When preparing for a long weekend away, picking outfits and planning what to eat often take precedence over what to drink. Your lack of forethought normally turns into a last-minute dash to the liquor store to buy wine. We are here to help. With three days of relaxation on the horizon, it’s time to make room for some wines to chime with the occasion.

Here are a couple of wines to to get you on track for the long-weekend ahead:

5 Wines from the Tangled Tree range

If you are heading to the beach or flying somewhere, we suggest you grab a couple of eco-friendly PET bottles from Van Loveren’s Tangled Tree range. The wines take up less space, are light-weight and unbreakable! The fully recyclable PET bottles generates 50% less greenhouse emissions during the manufacturing process and enables you to some wine where glass bottles were previously not allowed. The wines are also dirt-cheap. It’s a no-brainer.

Expect to pay: +/- R40 a bottle from most wine retailers.

Rhebokskloof Bostok Chenin Blanc 2014

I stumbled upon this gem on a recent visit to the estate outside Paarl. It’s the type of wine that’s easily appreciated. It will appeal to those who don’t even drink wine, due to its well-balanced tones. Enjoy it next to the pool or in front of the TV, it’s bound to go down a treat!

Boland Chenin Blanc 2015

If you are planning a party or a get-together with friends who enjoy more than their fair share of wine, head over to Pick & Pay and buy 2 bottles of Boland Five Climate Chenin Blanc for only R50. The special is on until 28 April 2016, so be sure not to miss it. Oh, and it’s very drinkable!

Expect to pay: R25 a bottle at Pick & Pay

Alexandra de la Marque 2010

If you don’t have bubbly on your long-weekend shopping list, you might as well go to work on Monday. Having run an MCC cellar as head winemaker for 14 years, Matthew Krone understand exactly what it takes to produce a fine Methode Cap Classique style wine. The packaging screams luxury and is the perfect mix of vintage luxe whilst being totally modern at the same time. Named after his 5-month-old daughter, the Alexandra de la Marque 2010 is one of the country’s most sought after bubblies in my opinion.

Expect to pay: R260 a bottle…..but here’s a tip: During March you can get it for R220 a bottle. Get your order in!

Yonder Hill Inanda 2014

For a good entry level style with a grand label to grace the table, try the 2014 Inanda from Yonderhill. Unbeatable value, the typical blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot engulfs the tastebuds with plenty of big juicy flavours, roasted coffee beans from the oak and dark chocolate.

Expect to pay: R100

Bottoms-up and happy long-weekend!