Wondering which wine is best to drink with seafood? Or, what's the latest merlot on the market? Resident wine expert Kerry Parkin answers your questions.

Q: I'd like to learn more about wine - are there any courses you'd recommend?
A: If you live in Sydney, I'd highly recommend you take Peter Bourne's classes. Peter is widely recognised as one of the best wine educators in the business. His classes are both fun and educational. Plus, he always matches the wines with fantastic cheeses. For more information, visit http://www.peterbourne.com.au/.

Q: Can you recommend a good Australian Sauvignon Blanc?
A: I'm quite partial to the d'Arenberg 'The Broken Fishplate' Sauvignon Blanc, which comes from the McLaren Vale, South Australia. It's dry, crisp and zesty.

Q: With the winter weather coming in fast - which drinks will warm me up?
A: Right now, I have been enjoying sipping port - it's sweet, syrupy and warms you up a treat. My top pick is the Rockfords Fifteen Year Old Tawny Port, $27 - it's a bargain winter warmer. The only downside is that you'll have to order it from Rockfords direct. For more information, call (08) 8563 2720 or visit their website at http://www.rockfordwines.com.au/.

Q: I'm heading to the Hunter Valley for a holiday. Can you recommend any vineyards I should visit?
A: The Hunter is a great place to visit and has some fantastic wines to help pass the time. My top recommendations are: Audrey Wilkinson, they have a great sparkling Malbec and a priceless view of the surroundings; Bimbadgen, who produce one of the best sparkling Semillons in the country, and a trip to the Hunter wouldn't be complete without a stop at Tyrrells to try their Lost Block Semillon and Vat 47 Chardonnay. Finally, Tower Estate for their magnificent Sangiovese and Saddlers Creek for a fabulous rose. For more information about the region, visit http://www.huntertourism.com/

Q: I'm a fan of Merlot, what bottles could you recommend?
A: Some great options are Yering Station Merlot 2004 (Yarra Valley) at $23 or the Geoff Merrill Merlot 2002 (Mclaren Vale) at $19.50. Both are great value and equally drinkable.

Q: I have a sweet tooth and I don't enjoy dry wine - what's a good sweet bottle?
A: Tricky one. With so many wineries moving to a drier style, like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, the sweeter options are running a bit thin. However Taylors Promised Land Crouchen Riesling 2005 (Clare Valley) at $15 is a good, widely available option.

Q: I'm off to a dinner party on Saturday night and my friend is a wine buff. What bottle can I take that won't embarrass me?
A: Firstly I'd take two bottles, one white and one red - you never know what your hosts might be cooking! Try these: White: the T'Gallant Juliet Pinot Gris (Mornington Peninsula), $16, is brilliant value and excellent quality. Red: take a trusty Cabernet Sauvignon, the d'Arenberg High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Mclaren Vale) at $20 a bottle is at the top of my list at the moment.

Q: My favourite wine is only $12, does that mean its bad? Should I be spending more?
A: Not at all. There is no right and wrong in wine - only what you like. If you enjoy and are happy with your $12 bottle then go for it!

Q: I need a special bottle of wine for a friend's birthday party. Price is no object what should I buy?
A: You can't go wrong with bubbles for a birthday. My dream bottle right now is the Billecart Salmon Rose, it's retailing for about $110 which may be a bit steep, but its well worth the money.

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