Fronsac's fine Château Dalem perches high on a hill, surrounded by its 14 hectares of sloping vineyards. It's an historic estate, with records dating back to 1610, that stayed in the same family until 1955. Michel Rullier then took it over and today it's run with great success by his descendant, Brigitte Rullier-Loussert. Its vineyards are nearly all planted to Merlot, with a small amount of Cabernet Franc, and tended with meticulous care.

As you can see from critics' scores (92 points from James Suckling and 94 from Vertedevin), it is an admired claret and one that ages very well too. Matured in French oak (50% new), it has structure and length, but above all an appealing fruity depth. Perfect with roast meat or wild mushroom risotto.

From an iconic cellar, dedicated now to all things organic, this is a magnificent 95-point Pauillac. With great depth of crushed berry fruit and graphite elegance, richly textured tannins and brooding intensity, it’s a fine claret, built to last.

Founded 200 years ago, Château Pédesclaux is a magnificent estate, both in terms of wine and architecture. It combines the beauty of the 19th century with the modernity and technological advances of the 21st.

The additional work was undertaken by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, whose aim was to place “production at the heart of the estate within a high-performance building that is entirely fit for purpose and makes a harmonious whole with both the château and its surroundings”. It's quite something to behold.

Since the Lorenzetti family took ownership they've converted to organic. Their top wine is a rich, Cabernet-based claret, supported by Merlot, and finely expresses its gravel terroir. Still a young wine – best to cellar or open early.

The famous gardens in London have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. They span 320 acres, employ 750 staff (a third are scientists) and house a truly extraordinary collection of trees, plants and fungi. For distiller Darren Rook Kew Gardens offer a cornucopia of botanicals, though he does supplement these with other organic botanicals from around the world. The gin is distilled in Battersea in a 140 litre copper pot still known as Christina (all stills are given names!). It is non-chill filtered, hand bottled and hand labelled, featuring a design inspired by the many plant drawings in Kew’s archives.

Lowland malts are produced by the region's traditional triple distillation method, which results in a fresh, lighter style of whisky compared to the smoky or peaty intensity found elsewhere. After 17 years' maturation in oak casks, this rare old malt is amazingly bright and smooth with buttery shortbread notes and a hint of citrus. One of only 700 bottles released.

A limited edition for serious collectors. This cask strength whisky is the craftsmanship of the Glenburgie distillery, sited just outside Forres in the lush Speyside countryside.

Famous for their much-loved Ballantine's Reserve blend, Glenburgie seldom bottle single malts – and when they do, they're usually only available from their visitor centre! This very rare 15-year old example is a masterclass in mellow, nuanced subtlety with hints of pear and mandarin fruit, caramel and malty chocolate.