Are you ? If it’s comforting to know, I’m not. Honestly, the Government’s “Be Ready” resilience campaign, announced in late October, is yet another thing to add to what feels like my never-ending to-do list. Currently, the prospect of crafting a “spinning parcel” costume for my son’s Christmas show is causing me more anxiety than the approaching apocalypse or blackout.
But it seems some of us are more prepared than others, and not just in tins of beans. Virgin Wines reported that wine sales have been rising by a substantial amount. Of course, it could just be coincidence that people were stocking up in the days following the announcement, but it’s rather timely that Sauvignon Blanc sales for Virgin Wines increased by 29 per cent year on year in the five days following the launch of the Government’s “Be Ready” campaign (22-26 October). Angela Rayner’s comment on what she’s stocking up on, “Mascara, concealer … a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, [and a] a tin of baked beans” obviously struck a chord. I’d love to know if there was a spike in mascara sales too.
I’ve spoken to a number of national retailers that have referenced an increase in wine sales, but they emphasised this could be linked to people wanting to spread the cost of Christmas this year, concentrating on buying a little over a longer period of time, which is, of course, a very sensible thing to do.
But if you are prepping for a little bit of vinous joy on the off-chance that something does happen, then these are my top-tips and the drinks I’ll have to hand in case the lights go out for a few days.
What to drink when the power goes off
There is one wine that will be sitting in my fridge, ready to be opened as soon as the power goes off: Champagne. Before you accuse me of excess, I’m leaning into the Madame Bollinger approach to sparkling wine where she highlights it’s the wine for every occasion, joyous or bleak. I’m sure she’d have added “and the first thing to reach for when the lights go out” to her list. I know that in that scrabbling moment when I’m wondering where the candles are, this small luxury, in an uncomfortable situation, will be very soothing.
Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne, France, NV
Independently run, but owned by the Bollinger family, this is a stunning Champagne. It delivers layers of spring blossom, sweet-baked brioche laced with golden pears and gloriously fine bubbles.
The Society’s Beaujolais-Villages Bag-in-Box 2.25l, France, 2024
, £32 (equivalent to £10.60 per bottle), 12.5% ABV
Banish any snobbery you have about a bag-in-box wine, they’re a practical way to keep wine in great condition, and a brilliant way to allow yourself a glass of something delicious without the risk of spoilage. They can last for up to six weeks once opened, though I tend to suggest three to four weeks for maximum freshness. Just make sure you keep it in a cool place (which shouldn’t be tricky without our central heating).
This Beaujolais is like having a chat with an old friend, so comforting and reassuring. A lighter red that’s brimming with red cherries, just-ripe raspberries and a little prickle of hedgerow fruit, this offers great value for money.
Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Villages Bag-in-Box 1.5l, France, 2025
£20.50 (equivalent to £10.25 per bottle), 14% ABV
A consistently enjoyable wine from one of the Rhône’s best co-operatives, it’s a fulsome glass packed with dark berry fruits, warming Christmas spices and Liquorice Allsorts.
Wines that actually go well with baked beans
I’m sorry Angela, I can’t think of anything worse than drinking slightly warm Sauvignon Blanc with a tin of cold baked beans. Instead, I’ll be reaching for some warming reds that will pair much better with the tomato based sauce – beanz meanz Chianti?
Truffle Hunter Leda Barbera d’Asti, Italy, 2024
, £10 (or £9 with Clubcard until 30 November), 13.5% ABV
A perfect match for the beans. This bright, fun, fruit-forward wine is generously packed with morello cherries, blackberry, a hint of liquorice and velvety smooth tannins.
You might think merlot is a bit “meh”, but this is a beautiful, medium-bodied glass full of soft, ripe plums and a lick of sweet spice made by the brilliant Cherubino Wines. It’s the perfect warming glass to enjoy by candlelight.
No.1 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2022
Lovers of rich, ripe reds, including Amarone’s (but not their price) will enjoy this deep, brambly-laden red with notes of Amarena cherries, dark chocolate, cloves and a hint of rustic charm. It has a long, embracing finish.
You can still have a chilled wine, though
If the power goes out this winter, I know I’ll definitely be yearning for wines that remind me of warmer days ahead. I’m unapologetic in my love of rosé all year round, and adore a mineral-driven white whatever the weather.
If you’re worried about keeping them cool, then I recommend completely wrapping the bottle in some damp kitchen towel or cloth (you don’t need much water, so it shouldn’t impact your rations), and place the bottle in a cool, breezy spot. This will encourage rapid water evaporation, pulling the heat away from the glass. Of course, if you have a pond you could always submerge the bottle there. And in the winter, outside really does become nature’s larder.
Côte des Roses Organic Languedoc Rosé, France, 2025
An expressive rosé full of white peaches, tangerines, lemon zest and ripe raspberries. Not only will this beautiful rosé remind you of warmer days, but the bottle also makes a nice candleholder.
Aldi (in-store only), £7.49, 12.5%
A great swap if you love Chablis, this is an uplifting zest-laden white with a crunch of green apple, white blossom and a vibrant mineral finish.
And if you fancy something a little stronger…
Then having a fortified wine such as a stunning Madeira (the very definition of an indestructible wine) on hand, or a bottle of single malt should do the job. Both can last a staggering amount of time when opened and will take the edge off even the darkest of days.
Blandy’s Sercial, 10 years old, Madeira, NV
Madeira is indestructible, it’s deliberately aged using heat and oxygen, two factors that wine usually hates. Sercial is the driest of styles and it’s versatile enough to match with any food (random tins, I’m looking at you), and could also be served long with a dash of tonic water. It’s bright and uplifting with notes of dried citrus zest, delicate apricots and a warming-wood spiced edge.
, £38 (until 31 December, usual price £45), 46% ABV
It’s always a good idea to have a single malt in the house, resilience planning or not, and this is a joyous dram. Independently owned, the Arran distillery’s 10-year-old is a medley of bright zest citrus, fresh apples and warmed honey and vanilla pods. It’s enticingly creamy in the mouth with a long, sweet-spice warming finish.
And even if you’re not planning for the worst, you can use these as a great excuse to get ahead of Christmas shopping for loved ones or yourself. Panic buying close to Christmas can often feel like the end of days, so this will alleviate some of that pressure.