Spirits never make an appearance in Tipping’s Tipples. However, this week I’ve chosen a selection of wines to pair with Hallowe’en party food and therefore can’t make assurances that a ghostly face will not materialise from the text!

You’ll no doubt have used the insides of your Jack O’Lantern to make pumpkin soup. Serve it with a glass of sauvignon blanc which works fairly well with most vegetable broths.

Sauvignon will also double as an aperitif for thirsty guests (other than vampires).

Las Moras Sauvignon Blanc 2008, from Argentina, will soon be on offer at Morrisons. It’s a capable example, with fresh, clean flavours of grapefruit, lime and a touch of honeydew melon. It won’t knock your socks off but at the promo’ price, it will help to keep your party on budget.

Alternatively, try Salomon “Groovey” Grüner Veltliner 2008. This dry, lightly aromatic Austrian white, from Oddbins, has apple, pear and citrus fruit flavours which finish with pronounced white pepper notes.

Sausages, burgers, and Cheddar cheese-smothered jackets, are better with bold, spicy, fruit-forward reds.

You could do much worse than pick Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Argentinian Malbec 2007, from the Montes stable. Full of rich, forest fruit flavours, hints of violet, chocolate notes and smooth tannins, I can’t think of a better red for a fiver.

Or try the red partner to the sauvignon blanc mentioned before, Las Moras Shiraz 2008. It also punches above its weight, with peppery, spicy, blackberry fruit, clove and dark chocolate flavours.

For me the South African red grape, pinotage, come into it’s own for both Hallowe’en and Guy Fawkes Night.

Beyerskloof Pinotage Reserve 2007 would be a good choice, because it is full of sweet, spicy, bonfire-smoked flavours of brambles and plum. This is a powerful and very good example of an often maligned varietal.

l Fizz fans should head to the Hotel du Vin in York, on Wednesday, October 28, for a Codorniu Sparkling Wine Masterclass presented by TV wine expert Joe Wadsack.

Pre-booked tickets cost £10. Email info@codorniu.co.uk or telephone 01892 500265, for more information and to book tickets.

• Las Moras Sauvignon Blanc 2008, £3.99 down from £5.29.

(October 19 to November 1) at Morrisons 16/20.

• Salomon “Groovey” Grüner Veltliner 2008, £7.49 at Oddbins 17/20.

• Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Argentinian Malbec 2007, £5 until October 20 at Sainsbury’s 19/20.

• Las Moras Shiraz 2008, £3.99 down from £5.33 (October 19 to November 1) at Morrisons 18/20.

Beyerskloof Pinotage Reserve 2007, £6.74 each when you buy two at Majestic 18/20.