From today online retailers, supermarkets and off - licences will donate a proportion of their sales to help disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa as part of Wine Relief 2013.

A total of 87 specially selected wines will be sold by Laithwaite’s, Majestic, Naked Wines, Virgin Wines, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Oddbins and Selfridges in the run up to Red Nose Day on Friday March 15, with 10% of the retail price going to Comic Relief.

The event was created by Jancis Robinson MW, and has raised £4 million since 1999. “Most of us add wine to our weekly shop, so it makes sense to pick up a bottle that’s part of Wine Relief. It’s about making the choice to choose a bottle that leaves a good taste in your mouth, not only because it’s a great wine, but more importantly because you’re helping to raise money for Comic Relief at the same time,” Robinson said.

TV presenter Claudia Winkleman suggested holding a retro wine and cheese tasting party to raise money for Comic Relief. “Cheese and pineapple on a stick in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, sounds like the perfect night in,” she said.