The promised 'three-month heatwave' may have sizzled out mere moments after its announcement, but as spring marches on into summer, BBQs are definitely on the horizon (whatever the weather).

And although this means you'll want a wine rack with some drops of white (try Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay, half price at £6.49, Ocado), some sparkling (the delicious Camel Valley Pinot Noir Brut is currently reduced to £24.99, Waitrose) and if you must, some pink; it's the reds you really want to stock up on. From deep, dark, syrupy numbers to lighter daytime quenchers, it's all about the rouge this National BBQ Week (May 25-31).

:: GET THE CONVERSATION FLOWING

A smooth drop of magic is what you need as guests start arriving. The Bordiere Nord Syrah Grenache 2014, £6.99, Majestic is very light, with soft, summer fruity notes. In short, it's an absolute delight and we'd drink several more bottles, preferably while cooking a shoulder of lamb.

:: TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

Sticking with the light reds which are perfect for daytime, the Dolcetto D'Asti 2013, £7, Marks & Spencer, is a gorgeous wine, bursting with fruity cherry flavours and a twist of liquorice on the finish.

:: GET YOUR COTES...

The La Chasse Reserve 2013, from the Cotes du Rhone region, £7, Sainsbury's, is a rich, oaky red that really packs a punch in the flavour stakes, and goes perfectly with those grilled meats. Plus, the vanilla top notes give it a summery lightness, ideal for long, balmy evenings.

:: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Once the BBQ offerings are ready to come off the grill, you can turn up the volume of the wine. Julian Twaites, wine buyer at online supermarket Ocado, believes a "powerful red" is in order, when matching with sausages, burgers, steak and chicken - ideally a shiraz, cabernet sauvignon or malbec. His top tip for May is the Chateau Bru Lagardette Cahors 2012, normally £12.99, but on offer at £7.99, subject to availability, as it's new to the Ocado range.

:: HOTDOG HEAVEN

A perfect match for a herby sausage, the Winemakers' Selection Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, £5, Sainsbury's, goes down a treat. Vibrant red cherry flavours give way to a hint of mocha with lovely smooth tannins.

:: SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

If you like a peppercorn sauce with your steak, try the Puertas Antiguas Shiraz 2013, £7.50, www.corneyandbarrow.com. A delicious drop from Chile's Valle Central, the soft texture bursts with black fruit, violet notes and a hint of peppery spice.

:: TASTE OF ARGENTINA

It might sound predictable, but you can't serve red meat without an Argentinian Malbec. From one of Mendoza's best producers, the Argentinian Malbec Mendoza 2013, £8.99, Waitrose, is a juicy, fruity red, with a little oak to round off the palate.

:: COOL CHIANTI

Not everyone loves Chianti, but make like a connoisseur and decant your bottle before devouring, and you'll find it brings out the creaminess. Try Spar's Castellani Chianti Riserva, £7.99, down to £6.50 until May 27. With warm spicy notes on the nose, this rounded chianti has flavours of plum and red fruits, as well as a sharp, clean finish.

:: GREAT FOR THE GRILL

One sniff of Chateau Brassac 2012 Bordeaux Superieur, £6.99 (on offer from May 20-June 9, down from £9.99), Co-operative, and you'll be hooked. It smells like the sort of red wine that's going to give you a great big hug, so it's perfect for partygoers taking their BBQ into the evening.

:: LATE NIGHT LUBRICATION

As the night draws to a close, try a fresh and fragrant red. The medium-bodied Exquisite Collection New Zealand Pinot Noir, £6.99, Aldi, zings with berry fruits on the nose, and liquorice on the long finish. Perfect for chatting 'til dawn.

:: BEST BUY

It's not just delicious food you can buy at a bargain price at Lidl. Wine sales have surged by almost 40% year-on-year, so to celebrate, their summer collection features 40 new bottles, hitting stores from May 28 and priced from just £4.79.

"The growth of our wine cellar is testament to the great quality wines that we're stocking and the considerable appetite from our customers for fine wine," says Ben Hulme, Lidl UK's senior wine buying manager. "To be recognised as a go-to destination for wine shoppers is something we are delighted to have achieved and we're excited to be introducing a more varied wine selection for the summer."

:: LIQUID NEWS

If you want to throw the most on-trend BBQ, you will, of course, need the trendiest drinks to offer your guests. Melody Murray, beers and spirits buyer at Ocado, advises we lookout for tea flavours in alcohol, as tea-infused gin cocktails are a big deal on the bar scene (and sales of Harry Brompton's Iced Tea have rocketed by 350%).

"Elderflower is also a growing trend for summer 2015," she says. "You'll see it in everything, from tonic water to cocktails. Add it to Prosecco or champagne for a floral twist on the Bellini."

She predicts "posh fruit ciders" will remain a firm summer favourite, but also worth a try is Cranes - the world's first premium cranberry cider, which comes in at just 99 calories per serve - music to the ears of anyone trying to keep their weight down this season.