitchen, tearing through the bins on their way out before moving on to Youngest Girl’s cuddly toy stash. Opened the front door to utter carnage, like a horror version of The Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Stuffing everywhere. …

Enough

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 13, 2016January 14, 201613 Comments

According to new alcohol consumption guidelines issued last week, drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week is bad for us. From now on we’re advised to drink no more than seven glasses of wine a week. If pregnant, it’s nothing at all. And you know that thing about wine being good for you in moderation? …

Skin Deep

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 6, 20163 Comments

Ah, new year’s resolutions. Mine remain pretty much as they did last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. Basically, be healthy-ish and only shout when absolutely necessary. Usually, I’m an everything-in-moderation-including-moderation kinda girl. Except this year, for the first time ever, I’m going dry for January. No booze will pass my lips until …

Dive In

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 22, 20154 Comments

I’m sure there’ll be a year when all the presents are wrapped and the food prepped ahead of time. Just not this one. But before we part company for a bit, here are some of the wines featured in a list I put together for The Pool, a brilliant website stuffed with great articles and the …

Whaddya think?

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 17, 2015December 17, 201538 Comments

OK so. First things first: I really hope you like the new look. Back when I started this whole thing I thought, instead of people calling me from the supermarket wine aisle on a Friday afternoon wailing ‘WTF DO I BUY?!’, I’ll post a couple of wine recommendations each week on a blog. Simple. But I …

Feel Your Presents

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 9, 2015December 10, 20152 Comments

The sparkly lights are up and the Christmas playlist is on. Not doing so well on the present-buying front but that’s what the internet is for. I remember the thrill of seeing presents under the tree as a child. Even better when you found one with your name on the tag. And at that age, …

Seeing Stars

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 4, 2015December 10, 2015No Comments

As Christmas traditions go, this one’s not my favourite. But it is a tradition, nonetheless. I’m talking about baking Christmas biscuits for the school Christmas Bazaar AT THE LAST MINUTE. It’s today. So, naturally, I started making biscuits at 10pm last night. I’d been to a local Christmas pop-up shop at a friend’s house to …

Kin Good

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 27, 2015December 10, 2015No Comments

The idea of me being in a parenting magazine is really quite funny. Case in point: my children’s tea tonight was entirely orange (goujons, baked beans and carrots). Naturally, I told them it was deliberate and that tomorrow we’re going green (pasta & pesto). Anyway, I was recently contacted by a writer for Kin, a …

So. Many. Wines.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 18, 2015December 10, 2015No Comments

I’m in the middle of a week of wine tasting for the International Wine Challenge, a huge wine competition. For the last two days I’ve tasted around 150 wines a day, mostly two or three times each. At the end of it your teeth hurt, your tongue feels like an Axminster carpet and the very last …

Bloody Buses

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 12, 2015January 14, 2016No Comments

You know the old thing Wendy Cope said about men and buses, how you wait for ages and they all appear at once? Well, same goes for TV programmes. Since the end of the last series of Poldark, the only thing that kept me going was Bake Off (along with a few surreptitious episodes of MIC …

Bright Side

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 6, 2015November 18, 2015No Comments

Our new early morning start isn’t getting any easier: having to get up when it’s still dark outside feels all wrong. Add in heavy rain and it’s all a bit bleugh. But then there’s this jacket. Named by one of my favourite fash writers as the jazzy jacket, I just knew I had to have …

Witching Hour

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 28, 2015November 18, 2015No Comments

So, I’ve had a nightmare this half term. The washing machine broke. Honestly, it was terrifying. Piles of washing everywhere. On top of that, there’s Saturday’s Trickle Treat (as Youngest Girl calls it) outing to think about. Our kids usually bring home enough sweets to open a shop, thanks to us being one of only …

Pig’s Ear

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 22, 2015November 23, 20153 Comments

Last week, I was given a couple of pheasants. We’re surrounded by them at the moment: every morning on the school run they saunter across the road looking so very now with their glorious autumnal colours, their white neck collars giving them a faintly religious air. I wasn’t sure how to cook the ones I was …

Now We Are Six

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 14, 2015November 23, 201515 Comments

Went to watch Middle Boy and Youngest Girl in their Harvest Festival show earlier today. And it really was a show, including a song called ‘Rock & Roll Harvest’. My favourite Neil Young song is Harvest Moon, but this came pretty close as harvest-themed songs go. Funnily enough, one of the first posts I ever …

Burger King

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 8, 2015November 16, 20158 Comments

You already know about my granola habit. Tonight – I blame Bake Off – I decided to move on to bread. Now, I love my carbs (how can you not love carbs?) and so when I saw the recipe for protein bread in Jamie Oliver’s new cookbook Super Food (a recent birthday present), I thought …

Read All About It

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 30, 2015December 15, 201511 Comments

So, this time last week I’d just filed a story for the paper. It was a bit of a deviation for me because it wasn’t about wine. Rather, it was about how I met my husband. And though I realised a fair few people would read it, nothing prepared me for the response to the piece. …

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Lidl Sweetie for £8.99

by Helen McGinnvideo September 25, 2015March 22, 2016No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! This is my end of the week video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW is a Sauternes from Lidl (£8.99). See below for link.

Subscribe for more wine info! Let me know what you think here or on the blog (where you’ll find weekly wine recommendations too).

Link: http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/9902.htm

Chin Chin x

PML

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 23, 2015December 15, 2015No Comments

So, the ‘news’ that Victoria Beckham was spotted leaving a London Fashion Week party with a suspicious wet patch on her trousers was dismissed with a simple ‘4 kids 50 cocktails no brainer’ text from my sister. (We do discuss other more serious issues on occasion. Mostly stuff like this, though). And we sympathised because …

Morning Post

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 16, 2015December 17, 20155 Comments

Normally, I write a weekly post for this blog fairly late at night. But given that I’ve now got an extra half hour in the mornings I never knew I had, I thought I’d write this one early. Fuelled by granola, obviously. Yes, my stocks of granola are like Willy Wonka’s gobstoppers: never ending. Compared …

Wonderland

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 10, 2015December 15, 2015No Comments

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast”, said Alice. Or rather, Lewis Carroll did. Well, turns out I sort of know what he means, now that my alarm goes off at 6.15am in order to get Eldest Boy out of bed and ready to catch the bus to his new …

Ba De Ya

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 3, 2015December 15, 2015No Comments

You’ve got to love a chorus that goes Ba De Ya. Earth Wind & Fire sang about dancing in September when, according to them, there never was a cloudy day. A little wide of the mark given the past week but a great song nonetheless. Anyway, September in this house is all about early mornings …

Blue Sky Thinking

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 26, 2015December 16, 20156 Comments

Me & my sister at Camp Bestival. It might be pissing down with rain now but here’s proof that we did have blue skies this summer. Gone in a flash, though. Well, it might have seemed ENDLESS sometime in the middle but we’re now less than a week away before they go back to school. …

The BEST Wine Song…Ever!

by Helen McGinnvideo August 15, 2015November 23, 2015No Comments

Written and performed by the fabulous Scummy Mummies, recorded during a podcast with me at Camp Bestival.

