# Ballantynes > Explore tasting notes, food pairing ideas and practical advice for enjoying wine. Written for wine enthusiasts across the UK who want to deepen their appreciation. ## Basic information - Website: https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/ - Site type: Information portal - Language: English (United Kingdom) - Region: United Kingdom - Topics: Tasting Basics, Food Pairing, Storage and Care, Serving Tips, Wine Knowledge, Entertaining, Buying and Collecting ## Key pages - [Wine tasting notes and food pairing for enthusiasts](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/): Explore tasting notes, food pairing ideas and practical advice for enjoying wine. Written for wine enthusiasts across the UK who want to deepen their appreciation. - [Glossary](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/glossary/) - [Downloads](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/downloads/) - [Editorial policy](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/editorial-policy/): How Ballantynes selects topics, researches guides, checks facts and makes corrections. Our commitment to clear, independent writing about wine. - [Who we are](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/who-we-are/): Ballantynes is an independent guide to wine tasting and food pairing for UK readers. We write practical notes, answer common questions and make wine more approachable. - [Articles](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/articles/) ## Categories - [Tasting Basics](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/category/tasting-basics/): This section helps you understand what you're tasting when you pour a glass. - [Food Pairing](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/category/food-pairing/): This section explores which wines work with which dishes, and why. - [Storage and Care](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/category/storage-and-care/): This section covers how to look after your wine once you've brought it home. - [Serving Tips](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/category/serving-tips/): This section covers the practical steps that happen between opening a bottle and pouring it into a glass. - [Wine Knowledge](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/category/wine-knowledge/): This section explains the terms, styles, and ideas that come up again and again when people talk about wine. - [Entertaining](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/category/entertaining/): This section helps you plan and serve wine when you have people round. - [Buying and Collecting](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/category/buying-and-collecting/): This section is for readers who want to buy wine with intention, whether you're building a modest collection or simply making smarter purchases. ## Articles - [What is orange wine, and how is it made](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-orange-wine/): Orange wine is white wine made with extended skin contact. Learn how this ancient technique creates amber-hued wines with tannin, texture and bold flavour. - [Wine with chocolate: 6 bottles that won't be overwhelmed](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-to-serve-with-chocolate-desserts/): Chocolate desserts deserve wines that match their richness. Discover why fortified and sweet styles succeed where dry reds falter, and which bottles to reach for. - [What tannin is and how to spot it in your glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-tannin-in-wine/): Tannin creates that dry, grippy feeling in your mouth when you drink red wine. Learn where it comes from, how to recognise it, and why it matters. - [How to pair wine with cheese: 6 combinations that work](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-pair-wine-with-cheese/): Soft, hard, blue or aged—discover which wine styles complement or contrast each cheese type, and why texture matters as much as flavour when you pair them. - [How to host a wine tasting at home: 6 steps to an evening people remember](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-host-a-wine-tasting-at-home/): A practical guide to hosting a wine tasting at home: choosing a theme, how many bottles to pour, tasting order and keeping notes without fuss. - [What biodynamic wine is and how it differs from organic](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-biodynamic-wine/): Biodynamic wine follows farming principles that go beyond organic certification. Learn what sets the approach apart and how it shapes what ends up in your glass. - [How to decant wine properly: 4 steps and the bottles that need it](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-decant-wine-properly/): Learn how to decant wine at home—when a bottle benefits, which technique works, and what to do when there's no decanter to hand. - [What acidity means in wine and how it shapes every glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-does-acidity-mean-in-wine/): Acidity is what makes wine feel bright and fresh. Learn how to recognise