The colder months always bring out my desire for a glass of Red wine and last week I decided to give my local clearskin shop ago. I noticed a $6.50 bottle and asked the owner what it was like compared to the next one up ($10). l was advised to go for the $10 Margaret River 2003 Cabernet Merlot, and was not dissapointed- it is very easy drinking and made even tastier by the fact that the whole bottle cost what I have paid for a single glass of wine out! I have since been back for another bottle and have also used it to add a lovely richness to a spag bol sauce.

Approximate cost: $10

Macaulay Cleanskins, as the name suggests, specialises in cleanskin wines. They also sell a wide range of interesting beers (as well as the regulars). Very knowedgeable owner who staffs the shop most days - from what I understand he buys the wines at auction. Almost unheard of these days, he even listens to requests and sources wines and beers that customers ask for. He sells the most terrific DRY rose, two varieties very good lately in fact, and at $10 a steal. My first stop for wine (even before Dan Murphys believe it or not!). Open very long hours for a little store too.

Approximate cost: $10