"Vineyards act as firebreaks which was good news for houses, but less good for vineyard owners who will likely have smoke damage to their grapes."

Dunnes, SuperValu, and O’Briens all have great savings

With picks from €12 - €24, here's something for every taste and budget 

'I was particularly curious to see how they can sell Rioja at such a low price'

"How boring to live in a world of just Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. So this week I have chosen three tasty whites made from lesser-known grapes that offer flavour, texture and character..."

"A vigneron in Valencia has more in common with a winter barley grower in Tipperary than they would ever have with an urbanite like me."

"Suggestions this week are three reds for drinking cool: a cheapy, an old favourite and a wine with grapes you’ve never tasted."

I adore the scents, flavours and textures to be found in even modest bottles of wine, and of course in great wines from say Burgundy, Bordeaux and Piedmont (to name just three of my favourite regions).

"I've frequently praised the wines of Puglia on this page, so it was wonderful to drink them in situ."

The Pecorino grape was brought back from the brink of extinction in the past two decades and now fills the wine lists and shelves during my recent visit to Italy