it on the palate, why it matters for balance and which wines carry more of it. - [Old World vs New World Wine: Three Ways the Divide Shows Up in Your Glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-the-difference-between-old-world-and-new-world-wine/): Old world vs new world wine, explained simply: where the line comes from, what it means for flavour and labels, and why it matters less than you think. - [The temperature red wine needs before it reaches the glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-temperature-should-you-serve-red-wine/): Room temperature is often too warm. The right temperature for red wine sits cooler than most homes, and getting there takes only minutes. - [Wine with roast lamb: 5 styles that match the herbs and richness](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-to-serve-with-roast-lamb/): Which wines suit roast lamb best. Explore grape varieties, styles and flavours that complement the richness and herbs of a classic Sunday roast. - [How to tell if wine has gone off: 3 faults you can spot before the first sip](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-tell-if-wine-has-gone-off/): Cork taint, oxidation and refermentation each leave distinct traces. Learn what spoiled wine smells and tastes like, and when a bottle is still safe to drink. - [Pairing fish with wine: 4 textures and the bottles that suit them](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-pair-wine-with-fish/): Match delicate, oily and meaty fish with the right wine weight and acidity. White, rosé and some reds all work when the pairing respects texture. - [How to describe wine flavour without reaching for clichés](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-describe-wine-flavour-accurately/): Build a personal vocabulary for wine without pretension. From primary fruit notes to earthy descriptors, learn to capture what you taste in clear, confident words. - [Wine with spicy food: styles that cool heat and the ones that make it worse](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-to-drink-with-spicy-food/): Off-dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer and lighter reds calm heat and let bold flavours shine. High alcohol and oak amplify burn—here's what works instead. ## Frequently asked questions ### [Wine tasting notes and food pairing for enthusiasts](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/) - How long should I let a bottle breathe before tasting? Most wines show well within thirty minutes of opening. Young reds with firm tannins benefit from an hour or two of air exposure, either in the bottle or in a decanter. Older wines and delicate whites can fade quickly, so taste them soon after opening and monitor how they develop. - What is the difference between tasting and drinking wine? Tasting involves deliberate observation—assessing appearance, aroma, palate and finish in order to understand the wine's structure and character. Drinking is enjoying the wine without analysing it. Both have their place; tasting builds knowledge, while drinking is about pleasure. - Can you pair red wine with fish? Yes, when the fish is rich or the preparation is robust. Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay work with salmon, tuna or swordfish. Grilled or braised fish can handle more tannin than poached or steamed preparations. White wine remains the safer choice for delicate white fish. - Why do some wines taste different each time I open them? Wine evolves in the bottle and continues to change after opening. Temperature, time of day, what you have eaten recently and even your mood affect perception. Wines with complexity show different facets depending on how long they have been exposed to air and how they are served. - Should I spit or swallow when tasting multiple wines? Spit if you are tasting more than four or five wines in a session. Alcohol dulls the palate and clouds judgement. Swallowing is fine when tasting one or two bottles with a meal. Professional tastings always provide a spittoon. - What does it mean when a wine is described as dry? Dry means the wine contains little or no residual sugar—the natural grape sugars have been fully fermented into alcohol. A dry wine can still taste fruity because fruit flavour and sweetness are not the same thing. Off-dry wines have a small amount of residual sugar; sweet wines have much more. - How do I know if a wine is worth ageing? Wines built for ageing have high acidity, firm tannins and concentrated fruit. Most everyday wines are made to drink young and will not improve with time. If the back label or merchant's note mentions cellaring potential, the wine is a candidate. Storing it properly—cool, dark, stable temperature—is essential. ### [What is orange wine, and how is it made](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-orange-wine/) - What makes orange wine orange? Extended contact with white grape skins during fermentation extracts pigments and tannins, giving the wine an amber or orange hue. The colour deepens the longer the skins stay in the juice. - How is orange wine different from