If you’ve never tried a red from the Cévennes, you’re not alone. This wild, remote region is best known as the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Travels with a Donkey. Our southern French wine scout, Mark Hoddy, lives locally and is a big fan of the area’s fresh, vibrant reds – and he’s keen for them to gain the recognition they deserve. He discovered this particular gem while hiking along Stevenson’s famous route – now the GR70. Brimming with aromas of wild herbs and plum liqueur, it really does deliver a taste of ‘bottled poetry’ (to borrow a phrase from Stevenson).

Perfect celebration fizz from the Adelaide Hills. Howard Vineyard's cool-climate wines are really making a splash, and this vintage Sparkling – made with top quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their Beautiful Valley and Charleston vineyards – is a tongue-tingling, nose-prickling, palate-pleasing delight. Vibrant raspberry, cherry and strawberry from the Pinot Noir greet your palate upfront. Soon to be followed by green apple, citrus and peach notes from the Chardonnay. which also offers texture and nutty flavour to the wine. This beautiful bubbly finishes fresh and dry with a hint of creaminess. Perfect for celebrations, it also makes a wonderful accompaniment to richly flavoured foods like lobster mornay or a gruyere soufflé.

The grapes are grown at an elevation of greater than 900 metres on the slopes of Mount Canobolas in Orange. Peter Logan’s Sauvignon is a very pale golden colour, and he coaxed vibrant aromas of guava, meyer lemon, sage and white flowers, backed up by a gently textured palate with generous lashings of ripe passionfruit, lime and pink grapefruit.

Vibrant scarlet with a crimson hue. A lifted nose of concentrated red fruits with notes of dried herbs, charcuterie and potpourri. Viscous red fruit flavours are tightly wound by the spicy tannins. It persists gently in the mouth. Try it with barbequed figs wrapped in prosciutto. This wine is great for drinking with food, particularly poutry dishes like roast duck and Asian style meats.

The savoury and smooth Tempranillo is complimented by thespicy fruit and structure of Graciano. The resultant wine has greater intensity, depth and length.