The airplane minibar has long been lacking. If you’re looking for a decent drink, you’re stuck with tiny bottles of room-temperature white wines and G&Ts peppered with puny plane ice cubes — until recently, that is. Now, some airlines are sending sommeliers to the skies.

In 2022, British Airways brought on Tim Jackson, a Master of Wine, to direct the airline’s non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage program. Since then, he’s opened a Whispering Angel rosé bar in Heathrow.

It’s officially rosé season. Fruity, crisp and light, a refreshing glass of rosé is the perfect tonic during sunny weather. While styles vary from region to region, a Provençal pink remains the most notable and popular, and if there’s one bottle to reach for it is, of course, Whispering Angel.

Arguably responsible for the rosé renaissance, transforming the light pink coloured wine into an upmarket affair, the popularity of Whispering Angel shows no sign of waning. It’s hardly a surprise that the easy-to-drink, pale pink is a favourite among celebrities (including the likes of Victoria Beckham and Adele, the latter of whom said her supermarket runs during lockdown consisted of ketchup and Whispering Angel) and sommeliers alike.

Owing to its sophisticated taste, Whispering Angel doesn’t come cheap. But thanks to Perfect Cellar – awarded Best Small Wine Retailer by Decanter and one of our favourite wine subscription services – you can currently nab a bottle for just £16.99. Cheers to that!

Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel rose 75cl, 2023: Was £19.95, now £16.99, Perfectcellar.com

As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort’s golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé.
Prominent on the menu are wines from Château d’Esclans, the famous wine estate behind the popular Whispering Angel rosé that has taken the UK by storm – appearing in bars, restaurants and pop-up terraces as well as airport lounges and onboard (perhaps you’re enjoying a glass inflight right now?).
Winemaker Sacha Lichine acquired the estate in 2006, and the Château d’Esclans wines are now sold in over 100 countries, with LVMH acquiring a majority stake in the company at the end of 2019.
We spent our last day in Provence at Domaines Sacha Lichine, discovering wine-making practices before touring the idyllic 19th-century château and tasting the various wines within the portfolio. Guests from Terre Blanche also gain access to the private chapel, where you’ll find a sculpture of the two cherubs that inspired the branding.
The tour ended with a visit to the shop, which not only sells stacks of the blush bottles but also branded hats and swimming trunks. Back home at Terre Blanche, I uncorked a bottle of the rosé to enjoy in peace on my terrace. I might not have heard the whispers of angels, but heaven didn’t feel far off.

Nothing welcomes the summer season in the capital more like a London rooftop terrace – and Wagtail tops the list for city dwellers and visitors alike. With the ultimate 360° views of iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, and The Shard, this exclusive partnership with popular Provence rosé Whispering Angel has brought a taste of sun-kissed Southern France to London, and transformed Wagtail into London’s hottest must-visit destination.

The takeover transports Wagtail’s guests to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence, while Whispering Angel infuses its signature relaxed luxury vibe into the cosmopolitan rooftop, the iconic pale pink hue of its bottles complementing the soft pastel aesthetic and warm glow of the sun perfectly.

The partnership is more than just about the visuals – it serves up an immersive experience set to tantalise all senses, as it invites visitors to savour summer in the city by raising a glass of Whispering Angel against the backdrop of the unmistakable skyline.

The long weekend will mark the start of the summer-long celebration, along with the launch of the specially curated Wine Pairing Menu that has been matched with Wagtail dishes to accentuate the unique flavour profiles of Whispering Angel. Also to be unveiled throughout the season is an array of summer series events, including DJ lineups and more – you can stay up to date with announcements here.

Wagtail and Whispering Angel have also created a selection of bespoke cocktails, each a fusion of Whispering Angel rosé and vibrant flavours. From the refreshing Whispering Angel Spritz, a perfect blend of Rosé and citrus, to the elegant “White Lady” Silhouette and the indulgent Sunset, every sip promises to evoke the spirit of summer.

Rob Gartland, Group Marketing Manager of ETM Group comments:

“This collaboration embodies the sophisticated and stylish spirit of one of our fabulous culinary venues, Wagtail. We cannot wait to have guests join us for an unforgettable summer in London, combining our stunning rooftop setting in the heart of the city with the elegance of Whispering Angel rosé.”

Split over two floors, Wagtail includes a restaurant with two private terraces, an elegant fully heated and covered rooftop terrace bar, and an exclusive private dining room in the cupola, crowning the building.

The newly transformed terrace is now open to guests for the Summer. You can find Wagtail at 68 King William St, London EC4N 7HR.

Located at the prestigious Muelle de Honor next to the Puerto Banús Control Tower, the most exclusive new hotspot in Marbella’s recreational marina is the 1970 Yacht Club. It offers its members and visitors a unique selection of wines and champagnes that reflect the sophistication and luxury characterizing this internationally renowned nautical and tourist destination. The club’s wine list is designed to satisfy the most refined tastes, combining world-renowned labels with high-quality options in every category of this oenological menu that will leave no one indifferent.

