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Fellow wine lovers, we are all living through strange and difficult times indeed. Some of you are frontline workers, doing whatever work it is that you do to help keep our fellow citizens safe and provided with essential services. To you, I say a heartfelt thank you. The rest of us are all stuck at home (other than doing essential tasks), each doing our bit to support our healthcare system and reduce the spread of Covid-19 by social distancing.

However, just because we’re (mostly) housebound, does not mean we cannot or should not continue to enjoy wine – in moderation of course – as an integral part of our daily lives. In fact, I would suggest that it is precisely in such uncertain, scary times as these that the balm of a glass of wine is all the more welcome. And if ever the old saying that “Life is too short to drink bad wine” resonates, surely it is now, during this new Age of Pandemic. We may not be able to predict or control the immediate future, but we can help make our journey a little less stressful and a bit more pleasurable by enjoying a glass or two of good wine.

So don’t save the ‘really good stuff’ for some distant future date: Instead pull the cork on something special to share with your loved ones, and celebrate life as you find it. Carpe diem! That’s what I’m doing at home with my wife. And by so doing, we also continue to indirectly support our favourite wineries and winemakers, who are in the same leaky boat as many of us, struggling to keep their businesses going.

To this end, here are a few wines to recommend (in no particular order, and most of which are currently discounted at BC Liquor Stores, which by the way, have been designated as an essential service by the provincial government and remain open) that have recently caught my eye – and tickled my palate. (Prices quoted do not include taxes but include discount where noted; W = white, P = pink/rosé, R = red, Sp = sparkling, F = Fortified):

Calmel & Joseph Blanquette de Limoux Brut, Limoux, France (Sp, $29) – Sure, you can spend 3 or 4 times as much on bubbles from Champagne, but this sparkler is from Limoux which claims to have invented the ‘traditional method’ of secondary fermentation in bottle that Champagne has since monopolized. Made mostly with Mauzac, a rare indigenous grape from this remote corner of France. Mineral, brioche nose, dry and characterful.

Alvear Fino, Montilla Moriles, Spain (W/F, $20 [$2 off until May 2]) – A bone dry, tangy, nutty and delicious fortified white wine that makes a great aperitif or enjoyed with seafood, shellfish, savoury tapas, olives, nuts.

Blasted Church Hatfield’s Fuse, Okanagan Valley, Canada (W, $16 [$2 off until May 2]) – Offering a cornucopia of aromas and flavours from 11 different white grape varieties: stone fruit, spicy florals, green fruit and citrus notes.

Terre Brulée Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa (W, $20 [$2 off until May 2]) – A complex, aromatic, layered example of old vine Chenin Blanc, South Africa’s national vineyard treasure, and a steal at this price. Expect lush honeysuckle, citrus and bitter almond notes balanced by crisp acidity.

Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner Terraces, Austria (W, $19 [$1 off until May 2]) – This is a crisp, dry white wine from Austria’s most distinctive white grape variety. Delicately aromatic, with honey, mineral and a hint of the peppery spice that is typical of this classic wine.

Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses, Languedoc, France (P, $23 [$2 off until May 2]) – a firm, dry, yet elegant rosé Grenache/Cinsault/Syrah blend from the Languedoc region, similar to and just as good as, but less pricy than many rosés coming from Provence. Perfect for tapas on your home terrace.

Mascota Unanimé, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (R, $26.50 [$2.50 off until May 2]) – A rich, ripe yet elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc from high altitude vineyards in Mendoza’s Uco Valley.

Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley, South Australia (R, $18 [$2 off until May 2]) – A stylish Cabernet with refreshing acidity that is characteristic of this slightly cooler region in South Australia; refined and well-balanced.

Rivera Il Falcone 2012, Castel del Monte Riserva DOCG, Italy (R, $28 [$2 off until May 2]) – An old favourite. Note the vintage; this is a great example of mature Italian red from the native Nero di Troia grape (typically 70%). Complex, multi-layered bouquet of red berry fruits, leather, pipe tobacco and spice; rich palate, long and well-balanced. A great Italian food wine.

Clos de l’Oratoire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016, Rhone Valley, France (R, $48 [$6 off until May 2]) – Splash out on this great red wine from the Southern Rhone’s premier region, and significantly discounted. This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, with a hefty 14.5% alcohol, is full-bodied, beautifully textured, with ripe tannins and impeccable balance.

Enjoy, celebrate your blessings, and stay safe!