News & Events

ciao tutti! As posted yesterday, the Cellar Door is CLOSED FOR TASTINGS (mail + phone orders still do-able) and I committed to putting a post on each day…. mainly USEFUL TIPS FROM THE LITTLE CELLAR RAT. If nothing else, let’s hope they put a SMILE ON THE DIAL. TIP NO 1. -re-cycling 2L clear plastic…

the Little Cellar Rat dined on this yesterday and she had to share it with you: hummous, BUCKS BUTCHERY CHILDERS shaved smoked ham, baby bocconcini (marinated by TLCR) and cocktail tomatoes to finish. Oh, nearly forgot to mention the fresh basil from the Winery Herb patch…. DELIZIOSO!!!

Fresh herbs make a world of difference to simple dishes. The Little Cellar Rat has some very healthy looking rosemary and tarragon in the winery herb patch. When you visit the Cellar Door, make sure you walk away with some. Roast lamb with rosemary…. just has to be! But don’t limit this very versatile herb…

The Little Cellar Rat likes to have something in the fridge for a quick lunch. She pulled these together very quickly this week and is loving them…. they tick most of the boxes: tasty, easy-peasy to make, will keep in the fridge and can be used in many ways. Did I mention the Smoked Ham…

The Little Cellar Rat likes to have something ready in the fridge for a quick lunch, especially when time is in short supply. A QUICHE is a good old faithful stand-by. It’s tasty, nutritious and, with a quick salad and spoon of Mango chutney or tomato Relish, really ticks the box for ‘satisfaction’. TLCR has…

It’s a glorious day here at The Hill and the Grey shrike Thrush is putting on a concert. We’re so privileged to have so much bird life and it’s one of the reasons we have put time into planting a variety of trees and shrubs.The birdlife provides us with ongoing entertainment and some really are…

The Little Cellar Rat can’t imagine not having Basil in the garden or the kitchen! The plants have a limited life span, so in order to ensure a constant supply, you need to be continually encouraging new generations. It’s always heart-warming to see little plants appearing in the Herb Patch but they are also easy…

The Little Cellar Rat cannot remember a year that was harsher and drier than 2019 (and she’s lived here for 46 years) so it is just SOOOO delightful to see a green tinge returning, shoots on shrubs and trees and that unmistakable perfume of freshly cut grass. No, the tanks aren’t full and the dams…

I can’t imagine not having Mr Basil in the kitchen. He is such a versatile herb and the basis for so much ‘cucina siciliana’. Well now is the time to get those basil cuttings going. Pick a few pieces (or beg, borrow or steal from a friend), stip the boots leaves and keep in water,…

It doesn’t take long for nature to respond to rain. If you keep your eyes open, there is always something to take you by surprise and energise your heart and soul. This Brazilian cherry was given a serious prune. Just look at the response once life-giving rain came! Happy Discovering to all…. be it in…