WINE FEVER Wine fair fever has broken out. Gibneys in Malahide, Co Dublin, is holding its annual wine fair in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, on November 23rd.
Tickets cost €15; proceeds go to four local primary schools. There will be two separate masterclasses, featuring Chilean and Spanish wines. Details from Siobhan Gibney (01-8450606). Dennis Byrne, who runs the well-stocked Cheers off-licence in Delgany, Co Wicklow, is running a wine fair in the Wicklow Arms, Delgany on November 24th, and the proceeds of the ticket sales will go to St Patrick's School in Delgany. Tickets cost €15. Book on 01-2871616. Joe Breen
GIN GENIUS The year 1798 was obviously a momentous one in Ireland. There was the rather large matter of an ill-fated rebellion, while down in Cork's Watercourse Distillery, William Caldwell was writing a recipe into a leather-bound notebook which would provide the basis, more than 200 years later, for a new high-end gin which will be launched next week. Cork Crimson Gin comes from Irish Distillers, makers of Cork Dry Gin. Ten different botanicals are used, including juniper berries from Tuscany, sweet orange peel from Morocco and cassia from Indonesia. Cork Crimson is presented in an Italian-made "apothecary-style" bottle with a ceramic screen print on the front and back of an original 1700s drawing of Cork Harbour. This 41.2 per cent proof gin is aimed at the growing high-end of the spirits market. The gin's "refined and elegant flavour" make it ideal for martinis and cocktails. Cork Crimson Gin will cost €34.95. Joe Breen
WEXFORD WINS Three Co Wexford establishments were marked out for praise on Tuesday, at the launch of Georgina Campbell's Ireland - The Best of the Best, a selection of places to eat, drink and stay around Ireland (€20 from bookshops or www.ireland-guide.com). Kelly's Resort Hotel, Rosslare, was selected for the prestigious Family-Friendly Hotel of the Year award; Glendine House (left), Arthurstown was named Farmhouse of the Year; and Aldridge Lodge, a purpose-built restaurant with rooms at Duncannon, took the title Newcomer of the Year.
LESSONS IN TASTE: Even the most accomplished cook can be daunted by the prospect of the kitchen marathon that is Christmas. Christine Jordan, proprietor of Tasteworks Cookery School in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, will share the secrets of a hassle-free festive season in a "Getting Ready for Christmas" one-day course next Saturday, November 19th. The course will cover cakes, including a chocolate and hazelnut alternative to the traditional fruit cake; puddings (it's not too late . . .), freeze-ahead nibbles for parties, and edible decorations that will make your tree unique. The course costs €85, including lunch. Tasteworks courses, including one on creative vegetarian cookery that is so heavily subscribed that next February's date is already full, are held in a converted cottage next to the Swedish eco-house that Jordan designed and had built last year. Extra classes are organised if demand is high, so if you fancy cooking goats' cheese, thyme and toasted pinenut tart, and sweet potato patties with roasted beetroot and yoghurt, register your interest now. Check out the full programme of courses for adults and children at www.tasteworks.net. If you fancy making a weekend of it, good places to stay locally include Lorum Old Rectory, www.lorum.com (059-9775282) and Kilgraney House, www.kilgraneyhouse.com (059-9775283). Marie-Claire Digby