Weekend wine with Blake Creedon

THE annual National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) Gold Star awards comprise an eclectic range of wines across several price bands which is, crucially, selected through blind tastings.

On sale now in some 350 off-licences around the country, it’s a terrific way to simplify the dauntingly large range of wines in our shops without dumbing down. Here are four highlights.

* THE annual Portuguese Wine Fair takes place this year at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 8 on Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Phone [phone] or email [e-mail].