There is no better way to get things started than a glass of fizz. My budget choice would be the Jacob's Creek Sparkling Rose. This is a gorgeous fresh fruity wine. More expensive, but still a bargain is the Joseph Perrier 1996 Champagne. It is streets ahead of, but costs less than, most of the better-known branded Champagnes.

Next comes the Mineralstein Riesling . . . this is one of the greatest bargains in the Irish wine market today . . . a beautiful crisp Riesling, with plenty of ripe apple fruits, and a delicious rounded finish.

I sang the praises of the wonderful Tim Adams Clare Valley Semillon last summer. It is light and crisp enough to go with smoked salmon or any seafood starter, but has a richness and a smoky touch that make it ideal with turkey as well.

Turkey demands a soft fruity wine without too many drying tannins. Pinot Noir is good, and so too are southern Rhones. If you are hosting a large crowd, I would head straight for the d'Arenberg Stump Jump red, a beautiful ripe, sweetly fruity wine will slip down wonderfully.

For a real treat, head to Rioja, and to the award-winning Seleccion Especial from Bodegas Muga . . . it's not cheap, but this is a beautifully balanced, elegant wine that will provide a perfect match for turkey.

To finish things off, port would be traditional. My perennial favourite is the Niepoort Colheita Tawny, with its wonderful nut and raisin flavours . . . perfect with plum pudding. However, this year I may content myself with a glass of the exquisite Chateau Pierre-Bise, a Quarts de Chaume, with its stunning array of pineapple and honey fruits.

John Wilson, Sunday Tribune Wine Critic

Wines available from:

Jacob's Creek Sparkling Rose, widely available at around 13

Joseph Perrier 1996 Champagne, 41.95.

Available from selected off-licences

Mineralstein Riesling 2005, Germany 9.95.

Exclusively from Marks & Spencer

Tim Adams Clare valley Semillon 2004, 16.95. Exclusively from Tesco >> d'Arenberg Stump Jump 2005, 9.95.

Available from independent off-licences

Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial 2001, 24.95. Available from selected off-licences

Niepoort Colheita Tawny Port 1994, 35.95.

Call 040466767 for stockists.

Coteaux du Layon Chateau Pierre-Bise 2003, 27.50. Le Caveau, Kilkenny (www. lecaveau. ie)