Renowned for delivering fresh organic produce direct to your door, Abel & Cole demonstrated how to have a jolly exceptional Christmas with their Festive Foodie event in Oxford, writes Annette Nix

Customers from Oxfordshire and beyond flocked to the beautiful medieval Divinity School to taste-test the wares of some of the company’s suppliers and discover how to have a stress-free, ethical Christmas.

Company founder Keith Abel introduced the stalwart band of farmers, makers and bakers who hailed from all around the country.

There were sprouts from Herefordshire, free range Copas turkeys from Berkshire and ready meals and pork stuffing from Pegoty Hedge in Worcestershire, to name but a few.

Around 150 of us enjoyed seasonal mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, nibbles of cooked goose and melt-in-the-mouth mince pies from Gloucestershire. The vast majority of Abel & Cole’s produce is from UK farmers and suppliers and they never airfreight, so customers are supporting British growers and reducing their carbon footprint.

The Soil Association claims a typical Christmas dinner can rack up a staggering 49,000 miles in imported materials!

Abel & Cole’s wine buyer Nick Mason held wine-tasting sessions in the adjoining Convocation House, taking us through the delights of organic prosecco from Italy, a muscadet and unoaked chardonnay from France and delicious chianti and rioja.

The difference between them and commercially produced wine was startling — not least that they only contain a tiny amount of sulphites in comparison.

Nick said no wine can be 100 per cent sulphite-free as it occurs naturally in the soil, and is also a necessary preservative. But the much lower levels in organic wine could lower the risk of migraines and other reactions commonly linked to commercial wines.

I had to stop drinking muscadet some years ago, because it made me sneeze! So I was a little reluctant to try Nick’s version. However, it was smooth, lemony and totally sneeze-free. It would be perfect with the Inverawe smoked salmon.

Next, we were off to make a beautiful festive door wreath under the patient instruction of the ladies from Wiggly Wigglers, whose company began with worm-composting 20 years ago.

Now they not only sell everything you need for DIY composting, but also lots of other products, from bird-feeders to bouquets.

Then we tried scrumptious cheesecakes made in Somerset by What on Earth, and discovered the contents of the Christmas Day fruit and veg box with its traditional selection including parsnips, Brussels sprouts, herbs and clementines.

Whether you need an advent calendar for the Christmas countdown, a gift, a thank you for your host, or a bribe for Santa, Abel & Cole have it covered.

You can select cases of organic wine or beer, port and stilton, chocolates and coffee, or the ultimate treat of a deluxe Christmas hamper, with everything delivered to your door.

Visit the website www.abelandcole.co.uk or call 0845 262 6262. Christmas orders must be placed by December 17.