This time of year represents big business–and exhaustion–for the producers of festive fare, from crackers to hellebores to ham. Jane Wheatley visits six stalwarts who are flat out right now

France may be synonymous with fromage, but the terroir of our green and pleasant land gives rise to all manner of magnificent varieties of our own, declares Tom Parker Bowles, who picks his favourites

The ideal choice for any celebratory meal, these largely Pinot Noir-based cuvées are made in a great range of styles. Plenty of inspiration here, among these high-scoring wines

Based in an elegantly refurbished farm-building hotel, Fiona Gibson discovers fine fare and a sea-dwelling surprise on the intriguing Black Isle in Scotland

Cooking with game is easier than you think – plus, it’s seasonal, sustainable, lean and good value. Here, Barney Desmazery puts a wild spin on classic dishes

I’m sceptical about news stories you sometimes read of big black cats roaming the countryside. I was, however, tempted to don my boots for a hike I found on the internet titled In the Footsteps of the