CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Start buying early… a few bottles tucked away each week aids stress levels and budgets, plus you’ll likely encounter special offers on favourites. Will it just be nearest and dearest, or are ravening hordes descending? Beach, bach, barbecue? Plan accordingly – sparkling and white wines suit warm weather, as do lighter-bodied reds. More robust reds are great barbecue partners. Wine spritzers (half wine, half soda) help lighten the liver’s festive load. Party Central? A good rule is to allow approximately one drink per person per hour; you should get around five glasses per standard bottle. Always offer both food and non-alcoholic drinks: after all, it’s the silly season, not the stupid season. Many specialist wine stores have a sale-or-return policy to reduce overcatering, and may supply glassware too.