Give a gift they’ll savour all year long. Gift a Membership Now

Curious couples – English Blanc de Blancs and beef stir-fry

Oxney Blanc de Blancs with a pot and bowl of Thai beef stir fry

A pairing that proves that sparkling wine can match just about anything – and a tip on a tool that will cut fuel costs and keep the heat down in your kitchen.

Back in March, I was exchanging emails with Lara Truscott, who describes her job as ‘Girl Friday, wine biz multi-tasker, living the dream!’ of Oxney Organic Estate, England’s largest organic wine estate. Lara’s infectious enthusiasm led us a little off track and into discussing things other than wine samples. At some point, she completely changed the subject …

On that note, I know how much you like a...