Are you one of those oenophile’s who likes to splurge on some high-end quality vino during the holiday season, or does the current economic state have you thinking twice and sticking with the rum-enhanced, cholesterol-heavy egg nog?

We went to the Sherlock’s weekly Saturday (free!) tasting this past week and it was their annual “Holiday Tasting” lineup, which we make sure we never miss.  However, one thing I noticed immediately was that the most expensive wine on the tasting list was only $89.99.  I say “only” because last year there were a couple of $200-300 bottles on the list.  I didn’t get a chance to learn why this was, mainly because the steward didn’t know and claimed the owner is the one who chooses and he was not around.  But, I wonder if this is indicative of the the economy and that we can expect more of this in the wine world in 2009 and possibly 2010+?

I also have noticed that at several of our favorite wine stops there are more empty shelf space that gives these places an eerie empty warehouse feel and certainly not the warm and fuzzy feeling I like to get when buying and drinking wine.  But, on the bright side, maybe we will soon be able to enjoy more of the higher-end, prestigious wines at much more reasonable prices!

So, which is it for you this holiday season?  For us, we will be enjoying some chewy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Seavey and Newton most likely with the traditional Christmas meal.  However, we will, of course, have our normal selection of value wines to enjoy the rest of the time with family and friends.

Merry Christmas and Cheers to a Happy New Year!