SOUTH African wine producer Boschendal is inviting revellers to walk on the wild side this Christmas with a wonderfully fruity variety.

The Cape-based producer is recommending households bring in a more exotic taste to the traditional festive table with the introduction of a variety of wines.

The Lanoy 1999 is £7.49. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc. It has a wonderful depth to it. Spicy flavours mix to create a strong, peppery taste.

Grand Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc is a straw-coloured wine priced at £7.99. It has a refreshing, fruity taste, yet possesses a spicy kick to it. Its depth of flavour means it is more than a match for smoked salmon, ham and caesar salad.

Le Pavillon Chardonnay Semillon is a versatile drink at £4.99. It is a smooth wine with a variety of fruit flavours and a refreshing zest to it.

Priced at £5.49, Le Pavillon Cabernet/Merlot has a distinct black cherry fruit taste. It is also brimming with fruity scents of berry.

BEST Wine Buys in the High Street by Ned Halley is published by Foulsham, priced £4.99. The easy to follow guide takes you step by step through each of the major supermarkets highlighting some of the author's favourite wines, their flavours and prices.

The book is released as figures reveal that for the first time in history, the UK has as many wine drinkers as France . . . well almost! Figures show 64 per cent of adults in this country now consume wine, compared to 65 per cent of the French.

Most wines are priced under £5, but there are some listed between £5 to £10 for special occasions.

WHATEVER your thirst this Christmas, Red Square, has the answer. The vodka drink now not only comes in seven fruity flavours, but in three different sizes -- 275ml, 70cl and 1.5l.

Prices go up to £1.39 for the largest bottles, and the drink is available in all major pubs, bars, clubs, off licences and supermarkets.