Sam Wylie-Harris suggests some top tipples to add another tier to your sarnie in the countdown to Sandwich Week

Ahead of British Sandwich Week (May 8 to 14), why not add more bite to your bap or spice to your sarnie by choosing a wine to accompany the filling... and give this much-loved staple a touch of sophistication.

Whether it's a triple-decker or a sub, chicken is our favourite fill and we devour more than 11.5 billion sandwiches each year, so it's definitely worth trying a new combo and topping off your lunch box with a bunch of grapes.

So simple but utterly delicious, egg mayonnaise works surprisingly well with a champagne made from 100% chardonnay, such as Sainsbury's Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV (£18 from £20 until May 17). Fizz pairs well with the strong eggy flavour, while the fruity tones complement the creaminess of the sandwich - and explains why egg mayo graces the menu on so many champagne afternoon teas!

Here are some other pairings that deserve top billing...

The Co-operative Prosecco, Italy (£6.99, The Co-operative)

A brut (drier style) rather than the usual medium sweet (extra dry), these delicate Italian bubbles taste divine with a prosciutto, tomato and rocket baguette. The delightful peachy aromatics and fresh, fruity palate complements the sweet, saltiness of the ham and the pear notes harmonize with the peppery herbal flavours of the rocket.

Gran Vista Garnacha 2015, Spain (£4.99, The Co-operative)

New to the range and unbeatable value, this lip-smacking red works brilliantly with a cheese and pickle sandwich. A beloved favourite and our second choice in the sandwich stakes, the sweet and juicy black fruits play against the pickle and the wine tempers the tangy sharpness of the cheddar with its sun-ripened fruit. A great excuse to bring out the Branston.

Duo des Mers Sauvignon Viognier, France (£5.95, www.thewinesociety.com)

A breezy blend of sauvignon blanc and viognier that's lifted and mouthwatering, try this seaside white with a sweet chilli crayfish sandwich. The zesty gooseberry and grapefruit of the sauvignon leads the way and sits well with the flowery richness, spice and apricot fruit of the viognier and tastes delicious with spicy seafood.

Taste the Difference Padthaway Shiraz 2014, Australia (£6 from £8, now until May 17, Sainsbury's)

One of the nation's favourites, there's nothing more satisfying than the taste of a BLT and this smooth, easy drinking shiraz will enrich salty bacon, crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes with its dark and plummy purple fruits, savoury oak and subtle spice with a supple texture that's perfect for springtime sipping.

La Croix des Celestins Fleurie 2014, France (£6.99 Lidl)

Sometimes it's nice to stick to the classics and a light, refreshing Beaujolais with its floral characters and savoury cherry fruits tinged with an earthy note can be extremely quaffable with a roast beef sandwich and a generous spread of horseradish.

Markus Huber Gruner Veltliner 2014, Traisental, Austria (£7.99 from £10.79, until May 10, Waitrose)

Light in colour, but long in flavour, this refreshing dry white is a delightful introduction to the wines of Austria and its hero grape, gruner veltliner. The citrusy orchard fruits are powered by a stony minerality with hints of white pepper and a perfect choice with prawn mayonnaise.

Newton Johnson Southend Chardonnay 2014, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa (£14.49, www.laithwaites.co.uk)

A wine to win friends and enjoy with a chicken sandwich (our all star choice that accounts for 31% of sarnies bought), this gorgeous chardonnay majors on succulent peachy fruit and deftly balances a creamy richness with a juicy freshness and well-managed oak. A label to love, Newton Johnson's range of premium wines are worth seeking out.

For more info on Sandwich Week, visit www.sandwich.org.uk

BEST BUY

Best of the south west... A superb Cornish classic, why not try a tankard of Tribute Ale (4.2% abv, 12 x 50cl bottles, £25, www.staustellbreweryshop.co.uk) the next time you tackle a Cornish pasty or ploughman's platter. Light and hoppy with orange and grapefruit flavours, balanced by biscuity malt, it's refreshingly good.

LIQUID NEWS

Stone me... Fashion designer Giles Deacon has teamed up with the organisers behind Heathrow Airport's month-long whisky experience to create a set of top-of-the-range bespoke whisky stones, complete with custom pouch, which will be offered as an exclusive gift to customers who spend £70 or more on whisky.

Taking place in all Heathrow terminals from April 27 to May 25, the Whisky Experience is designed to give passengers the opportunity to taste and learn more about this popular spirit. From travel exclusives by renowned distillers, to premium single malt whiskies, there are more than 300 different whiskies on sale and a number of experts will be on hand during May to introduce people to the range.

"I'm a huge fan of whisky and particularly enjoy sipping on Japanese blends whenever I travel, so what better way to keep my drink cool than to add a couple of hand-crafted whisky stones to my tumbler," says Deacon.

"The inspiration for my design came from a print inspired by the Victorian textile designer and writer William Morris. I love the idea that passengers can take a little inspiration from British history with them on their travels from Britain's most iconic airport."

The highest selling beverage, approximately 1.1 million bottles of whisky are sold at Heathrow every year with Johnnie Walker the number one best selling brand.

For more information on the whisky stones, visit your.heathrow.com