Chin Chin x

The BEST Wine Song…Ever!

by Helen McGinnvideo August 15, 2015July 8, 2016No Comments

Written and performed by the fabulous Scummy Mummies, recorded during a podcast with me at Camp Bestival.

Chin Chin x

Wine, Women & Song

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 15, 2015December 15, 2015One Comment

The Scummy Mummies perform their song – for us! I’ve got all three for you this week. First up, listen to this podcast by the Scummy Mummies. Recorded at Camp Bestival last month, we talk about wine, stalking Cheryl and play Celebrity Wines (clue: Cava Delevigne was one of the answers). At the end of …

Happy Camper

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 4, 2015December 15, 20156 Comments

This is me, at the Knackered Mother’s Wine Club tasting at Camp Bestival last Saturday. We had a brilliant crowd, including a gorgeous lady who’d got married that day at Camp Bestival’s inflatable church (not making this up) and another on her hen night. There was a performance by the brilliant Scummy Mummies, Ellie & …

Rose Tinted Glasses

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 29, 2015December 15, 2015No Comments

If I ever get my arse into gear and write the fiction book that floats around in my head from time to time, this would be the title. But for now, with the nightmare juggle that is school holidays, work and trying to not let the house go to ruin, this just relates to my …

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Perky £5 White from Sainsbury’s

by Helen McGinnvideo July 24, 2015November 23, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! This is my end of the week video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW is a Vinho Verde from Sainsbury’s. See below for link.

Subscribe for more wine info! Let me know what you think here or on the blog (where you’ll find weekly wine recommendations too).

Link: http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/sainsburys-portuguese-vinho-verde-75cl

Chin Chin x

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Perky £5 White from Sainsbury’s

by Helen McGinnvideo July 24, 2015June 5, 2016No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! This is my end of the week video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW is a Vinho Verde from Sainsbury’s. See below for link.

Subscribe for more wine info! Let me know what you think here or on the blog (where you’ll find weekly wine recommendations too).

Link: http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/sainsburys-portuguese-vinho-verde-75cl

Chin Chin x

In Tents

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 22, 2015December 15, 2015No Comments

This has been a cracking week for your wine questions (one of the things I love about writing this blog is being able to help with them). Here are some of my favourites: 1. Which are the best wines to look for in a French supermarket? 2. Why is my glass of chablis so yellow? …

Wonder Woman

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 16, 2015January 16, 20174 Comments

Eileen Hardy (by Lord Snowdon) Earlier this week, I went for dinner in the Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Now, I’m not a huge cricket fan (remember my Andrew Strauss story?) but you don’t say no to dinner at Lord’s along with a bunch of cricketing legends during The Ashes. I was there as …

Como Toes

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 7, 2015December 15, 20154 Comments

So, I went to Lake Como last week. I won’t go on about it (much) but SERIOUSLY. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. And we had a Very Famous Person on our flight out. I realised something was up when one of the air stewards practically exploded with excitement and mouthed to …

Edited Highlights

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 24, 2015December 15, 20158 Comments

I went to a big blogging conference in London last Friday, BritMums Live, to speak on a panel. Along with English Mum and Honest Mum, we were asked to talk to an audience of bloggers about our stories and how we’ve gone about building our blogs. And I got to meet Ella Woodward from Deliciously …

Fete Accompli

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 17, 2015December 15, 20157 Comments

Last Saturday, we went to a local fete in the grounds of a nearby stately. It’s one of my favourites, complete with dog show (including a dogs-who-look-like-their-owners round), a Punch & Judy show and a myriad of stalls including cake, plant and bottle. I won a bottle of Amaretto on the latter, which was a …

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Fab English White from Sussex

by Helen McGinnvideo June 12, 2015November 23, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! This is my end of the week video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW is an English white wine from Albourne Estate in Sussex, £13.95, see below for the link.

Subscribe for more wine info! Let me know what you think here or on the blog (where you’ll find weekly wine recommendations too).

Link: http://www.albourneestate.co.uk/product/estate-selection-2014

Chin Chin x

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Fab English White from Sussex

by Helen McGinnvideo June 12, 2015June 5, 2016No Comments

Subscribe for more wine info! Let me know what you think here or on the blog (where you’ll find weekly wine recommendations too).

Link: http://www.albourneestate.co.uk/product/estate-selection-2014

Chin Chin x

Chin Up

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 10, 2015December 15, 20156 Comments

Last night was Book Club and no, I hadn’t read the book (it was a medical-themed book with really tiny print – double whammy). I took a bottle of English white wine in the hope it would act as a diversion – it sort of worked – and as ever the chat was 10% book, …

Carry On Camping

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 3, 2015December 15, 20152 Comments

In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to do wine tastings at festivals all over the place. And one of the highlights was at Camp Bestival last year, a pop-up tasting for fifty fellow knackered mothers and wine lovers. So I’m really happy to have been asked back again this year as part …

Hush. Puppies.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 27, 2015December 15, 201511 Comments

We’ve just returned from a few days staying with old mates in Scotland and joining us on our long journey home were a couple of new additions to our household. Meet Yankee & Zulu, our eight week old cocker spaniel puppies. Half term just got a whole lot more hectic, in a good way. Like …

Fun Fair

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 20, 2015December 15, 20152 Comments

Yesterday, I spent the day at the London Wine Fair. It’s an annual trade fair that I’ve been to almost every year since I began working in the wine industry 20 years ago. Obviously things have changed enormously in that time, not least the fact that I now no longer have the energy to go …

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Brilliant Bojo from M&S £8.50

by Helen McGinnvideo May 15, 2015March 22, 2016No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! This is my end of the week video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW is a Beaujolais from M&S, see below for the link.

Subscribe for more wine info! Let me know what you think here or on the blog (where you’ll find weekly wine recommendations too).

Link: http://www.marksandspencer.com/beaujolais-case-of-6/p/p21126948

Chin Chin x

Spending Pennies

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 13, 2015December 15, 20152 Comments

‘Where’s your wee wine gone?’ asked Eldest Boy earlier today. He was referring to the wine I’ve just made. As a wine buyer I spent much of my time in cold cellars tasting wine samples from tanks but until now, I’d never made my own wine from start to finish. Granted, the grapes came in …

Words and Pictures

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 6, 2015December 15, 20152 Comments

I know it’s what’s on the inside that counts but when it comes to wine labels, I’m a sucker for a good looking label. Whether it’s wine, a book or something in Anthropologie (make that anything in Anthropologie), liking the look of something is what makes me pick it up in the first place. And …

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Great Prosecco from Aldi under £7.50

by Helen McGinnvideo May 1, 2015March 22, 2016No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW is a Prosecco from Aldi, see below for the link.

