Readers of this column may be getting tired of my raising the issue of excise duty on wine but bear with me for just a few sentences. 

THE sad news of the death of Paddy Keogh of Wines Direct was announced recently and this column would like to extend sympathies to his family and work colleagues. 

THESE are not good days to be a wine lover, but spare a thought for anyone foolish enough to turn their love of wine into a career.

ALTHOUGH increasing numbers of us buy our wine at the supermarkets, this week I want to encourage you to remember the independent wine shops who can often provide more variety and unusual styles.