WHILE the sun may be setting on a spectacular summer of celebration, there’s still time to indulge in a few of our favourite tipples.

For a solo guest appearance, or a cheeky aperitif in the garden, Halfwine specialises in half bottles of wine (two to three glasses) from top wine producers, and boasts some premium labels from Burgundy and Bordeaux.

If you’re happy to size down, legendary producer Graham Beck Wines has a world-class fizz, Methode Cap Classique (£7.80, 37.5cl, halfwine.com). A blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, it has more than a whisper of toasty richness, a floral nose, and great character and finesse.

The Spanish love to party, and Barcelona is home to Freixenet, the king of cava. For a cracking cava that lives up to its name, try Freixenet Cordon Oro , DO Cava, Spain (£9.49, The Co-operative), pronounced ‘fresh-eh-net’. Made from the Catalan trio of grapes, xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada, this fresh, fruity, semi-sweet sparkler takes its name from the gold bottle and if you like moscato, then you’ll love Cordon Oro.

Alternatively, if you prefer a medium-sweet rose and a beaming taste of fresh berries from Bordeaux, try Domaine De Pellehaut Ete Gascon Rose 2011, France (£9.99, Waitrose). A blend of 60% tannat and 40% merlot, it is strawberry dominant with redcurrant notes and juicy cherry flavours that linger with creamy notes on a refreshing finish... serve this pink nectar well chilled.

For two bank holiday corkers from southern France, gifted winemaker Alain Grignon has once again shown his talent for producing great-tasting, great-value vinos. If you think a good French sauvignon blanc signals a pricey Sancerre from the Loire Valley, Grignon will convince you otherwise with his must-try Esprit Soleil Sauvignon Blanc , Vin de France 2011 (£5.99; buy two, save £2, £4.99, until October 29, Majestic). Fresh, smooth and fragrant, the sunny label mirrors the appealing flavours of this bright white.

Languedoc reds signal big, ripe and sturdy wines such as Alain Grignon Carignan Vielles Vignes 2011 , PGI Pays de l’Herault, France (£7.49; buy two, save £3, £5.99, Majestic). Made from 50-year-old low-yielding carignan vines, it’s lush and concentrated with juicy blackberry and plum flavours, a twist of black pepper and firm tannins, and the perfect bottle to serve with a sizzling barbecue.

Alternatively, if you fancy a pinot picnic, top Chilean producer Cono Sur has a fruity pinot noir red wine which can be served slightly chilled if you’re basking in some late summer sun.