Hi,

I wondered if anyone would be able to help me put together a cheese and wine hamper. A good friend (solicitor) has helped us out no end recentley and won't take any payment - I know that he and his lady love red wine and cheese - he has been trying to educate me but I don't like red wine and only like Philadelphia cheese:rolleyes: I have took on board that he likes to open a bottle of red and leave it standing for a day or two before drinking and he loves a certain soft cheese - says its like a mixture between philli and cheddar but I don't remember the name He hates blue cheese however. I want to buy a nice basket and fill it with a few bottles of red, cheeses and biscuits - and hopefully come up with a much appreciated nice, personal, thought through gift. Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance

Hayley

Was it Brie?? There are so many french and other cheeses! I would just get a selection from a supermarket, that'll be as good as any and just leave out the ones they don't like. Really, wine is a bit different, I love red wine and would buy a cross section of decent wines...maybe a visit to a wine merchant maybe better than picking off a shelf, unless you know what you're buying?? If I was fit at the moment I would go and 'choose' some for you myself, but at the moment I just can't! Sorry! If you need any other help just shout! All the best, Dawn XX

I too would get a selection of cheeses - there are some fairly unusual ones available in supermarkets. There is a huge selecton of red wines available - if you are unsure what to get I would go for french or australian wine and perhaps get a couple of bottles from the mid price range. The supermarkets often have really good money off deals on some of their wines so you could get a couple of bottles of different wine and I am sure they will enjoy them :)

Go to Booths and ask advise from one of those lovely gentlemen that work there.  The second best Food supplier in the World will surely know what is best to offer :)

The second best Food supplier in the World will surely know what is best to offer 

So who is number 1 then? :)

I don't know the Telegraph didn't bother reporting that and I don't actually take The Grocer :)  Booths was the highest entrant in the list for Britain, next best Bristish one was someone like Harrods way down at tenth, so the winner must be somewhere abroad and as there is a Booths in Preston I expect that might be more convenient :)

Right Hayley...I have looked through my wine racks and chosen some of the 'middle of the road' very pleasant wines that suit several dishes and tastes! These range from £4 to £8 a bottle and if you need something more expensive then it's out of my price range and taste!!!

Lindemans Tolana, shiraz cabernet sauvignon; Corbieres 2004 reserve; Kumala zenith, 2004 merlot pinotage shiraz, and a couple of the chilean and australian wines of Errazuriz estate 2002 merlot and Jacobs creek greenache shiraz. Hope this helps a little?? love Dawn

Ahhhh, food & drink, my favourite subjects!! :-D

Fairly good red wines include Oxford Landing Merlot, JP Chenet Merlot, Castillo San Lorenzo Rioca (half price at Tesco at the mo - £12 reduced to £6).

If blue cheese is out, a good Camembert should be welcome, or Brie, which is not quite as strong (or smelly!). Alternatively, how about a mexican cheddar, it's a cheddar with peppers and chilli in it, so it's got a little bit of a kick (Asda have a good one, also a spicy Edam)

Hope that helps

Claire

Why not put some nice English cheeses in the hamper.  Source producers over here who make something a little special?

And as for wine - again source a British wine producer of something a bit different, a bit harder to get and something he's unlikely to buy for himself.

Also, if they like red wine they probably like a really classy port? I found a Marks and Spencer vintage 1996 special reserve that is to die for! Maybe a bottle of that included would be a bit different too. i also thought about throwing in a bottle of 'pudding' wine, it's something a lot of people don't experience, but is lovely for finishing off a decent dinner!

Oh thankyou Dawn and all I'll print off this thread and take it shopping. Your a great bunch. x