By Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard/ House Wine | November 2011

Choosing a favourite wine is impossible. It’s like asking you to choose your favourite child. A great wine should be served in the right atmosphere for maximum enjoyment. Who you are with, what you are eating and the mood you’re in will all influence how good the wine will taste.

Here’s our ‘best of’ list to help out in situations that call for wine:

Best breakfast wine:

On birthdays, holidays or any special occasions, the most important meal of the day deserves something stronger than coffee. Light and frothy Moscato d’Asti is the ultimate. With less than six per cent alcohol, it’s a gentle way to wake up.

2010 Tranchero Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Italy, $19.99 (SKU #1214)

Bursting flavours of peach will set the mood for that perfect day.

Best wine when you invite special someone over:

With the cool nights ahead, why not impress with a lamb or beef stew? Match with a full-bodied Zinfandel that explodes with ripe sweet cassis notes. The combination might encourage further cocooning!

2008 Caymus Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, $45.99 (SKU #709808)

Bold and savoury, with delicious flavours of leather and plum. Your date will be asking for more…

Best wine to make you feel good about yourself:

Go green and opt for a producer who cares about the environment and the community he lives in.

2007 Emiliana Coyam, Colchagua Valley, Chile, $34.99 (SKU #845321)

Full bodied, with rich flavours of plum, chocolate and leather.

Best wine to drown your sorrows with:

You lost your job, you can’t pay the rent or you just got dumped. Call up your best friend—if they truly care they’ll be over in a flash with a bottle of Champagne. Nothing lifts your spirits like those steady rising bubbles.

1999 Pol Roger, Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, $85.99

Elegant, with delicate flavours of toast that linger. You deserve the best.