Subscribe for more wine info! Let me know what you think here or on the blog (where you’ll find weekly wine recommendations too).

Link: https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/drinks/wine-cellar/sparkling-wine/sparkling-wine-product-detail-page/ps/p/valdobbiadene-prosecco-spumante-docg/

Chin Chin x

Bag Lady

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 29, 2015December 15, 20157 Comments

I love a good handbag. And given that most of the armful I own are old vintage, I especially love the ones built to last. No mean feat when it’s not uncommon to have a bottle of wine stashed inside (for work purposes, obviously) along with the usual wallet/keys/sunglasses combo and any number of squashed …

In The Loop

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 24, 2015November 6, 20152 Comments

I’ve been in London all week, judging at this year’s International Wine Challenge. I’m tasting approx. 70 wines a day – then spitting them out, obviously – and making the most of being here in the evenings. Tonight, I was lucky enough to be asked to the launch of The Pool, a new online platform …

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Juicy £8 Malbec from Tesco

by Helen McGinnvideo April 17, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Juicy £8 Malbec from Tesco”

Having A Laugh

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 15, 2015December 15, 20153 Comments

Laughter is the best medicine, or so they say. Clearly they forgot wine, carbs and Codeine but I know what they were getting at. Anyway, one of the biggest successes of the Easter holidays so far has been the comedy workshop that Middle Boy went to last week. Run by my old friend Laura, she’s …

Thank Friday It’s Wine // Great rose for a fiver!

by Helen McGinnvideo April 10, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine // Great rose for a fiver!”

Rosé Cheeks

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 8, 2015December 15, 2015No Comments

Last weekend, the sun came out. And so did the rosé. There is something about pink wine that hints at summer better than any other wine – and it definitely shines in the sun. This is me, on Easter Monday, at a restaurant on the Isle of Wight called The Hut. If you are ever …

Thank Friday It’s Wine // Lip-smacking white from M&S

by Helen McGinnvideo April 3, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine // Lip-smacking white from M&S”

Big Picture

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 1, 2015December 15, 20157 Comments

So, this is a really big picture of me. It’s in the latest Waitrose Kitchen magazine and is the first of my monthly wine course features. I’m sitting on my kitchen table (I don’t usually do that) with a glass of wine in my hand (that one more so). I have been dying to tell …

Wine & Chocolate // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo April 1, 2015No Comments

Which wines work best with different types of chocolate? Find out here in this short video, including tips on where Read more “Wine & Chocolate // Helen McGinn”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Fab Champagne from Waitrose

by Helen McGinnvideo March 27, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Fab Champagne from Waitrose”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Fab Champagne from Waitrose

by Helen McGinnvideo March 27, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Fab Champagne from Waitrose”

Map Reading

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 24, 2015December 15, 20152 Comments

L-R: Hugh, Michel Roux Jr (chair) & Jancis Last night, a friend and I went to a brilliant event in London that brought together two of the world’s best wine writers, Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson. If you only ever buy one wine book in your life (once you’ve bought mine, of course *best smile*), make …

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Chocolatey Chilean Merlot from Tesco

by Helen McGinnvideo March 20, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Chocolatey Chilean Merlot from Tesco”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Chocolatey Chilean Merlot from Tesco

by Helen McGinnvideo March 20, 2015No Comments

Not Tonight, Darling

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 18, 2015December 15, 20158 Comments

I’m supposed to be in the cinema as I type this, watching Fifty Shades of Grey with friends (I live in the sticks, it took a while to get here). But I just didn’t have the energy: too tired. Oh, the irony! In my defence, I was out last night – Book Club – and …

What’s the deal with Screwcaps? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 16, 2015No Comments

Are screwcaps a bit naff? Why are they used instead of corks? And what is cork taint? Find out in Read more “What’s the deal with Screwcaps? // Helen McGinn”

What’s the deal with Screwcaps? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 16, 2015No Comments

Are screwcaps a bit naff? Why are they used instead of corks? And what is cork taint? Find out in Read more “What’s the deal with Screwcaps? // Helen McGinn”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Bargain White from Sainsbury’s

by Helen McGinnvideo March 13, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly vlog featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Bargain White from Sainsbury’s”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Bargain White from Sainsbury’s

by Helen McGinnvideo March 13, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly vlog featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Bargain White from Sainsbury’s”

Helen McGinn // The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club

by Helen McGinnvideo March 12, 2015No Comments

Subscribe for more wine stuff, including wine recommendations and (hopefully helpful!) wine info. Let me know what *you’d* like to Read more “Helen McGinn // The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club”

Helen McGinn // The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club

by Helen McGinnvideo March 12, 2015No Comments

Subscribe for more wine stuff, including wine recommendations and (hopefully helpful!) wine info. Let me know what *you’d* like to Read more “Helen McGinn // The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club”

All Stars

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 10, 2015December 15, 20154 Comments

Last Friday, I went to the Bath Literary Festival and my session was at 7.30pm. Turned out so was Kazuo Ishiguro’s, in the room next door. He might have won the Booker Prize but I had free wine (very kindly donated by wine merchant Averys of Bristol – thank you, Mimi). And afterwards, as I …

Wine: What Does Vintage Mean? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 10, 2015No Comments

What does vintage mean when it comes to wine? Find out all you really need to know in this short Read more “Wine: What Does Vintage Mean? // Helen McGinn”

Wine: What Does Vintage Mean? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 10, 2015No Comments

What does vintage mean when it comes to wine? Find out all you really need to know in this short Read more “Wine: What Does Vintage Mean? // Helen McGinn”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Brilliant £5 Spanish red from Asda

by Helen McGinnvideo March 6, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Brilliant £5 Spanish red from Asda”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Brilliant £5 Spanish red from Asda

by Helen McGinnvideo March 6, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly video featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Brilliant £5 Spanish red from Asda”

Does Wine Need Decanting? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 5, 2015No Comments

Do we really need to decant wine? And if so, why? Find out what you really need to know about Read more “Does Wine Need Decanting? // Helen McGinn”

Does Wine Need Decanting? // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 5, 2015No Comments

Do we really need to decant wine? And if so, why? Find out what you really need to know about Read more “Does Wine Need Decanting? // Helen McGinn”

Hot Dates!

