Waitrose’s wine offer this week sees 25 per cent off, including sparkling wines and Champagne, if you buy any mixed six bottles until March 22. With more than 1,000 labels at their waitrosecellar.com online store, that’s a hugely diverse set to choose from in the next five days…

First of all, note the small print. This offer is not available in Scotland, Wales, Jersey or in service station shops. There are no other offers on wine during these few days, so don’t expect to get a double deal. And it doesn’t apply to bottles costing less than £5. 

I’ve rifled through the selection, with particular focus on the store’s Blueprint own label range. These are Waitrose’s entry level wines in classic styles from well-known regions, so a Pinot Grigio from the Veneto, a Chilean merlot and so on. Generally they are a good bunch, though beware of some slightly tired whites. A couple of my current favourites are below.

Then there’s the potentially more interesting Loved & Found range which showcases lesser-known varieties from around the world. (Note that Marks & Spencer has its own similar ‘Found’ wine range…). This is the selection to look at if you want to get out of a wine rut, and I’ve picked a favourite made from an unusual grape below. Finally, don’t miss Waitrose’s sparklers, including its Champagnes, which are especially strong as a group. With their Blueprint cava at just £5.24 this week and some fine own label Champagnes, this is the moment to stock up for any spring parties.