Comedian and winner of The Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr, is championing a new, less precious approach to drinking wine as he approaches a milestone birthday. His philosophy, shared on the new podcast Bottom's Up! with co-host Lee Peart, is simple: life's too short to save that special bottle.
Celebrity Resolutions: From 'Dry January' to 'Try January'
Alan Carr's personal resolution is to enjoy fine wine with friends immediately, rather than waiting for a perfect occasion that might never come. He highlights International Open That Bottle Night on 28th February as the ideal date to finally uncork those saved bottles. Meanwhile, his podcast partner Lee Peart vows to explore wines from smaller, independent producers, suggesting a shift from 'Dry January' to a more exploratory 'Try January'.
Call The Midwife star Helen George has a specific resolution for 2026: to seek out delicious wines at 12% alcohol or lower. She notes that rising alcohol levels, partly due to climate change, can leave her feeling worse for wear. For lower-alcohol alternatives, she recommends cool-climate whites like German Riesling or Vinho Verde, and reds from regions like Oregon or Beaujolais.
Beyond the Grape: Non-Alcoholic Trends and Expert Picks
The move towards mindful drinking extends beyond traditional wine. Dame Arlene Phillips, for instance, is resolving to explore more sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails and cordials, such as Botivo from Waitrose. Even wine professionals are setting new goals. Influencer Tom Gilby aims to become a Cava expert, recommending both premium and budget-friendly bottles like Segura Viudas from Tesco.
Finally, wine communicators Helen McGinn and Kat Farmer are taking their popular WineTime vodcast on the road in 2026, promising events that combine wine, fashion, and brilliant conversation. While they joke about finally organising their wine racks, they point to stylish storage solutions from brands like Eurocave for those seeking to declutter their collection.
