The thing I love most about the Christmas meal is that for once I am not the only one fussing and worrying about what wine to serve. 

I am writing this week’s column outside in the garden such is the weather at the moment. It is not just the Irish that are obsessed with the weather, however — talk to any grape grower or winemaker.

THE Government’s proposal to introduce minimum pricing on alcohol following the recent budget increases will probably mean an end to the €5 bottle of wine in the supermarket.

Today I’m looking at a wine sale in Tesco, but I have to begin with a reminder that can’t be repeated often enough.