VCR: Orphan Black

A slight tweak to the series for the next few months... L and I are expecting! So 'Vino' will consist of what L is drinking, plus a soft drink suggestion from me, the mama-to-be...

VINO

Deep Gully 2014 - a full-bodied, rich shiraz cabernet sauvignon blend from southern Australia. Its taste offers 'layers of smooth black fruits, sweet spice and a twist of pepper'.

SOFT DRINK SUGGESTION

Belvoir Raspberry Lemonade - really refreshing, especially when you pop a couple of fresh raspberries in it with ice. I also like to drink it out of a champagne flute so I don't feel left out...!

REMOTE

Orphan Black - a Canadian sci-fi thriller TV series on Netflix. L and I have just finished season 1 (4 currently available), upon recommendation from my hair stylist. The series begins with the main character, Sarah Manning (a streetwise hustler), witnessing the suicide of a woman who looks exactly like her. After stealing her identity to escape her own life, she soon discovers she is one of many clones dotted around the world. A big hand to actress Tatiana Maslany who delivers a range of character performances, as Sarah gradually meets other clones - from a science student to a soccer mum. It takes a couple of episodes to get into, but once you learn more about the situation alongside Sarah, you're suddenly hooked. A gripping week night series when you want to escape from your busy day.

Here's the trailer for season 1: 

Love playing sofa detective? Then you'll also love this VCR recommendation.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Hangin' Snakes 2012 Shiraz Viognier, Barossa Valley, Australia. This red made an appearance at our wedding - every now and again we treat ourselves to a bottle. Bright purple in colour, its taste is like 'sweet fruited summer berries... with white pepper, herbs and a hint of stone fruit.' It's one of the nicest reds we've ever had.

REMOTE

Scandal. - A US drama / thriller series about a former White House Communications Director (Olivia Pope) who starts her own crisis management firm. Starring Kerry Washington as Pope and Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant, the series begins with the ultimate scandal: the pair are embroiled in a passionate love affair (Grant is married). Now on series 5, every episode presents Pope with problems to fix, usually on behalf of high powered politicians or friends who need a favour. Offering a mix of murder, love triangles and politics - it's definitely one to switch on when you want to switch off. The best bit? That no matter how her day goes, Pope always manages to find time to enjoy a glass of red wine on her sofa (now what sort of person would do a thing like that?...).

Scandal airs on abc in the US, Sky Living in the UK.

Love political dramas? You'll love Frost/Nixon.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Kelly Country Shiraz 2014 - A rich red from Victoria, Australia. Its spicy blackberry taste makes it a great option for a movie night in during winter.

REMOTE

Frost/Nixon. - A historical drama based on their famous interviews in 1977. Directed by the legendary Ron Howard, you quickly realise why it was nominated for 5 Academy Awards in 2009. Starring Michael Sheen as British TV broadcaster David Frost and Frank Langella as Richard Nixon, the film culminates with Frost coaxing out an official apology from the former US President following Watergate: "I let the American people down. And I'm going to have to carry that burden with me for the rest of my life":

An extract from the original interview in 1977:

Well worth a watch with a glass of rouge. 

What movies can you watch over and over again from the comfort of your sofa? Join in the conversation over on Twitter.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Angove Shiraz Carignan 2014 - A medium-bodied Australian red that smells of bramble, black pepper and vanilla and offers a taste of 'strapping' blackberry and spice. It was like drinking a cup of cosy - really warming and instantly relaxing.

REMOTE

Downton Abbey. Admittedly, I only started watching this period drama at the beginning of 2015. I completely missed the Downton boat when it first came out - I think it was on TV at the same time as Spooks, which L and I love, so we opted for spies over silverware. I've now caught up and can't recommend it enough. Following the lives of the Crawley family and their servants, it's filled to the brim with drama, mystery and incredible fashion (and don't get me started on the HOUSE). My brother-in-law is one of the biggest fans I know - which is one of the reasons I really love Julian Fellowes: his ability to write for everyone. With that in mind, here's an ode to his unrivalled ability to weave comedy into a stiff upper lip: His character the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by the marvellous Maggie Smith:

If you love beautiful film and TV sets like Downton Abbey, check out ScreenStyle, where I shop the looks of my favourite on-screen homes.