Southern France's Languedoc region is a treasure trove of good value, well-ripened reds. And the grapes are often almost identical to those of the southern Rhône – here we're talking about Grenache and Syrah, although there are plenty more like Carignan and Cinsault that also shine. Thanks to the sun-filled Mediterranean climate, varied soils and drying wind, the Languedoc is an excellent region for making really appealing, warm-fruit wines. Using a blend of Grenache and Syrah, this appealing red combines juicy blackberry and raspberry fruit with ripe tannins, long sweet spice and liquorice notes. With its soft, velvety texture, this goes with just about anything – from pizza and pasta to grilled meats. It's great on its own too and top choice at a barbecue.

Andrew Margan grew up in Sydney but his parents planted a vineyard in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley in 1965, next door to the Tyrrell’s winey HeI was lucky to have legendary wine grower Murray Tyrrell mentor him. After working for a while at Tyrrell's, and in France, Andrew Margan and wife Lisa established Margan Vineyards in 1996. Today it incorporates 2 of the 2nd generation, Alessa and Ollie, as viticulturist and winemaker respectively. Andrew continues to oversee the viticultural and winemaking side; Lisa, the tourism and restaurant. The quality of the estate's output is extremely high, both with traditional Hunter varieties, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon, and with the new and pioneering, such as Albabrino and Barbera. The Hunter has several sub-regions and Broke Fordwich, where the estate lies, is one of them. It was designated, registered and protected as a GI (Geographic Indication) region in 2003, the second in Australia to do so. This is an excellently balanced Single Vineyard Shiraz.

We managed to secure the last stocks of this Trophy and double Gold-medal winning vintage. In the winery: Selected bunches were hand picked in the third week of March and gently crushed into open top fermenters.In the glass: Vibrant, dense red black.On the nose: Appealing mix of super-ripe black fruit with classic mint herbaceousness. On the palate: Excellent balance with a powerful black fruit core cloaked with bright spice and herb and underlying cedary oak.

One of the greats, Mumm Champagne is the perfect choice when celebrating. Combining Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay together has created a delicious Champagne with rich bubbles and scents of fresh fruit and caramel.

This stunning wine is named after the landmark Split Apple Rock in Abel Tasman National Park, where Hermann Seifried built a winery in 1973 with the help of his local church. He'd only arrived in New Zealand three years earlier from Austria, via Germany (where he studied winemaking) and South Africa. He married Kiwi lass Agnes Wilkins, and two years later they realised their shared dream of growing grapes. 1976 was their maiden vintage and more than 30 years on the Seifrieds are still going strong and racking up a host of awards. Gooseberry fresh Split Rock slips down a treat on its own and partners dishes such as spicy prawns, grilled chicken or creamy pasta.