Ok, I am passionate about eating out, wine at happy hour, and travel. What can I say — I want wine, not water! Now it seems that my passion is on a collision course with my husband's obsession with the economy. Alas, it seems nothing, including wine, is immune to the recession. In the August 31 issue of Wine Spectator, three articles address the impact of today's economy on charitable giving, on wine in restaurants, and on our spending habits.

Charitable Giving

In June, there were 600 bidders and 200 vintners who attended the 2009 Auction Napa Valley to buy wine and support local charities, including such worthy causes as the Community Health Clinic Ole, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Napa Valley Community Housing. Alas, this year's 4-day event raised a total of $5.7 million; last year the event brought in $10.4 million. This money is certainly a boost to the charitable agencies, but it does show that "high end" buying is down. According to the article, next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Auction Napa Valley. Let's hope it is a banner year!

Buying Power

So what does the recession mean to the restaurant business and wine consumption when we dine out? In the article The Best Wine Lists of 2009, I read that "every restaurant in New York City is down at least 20 percent" according to Paul Grieco, owner of three top Manhattan restaurants: Hearth, Insieme and Terroir. In response, some restaurants are scaling back on inventory, decreasing selections, or eliminating the position of sommelier. However, there is good news; in their 2009 Wine List Awards program, The Wine Spectator honored 3845 restaurants for pouring excellent wine. Also on a "glass half full" note, Inez Ribustello, owner of On the Square in Tarboro NC, finds that a lot of distributors are liquidating their inventory and it is a great time for bargain hunters to buy.

Spending Habits

In his article What you're drinking now, Thomas Matthews summarizes survey results that show how the recession is affecting wine consumers. Most of us did not find it surprising that people have cut back on their wine spending compared to a year ago. Strategies to save include many who still enjoy their favorites but drink less of them, more who are seeking value wines, and others who are drinking from their cellars rather than purchasing new wines. I must admit that I did find it surprising that a year ago one woman spent more that $100 on wine at a restaurant once a week and now she is spending it only about once-a-month. In my household, it had better to a very special occasion to consider this kind of spending — but then I did say my husband's passion is the economy! I think we are more in line with the woman from the Northeast who does the research and spends more time looking for the "really good but really cheap bottle."

Still, as I said, I want wine, not water! But, I should be OK for now. If you look at the price of boutique bottled water these days, it's no bargain either.