BRADLEY'S Called into Bradley's, North Main Street, to…read morebrowse among their 700 wines. Wouldn't you know it - they didn't have the Four Sisters Shiraz that I was on the lookout for. At least that was my excuse for calling. They had some bargains, one Australian Shiraz I had bought elsewhere before Christmas was marked down by three euro. The Penfold's Rawson Retreat range was also down by that amount and I treated herself (my excuse) to a bottle of Semillon Chardonnay. They also have huge ranges of spirits and beers but I didn't have time to check them all or the arms to carry them. Settled for a few beers on this occasion and am now looking forward to sampling Pilsner Urquell (€2.99), Rick Stein's Chalky's Bark Open (€2.99) and, from Oz, Hahn Premium (€1.89). My father always maintained that Bradley's had the best bottled Irish beer in town but they have now spread their wings and are well worth a visit. Service, by the way, was relaxed and friendly.

SUPERVALU Supervalu in the old Roches Stores in Merchant's…read moreQuay is not the place I'd normally think of when looking for beers with a difference. But time was short and I tried and found a decent enough selection there from both sides of the Atlantic. Stuck with the Europeans though. Got the Budejovicky Budwar (€2.78) - was this the one transferred across the Atlantic? - from the Czech Republic, plus two from Bavaria , Paulaner Hefe-Weisbier ( €2.32) and the Erdinger Weissbrau (€2.78), all in 500ml bottles. Just a note on last week's trio (from Bradley's). They were Pilsner Urquell (€2.99), Rick Stein's Chalky's Bark Open (€2.99) and, from Oz, Hahn Premium (€1.89). All very enjoyable and I found it impossible to put them in a 1-2-3 order. Pleasantly surprised with the Chalky's Bark as I was a bit apprehensive about the ginger element. I must say that I didn't enjoy my Supervalu trio as much. The Erdinger, a dark beer, flattered to deceive. Rather enjoyed the first mouthful but gradually the sweetness got to me and I didn't finish it. The Pualaner, which also produced an abundant head, looked promising but there was something about it, noticeable in the nose and just when you finished the swallow, a kind of clove like whiff. Not for me. The Budwar saved the day! Better colour, better body, better all round that the pale watery American version, it was a decent beer, more or less on a par with the three from the previous week

You look for wine from France, Spain, Italy or... Japan? This shop, which also can be found in the…read moreEnglish Market in the Cork city centre (phone: 021 425 4641), offers red and white wine as well as rosé and champagne. The shop looks a little like a storage facility, because that was the purpose of the building. The selection is above the price range of Tesco, Aldi or SuperValu, the prices as well, but the knowledge and the service is worth the price. Champagne bottles for a single person as well as Magnum bottles are available. The majority of the wines is coming from France and I was amazed to see a view bottles from the Loire region, which is quite unknown compared to Côte du Rhone etc.. If you want a good wine AND service, see the Bubble Brothers.

One of my favourite stalls at the English Market. Bubble Brothers has helped me out during…read morecountless gift-buying panics. The staff at the market are always good at doling out advice even when they're talking to a wine-moron like me! Prices are very competitive too, they cater to any budget and the service is worth the difference.

We were directed here by a couple of ladies we met in a pub. They told us the selection was top…read morenotch and they had some really good wines. This is a gem of a shop. Tell the owner what you like or what type of wine you are looking for and he will offer a selection to please. Not many duplicated wines so a unique selection. Prices are amazing! We told him we wanted something low in tannins but fruit forward and that we like Cabs and he selected 4 wines; 2 from France, 2 from Spain. Prices ranged from 18 euro to 22. We selected the 21 euro blend from Spain and it was right on the button!! If you have had your fill of pints and Jameson, head here for a bottle of fantastic wine. He even partially uncorked it for us in case our hotel didn't have a wine opener!!

Very handily situated off-licence in the centre of town. Go there when you've finished shopping for…read moreSaturday night and stock up for Saturday night. Good range of beers, and a nice selection of wines.

The green warehouse of Curious Wines is bright and unmissable and Number 36 brightens up that…read morecorner of the Kinsale Road Commercial Centre. It is also big which means you have loads of room in the aisles and they have plenty of room to display their impressive range of wines. It is the new base of brothers Mike and Matt Kane who have moved form Bandon after 18 months or so there. Space and location were the main attractions in making the move for Curious Wines, whose website has won Best in Ireland (2009) and who feature in the Bridgestone Best in Ireland 2010. "We are now settled in and happy with the location," Mike told me on a recent visit. "We've used the web to let people know of the move and word of mouth, perhaps the best recommendation, is now having its effect." "It is so convenient for so many people, just one minute off the Kinsale Road roundabout. Quite a few made the trip out to Bandon but it wasn't a regular trip and that seems to be happening here." "The proximity of Smyths Toys also means a huge footfall in the centre and indeed quite a few tired parents drop in to buy a consolatory bottle after hours spent on toys. I know the feeling, as I'm a parent myself."

O'HANLON'S OFF LICENCE The relatively new establishment in…read morethe Mayfield Shopping Centre is well established after 18 months and my recent call showed why. They are a friendly lot in this off licence. Loads of free advice on the best beer buys locally and also some down to earth advice on their extensive stock of wines. They informally steer you through the maze of types and prices and don't just hand out the expensive bottle. They want customers, sure, but they want happy repeat customers. I went off with my purchases, including a Wyndham Bin 555 Shiraz, and will be back.