Wine enthusiasts will be descending on Harrogate next Saturday for the 12th Harrogate Wine Show.

For a modest outlay you get the chance to sample wines from 20-plus exhibitors, including for the first time York-based independent vintners HC Wines.

I've popped the cork on a red and white from HC, which will be there for the tasting in Harrogate.

Firstly, the salad friendly Domaine la Bastide Viognier 2004, which is all honey aromas and flavours of apricot and peach. There's a noticeable effervescence and a citrussy finish.

My Lord Of The Rings-obsessed, eldest son picked out a name from my wine notes this week. He homed in on the Aragon in Bodegas Langa Reyes de Aragon 1998 Reserva. This seven-year-old grenache and merlot blend from the Calatayud region is rather magical too, with good cellaring potential. Rich cherry and plum-fuelled flavours sit very nicely with ample amounts of toasted coconut oak and some good round tannins. Given a little time to breathe it's an absolute treat with roast beef.

Look out also for the Wines Of Chile stand on which, wine producer Santa Rita is represented by a red and white duo.

Easy-drinking reds are great to slurp in the garden on a summer night. Santa Rita 120 Merlot 2004 is medium bodied and approachable. A classic, user-friendly plum and raspberry merlot with a nod towards tannin and a wink towards vanilla.

Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Reserva, from the Casablanca Valley in Chile, doesn't scrimp on flavour either. It's a pound or two cheaper than many kiwi sauvignons and dare I say it, just as good. The wine has all the usual varietal characteristics; elderflower aromas with flavours of goosegog and lime. Fruit driven with heaps of natural acidity, it would go nicely with light, spicy dishes.

The Harrogate Consumer Food and Wine Festival is on next Saturday (June 25), from 11am to 5pm at the Pavilions in the Great Yorkshire Showground. Tickets are £12 on the door or £10 in advance, contact Serendib Promotions on 01423 884426.

Competition

A mixed case of Santa Rita 120 Merlot 2004 and Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Reserva is, to use a radio DJ cliche, up for grabs. Just answer the following, mind-numbingly difficult question.

Is Santa Rita either: a) Father Christmas's wife or b) a Chilean wine producer?

Answers on a postcard, marked Tipping's Tipples Competition to Mike Tipping, Evening Press, PO Box 29, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN by Monday 27 June 27.

Please include your name, address, a daytime telephone number and email address if you have one. Entrants should be 18 or over and the usual rules apply.

Domaine la Bastide Viognier 2004, £5.75 from HC Wines (www.hcwines.co.uk). 14/20

Bodegas Langa Reyes de Aragon 1998 Reserva, £8.95 from HC Wines (www.hcwines.co.uk) 18/20

Santa Rita 120 Merlot 2004, £5.99 at Oddbins. 15/20

Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Reserva, £6.99 at Majestic. 16/20

Updated: 11:41 Saturday, June 18, 2005