At the time of writing we are enjoying a bit of a heatwave but spare a thought for French winemakers who have once again been hit by late frosts and hail.

I am writing this week’s column outside in the garden such is the weather at the moment. It is not just the Irish that are obsessed with the weather, however — talk to any grape grower or winemaker.

The key to successful present buying I believe is to find something that the recipient wants, but which it did not occur to them to buy for themselves.

Michael Noonan decided to spare the wine community in Ireland further pain in the recent budget so I suppose we should be grateful for small mercies.

DON’T FRET, you still have time to get wine for Christmas and perhaps pick up a wine-related present for the wine-enthusiast in your life.

The crew of the Costa Concordia have been awarded the Seafarer Of The Year award at the Lloyds List Global Awards ceremony for “the courage and professionalism” demonstrated when the ship hit rocks and capsized last January.

Joseph Fiennes’ wife Maria Dolores Dieguez has given birth to a baby daughter.

Pumpkins galore – if you want to find a pumpkin David and Siobhan Barry, Ballintubber Farm have a terrific selection at the Midleton Farmers Market today. Contact 086 8238187.

KERRY tourism got a welcome boost when the Kingdom emerged as a major global hotspot for hidden getaway holidays.

Closet chef Jake Gyllenhaal is developing a new organic restaurant venture with top cook Chris Fischer.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will continue to gauge the implications for his government today after yesterday’s shock resignation of Mary Harney as leader of the Progressive Democrats.

Rich rocker Sting believes owning seven homes helps to keep him grounded, because it means he can avoid plush hotels.

CIAN O’CONNOR is set to make his first competitive foray abroad since the Olympics and is relishing the prospect.

Hundreds of protesters waving giant handprints marched on the Dáil this evening to call a halt to violence against women.

RYAN Tubridy is being groomed to replace Marian Finucane in the RTÉ Radio One morning programme slot.