On the grapevine

While there are many proprietary remedies for colds and sniffles the one which I find most effective is Apostoles Palo Cortado, from Gonzalez Byass (Waitrose £16.29, also available at Tesco).

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Nov 2010, 13:09 BST

Updated 26th Nov 2010, 13:10 BST

This is an aged sherry, packed with delicious nutty, raisiny, cinnamon and dried-spice flavours.

It sits half-way between a dry and a sweet sherry, and just swirling it around the glass and sniffing clears the nasal passages perfectly.

Take one large glass before retiring.

M&S bargains

From Monday, prices of all wines, including sparkling go down by 25 per cent at Marks % Spencer when you buy six bottles.

This is an offer not to be missed. Head for the upper price brackets such as Oudinot Champagne, Chteauneuf du Pape Les Cloisirs and their excellent Chablis 2008.

Croft winners

Congratulations to Mrs JD Blakey, of Hull, Mr A Woodage, from Holmfirth, and Mrs Cairns, of Thirsk, whose entries were picked at random from all the

correct responses received via post and email.

They all knew that John Croft, of the Croft Port House was Sheriff of York.

Your prizes will be with you shortly.

YP MAG 27/11/10

Waitrose Tesco