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 4, 2015December 15, 20156 Comments

Well, hopefully nicely chilled for whites and room temperature for reds because we’re talking wine dates, and lots of them. I’m going to be out and about a bit this month and I wanted to let you know just in case you’re nearby and up for joining me for a glass of wine. This Friday …

The Variety Show – Grapes & Wine // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 3, 2015No Comments

What is a grape variety? And what does it mean when it comes to wine? Find out in this quick Read more “The Variety Show – Grapes & Wine // Helen McGinn”

The Variety Show – Grapes & Wine // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 3, 2015No Comments

What is a grape variety? And what does it mean when it comes to wine? Find out in this quick Read more “The Variety Show – Grapes & Wine // Helen McGinn”

Sulphur in Wine & Hangovers // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 1, 2015No Comments

Is it the sulphur in wine that causes a hangover? Find out in this quick vlog – plus how to Read more “Sulphur in Wine & Hangovers // Helen McGinn”

Sulphur in Wine & Hangovers // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 1, 2015No Comments

Is it the sulphur in wine that causes a hangover? Find out in this quick vlog – plus how to Read more “Sulphur in Wine & Hangovers // Helen McGinn”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Great value Italian White from M&S

by Helen McGinnvideo February 27, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly vlog featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Great value Italian White from M&S”

Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Great value Italian White from M&S

by Helen McGinnvideo February 27, 2015No Comments

Thank Friday It’s Wine! A weekly vlog featuring a wine that’s a) delicious and b) great value. This week’s TFIW Read more “Thank Friday It’s Wine! // Great value Italian White from M&S”

How To Really Taste Wine // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo February 26, 2015No Comments

Find out how to get the most out of your wine glass. Best watched with glass in hand. Subscribe for Read more “How To *Really* Taste Wine // Helen McGinn”

How To Really Taste Wine // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo February 26, 2015No Comments

Find out how to get the most out of your wine glass. Best watched with glass in hand. Subscribe for Read more “How To *Really* Taste Wine // Helen McGinn”

Fashionably Late

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 25, 2015December 15, 20156 Comments

So, London Fashion Week finished yesterday. I know this because lots of pictures of the bottom half of people in ‘distressed’ jeans and bare ankles on my Instagram feed told me. I do love the circus of fashion but given that not wearing a fleece on the school run is a major fashion statement for …

Wine Lust

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 18, 2015December 15, 20155 Comments

Last week, when everyone went Fifty Shades of mad about a certain film, I tweeted that my abiding memory of the book was the wine descriptions. Specifically, how delicious they sounded (there was definitely a cool, crisp Chablis at some point; and I think there was a Sancerre and a Pouilly Fume too, always perfectly …

Mothers 2 Mothers

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 10, 2015December 15, 20153 Comments

Photo: Annie Spratt My friend Annie took this beautiful photo when she visited the project Mothers2Mothers in Kenya just a few weeks ago as part of Team Honk’s work to highlight projects being supported by Comic Relief. In Kenya, more than a million children have been orphaned after losing one or both parents to HIV. Mothers2Mothers …

Dog Days Ahead

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 5, 2015December 15, 201541 Comments

This week, I’ve been mostly fuelled by tea and chocolate brownies. One day I will have a tin of ready-made healthy snacks to tuck into. That, and a pre-made tiffin box of quinoa salad on hand for lunch on-the-go. Just not this week. But today, with deadlines met, I dropped in to see my mum …

Spitting Image

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 28, 2015December 15, 20154 Comments

I know that tasting and writing about wine for a living is a ridiculously lovely job. But given that wine is usually enjoyed in the company of friends and with food on the table, attending a wine trade tasting is somewhat different. Take a room and fill it with wines, winemakers, press and buyers. Add …

Burns, Baby. Burns.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 20, 2015December 15, 20154 Comments

Every year, on or around the 25th January, we do Burns Night. I’m married to a sort-of-Scot (my father-in-law was born and brought up in Edinburgh; the Husband’s more of a Hampshire Highlander) so Burns is big in his family. One year, my sister-in-law and I took on the cooking with the help of Pippa …

Blurred Lines

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 15, 2015December 15, 20153 Comments

Friday night fizz. Small things. You know my feelings about January. I don’t much like it. Which is why it’s important to have things to look forward to, however small. As I type, the Husband is on his way back from a week in Taiwan. And he’s just texted from Duty Free to ask if I …

Never Give Up

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 5, 2015December 15, 20155 Comments

Follow your dreams and never give up, goes the saying (and Cara D on Instagram). So I’m going to do exactly that and not give up wine in January. Obviously I will be drinking less owing to the mince pie & madeira madness of last month but otherwise I hope to be sipping something delicious …

A Christmas Message

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 24, 2014November 6, 20155 Comments

Peace out, winos x

A Quick Christmas Message 2014 // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo December 24, 2014No Comments

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas, with lots of love and laughter. And wine.

Christmas Wines!

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 17, 2014November 6, 20158 Comments

On a shoot last week, hat at jaunty angle. This last week has been a blur of school music concerts, nativity plays (the cowboy theme totally worked, by the way), panic baking and just-about-making work deadlines. The children are so ready for the end of term and so excited about Christmas. Me too, not least …

Nativity Scene

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 11, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

I do love a nativity play. I was once Angel Gabriel to my husband’s Joseph. We were five years old at the time and I remember thinking that, even if I wasn’t Mary, at least I had a speaking part. Tomorrow, it’s our children’s turn. Apparently there’s a cowboy theme (me neither) and Middle Boy’s …

Show & Tell

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 5, 2014November 6, 2015One Comment

Ah, the school Show & Tell letter. Normally, it goes on the fridge, stuck on with the only remaining magnet with less than three pieces of paper already underneath it. Finding out which magnet to pick involves a game of fridge magnet russian roulette: one wrong move and you’ve got papers all over the kitchen …

Cold Calling

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 26, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

You can’t buy happiness but you can buy wine and that’s kind of the same thing, or so the saying goes. But I’m not drinking wine this week: combination of a late night on Saturday (old friend’s wedding, too many cocktails) and the fact that I’ve now got a cold. Normally, I’d go with the …

Blind Drunk

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 19, 2014November 6, 20158 Comments

Pre-wine tasting egg & baconbreakfast (not incl. wine) I’ve spent the last couple of days at The Oval, but I’m not there for the cricket. (I once asked Andrew Strauss if he was following The Ashes, not realising he was the England captain at the time but that’s another story). As ever, I’m there for …

Bottom of the Glass

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 12, 2014November 6, 20152 Comments

Best party trick ever. So, today a space probe landed on a comet for the first time. And Kim Kardashian balanced a champagne glass on her bum. Guess which one broke the internet? But here’s the tragic part. All I could think when I saw the photo of KK was goodness, what spillage! Still, she looks …

Wrapped Up

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 4, 2014November 6, 20155 Comments

Every year, when the temperature drops, I do the jumper swap. Away go the 286 breton-stripped tops that I own (I’ve been buying them since 1988; never got the memo about horizontal stripes and big boobs). Out come the chunky knits and in them I stay until at least March. Except, when I sorted through …

Half Term Treat

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 23, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

Hooray for half term. Sort of. As we crawl towards it, I’m half-excited, half-panicking. Excited about not having to set the alarm quite so early. Panicking about fitting in some work. The children are most excited about Halloween, obviously. Which has turned into a monster (pun intended). They usually come back from Trick or Treating …

Tired and Tasted

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 15, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

I’ve tried a lot of wine today, even by my standards. Over 250 in fact, at various supermarket wine tastings. And even though I can face nothing but a cup of hot chocolate now, I’m looking forward to sharing details on the best of them including an amazing French pair that’ll make brilliant party wines …

