I heard the weather forecast on the radio this morning and they were using terms like ‘good spells of sunshine', ‘very warm for the time of year' and ‘light, mainly southerly breezes'. I smiled to myself and assumed I was having a dream. It turned out it was the IRISH forecast for this weekend and they meant it. So that can mean only one thing - barbeque!

Now the timing of this good weather couldn't be better, what with volcanic ash and exams meaning that most of us are in the country anyway. So if you fancy stoking up the charcoal, inviting the mates and getting out the steaks, burgers, chicken and sausages, here are a few tips on choosing the wines to go with them:

· Strong BBQ flavours need strong, flavoursome red wines to match them. If you're basting on the sauces and spices, thing big, full-bodied fruity Shiraz, new world Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Argentinian Malbec. For something different, try out Zinfandel from the US, Pinotage from South Africa or Carmenère from Chile.

· White wine can take a bit of a battering from strong BBQ flavours. That lovely delicate, summery Pinot Grigio can reduce to water when mixed with chicken with a spicy sauce and charcoal flavours. But do not despair. Plenty of whites will keep up with chicken or pork dishes and salads on the deck. The ones best able to carry it off include oaked Chardonnay, some of the lovely unoaked Chardonnays coming from the New World, Viognier or Chenin Blanc.

· And don't forget Rosè - rosé wines come alive in warm, sunny weather and make for great food wines.

· Having said all of the above, don't get too hung up on BBQ food/wine matches. Typically the food takes up only a small segment of the BBQ day and what will work on its own over the rest of a pleasant afternoon is just as important.

· Do keep an eye out for the alcohol levels. A blockbuster 15% wine may well be super when you're having a glass or two in the evening, but if you're serving it over the course of an afternoon, you may find the guests nodding off before the food is served....

· Don't forget the sunblock.

· Call into us at Cases. We've highlighted our top 40 BBQ wines around the warehouse and are happy to advise as always on what might or might not work.

· Remember those perfect Argentinian BBQ wines, the Malbecs, are all on 20% OFF for May.

· After a 3-year search, we've tracked down a good-quality non-alcoholic wine that doesn't taste of turpentine! Natureo from Migeul Torres has only 0.5% alcohol and according to Decanter Magazine, it ‘keeps the floral, honey nose and dry palate of citrussy white fruits, while leaving the alcohol behind. Brilliant. Roll on the red.' Ideal for the guests who want to enjoy a grown up drink without the alcohol. €7.95 per bottle.

· And finally, we've got a lovely range of chutneys, relishes and dressings from Ard Bia in Galway and Builin Blasta in Spiddal to go with the food.

Enjoy the weekend!

Peter