Bottles of sparkling rose at the winery in Hastings

We were listening to Simon Mayo’s drivetime who the other day when we heard the manage from Alex Carr vineyards answering the homework question ‘how many grapes are there in a bottle of wine’. Alex Carr wines is one of our best-selling suppliers of vineyard tastings and tours, so it was great to hear them on national radio!

The vineyard is in the heart of the Battle of Hastings country and even one of the white wines is called 1066. The vineyard has been producing wines since 1971 and 2011 is proving to be an excellent year for the team having reaped nine awards so far this year alone.

If you want to know the answer to Simon Mayo’s homework question, how about buying a voucher for a vineyard tour and lunch for two at this lovely winery in East Sussex? That way you can find out the answer and taste some yummy English wines too, from the Vintage Brut Sparkling to the Ginger flavoured fruit wine. It’s great value too at just £50 for two, with lunch included!

Have a go at clay pigeon shooting in the heart of Scotland

If someone mentions a weekend of outdoor pursuits in Scotland we can’t help picturing Madonna in her hunting garb lording it up (or should that be ladying it up?) with her posh hubby-at-the-time Guy Ritchie. Thankfully the reality is a little bit different and for a start you don’t have to have a v expensive waxed Burberry jacket…

We’re not up for proper hunting as we prefer to see foxes and grouse having a nice time rather than being literally hounded, but clay pigeon shooting gives you all the thrills without the spills, as you aim at clays rather than furry things. That’s why we’ve just added this new clay pigeon shooting experience, our first in Scotland! Add to that the fact that Tom Penman, who has run the shooting school since 1990, is a very successful shooter and coach trained to a very high level and we think you’ll have fun and learn a lot on these clay pigeon shooting experiences in Scotland.

The setting couldn’t be more idyllic. You’re only 25 minutes away from Edinburgh, but you are deep in the fantastic Scottish countryside. We can’t think of anything better than heading out to the traps on a crisp Autumnal morning to shoot some clays. Just think of how much good all the fresh will be doing you!

We are offering experiences with 50, 75 or 100 clays, prices at £93, £109 and £124 respectively and these prices includes the clays, ammunition and all the other gear you’ll need as well as tuition.

Movember is the month formerly known as November. Men across the country will be growing moustaches and beards all in aid of raising funds and awareness of men’s health, in particular prostate cancer. Here at the Into the Blue HQ we though it’d be a good idea for the menfolk in the office (who are clearly out numbered by the laydees!) to have a go.

ITB's Simon with his dapper Movember look

Their hirsutical progress (we think may have invented a word there) can be followed on the Into the Blue Facebook page, including photos of how the facial hair is being groomed and styled as the month goes on. We are particularly loving designer Simon’s dapper ensemble! Oddly, the Big Boss is getting more comments about his jumper than his Movember moustache…hmmm.

Read all about the Movember campaign and how you can be a Mo Bro or a Mo Sista to support the cause on the official UK Movember website.

The Big Boss - just don't mention his jumper OK?!

Oh and when it’s all finished, how about treating your man to a traditional wet shave to get rid of all that itchy facial hair at the end of the month? We just happen to have just the thing in London and Manchester…