Over the last few years, gin has become extremely popular and those who know me know that I have loved riding the “gin wave”. New to my collection is Silverback Gin, by Gorilla Spirits. Silverback is produced in Four Marks in Hampshire (which is local to me – an added bonus!) by Clare and Andy Daniels. With the help of Dr David Clutton, aka “Dr Gin” – and the man behind our very own No.3 Gin, they have produced an “approachable” gin that is strong, yet gentle.

Silverback is produced with seven botanicals: juniper, angelica, calamus root, sweet orange, coriander, acacia blossom and lemon grass. The palate is fresh from the juniper, but displays this beautiful orange note that provides a subtle sweetness on the finish. I like it with a twist of orange peel and Fever Tree’s Mediterranean tonic water. And, for every bottle purchased, £1 goes towards protecting African gorillas.

Cava has an unfortunate and undeserved reputation, but this wine – 2012 La Cuvée, Gran Reserva, from the truly passionate team at Gramona – really stood out at a recent tasting I held in the Warehouse Shop. A blend of two different grape varieties, Xarel·lo (70 percent) and Macabeo (30 percent), the wine is deliciously rich. The fruit-forward nose draws you in, while the palate displays a nutty elegance which is an unexpected treat. I snapped up a bottle after our tasting and enjoyed it with some charcuterie and homemade tapas – perfect fare for the warm weather.

I have awful memories of drinking the typical “house” Sauvignon Blanc in pub gardens when I was younger, sometimes covering its unpleasant flavour with lemonade and ice. These early experiences meant that for far too long, Sauvignon Blanc was not a grape variety I was naturally drawn to. However, Andrew Will’s Cuvée Lucia from Washington State is one that got me back on this great grape – and one I’m convinced can change the minds of many. Although displaying the classic grassy, citrus flavours you would naturally want from a Sauvignon Blanc, 15 percent Sémillon rounds the wine out, as well as a touch of vanilla spice from time in oak.

All of Amelia’s recommendations are available to purchase in our Warehouse Shop in Basingstoke. Find out about upcoming events in the shop – including free masterclasses – on bbr.com.