Brittany Ferries is one step ahead in understanding how central good wine is to the whole French holiday experience. Not only is there an impressive range of bottles on board in both restaurants and shops (names such as Guigal, Beaucastel, William Fevre, Laroche, Jadot), but this summer passengers can learn all about them in a handy little booklet, The Winebuyer's Guide. Plenty of useful tips (how to find your favourite grapes on a French wine list; rising winemaker stars; gift ideas etc); also plenty of special offers, including the chance to visit Chateau La Tour de By or Chateau Noaillac in the Medoc or Burgundy's Chateau de Beaune, headquarters of Bouchard Pere et Fils - properties not normally open to the public. Just remember all the wine prices quoted are in sterling, not Irish pounds.