This Little Piggy

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 9, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

Guess where I went last week? No, not to market. But neither did I stay at home. Rather, I had a night away in a hotel called The Pig – on the beach. It’s in Studland Bay and I was asked to join a party for dinner and then stay the night. In a bed, …

Premier Cru

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 30, 2014November 6, 20153 Comments

I was going to settle down to write this hours ago. But then I started reading other blogs, some SO bloody brilliant, I couldn’t stop reading them. Like this post from Reluctant Launderer, in which she makes bread and drinks cocktails. Or this one from Claire at Crumbs (warning, it’s sad but there is cake). …

Crumbs. She’s back.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 25, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

The last time we picked a winner on the blog, my mother wasn’t available to do the honours. She was on her way to the cinema ‘2 c When I wake up’. Not only does she text like a teen, she has a brilliant way of slightly re-wording things (she was actually seeing Before I …

Birthday Present

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 17, 2014November 6, 201516 Comments

An old friend said this morning as we passed at the school gates: “Isn’t it someone’s special day tomorrow?” I must have looked blank. “It’s your birthday, isn’t it?” Yes! I said. It is! Except I’d completely forgotten. This never used to happen. In my Twenties, the build up involved wish lists (no necessities, luxury …

Reality TV

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 11, 2014November 6, 20152 Comments

So, I was at The London Studios earlier this week for the start of the final series of The Alan Titchmarsh Show (I’m back on as the booze hound on his Friday show) when a man walked into the Make Up room. He looked really familiar but I just couldn’t place him. ‘You know who …

Prize Winning Roses

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 2, 2014November 6, 201522 Comments

Tomorrow morning, things might just get a bit stress-y round here. After six weeks of not having to say shout ‘I’M LEAVING IN FIVE MINUTES AND IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE CAR YOU’RE WALKING TO SCHOOL’, we’re back to the old routine. Alarm clocks, rushed breakfasts and the obligatory last minute missing shoe searches (sometimes …

Holiday Report

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 26, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

Our holiday shoes. This time last week, we were on holiday. Highlights include: 1. Going barefoot, wearing nothing but a swimming costume and kaftan until the sun dipped. 2. Having to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the lady in the village shop in an effort to check it was indeed caster sugar, rather than salt, that …

(Psst) Artist

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 5, 2014November 6, 201513 Comments

Well, that was fun. My Camp Bestival highlights included the wine tasting I did for 50 fellow knackered mothers on Saturday evening; seeing the children race around the Kids’ Garden in their circus outfits (one elephant, two human cannonballs and a clown); and sitting outside our tent in the evening sun sipping bag in box …

Bag Lady

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 30, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

Tents and festivals are not my usual habitat but this weekend I’m doing both, at Camp Bestival. My sister and I are yet to do Paper, Scissors, Rock to decide who has to share a tent with my mother (she’s a terrible snorer) but apart from that, it’s excitement all round. People have been asking …

Summer Looms

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 23, 2014November 6, 20157 Comments

“Blimey, are they still at school?” remarked my husband as Eldest Boy scooted past in his school uniform. That was yesterday and yes, they were still at school. Today, happily, they are not. Instead, the weeks stretch ahead and – especially with this glorious weather – there’s much to look forward to. We’re off to …

Bucket List

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 15, 2014November 6, 201514 Comments

A bucket. Of chips. I love a list. But I don’t have a bucket list. So I thought I’d write one for this summer. Not the usual climb-a-mountain-run-a-marathon kind of list though. Rather, a wine bucket list: 10 wines I aim to find and buy and drink over the summer. Here it is: 1. Alpine …

Blanc Page

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 10, 2014November 6, 20152 Comments

I’m starting to think about writing another book. One of my oldest friends wants me to write one about bubbles: Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, English Sparkling Wine and anything else that fits the bill and should be in your glass at some point. I love the idea, but secretly think she just wants an excuse for …

Wine Down

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 1, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

So, we’ve done Sports Day. Now we’ve just got the School Fete (cue calls for homemade cakes) and a School Play (cue more calls for homemade cakes) to go. As you may know, I sometimes resort to the fake bake at this stage. But one thing I can do is Teachers’ Presents. Now, some of …

Good Sport

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 25, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

I started a post last night, then suddenly remembered I was supposed to be baking something for today’s Sports Day. It was 10pm. I went to the fridge, took out a solid block of butter and realised it just wasn’t going to happen. And so it was I started my day with a sprint of …

Festival Love

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 18, 2014November 6, 20155 Comments

I was at the Borders Book Festival this weekend. And it was brilliant fun. Here’s my selfie at the start of the session (rude not to). And not only was the crowd simply lovely, I got to meet up with my blogging mate Harriet and drink wine in the Green Room with her whilst Emma Thompson’s mother discussed …

Roll Up, Roll Up

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 11, 2014November 6, 201528 Comments

I planned to do a KMWC wine surgery film tonight but, after Vegas, my eyes are like piss holes in the snow (to coin one of my mother’s favourite sayings). So we’ll leave that for next week. Instead, I have a rather excellent giveaway. As you know (unless you’re new here, in which case, welcome …

Vegas, Baby

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 3, 2014November 6, 201513 Comments

Sequins, check. I’m off to Vegas. For work. For four days. I know, I’m extremely lucky. I’ll have time to sit by a pool, do a spot of shopping, have grown up dinners and see a show (not Britney though, I checked). But the thing I am most looking forward to? A lie-in. After last week’s …

Rose Tinted Glasses

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 29, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

We’re back from our half term trip to Scotland. And I must say, the views were amazing. Especially this one. Current rose in the fridge: Guillerault Fargette Sancerre Rose 2012, £21.99, Costco Look closely at the bottle. It’s a magnum, A MAGNUM, of rose. From Sancerre, from a really great producer (I used to buy …

Start The Week

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 21, 2014November 6, 20153 Comments

If ever there was a good way to start the week, it’s with a wine tasting. On Monday night, I was asked to do one for a lovely group of people at Soho House’s West London outpost, High Road House. I picked a line up of current favourite wines from local shops and supermarkets, all …

And the winner is…

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 14, 2014November 6, 201511 Comments

She’s laughing, not sneezing. I hope. Er, not me. I know! It was the Fortnum & Mason Awards last night and my book made it to the shortlist of three for best Drinks Book. But I was beaten by a (very good, apparently) cider book (this one here and see all the results here). The party, like ohmigod the …

Blown Away

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 7, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

Last year’s hair. Next Tuesday I’m going to the Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards, where the Knackered Mother’s Wine Club book is shortlisted in the Drinks Book category. Last year, this blog won the Online Drinks Writer award; I’m still getting over that one. I daren’t believe the book will do the double. …

Post Surgery

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 29, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

