Réserve des Vignerons, Saumur, Loire Valley 2010 — €13.99-14.99

SCHOOL’S out so many families will soon be packing up the car and driving to France to stay at camp-sites or perhaps rented gites.

Of course while the kids are off swimming or at a circus workshop the grown-ups should have time to visit a couple of vineyards.

Most regions have a co-operative that offers free tastings with no obligation to buy and they are a good place to start. Small producers are often happy to offer tastings, although some require an appointment. You may feel obliged to buy some wine so choose the producers you visit carefully.