THE January sales are on . . . and this year there are some mouthwatering discounts on offer. Most of the major supermarkets and off-licences are discounting the prices of wines and champagnes, perhaps anticipating the after-Christmas slump.

Here is the pick of some of the offers that can be found.

MARKS and Spencer is greeting 2003 with up to 30 per cent off a selection of more than 60 wines, encompassing well established names from France, Spain and Australia.

A January sale at Oddbins aims to clear the path for new vintages and arrivals in 2003. A massive selection of discounts range from a modest 50 pence saving to the more enticing £3 off bottles of the more expensive champagnes and whiskies.

Savings of up to 20 per cent are on offer at Somerfield. But particularly look out for the special promotions which will happen on certain weeks throughout the month.

These include savings of up to £2 on £4.99 bottles of wine.

SHERRY has to be the world's most versatile, yet overlooked, drink.

The fortified wine from southern Spain has an unfair reputation for being old fashioned. But it makes a perfect aperitif, can be served with almost every smoked food and is wonderful to cook with.

Two very good, and reasonably priced, varieties are on sale at Aldi. Fletcher's Amontillado Sherry and Fletcher's Cream Sherry, are both just £3.29.

FOR many, January is a month of abstinence. Having over-indulged throughout Christmas and New Year there are those who make a conscious decision to stay off the alcohol at least for a week or so.

And for those who fall into that category, it is worth trying a new soft drink on the market. Shloer's new Real Fruit Blend is a natural fruit based drink offered in a range of flavours.

These include apple and blackberry with a burst of blackcurrant, orange and raspberry with a splash of cranberry, and lemon and lime with a hint of elderflower.

They are priced at £1.99 for 500ml and must be diluted with water -- delicious either hot or cold.