The rosé wine list features refined options from the best regions of France. Whispering Angel (is a) notable selection that capture(s) the essence of Provence being ideal for those seeking a refreshing and sophisticated experience.

On Wednesday, May 1st, the Central Park Conservancy Women’s Committee hosted its sold-out, annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon. The iconic and long-running event raised a record $4.6 million for the Conservancy’s crucial work to preserve and enhance Central Park for all New Yorkers and visitors.

With generous support from Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc., the annual spring luncheon celebrates Central Park and highlights the Conservancy’s mission to maintain and care for one of New York City’s most cherished outdoor spaces. The event was additionally supported by Corporate Sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Premier Sponsor St. John.

Guests enjoyed sipping on Whispering Angel rose ́, courtesy of Château d’Esclans, and Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc, donated by the Robert Mondavi Winery. Central Park Conservancy volunteer attire was generously provided by Tuckernuck, with hats designed and donated by Patricia Underwood. The luncheon was catered by Abigail Kirsch, with festive spring décor by Andrew Pascoe Flowers.

The most groundbreaking hotel in the Mediterranean is back for the season. Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, the most surprising space on the island, reopened its doors on April 19 to continue offering unexpected experiences, including important culinary innovations and surprises.

The hotel, which has five gastronomic spaces of all styles and for all tastes, will host this year major events focused on the world of gastronomy, led by Michelin star chefs, and exclusive pool parties.

Last season, The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza opened its doors in collaboration with chef Roberto Ruiz, bringing the restaurant a combination of Pacific and Mediterranean flavours. Its dishes range from crab tacos, grilled sea bass or gilthead Pacific fish stew, to the most avant-garde proposals for the most demanding palates.

This year, on May 17, the gastronomic space will hold a presentation event for its new menu. In the heart of Playa d’en Bossa, the chef’s six new proposals will be served to discover this new menu full of his incredible combinations with touches of the Pacific. The day will be completed with a new proposal of renewed entertainment and the best music with the most sophisticated atmosphere of the Mediterranean.

Continuing along the gastronomic theme, on May 23, The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza will bring together several top-level chefs to celebrate a rice showcooking . Among the most recognized names are Luis Valls Rozalen (El Poblet, with two Michelin stars), Javier Sanz (Cañitas Maite, two Michelin stars and one Green Michelin star), Edu Torres (Molino Roca), César Marquiegui (Gastronou, El Cranc and L’Olleta), Carlos Fernández (Kàran Bistró), and the two chefs of the house, Adrián Paniagua, chef of The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza, and Ismael Fernández, the chef responsible for the gastronomic spaces of Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel. Each of these chefs will prepare a rice dish with their own touches where the public will be able to taste the best selection of rice dishes.

The event will be held under the leadership of David Guapo and Raquel Meroño from noon to eight in the evening, where they will liven up the day alongside various personalities. With two different atmospheres, the event will also have a beer and tapas area where you can sample these exquisite dishes. The menu also offers the possibility of accompanying the tasting with a very special pairing by Whispering Angel and Moët & Chandon.

Discover a high-level oenological selection unique to the new fashionable destination where luxury perfectly complements the Marbella marina

Whispering Angel Rose 2022 is an extremely versatile, easy drinking wine.
Pale apricot colour and fragrant, revealing aromas of peach, grapefruit, lemon, red berries and spices. Light to medium-bodied, fresh yet tense and juicy. It is pure and clean with a mouthwatering, elegant finish that is silky, fluid and softly refreshing. Pairs beautifully with Mediterranean, Thai cuisine and sushi.

Rosé season is on the approach. Bottles of the pink stuff will once more be a fixture in pub gardens everywhere. They’ll be decanted into paper cups for park picnics, bought in bulk for hen parties and Instagrammed from poolside sun loungers (probably captioned with some variant of the phrase “rosé all day”). But over in the south of France, the drink’s spiritual home, trouble is brewing behind the scenes.

You could call it the war of the rosés. Purists are claiming that their upstart rivals are diluting the drink’s reputation by jumping on the lucrative trend for pale rosé (think Whispering Angel and its many, many imitators). The old guard reckons these lighter-hued drinks are insipid and underwhelming in both looks and taste, and believe they are giving rosé a bad name. These lighter, blush-coloured versions are also now so ubiquitous that they’re seen as a bit, well, basic (and I say that as a rosé devotee myself). Thanks to the array of rosé-inflected slogans you can find on T-shirts, phone cases, tote bags or even special sparkly drinking flutes, it’s practically the “live laugh love” of wine.

