Looking back at 2016 most of us will feel the same way: it hasn’t necessarily been a great year in many aspects. Keeping that in mind, it is the time of the year when we need to take a moment to hold still and reflect on all the things in life we take for granted but should be most grateful for: good health, our loved ones around us, a home, a warm meal every day… And if you are really lucky, a glass of heart-warming soul-soothing taste-buds-pleasing wine.

On this note, while I am planning out all the festive meals and wine pairings to share with my family over the holiday period, I would like for you to look back with me at some of the highlights of SweervyWine’s year 2016.

I had a chance to see two of the most influential people in the world of wine in a debate: Old World vs. New World – Jancis Robinson & Oz Clarke battle it out

I have discovered some great new restaurants in London, incl. M for Mmmm…!!! and  Tommy Tucker – Where GASTRO Meets PUB

…and tasted some fantastic wines: Sweervy’s Wine Tasting

I was lucky to travel to my beloved Tuscany twice this year, first for a wedding of very dear friends in Val d’Orcia; and then to explore the wine making region of Bolgheri where I visited three incredible wineries known for their Super-Tuscans – Ornellaia, Ca’Marcanda and Michele Satta: Supertuscans – the superheros from Bolgheri.

I also travelled to Azerbaijan to introduce my toddler daughter to her mommy’s place of birth and extended family; but also to indulge into delicious local food and wine: Azerbaijan – the Land of Fire, Food, Wine & UNESCO World Heritage

I joined the promising new venture Foodiez TV and had two cool restaurant review videos produced to date, revealing the best of Gastro Pubs and Italian Restaurants in London. Coming up next is the best Indian in London followed by best Chinese, so sign up for SweervyWine updates so you won’t miss it!

And because I’ve worked so hard to make my readers happy, I am super thrilled to be nominated for the UK Blog Awards 2017! If you are one of my followers you better have voted for me in the popular vote 😉 Now everything is in the judges’ hands, but you can still visit my Blog Awards Entry Page. The shortlisted blogs will be announced early January and the award ceremony will take place in April. So all you can do now is keep your fingers crossed for me.

I would also like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all who took advantage of my Wine Christmas Promotion and I really hope you will enjoy the wines I have picked for you to match you festive meals! If you happened to miss the promotion, don’t despair – I will be delighted to help you select your wines in the new year to match your detox dinners! 🙂

Lastly, I would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones, a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration and healthy, peaceful, happy and prosperous 2017!

With Love,
SweervyWine