With family and friends to please and lots of parties to attend, it’s important to fill up your Christmas cupboards and have your favourite wines close to hand.

Whether you’re partial to a rich white or lip-smacking red, there’s plenty of liquid persuasion to suit small purses and sophisticated palates. Here are some bargains worth popping a cork to.

Henri De Lorgere Macon-Villages 2007 (£4.99, Aldi)

For white wine lovers, you can’t beat the excellent value Henri De Lorgere. An IWC silver medal winner and Decanter Bronze, it’s a beautiful bargain chardonnay from Burgundy. Crisp, food-friendly with good acidity and satisfyingly refreshing, it’s a no-brainer when the doorbell rings.

Six Hats Fairtrade Shiraz 2009 (£5.48, Asda)

South Africa produces some of the most reasonable and easy-drinking reds. Try Six Hats Fairtrade Shiraz. Silver and Best in Class 2010 IWSC award winner, it’s nice and fruity with a streak of spice and kick of green-black pepper – a good glugger with nibbles.

Canaletto Primitivo Puglia 2008 (£6.99, Waitrose)

If you’re lusting after a warming red to grace the table, try Canaletto Primitivo Puglia 2008. Smooth and rich with blackberry leaping from the glass and faint hints of vanilla, it’s an ideal match with a celebratory roast dinner, or a midweek drinker with bite-sized pizzas.

Luis Felipe Edwards selection 2010 (£3.99 Co-op)

Finding a half-price deal on a sister red and white is always a triumph for the tastebuds – and the wine rack. When the festive fervour has to flow, try Luis Felipe Edwards Reservado Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (£3.99 from £7.99 at The Co-op) and Luis Felipe Edwards Reservado Chardonnay Viognier (£3.99 from £7.99 also at The Co-op).

This Chilean double act will keep everyone happy. The red blend is velvety smooth with ribbons of redcurrant and soft tannins, while the chardonnay viognier smacks of tropical fruit flavours with a fragrant, honeyed nose.