I’ve had an idea. Each month, we’ll hold a wine surgery. More sit-down-and-grab-a-glass than walk-in, but it’s open to all wine questions. I’ve started it off with something someone asked me last week, about the difference between blends and single varietal wines. So if you have a question about wine, simply post it here in …

Seriously Funny

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 23, 2014November 6, 20159 Comments

Credit: id-iom The funny thing about wine is that, despite being one of the perks of life, it’s often treated very seriously indeed. Which is why things like this (points to the picture) really make me laugh. And if you’ve ever wondered just how to pronounce Chateauneuf-du-Pape properly, watch this*. But if I can be serious for a …

Booby Trap

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 16, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

Last weekend, Youngest Girl was 5 years old. She had a little party at home with her friends from school, involving a game of Pass the Parcel, Musical Statues and an early Easter Egg Hunt in the garden. I decorated the house with bunting and the cake with a tub of Betty Crocker chocolate fudge …

Challenging Behaviour

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 9, 2014November 6, 201513 Comments

So far this week, I’ve tasted at least 100 wines a day. But I couldn’t tell you what they are. Seriously. Each one is covered in a bag, you see. Then, together with a team of professional winos, I taste and score the wines based on quality. The best ones will emerge with an International …

Me & Wine on The Alan Titchmarsh Show // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo April 3, 2014No Comments

So, here’s a mashup of drinks & me & others on The Alan Titchmarsh Show from the last couple of Read more “Me & Wine on The Alan Titchmarsh Show // Helen McGinn”

Me & Wine on The Alan Titchmarsh Show // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo April 3, 2014No Comments

So, here’s a mashup of drinks & me & others on The Alan Titchmarsh Show from the last couple of Read more “Me & Wine on The Alan Titchmarsh Show // Helen McGinn”

Drinking From The Bottle

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 2, 2014November 6, 20153 Comments

Today, I have mostly been drinking from the bottle. Of Pholcodine, that is. What started as a sore throat is now a cold which, seeing as I taste wines for a living, is a bit of a bugger. So I’m throwing linctus (horrible word, almost as bad as moist) at the problem. That and a …

Read more “Drinking From The Bottle”

Camping Wine

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 28, 2014November 6, 20159 Comments

Look! KMWC at Camp Bestival! I’m so excited. You must ALL come. Details here. Current white in the fridge: Tesco Finest Picpoul de Pinet 2012, £7.99, Tesco Earlier this evening, someone on Twitter asked me for an emergency wine recommendation. She needing something crisp and cool, and she needed it pronto. I suggested this, knowing …

Potty Trainers

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 18, 2014November 6, 20159 Comments

I like to think I keep up with the trends OH MY GOD I SOUND LIKE MY MOTHER. Anyway, as I was saying, I read the fashion pages in the paper, follow a few blogs, feel like I have a rough idea of what’s hot and what’s not (as they say). So when I decided …

Big Bertha

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 12, 2014November 6, 20157 Comments

Last week, some friends/awesome bloggers were in Tanzania reporting back on projects as part of this year’s Sport Relief. The one that really resonated was Bertha. She makes wine. In the words of T: Bertha explained to us that she makes about 600 bottles of wine a year. Bertha buys the bottles from local suppliers, …

Wedding Belle

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 5, 2014November 6, 201514 Comments

Last week, a reader emailed to ask if I could help with some wine recommendations for her wedding in June this year. Something lovely but not too pricey. And in return, being the beauty editor of a really famous women’s magazine, she offered tailor-made beauty tips. Genius. Kate’s top three tips for Knackered Mothers everywhere: …

Paperback Writer

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 26, 2014November 6, 201512 Comments

In the song, it’s a dirty story of a dirty man. And it took him years to write. Mine took six months of Saturdays and it’s all about wine. Much more useful, IMHO. Described as ‘useful, interesting and very funny’ by Victoria Moore (I especially like funny). And India Knight said it doesn’t just simplify …

Half (Term) Measures

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 19, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

Like many of you I’m sure, this week mostly involves getting through half-term week without shouting too much or spending too much (£60 for us all to go and see The Lego Movie and that was before we got past the pick ‘n’ mix). Then there’s the work thing: the people on the other end …

Hearts and Rosés

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 13, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

About 20 years ago, I went out for dinner on Valentine’s Day. It was awful. We were so close to the table next to us that I couldn’t help but listen to their conversation (I think it might have been a row). In fact, we left before the main course and stopped off in Harts …

And Smile.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 12, 2014November 6, 20152 Comments

There are many, many, many upsides to tasting wines for a living. In the old BC days (before children) I travelled the world sourcing wines for our supermarket shelves, visiting vineyards in beautiful places and spending time with people who loved – and made – wine. Nowadays I do most of my wine tasting at …

Table Talk

by Helen McGinnThe Blog February 4, 2014November 6, 20154 Comments

Bought from a junk shop in Cornwall years ago, this old dairy farm table has stayed with us through five house moves (I’m. Never. Moving. Again). And has seen countless children’s teas, dinners and Sunday lunches, not to mention the hours clocked up when covered with Airfix models on rainy Saturday afternoons. Then there’s the …

Good Things

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 30, 2014November 6, 20158 Comments

There was an interview on the radio yesterday morning, a short 4-minute piece about a nail bar in Dollis Valley, north London. The weekly pop-up is a project involving young, talented girls and women, supported by charity Art Against Knives. Katy Dawe, one of the organisers, spoke about how projects like this give girls – …

Cover Up

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 24, 2014November 6, 201511 Comments

Look! It’s the new cover for the KMWC paperback, out next month. I’m rather hoping you’ve bought a copy by now *looks you all in the eye* but if you need a present for a friend for under a tenner? Voila. Also, I’m back on The Alan Titchmarsh Show every Friday from tomorrow and, it …

Lady Writer

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 16, 2014November 6, 20159 Comments

Pamela Vandyke Price Last week, a lady called Pamela Vandyke Price died, aged 90. The reason I know this is because she was a rather famous name in the wine world. In fact, she was one of our first female wine writers, with a column in The Times back in the 1970s and with a …

A Wee Plan

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 7, 2014November 6, 20156 Comments

“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” So said a friend, or rather so said her shared photo on Facebook. My immediate response was lovely idea, but if I do that nowadays I slightly wee. Then I thought some more and given the …

Looking Forward

by Helen McGinnThe Blog January 3, 2014November 6, 201511 Comments

Unsurprisingly, January does not rate as one of my favourite months and not just because seemingly everyone’s off the booze. And the whole new year’s resolution thing is anathema to me. Or on the words of someone much funnier, a new year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. I …

Forty Festive Wines

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 23, 2013November 6, 20155 Comments

The following exhaustive (and exhausting) list of wines appeared in Saturday’s Daily Mail, here’s a link if you want pictures of the bottles too. There’s 10 whites, 10 reds, 10 sparkling and 10 pudding/after dinner drinks. And this gorgeous picture was taken by the very lovely Juliette Neel. Sadly, it wasn’t used in the piece but …

