I am not sure why, but many more of my friends seem to be holidaying at home this summer; a good decision but one that is invariably accompanied by concerns about the British weather.

As I watched one of my best friends load up the hatchback with clothes to cater for every possible meteorological eventuality, I laughingly joked that I hoped there was enough room in the back for a few bottles of wine. The groan was barely audible but the message was clear — she had forgotten!

“Well, if it is bucketing down when I get there, I’ll let you know and you can send me a case of wines that’ll help me imagine I’m in sunnier, calmer climes,” she shouted as the last child got strapped in and they headed off.

So, just for her, I am picking out a selection of wines that make for fabulous summer drinking whatever the weather.

Picpoul de Pinet is a modest, really charming white wine that I wish was more readily available.

It is made in France’s Languedoc from Picpoul Blanc and the style is typically fresh and citrus-driven; ideal for sunny days and for drinking with simply grilled fish. A premier league Picpoul to try is Waitrose Wines’ 2009 Domaine Félines Jourdan, Picpoul de Pinet (£7.11 www.waitrosewine.com).

I have a strong personal fondness for wines that have an herbal quality. I particularly love those aromas in the summer because they do remind me of childhood holidays to the Mediterranean. You might think that herbal means I am talking about red wines alone but there are equally evocative whites and rosés too.

Brilliant with food and a very Italian-style rosé (bracing acidity and hints of sour cherry) is the Castello di Ama Rosato 2009 (£11.75 www.agwines.com) whilst if you prefer a riper, softer and lightly herbal pink then I suggest you opt for Château Villerambert-Julien Rosé Minervois 2009 (£8.90 www.tanners-wines.co.uk).

Perhaps more citrus peel than herbal (but heck, it is my rules!) is the magnificent Fina Grillo 2008 (Sicily’s great white grape hope!) (£10.20 www.tanners-wines.co.uk). The wine has lovely breadth and depth of flavour that is so reminiscent of dried citrus peel and lemon thyme.

I have long been impressed by the fresh and elegant wines from Portugal’s Quinta de la Rosa estate and, in this respect, their reds are particularly impressive.

Their vivacity and freshness makes the wines really expressive and you will find bright red berry fruits, spice and — again — that lovely herbal edge.

The 2006 Aguia is available from The Oxford Wine Company (£12.60 www.oxfordwine.co.uk).

Wherever you are this summer and whatever you are drinking, I hope you are enjoying yourselves in clement weather.

To read more about Sarah please visit www.wine-talk.co.uk