Christmas is less than two weeks away. Time to hit the shops and buy that wine for dinner or that last minute gift. There are still a few good deals about, but they are going quickly. On Saturday, at the Waitrose in Headington, I discovered the best items had already sold out.

I was disappointed that my choice gift, a trendy, pink Veuve Cliquot “shopping bag” cooler complete with bottle of Ponsardin Rose Brut, for £41.99, was a display model only, and could not be sold. They did have plenty of bottles of Moet in a gold gift box cooler. I expect them to be gone by next week.

The popular wine (determined by the empty shelves) was the Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo for £5.99. I suggest spending a bit more and picking up one of my favourites, the Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, for £7.49. This is a big, bold wine with lots of fruit and chewy tannins. The best thing about shopping at Waitrose, beside the selection of wines, (where else can you pick up a Brightwell Vineyard Bacchus Dry next to a hand-picked Slovenian variety) is the fun I had perusing. Staff offered me a winter-warming Pimm’s and casual conversation as I happily wandered between the shelves.

Alternatively you can go to Lidl. I am not convinced by their Sancerre AOP at £9.99, however, their £6.99 Médoc AOC Marquis de St. Vincent 2011 looks too good to resist and who can turn down their Comte de Brismand Champagne for £9.99? While I was studying the label, three people grabbed as many bottles as they could carry. Which makes me wonder, is there bad Champagne? Finally the crew at both the Summertown and Cowley Road Majestics recommend the Farleigh Estate Sauvignon Blanc. It is a classic New Zealand Sauv Blanc at £7.49 a bottle. It is crisp, fruity and can be drunk on its own as an aperitif, or with a smoked salmon or prawn starter.

Next week, I’ll be listing your last minute opportunities to pick up a winning wine before the stores shut for Christmas.