white wine? Orange wine is made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, seeds and sometimes stems, whilst white wine is made by pressing the grapes and fermenting the juice alone. This gives orange wine more tannin, colour and body. - What does orange wine taste like? Orange wine has savoury, complex flavours such as dried fruit, nuts, tea, honey and citrus peel, with a fuller body and tannic grip. It often has an oxidative character and can taste funky or earthy depending on the producer's style. ### [Wine with chocolate: 6 bottles that won't be overwhelmed](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-to-serve-with-chocolate-desserts/) - Does red wine go with chocolate? Most dry red wines clash with chocolate because their tannin reacts badly with cocoa's bitterness. Fortified wines like port or very ripe, low-tannin reds such as Amarone work better, but sweet or fortified styles are the safer choice. - What is the best wine to pair with dark chocolate? Ruby port and Pedro Ximénez sherry are the most reliable matches for dark chocolate. Both have enough sweetness and concentrated fruit to stand up to cocoa's intensity without tasting thin or sour. - Can you pair sparkling wine with chocolate desserts? Sparkling wine usually clashes because its high acidity and bubbles strip away chocolate's richness. Demi-sec styles work a little better with light mousses, and sparkling Shiraz from Australia can handle milk chocolate, but fortified wines are the more natural fit. ### [What tannin is and how to spot it in your glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-tannin-in-wine/) - What does tannin taste like in wine? Tannin does not have a taste but creates a dry, grippy texture in your mouth, similar to the feeling from oversteeped tea. It coats your gums and makes your tongue feel rough. - Do white wines have tannin? Most white wines have very little tannin because the grape skins are removed early. Orange wines and some whites aged in oak barrels can carry noticeable tannin. - How do you reduce tannin in wine? Decanting the wine and letting it breathe softens the perception of tannin. Serving it slightly cooler and pairing it with fatty or protein-rich food also helps balance the drying sensation. ### [How to pair wine with cheese: 6 combinations that work](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-pair-wine-with-cheese/) - Can you pair red wine with soft cheese? Yes, though lighter reds work best. Pinot Noir complements Brie and Camembert without overwhelming their creamy texture, whilst heavier reds can make the cheese taste flat. - Does white wine go with Cheddar? Mature Cheddar pairs better with structured reds, but a fuller-bodied white such as oaked Chardonnay can work with younger, milder Cheddar if you prefer white wine. - What wine should I serve with a cheese board? If you are serving only one wine, choose Pinot Noir or an unoaked white such as Chablis. Both sit in the middle ground and accommodate a range of cheese styles without clashing. - Why do blue cheeses pair well with sweet wine? The sweetness softens the salt and intensity of blue cheese, creating balance. Sauternes, Port and Pedro Ximénez all offer enough body and sugar to stand up to Stilton or Roquefort. - Should cheese and wine be served at room temperature? Cheese should come to room temperature so its flavour opens fully. White wines are served chilled, whilst reds are poured at cellar temperature or slightly cooler to keep their structure clear. - Can sparkling wine pair with cheese? Sparkling wine works well with fresh and semi-soft cheeses. Its acidity and bubbles refresh the palate between bites, particularly with creamy Brie or tangy goat's cheese. - What if a pairing does not work? Trust your palate and try a different combination. Pairing is personal, and what works for one person may not suit another. Plain crackers and water between tastings help reset your perception. ### [How to host a wine tasting at home: 6 steps to an evening people remember](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-host-a-wine-tasting-at-home/) - How many bottles do you need for a wine tasting at home? Four to six bottles is the right range for most home tastings. Four gives you enough variety to compare; six is about the limit before palates tire and people lose focus. Each bottle pours eight to ten small servings, so the quantity suits four to eight people comfortably. - What order should you serve wines in a tasting? Start with the lightest, driest wines and build towards fuller, richer ones. Sparkling first, then white, rosé and red is the classic sequence. Within each colour, move from leaner to rounder styles. Sweet wines always come last, because even a little residual sugar makes drier wines taste austere. - Do you need special glasses for a wine tasting at home? No. Any clear, undecorated glass with a stem and a bowl that tapers slightly towards the rim will do. You want enough glasses that each person can keep wines separate if they're comparing back and forth, but nothing about the shape needs to be