Get out the deck chairs and tie on the knotted hankies - the hot weather is here!

And, as our white shins below the rolled-up trouser legs are slowly tinted a fetching crimson by the sun, what better accompaniment is there than a cool, refreshing wine in a condensation-frosted glass?

On the (foolish? ) assumption that we will get some more of the hot weather we've recently been enjoying, it's time to stock up with suitable bottles.

The zingy green character of Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for warm weather. In recognition of this, lots of stores have discounted prices this month. Montana's lightly blackcurrant-flavoured version is always reliable and is reduced from £6.49 to £5.49 at Sainsbury's until July 5.

Oddbins have got the superior Reserve level, normally £8.19, but if you buy three you can have them for £20.

They also have the excellent Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon, redolent of pea pods and asparagus, on the same deal.

If you prefer Chardonnay, Villa Maria's lightly-oaked, lemony version is widely available on offer. Oddbins have it reduced from £6.09 to £4.99, Waitrose offer it at £4.79, but best of all, if you can still find any in stock, Netto's price is an irresistible £3.99.

Ros is the ideal companion for sunshine, of course. I recommended quite a few recently, but here's a delightful bargain: Morrison's are selling the Valley of the Roses Cabernet Sauvignon (from Bulgaria) at £3.29 until July 3. This is just like drinking alcoholic strawberries.

Another glass please!

If you prefer to drink red, the classic wine for refrigerating is Beaujolais. In recent years the Beaujolais producers have had difficulty selling their wine, but that's on the lower rung of quality: as a rule cheap Beaujolais isn't worth buying.

Beaujolais Villages is a cut above the basic level and Louis Jadot is creating a reputation as one of the best producers. The 2003 vintage, with a suitably light fresh fruit character, is available at Waitrose reduced from £6.99 to £5.24 but Asda have a permanently low price £5.52.

If you're visiting Netto in search of the Villa Maria Chardonnay you might keep an eye out for the residue of earlier offerings. The Beaujolais Crus are higher-class wines from individual villages and therefore more expensive than the norm. The bargain-priced Fleurie and Morgon (£3.99) at Netto aren't from the best producers, but even so make enjoyable low-cost drinking.

Full-blown red wine drinkers could go for The Gables Merlot 2003, from South Africa. It combines tanginess with a soft black fruit character that suits the summer and it's only £3.99 at Morrison's until July 10.