January is a time to look ahead in hope and my main hope for 2018 is that independent, quality wine shops can stay in business. 

April has been declared ‘Natural Wine Month’ by Le Caveau wine merchants in Kilkenny which specialises in organic, bio-dynamic and ‘natural’ wines.

IN CASE you haven’t heard the rumour there is talk of duty being increased on wine in the budget once again this year so I, for one, am beginning to stock up.