If you thought German wine meant Blue Nun, you'd be a good 15 years out of date.

True, it's possible still to buy 'hock' with shiny labels and Gothic script on it, but it's no longer taboo to say you enjoy a tipple from the Rhineland or northern Bavaria.

German wine producers have tried (and in recent years, quite hard) to come up with liquor that suits a more grown-up market.

Riesling is the king of the vineyards here but if you see Grauburgunder on a label, this is better known as Pinot Grigio, Britain's most popular white wine variety at the moment.

Businesses such as Fürst and Leitz have recruited young energetic staff and are turning out some fantastic wines (Fürst even does a smooth and toasty Pinot Noir, known as Spatburgunder), oozing ripe aromas and fruit - but they cost at least £10 a bottle, which is out of most folk's range.

So if you want to branch out, try these: 1) Kendermanns (either Dry Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Organic Rheingau). Kendermanns is trying to produce wines that taste a bit like Californian or South African styles. Available at Tesco and Sainsbury, price: £4.50-£5. If you get your skates on, you can buy six bottles of Kendermanns Sauvignon Blanc online at www.tesco.com for £29.40. I don't think Kendermanns' stuff is anything special, but a lot of people are fans, and the price is competitive.

2) Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling. This aromatic, peachy wine is lovely on its own or with chicken, fish or even lamb. It's at Oddbins, price £6.49.

3) Fox Label Dornfelder: An easy-drinking dry red that has been matured in oak. Great for beef. At Oddbins for £7.49.