specialist. ### [What biodynamic wine is and how it differs from organic](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-biodynamic-wine/) - Is biodynamic wine the same as organic wine? No. Biodynamic wine is organic, but it also requires specific preparations, a lunar planting calendar and a self-sustaining farm model. Organic certification prohibits synthetic chemicals but does not dictate these additional practices. - Do biodynamic wines taste different from other wines? Blind tastings have not shown that people can reliably identify biodynamic wines by flavour alone. What you taste is often the result of careful vineyard work and gentle winemaking, which are common among producers who follow this approach but not unique to it. - What are the biodynamic preparations made from? The nine preparations use herbs, minerals and animal matter. Two are applied to soil and vines—one uses cow manure in a cow horn, the other uses ground quartz. The remaining seven are added to compost and include yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion, valerian and horsetail. - Why do biodynamic growers follow a lunar calendar? The belief is that lunar and planetary cycles influence plant growth, sap flow and fruit development. Tasks like pruning and harvesting are timed accordingly. Controlled trials have not consistently shown measurable benefits, but supporters view the calendar as part of a holistic system rather than an isolated factor. - Is biodynamic farming better for the environment? Biodynamic farms eliminate synthetic inputs, increase biodiversity and often improve soil health over time. The closed-loop model reduces reliance on external materials. Labour intensity is higher, and the economic case depends on whether the market supports a price premium. - Do all biodynamic wines carry a certification logo? Not all. Some growers follow the practices but choose not to seek certification, which involves inspections, fees and paperwork. The Demeter logo is the most widely recognised mark, but absence of the label does not mean the wine was not farmed biodynamically. - Can a wine be natural and biodynamic at the same time? Yes. Natural wine is a broader category defined by minimal intervention in the cellar, and many natural winemakers source grapes from biodynamic vineyards. The two philosophies share values but have different focuses—one on farming, the other on winemaking. ### [How to decant wine properly: 4 steps and the bottles that need it](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-decant-wine-properly/) - When should I decant wine? Decant older red wines to remove sediment, and young, tannic reds to soften their structure and open up aroma. Most whites and light reds do not benefit from decanting. - How long should wine sit in a decanter? Young, full-bodied reds can handle half an hour to an hour. Older, more delicate wines should be poured just before serving to preserve their fragile aromatics. - Can I decant wine without a decanter? Yes. A clean glass jug or wide-mouthed carafe works just as well. The goal is to separate sediment and increase the wine's exposure to air, not to use a specific vessel. ### [What acidity means in wine and how it shapes every glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-does-acidity-mean-in-wine/) - What does high acidity in wine taste like? High acidity tastes bright and mouth-watering, with a sharpness on the sides of your tongue and along your gums. It often brings citrus or green apple flavours and leaves a clean, refreshing finish that makes you want another sip. - Which white wines have the most acidity? Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño and Chablis are among the highest-acid white wines. Sparkling wines made in the traditional method, including Champagne, also carry pronounced acidity to give them their crisp, refreshing character. - Does acidity in wine change with age? Acidity softens slightly as wine ages, but it does not disappear. High-acid wines often age more gracefully because the acidity preserves freshness and prevents the wine from tasting tired or flat after several years in the bottle. ### [Old World vs New World Wine: Three Ways the Divide Shows Up in Your Glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-is-the-difference-between-old-world-and-new-world-wine/) - Does new world wine always taste sweeter than old world wine? Not necessarily. New world wines often have riper fruit flavour, which can read as sweetness, but most are made in a dry style with little or no actual residual sugar. - How can you tell if a wine is old world or new world from the label alone? Look at what the label emphasises. A label built around a place name usually points to an old world wine, whilst one that leads with a grape variety usually points to a new world bottle. - Which style suits a beginner who finds old world wine labels confusing? Starting with new world wines can help, since the grape variety is usually printed clearly on the label. Once you know which grapes you enjoy, exploring old world versions of the same grape becomes