Vive la wine revolution

The Burgundy Armand Rosseau Chambertin from Peter Maude Fine Wines. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

There is no better way to celebrate Bastille Day than with French wine.

Peter Maude Fine Wines
Where: 33 Coates Ave, Orakei, Auckland, phone (09) 520 3023

Why it's good: Because Peter Maude has one of the biggest ranges of burgundies in the Southern Hemisphere and he sells an extensive array of French wines, from low-priced, entry-level southern reds up to the best Bordeaux and outstanding Alsatian whites.

The highlights: Domaine De La Romanee-Conti, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, and Domaine Weinbach, plus premiers and grand crus of Saint Emilion and loads of Rhone reds from Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape in the South to Hermitage in the north.

What if I'm not in Auckland? Buy online.

The best thing about this store: Owner Peter Maude's knowledge is always up to date because he visits France twice annually to ensure the quality of his agency wines meet his customers' expectations.

Maison Vauron
Where: 5 McColl St, Newmarket, Auckland, phone (09) 529 0157.

Why it's good: Owner Jean-Christophe Poizat represents every French wine region, from affordable entry wines to Petrus, Romanee St-Vivant, Richebourg, Chateau d'Yquem, et al.

The highlights: Those great names listed

What if I'm not in Auckland? Buy online.

The best thing about this store: The vast range and the ties that Poizat has formalised with the Pyrenees food store downstairs, where the widest range of French cheeses in New Zealand are sold, as well as charcuterie, breads and pates, terrines and pastes.

Wine Direct
Where: St Marks Rd, Newmarket, Auckland, phone (0800) 660 777.

Why it's good: Because you can buy French wine at any price, in any style in store, via mail order or online. The friendly staff are not only knowledgeable but, just as importantly, down to earth and passionate, particularly about their monthly red wine club.

The highlights: The club is fantastic value for money, sending members two different bottles of red wine (mostly European and often French) for $40 (including postage and packaging).

What if I'm not in Auckland? Order via mail order (call toll free to register) or visit Wine Direct online.

The best thing about this store: The mixed case deals, the online food and wine matching and the seemingly infinite variety of wines from France at all price levels.

Scenic Cellars
Where: 2 Roberts Rd, Taupo, phone (07) 378 5704.

Why it's good: Because there is a huge range of French and other wines from around the world and regular tastings, and because there is a fantastic downstairs cellar packed with some of the great wines of the world.

The highlights: Top champagnes, the best of Bordeaux and Burgundy and great entry-level southern French whites, roses and warm climate reds.

What if I'm not in Taupo? Visit Scenic Cellars website.

The best thing about this store: The 4500 wines plus the wine segment of the website, an online retail wine store with at least 50 per cent off the normal retail price of clean skin wines (unbranded bottles that need to be cleared from wineries' warehouses).

Regional Wines & Spirits
Where: Basin Reserve, Wellington, ph (04) 385 6952.

Why it's good: Because it is not just wine but the regular comparative tastings of wine from all over the world, pitting New Zealand pinot noirs against those from France and California, for example, as well as other taste sensations. And because the staff are passionate and informed, and the store is one of the hubs of wine activity in Wellington. It is stocked to the gills with good French wines.

The highlights: The Vins Doux Naturels of the Roussillon region in France, luscious Muscat Beaumes de Venise and whites from the Rhone Valley and top burgundies, such as the latest 2002s from Louis Jadot and more.

What if I'm not in Wellington? Shop online at Regional Wines & Spirits' website.

The best thing about this store: Is its extensiverange of wines and the staff knowledge.