Mulling It Over

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 17, 2013November 6, 201510 Comments

At last night’s school concert, in which Eldest Boy was playing the guitar, I was on the mulled wine. As in my job was handing it out to people as they came into the school hall. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice that the urn containing the mulled wine was on its hotter-than-the-sun setting. Which caused it …

Wrap Artist

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 11, 2013November 6, 20156 Comments

Told you that spreadsheet was a good thing. I’m ahead of the game on present buying. But now, every time I see the cupboard they’re stashed in, it reminds me that they’re not going to wrap themselves. We always put it off until Christmas Eve and wrap late into the night, accompanied by the Christmas …

It’s a gift.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog December 4, 2013November 6, 20158 Comments

Being married to Mr Christmas (not his real name, obviously) means the tree is up and the Christmas playlist is on repeat. Has been since Sunday. It also means that we’ve made a start on the presents which, given that there are three children, twelve nieces and nephews and a number of godchildren to think …

Cake Pop

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 27, 2013November 6, 201512 Comments

OK, this isn’t mine. It’s Nigella’s. So, volunteering to make the school’s monthly birthday cake was a good idea at the time. But last night as I took the 5-egg cake out of the oven approaching midnight? Not so much. And this morning, as I iced the cake before school, Eldest Boy suggested that I …

Expert Opinion

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 21, 2013November 6, 20155 Comments

Whilst watching Saturday Kitchen last weekend, a friend of mine’s 8yo son asked what the person on the telly talking about wine was doing. “They’re what’s called a wine expert”, said my friend. “That’s not a real job, is it?” said the 8yo. And I have to say, he has a point. Today, for example, …

Toast

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 12, 2013November 6, 20152 Comments

No, not a reference to the catalogue that might give me house envy but whose clothes always make my arse look the size of a small country. (And yes, I am blaming the clothes. It’s easier that way). I’m talking about Toast, the foodie crew who organise events (I believe they are called happenings, nowadays) …

Status Update

by Helen McGinnThe Blog November 6, 2013November 6, 20154 Comments

“Are we going to run out of wine?” someone asked me last week. At first I thought they were referring to me personally, you know, at home. Which, frankly, just wouldn’t happen. We might frequently run out of milk, bread and bin liners but I have never, ever knowingly run out of wine. In fact, …

Glasses Please

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 24, 2013November 6, 20158 Comments

Nothing to do with time at the bar (if you want to know just how bad I am at bar work, read this). Rather, at Book Club earlier this week the proposed next book was being passed round the table. And when I start a new book, I check two things. 1) The number of …

From Blog To Book

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 15, 2013November 6, 20158 Comments

Photo: Annie @ Mammasaurus A few weeks ago, I spoke at the Henley Literary Festival, along with fellow blogger Maggy from Red Ted Art about our experiences of blogs becoming books. Someone asked what made us start a blog on the first place. I burbled away but thinking about it afterwards, I’m hoping the following …

Sloe Down

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 12, 2013November 6, 20157 Comments

Discombobulated. That’s how I felt this week. Think that’s down to last weekend, spent in London working at a wine fair. Coming home and jumping straight into the week without a break left me discombobulated. But happily, it’s Saturday and my gorgeous neighbour Maggie has just popped over to help me make up some sloe …

Telly Tubby

by Helen McGinnThe Blog October 3, 2013November 6, 20152 Comments

So, here are the things I’ve learned in the last month since being on the telly once a week: 1. The camera doesn’t add 10lbs. It add loads more than that. 2. As much as I love having my hair and make up done by a professional make up artist, I am mostly sitting there …

Feeling Blue

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 26, 2013November 6, 201517 Comments

Not even a broken down car on the school run (luckily just after I’d dropped them at school) and an hour’s wait in the rain could dampen my spirits this morning. Because yesterday, I did a wine tasting with Sooty & Sweep. It was hilarious, a real Tena Lady moment as my sister would say. …

Show & Tell

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 17, 2013November 6, 201526 Comments

Last week saw my first appearance as the new wine expert on The Alan Titchmarsh Show. And honestly? I loved it. It was possibly one of the most surreal days of my life, and I must learn to not always say what I’m thinking out loud. Telling Kerry Katona that my friends and I used to …

And breathe.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 10, 2013November 6, 201510 Comments

So, deep breaths required when taking Youngest Girl to school for her first day last week. She was fine of course, looking tiny in her uniform, with a sweet but nervous smile on her face. And she loved it. Then, on Friday, she was knocked to the ground by the dogs, cutting her lip. Cue …

Lights. Camera. Action.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog September 4, 2013November 6, 201513 Comments

This time next week I’ll have finished recording my first ever bit of telly for The Alan Titchmarsh Show. I’m so excited. And just a little bit nervous. But with any luck, I’ll be as happy in front of the camera as my mother apparently is, announcing the winner of the Corkcicle competition: Current white …

Life’s a Beach

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 27, 2013November 6, 2015No Comments

The last few weeks have been filled with days spent on various beaches. First in Brittany, where there was also a fair bit of time spent imbibing bread, cheese and wine. And then in Cornwall, with obligatory cream teas. And more wine, obviously. So after pulling on a pair of slightly-too-tight jeans this morning I …

Wine Accessories: are they worth it?

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 10, 2013November 6, 201527 Comments

I’m always a bit dubious about gadgets, especially wine ones. But recently, I put a whole load of wine chillers to the test for a piece in the Daily Mail and was left wondering how on earth I had managed thus far without a Corkcicle in my life. Seriously, this funny little pointy gadget kept a …

My 5:2

by Helen McGinnThe Blog August 6, 2013November 6, 20158 Comments

So, tonight’s supper wasn’t my finest. The Husband’s away and I’ve got work to do before we go on holiday, so a packet of crisps and a glass of Soave it was. At five to eight. OK, not that funny but seriously, I’m not what you’d call a ‘natural’ dieter mostly due to my ‘natural’ …

Summer. Loving.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 31, 2013November 6, 201514 Comments

Seven days into the school holidays and already it feels twice that. But, loving that we can have breakfast in pyjamas and I don’t have to shout say ‘Coat! Book bag!’ seventy billion times in the space of five minutes every morning before embarking on the school run. Now we’ve got a tent up in the garden, …

Here is the News.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 23, 2013November 6, 201524 Comments

I am 40 years old, married with three children and I’m really tired. I probably should have washed my hair yesterday, I’ve just noticed there’s dried Weetabix on my t-shirt, the washing is threatening to burst out of the basket, we’ve run out of milk and I think we’ve got people coming at the weekend. …

In Her Shoes

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 16, 2013November 6, 20159 Comments

So, my comfortable sandals have drawn a mix of responses, not all of them entirely complimentary. And the more I look at them, the more they do look a bit, well, comfortable. So I am redressing the balance, with these. And as Marilyn Monroe once said: “Give a girl the right shoes and she can …