much easier. ### [The temperature red wine needs before it reaches the glass](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-temperature-should-you-serve-red-wine/) - Should red wine be served at room temperature? Room temperature is often too warm for red wine. Most homes today sit above eighteen degrees, and red wine tastes better when served slightly cooler, between twelve and eighteen degrees depending on the style. - How long should you chill red wine in the fridge? Light reds need fifteen to twenty minutes in the fridge, medium-bodied reds around twenty to twenty-five minutes, and fuller wines up to thirty minutes. Check the bottle by touch—it should feel cool but not cold. - What happens if red wine is too warm? Wine served too warm tastes flabby and smells of alcohol, with the fruit losing definition and the tannin feeling soft. Cooling the bottle for a few minutes restores balance and brings the flavours back into focus. ### [Wine with roast lamb: 5 styles that match the herbs and richness](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-to-serve-with-roast-lamb/) - Can you serve white wine with roast lamb? Most white wines lack the weight and structure that lamb's richness demands. A full-bodied, oaked white – such as aged white Burgundy – can work if the lamb is very simply prepared, but a red will almost always be the more natural choice. - What if you prefer lighter reds? A riper, more fruit-forward Pinot Noir from a warmer region can partner lamb, particularly if the roast itself is not too heavy or heavily sauced. Taste it first to check it has enough body to stand up to the meat. - Does the side dish change which wine works? Yes. A lamb roast served with potatoes and greens is straightforward to pair, but if you've added a rich sauce – mint, red wine, or redcurrant – that shifts what works in the glass. A wine with good acidity will cut through a heavy sauce more cleanly than one without. ### [How to tell if wine has gone off: 3 faults you can spot before the first sip](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-tell-if-wine-has-gone-off/) - How do you know if wine has gone off? Wine that has gone off smells and tastes unpleasant in distinct ways. Cork taint produces a musty, damp cardboard smell; oxidation flattens the wine and turns it brown or sherry-like; refermentation adds unwanted fizz and a sharp vinegar note. Trust your nose and palate—if the wine smells or tastes off, it probably is. - What does corked wine smell like? Corked wine smells of wet cardboard, damp cellar or mouldy newspaper. The musty aroma comes from TCA, a compound that forms in natural cork. Even a faint trace overpowers the fruit and leaves the wine flat and hollow. - Can you drink wine that smells like vinegar? Wine that smells like vinegar has refermented or oxidised to the point where acetic acid dominates. It will not harm you in small amounts, but the sharp, sour flavour makes it unpleasant to drink. It is better used in cooking or discarded. ### [Pairing fish with wine: 4 textures and the bottles that suit them](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-pair-wine-with-fish/) - Does fish always need white wine? No. Delicate fish suits light whites, but meaty fish such as tuna or swordfish pairs well with a light red such as Pinot Noir. The fish's texture and how it's cooked determine the pairing. - What wine goes with oily fish such as salmon? Salmon and other oily fish need acidity to cut through the richness. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and dry rosé all work. Smoked salmon suits an oaked white Rioja or Grüner Veltliner. - Can you drink red wine with seafood? Yes, when the seafood is firm and meaty. Tuna, swordfish and monkfish pair with light reds such as Pinot Noir or chilled Beaujolais. Delicate fish and tannic reds don't work together. ### [How to describe wine flavour without reaching for clichés](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/how-to-describe-wine-flavour-accurately/) - What words should I use to describe wine if I am not an expert? Use words rooted in your own memory: the fruit, herbs and textures you know from cooking or eating. Start with broad categories such as red fruit or citrus, then narrow down by ripeness or preparation. Avoid jargon and focus on what you actually taste. - How do I improve my wine tasting vocabulary? Taste wine alongside real ingredients to build sensory connections. Keep a notebook for bottles you return to and write down a few descriptors each time. Over months, patterns emerge and your vocabulary grows naturally without memorising lists. - What is the difference between aroma and flavour in wine? Aroma is what you smell directly from the glass before sipping. Flavour combines taste and retronasal smell once the wine is in your mouth. Some elements are stronger on the nose, whilst texture and finish reveal themselves only on the palate. ### [Wine with spicy food: styles that cool heat and the ones that make it worse](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/what-to-drink-with-spicy-food/) - Does white