Open any wine magazine these days and you will be sure to find an article on the economy. Just yesterday, I received a “wine alert” that, while US wine sales were up by 1% in 2008, last year marked the slowest growth in the past decade. Seems the industry grew by 4% in 2007. Further, the sales of lower priced wines are positioned to soar in 2009 leaving high-end wines in the dust. And if the media keeps spreading the news that we are buying cheaper wines….we probably will. But is it really chic to be cheap? I say no. Instead, take advantage of the fact that we may be eating at home more nights a week than 2008 by upping the quality of the wine you sip. Afterall, opening a bottle of high-end wine at home is way more economical that uncorking the same bottle at a restaurant. Best bet, continue to support the industry at all price points and cheap out on something else….Cheers.
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About the Author: Marianne Frantz
A Certified Wine Educator, Marianne holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) of London, and has also earned the Advanced Sommelier qualification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. After successfully participating in an educational competition sponsored by the Wines of Australia in the spring of 2008, Marianne became an educational Ambassador for Wine Australia USA. She is also a Certified Spanish Wine Educator.