Apologies in advance for sneaking into Augarde on the Box territory, but it isn't often that wine gets a decent slot on the small screen. So, I'm delighted to raise a glass to BBC2 for uncorking a brand new (and almost original) wine series beginning on Wednesday for the next six weeks.

Better still, having had a sneak preview of the first three episodes of Oz and James Big Wine Adventure, I think that Auntie could have a small hit on her hands. In large part, this is because of the highly combustible on-screen chemistry between wine expert Oz Clarke and Top Gear's petrol-head presenter, James May.

The premise for the show has been cleverly lifted from the unlikely road movie hit Sideways, in which two grumpy middle-aged men go wine tasting in California, with hilarious consequences. Except in this instance, the plot has been transposed to France.

Clarke plays the passionate wine expert, whose task is to educate reluctant and recalcitrant May in the finer elements of wine appreciation. It goes without saying that this is not easy.

"Six weeks of travelling through France with James is sure to be an experience," said Oz. "I'm told James knows next to nothing about wine and I'm guessing he's the kind of fellow who prefers warm ale with twigs floating in it."

May, meanwhile, spends much of the time forlornly trying to get a drink as Oz converts him from neophyte to aficionado with a never-ending stream of vinous wisdom. Unfortunately, this doesn't always hit the spot for James.

"I like a glass of wine as much as the next bloke," he said. "But the trouble with Oz is that he spends far too much time talking about what sort of soil the grapes grew in and not enough time drinking the stuff. A man could die of thirst!"

While Oz lovingly pontificates over a glass of fine claret, James (as the designated driver) is left to caress a glass of Evian. From his expression to camera, May is not amused.

Indeed, this rather sets the tone of Oz's rather didactic crash course in wine appreciation.

Alongside the more usual sniffing and slurping, he has James nosing cow manure, bathing in grape juice, picking grapes and even making wine. Throughout, May gives as good as he gets and does occasionally put a glass of wine to his lips.

Miraculously, by episode three, he's almost getting the hang of this wine-tasting malarkey when he successfully matches white wine and oysters.

Apart from the many splendid sparks which fly from this odd coupling, the series is also beautifully shot as our intrepid pair progress through some of France's most famous vineyards in Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire and Alsace.

Finally, the two finish their great wine adventure in Champagne where May's newly acquired knowledge will but put to one final test.

I for one will be watching to see how he performs. But I'm sure I won't be alone in enjoying his voyage of discovery. Mainly because, I believe that the beauty of this show is that it will attract people, both wine buffs and complete novices. And given the fact that wine can be a very dry and esoteric subject on the box, that would be no mean feat.

Oz & James' Big Wine Adventure begins on BBC2 on Wednesday at 8pm. Meanwhile, you can also buy the book of the series, also of the same name, published by BBC Books priced £16.99.

As for this week's case, I have chosen for two great value every day drinking wines, which would appeal equally to Oz and James on their road trip. Naturally, both wines have to come from France.

So the first is a fabulous new white from Domaine du Mage in the Cotes de Gascogne, which I can promise you is low on price and really delivers in the glass.

Then for my red, I've picked an old favourite, in the form of Domaine Baudare's outstanding Cabernet Syrah blend, which really gets the taste buds working overtime. Moreover, at just over £4.50 a bottle, these should provide some very good drinking to see you through the series over the next few weeks.

For more details on the wines and to order this week's offer, click here.