or red wine work better with curry? White wine, particularly off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer, works better with most curries because the residual sugar soothes heat and the lower alcohol doesn't amplify the burn. Lighter reds such as chilled Beaujolais can suit milder curries, but avoid high-tannin or high-alcohol reds. - Why does wine taste different when you eat spicy food? Chilli heat activates the same nerve receptors that alcohol irritates, making high-alcohol wines feel hotter and more aggressive. Tannin also becomes more astringent in the presence of spice, drying out your mouth and making the burn linger longer. - Can you pair red wine with chilli at all? Yes, but choose lighter reds with soft tannins and lower alcohol, such as Beaujolais, Pinot Noir or Grenache. Serve them slightly chilled and avoid heavily oaked or high-tannin reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, which will clash with the heat. ### [Privacy policy](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/privacy-policy/) - What personal data does Ballantynes collect? We collect your email address and message content if you contact us, plus your IP address, browser type and the pages you visit when you browse the site. - Does Ballantynes share my data with third parties? We share data only with our hosting provider and email service, both bound by contract to use it solely for running the site. We do not sell or rent your information. - How can I request deletion of my data? Write to support@ballantynes-direct.co.uk and ask us to delete your message or any other data we hold. We will act within one month. - Where is my data stored? All data is stored on servers within the European Economic Area, under UK GDPR safeguards. - How long do you keep my information? Contact messages are kept for two years; server logs for 90 days. You may request earlier deletion at any time. - Does the site use cookies to track me? We use analytics software that may set cookies to count visits, but we do not track individual users or link browsing to your identity. - Who do I contact if I have a complaint? If our response to a data request is unsatisfactory, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk. ### [Responsible drinking](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/casino/responsible-gaming/) - How many units are in a standard glass of wine? A 175ml glass of wine at 12% ABV contains about 2.1 units. Larger glasses and stronger wines increase that figure, so check the bottle and measure your pour to keep an accurate count. - What happens if I stop drinking suddenly after regular heavy use? Withdrawal can cause shaking, sweating, confusion and in severe cases seizures. If you have been drinking heavily for weeks or months, speak to your GP before stopping so they can supervise the process safely. - Where can I find free local support groups? Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery UK both run free meetings across the country. Visit their websites to search for groups near you, including online options if in-person attendance is difficult. - Will my GP keep my alcohol concerns confidential? Yes. Your GP is bound by confidentiality and will not share details with your employer or family without your permission, except in rare situations where there is serious risk of harm. - How long does it take for the liver to recover after cutting down? Improvement begins within weeks if damage is not advanced, but full recovery depends on how long and how much you have been drinking. Your GP can arrange blood tests to monitor liver function as you reduce your intake. - Are alcohol-free wines a good substitute when cutting down? They preserve the ritual and flavour without the alcohol, which helps many people reduce their intake. Quality varies, so try several brands to find ones you genuinely enjoy rather than drinking them out of obligation. ## Responsible gaming - [Responsible drinking](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/casino/responsible-gaming/): Guidance on enjoying wine responsibly, recognising unhealthy habits and where to find support if alcohol becomes a concern. ## Optional - [Cookie policy](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/cookie-policy/): How Ballantynes remembers your preferences, the analytics tools we use, third-party scripts beyond our control, your browser options and when this policy changes. - [Privacy policy](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/privacy-policy/): How Ballantynes handles your personal information, who processes it, your UK GDPR rights and how long we retain data. - [Terms and conditions](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/terms-conditions/): Terms of use for Ballantynes, an independent wine information portal. Covers acceptable use, content ownership, liability limits and governing law. - [Contact us](https://ballantynes-direct.co.uk/contact-us/): Get in touch with the Ballantynes team. We welcome your questions, feedback and ideas about wine tasting, food pairing and everything else we cover.