BOSCHENDAL produces a sophisticated range of wines that has become a significant driving force behind the dramatic growth of premium South African wine consumption in the UK.

It is one of the oldest and most-respected wine producers in the new world, dating back 300 years produced at the gateway to the picturesque Franschoek Valley, one of the leading wine growing regions of the Cape.

The brand also prides itself on fusing its wines with food, served in its own award-winning restaurant, situated in a traditional South African manor house dating back to 1812. Its wine and food pairings have been so successful that they have been reproduced in a recipe booklet.

But what of its current crop of wines?

The full range spans from £4.99 for the Le Pavillon Chardonnay/Semillon 2000/1. This wine is wonderfully fruity with a kick to it. It is refreshing and perfect for the summer, and particularly to accompany barbecues.

Top of the range in price is the Reserve Shiraz 1999 and Reserve Merlot 1999 at £10.49 each.

However, mid-way through the price range is the Lanoy 1999, at £7.49. This is a wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc. It is well worth paying that little extra for this full bodied, satisfying wine. It is a heavyweight, with a spicy flavours and a velvet texture.

Boschendal wines are available in a variety of supermarkets and independent retailers.

GOOD news -- there is yet another perfect reason for indulging in a glass of red wine.

Drinking red wine can cut the risk of catching a cold according to the latest research. More than 4,000 students and staff at five Spanish universities were monitored and it was discovered that those who drank at least 14 glasses of red wine a week were only half as likely to get colds as teetotallers.

Professor Ron Eccles, director of the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff University, said: "It may be to do with red wine's antioxidant properties."

But, he warned over-indulgence could lead to the lowering of the immune system -- increasing chances of catching a cold.

YANGARRA Park is the newest member of the Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates Collection from Australia.

The range, roughly translated from the Aboriginal means Earth, and offers a variety of wines priced £5 to £7.

The wines, pictured, have been produced under the supervision of former Normans award-winning winemaker, Peter Fraser.

WINING and dining has always been an invaluable tool for business people to win over new clients, or their immediate bosses. And now it has become an official "must" for members of the Chartered Management Institute.

Managers are being told they now need to know the basics of ordering a wine to accompany a meal.

Examples cited in the latest issue of Professional Manager, the magazine of the Chartered Management Institute, include knowing that claret, burgundy or rioja match with beef and game, while crisp white such as chablis or soave are perfect with fish and shellfish.

Managers are also informed that sherry is about to make a comeback.

Sue Mann, editor of Professional Manager, said: "Following the right etiquette at the dining table has always been important -- especially when you are in the presence of people with who you hope to be doing business."

THERE is a growing feeling that using corks is no longer the best way to seal wines. And claims are now being made that 10 per cent of bottles are affected by cork taint. As a result the Screw-cap Wine Seal Initiative says more and more bottles are turning to alternatives. The organisation says plastic corks and screw-caps no longer equal a cheap "bottle of plonk", and its members argue that one of the most powerful reasons to continue using corks is to keep the cork-producing industries in Spain and Portugal alive.

Screw caps, they say, are a more expensive way of sealing wine, and offer drinkers the option of storing their wines upright.