Hair Apparent

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 9, 2013November 6, 20159 Comments

Hot weather = less clothes. I’m not great at less clothes, unless you count wearing my dressing gown, which I can do for hours, with ease, every Sunday morning. No, I’m happier when jean-clad and wrapped in jumpers. But this heatwave has seen me, for the first time in years, wearing shorts and genuinely not …

I Heart Yasmin

by Helen McGinnThe Blog July 2, 2013November 6, 20158 Comments

Love her. Look at her. I mean, really. Yasmin Le Bon looks GORGEOUS. Once, my most prized possession was my Duran Duran ‘Seven & The Ragged Tiger’ t-shirt which sported her husband Simon on the front. Unsurprisingly, my days of wearing rock band t-shirts are over but I have been wearing some clothes from Winser …

Outstanding

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 25, 2013November 6, 201522 Comments

Last Friday & Saturday I was at BritMums Live, an event that brings together 500 bloggers under one London roof to talk, listen, laugh, cry (well, you try listening to Katie Piper’s story and not end up in a sobbing heap on the floor). One of the best discussion groups I attended was run by …

Feted

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 18, 2013November 6, 20158 Comments

My, how time flies. It’s School Fete time again and the ‘call to arms’ letter glares at me from beneath the fridge magnet, asking for cake & biscuit donations, scones for cream teas, unwanted toys for the toy stall, decorated jam jars filled with sweets and prizes for the tombola. Now, as some of you know, I have …

Festival Wear

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 11, 2013November 6, 20157 Comments

This weekend is the Isle of Wight Festival. My mum went years ago, saw Jimi Hendrix in what turned out to be his last ever performance, apparently. I live a stone’s throw from the Island (ok, big throw) but I’m not going to be there. In fact, I am yet to go to an actual …

Independents’ Day

by Helen McGinnThe Blog June 5, 2013November 6, 20154 Comments

Last night I did a wine tasting for about 40 knackered mothers, organised by the very brilliant Hungerford Bookshop. Emma, who runs the bookshop, got the local independent wine shop to bring some wines for us to taste together and all I had to do was talk about my specialist subjects. Namely wine, me and …

Half (Term) Measures

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 31, 2013November 6, 201514 Comments

So, in the words of Barry Manilow, looks like we made it. Our family half-term trip to Scotland, returning via Alnwick Castle and Ironbridge, that is. There was laughter, there were tears and there were loo stops. So. Many. Loo stops. But for all that, it was lovely. Admittedly, the children have not really had …

Another award. And an awkward moment.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 22, 2013November 6, 201514 Comments

I won another award this week and this time I swear I didn’t even know it was coming. Well, I knew I might win something at Monday’s Harpers Wine & Spirit Awards because I’d been shortlisted. Indeed my name was called out and I stood up. In front of more than 200 people. Only for …

An award. And no kittens.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 15, 2013November 6, 201515 Comments

Instead of kittens. Here’s me, standing next to the very lovely Claudia Winkleman (I know!). The occasion was the inaugural Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards and I was shortlisted in the Online Drinks Writer category. Anyway, thing is, I won. Yes, I did. And I’m holding a little F&M silver hamper with my name …

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Wine o’clock

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 12, 2013November 6, 201526 Comments

There’s been a bit of discussion around wine o’clock over the last week, prompted by Louise Mensch posting about it on her blog, Unfashionista. One of the newspapers asked if I might write a response to the idea of taking wine o’clock away, so I did but they didn’t use it and I can’t bear …

Roller Coaster

by Helen McGinnThe Blog May 8, 2013November 6, 20157 Comments

n. roller coaster a situation in which there are many big and sudden changes You know how I was going on about pootling last week? Well, scrap that. Pootling is off. Temporarily, anyway, due to a couple of unforeseens. Youngest Girl hasn’t got a place at the same school as her two older brothers. That …

Pootling Along

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 30, 2013November 6, 20159 Comments

vb. pootle to move leisurely, with or without purpose Now, no great shakes but I’m usually in a hurry. Whether it is shouting getting the children into the car for the school run, racing to get a train on my work days or tearing round the supermarket at break-neck speed, the big Countdown clock looms. …

It’s not all about me.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 22, 2013November 6, 201513 Comments

OK, it mostly is but bear with until the end of the post and if you’re in London over the bank holiday weekend, there’s a chance to grab some tickets for a big wine thing. So, me first. I has news. Firstly, hampers-and-loose-leaf-tea emporium Fortnum & Mason, on London’s Piccadilly, has announced the shortlist for …

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Wizard of Oz

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 17, 2013November 6, 201510 Comments

Halfway through the second week of the International Wine Challenge and I’m properly knackered. But, I taste wine for a living so it’s all relative. Here’s a picture taken earlier today after about 100 wines, so please excuse my black-toothed smile. Oz Clarke is also at the IWC (he’s one of the chairmen), and as the …

The Place That Launched A Thousand Sips

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 10, 2013November 6, 201517 Comments

I’m not a huge cricket fan, but I am spending all of this week and next at Lord’s judging at the world’s largest wine competition. Every day, together with a team of professional winos, we’ll sniff, sip, slurp (and spit) our way through thousands of wines. Everything is tasted blind, meaning that the wines are …

Celebrity Has Eaten Itself

by Helen McGinnThe Blog April 2, 2013November 6, 201512 Comments

An article celebrating 15 years of Red magazine in the latest issue looks at changes in society, technology, fashion and culture among other things during that time. And as someone who loves a celebrity – a friend of mine lovingly refers to me as her favourite star f*cker, such is my appetite for entertaining tales …

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Question Time

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 27, 2013November 6, 2015No Comments

Well, that was fun. Last Friday saw the first ever Mumsnet wine tasting on twitter, hosted by yours truly. I sat at the kitchen table wearing my *concentrating face* and prepared for an hour of tweeting all things wine. As it turned out, within minutes I was laughing out loud. Or lolzing. The tweets coming in …

Mumsnet, Twitter, Wine & Me

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 19, 2013November 6, 201511 Comments

Still on me but I have made something I think some of you might find useful. Ahead of this Friday’s twitter wine tasting with Mumsnet (I KNOW!) at 8.30pm – all details here – here’s a short video about how to taste wine. Do excuse the sweatshirt and slippers and the fact that my face is …

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The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club Book Launch // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 12, 2013No Comments

The London launch of The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club book!

Kindly filmed by Shoot The Company (www.shootthecompany.com)

The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club Book Launch // Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinnvideo March 12, 2013No Comments

The London launch of The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club book!

Kindly filmed by Shoot The Company (www.shootthecompany.com)

It’s a wrap.

by Helen McGinnThe Blog March 11, 2013November 6, 201513 Comments

S’been a busy few weeks with book signings, wine tastings, radio interviews and writing. Amazing really, I feel very lucky. But I am looking forward to Friday, when my only plan is to wear a pair of pants on my head all day, for Red Nose Day. And in the evening, I will drink a …