The traditionalists have banded together to form L’Association Internationale des Rosés de Terroirs, a group dedicated to promote “the aristocracy of rosé”, wines they believe have a more interesting, nuanced range of flavours. Éric de Saint Victor, owner of Provence’s Château de Pibarnon, cautioned drinkers to “be careful” as “rosé is not what they would have you believe. The rosé that most people drink is like an [ordinary] sparkling wine that the winemaker pretends is a champagne.” The sticklers have even come up with a name for the object of their disdain – “swimming pool rosé”. Of course, this would actually be quite a decent brand name for precisely the sort of millennial-friendly bev they’re railing against. You can almost picture it written in sans-serif font on the bottle.

How did this crowd-pleasing tipple become so divisive? It seems like some winemakers believe rosé has become too successful for its own good – which is pretty ironic, given that it took a fair while for rosé to acquire its reputation as the unofficial drink of lazy summer afternoons. Many winemakers once considered it inferior, a way to use up sub-standard grapes that weren’t good enough to go into a red. Rewind back to the Eighties, and your rosé options were limited to super-sweet Mateus, with its vibrant pink hue and curved bottle, and a handful of sickly white (but actually pink!) zinfandels that tasted a bit like alcoholic Ribena. It wasn’t seen as something that “serious” wine drinkers would deign to sip on.

But in the Noughties, the pink tide started to turn. Pale, Provençal dry rosé provided an alternative to those heavier, sweeter wines. Leading the charge was Whispering Angel, made at Provence’s Château d’Esclans; the chateau’s owner Sacha Lichine turned out to be a marketing wizard, ensuring that his wine ended up on the menu at celeb-friendly haunts on both sides of the Atlantic, like the Chateau Marmont and Soho House. Of course, the fact that drinking pale pink wine could be sold as something classically French, and therefore synonymous with sophistication, certainly helped its success. See also: the “French girl chic” industrial complex, which I’m convinced was invented to lure gullible shoppers into buying boring stripy tops under the delusion that they’re “Breton”.

Rosé is a comparatively cheap and quick wine to make, so increasing numbers of vineyards wanted to get in on the game. And so did celebrities, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who launched their first bottles of Miraval Rosé in 2013 and sold out in a matter of hours (latecomers to the rosé-making game also include Kylie Minogue, Post Malone and Jon Bon Jovi). The following year, rosé was so popular with monied holiday-makers in the Hamptons that bars and restaurants in the area nearly ran out completely (“Rosé running dangerously low!” one headline screamed). This was all happening when Instagram was on the rise, ushering in the era of the influencer – and there are still few drinks more photogenic than a glass of blush-coloured rosé held up against a blue sky.

Its popularity has only continued to increase since then: analysts at Global Data have estimated that by 2025, 2.63 billion litres of the stuff will be consumed worldwide. But as demand for rosé gets bigger, inevitably other wines must take the hit. Last year, it emerged that red wine sales in France have dropped by around 50 per cent since the Nineties (of course, that’s not just because rosé has encroached on its territory: experts cite a whole host of factors, including diet and lifestyle changes). No wonder some winemakers from the Bordeaux region, who’d previously poured all their efforts into producing their trademark reds, have decided to expand their horizons and go after the booming rosé market. It’s a move that has really provoked the ire of their Provençal counterparts: Éric de Saint Victor (he of the “rosé aristocracy”) singled out the region’s efforts as “a bit simple [and] not extraordinary”. Devastating.

Even outside the vineyards of France, though, you get the sense that a rosé backlash has been building for a while, even as its popularity reaches new heights (would it be far-fetched to call it the Taylor Swift of wines? Either way, the singer is certainly a fan – her brand of choice is called Gaslighter, made by the band The Chicks). With its slew of slightly forced hashtags (“yes way rosé!”), it’s essentially the summer sibling of the pumpkin spice latte.

Just like fashion, wine follows a trend cycle, albeit one that moves at a slightly slower pace. Remember when chardonnay became so ubiquitous that it was considered the epitome of tacky (case in point: the writers of ITV’s bonkers Footballers’ Wives named one of their main characters in honour of it)? It’s since made a quiet comeback. So even if dry rosé is deemed beyond the pale by arbiters of taste, it surely won’t be considered passé for too long. And frankly, if you like it, who cares if it’s considered uncool? In the meantime, you’ll find me in the wine aisle buying up Kylie’s finest vintage like it’s going out of fashion.

About Whispering Angel Spring Brunch

Taking place on 25th May from 12.30pm – 3pm, The Whispering Angel spring brunch at Radisson Blu Glasgow, in partnership with the iconic French wine brand, invites guests to toast a glass of Whispering Angel rosé on arrival before indulging in a three-course buffet brunch. An array of delicious savoury and sweet dishes await, in the beautiful surroundings of The Grahamston restaurant.

Guests can also indulge in bespoke Whispering Angel cocktails, created especially for the exclusive event. Complete with live entertainment and a DJ, the brunch is the perfect day out for those looking to kickstart their summer celebrations.