Wine with Leslie: Gold-star wines at the right price

Almost all wines here are from family-owned wineries or from owner-run co-ops and imported by Irish-owned businesses

A selection of award-winning wines that won't break the bank.

Stories about soaring energy bills keep coming and small businesses are going to have a tough winter. All the more reason to support local — your butcher, greengrocer, cafe, and of course your wine merchant/off-licence.

Don’t forget that off-licences have banks of fridges that run up energy bills as they are constantly on to keep beer and wine cold. I can’t recommend enough developing a relationship with your local wine merchant as they will quickly get to know your tastes and point you to new and interesting wines.