Summer is here, your work for the year is done and best of all, it's holiday time. How to celebrate? With a little tipple here and there, of course!

Wine expert, Mike Bampfield-Duggan, has compiled a list of his favourite wine with which to celebrate.

Cheers!

A welcome drink

Just to put you in the mood either before the start to the evening or later before heading for shut-eye.

Tiny bubbles...

Champagne

French champagne is still the ultimate gift for Christmas and a great way to spend your bonus! Here are some, including a half bottle, that won’t break the bank but will delight the person you are proposing to share it with.

Methode  Cap Classique

Methode Cap Classique is the term given to our local wines produced the same way as champagne. Perfect to enjoy as a pre-meal drink; while you are preparing Christmas dinner; watching the sunset on the beach with friends; celebrating the arrival of 2012 or in the bath after the festivities!

Crisp and dry

Summer calls for lovely, crisp, fresh wines but also no harm to find a couple of fuller style white wines to go with the Christmas buffet. White blends, Chenin Blancs, Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnay’s will suit the dry palate and for those with a sweeter tooth, or with spicier foods, then try a Rhine Riesling.

Roses are pink

Rosé is the fashionable wine to drink right now and in France it is the most popular style of wine consumed in 2011. Not surprising as it can be enjoyed on so many occasions. Good rosés are made from red grape varieties with just having limited skin contact which means the colour is a pale pink. Serve it cold as an aperitif, or as a sundowner by the pool, or with Mediterranean-style food.

The forbidden fruit

Red wines are most acceptable in summer, from easy drinking lighter style wines to a fuller bodied wine that has been maturing in your cellar, ideal for Christmas dinner. With summer temperatures soaring during the day there is no harm chilling red wine for half an hour in the fridge before serving (ideal serving temperature would be around 17 degrees Celsius). Reds are a must with a traditional summer braai and enjoying a good Merlot or red blend with a buffet is a delicious accompaniment.

For the sweet-toothed

Gorgeous sweet wines either to enjoy with desserts, cheeses or even a rich starter like foie gras. We are spoilt for choice in this country as we make some of the nicest Noble Late Harvest and Natural Sweet wines in the world! Here are three that taste so good right now.

The perfect ending

Traditionally, in the colder countries port is enjoyed at Christmas time. I personally see no reason why we can’t enjoy a drop or two either especially after a long lazy dinner. Enjoy this fortified wine either on its own or with some stilton cheese.

To order these wines, email Wine Concepts