So the 2013 Budget came out yesterday, leaving a trail of misery and desperation in its wake. The €1 added to the cost of every bottle of wine is hardly the most significant or damaging change, but it’s probably still one that you’ll want to think about in the run up to Christmas.
If the internet is to be believed, people were stocking up last night in a middle-class survivalist frenzy (check out this snap of a Tesco wine queue from Twitterer Elaine Edwards) but it looks like wine-based panic isn’t necessary just yet. Consumer journalist with the Independent Sinead Ryan says that Lidl have told her they won’t put up their prices before the end of the year – so there’s one source at least for good value wine.
If you know of any shops, especially independent wine shops, that are holding off on adding the €1 charge or otherwise softening a bit of the budget pain, share the details in the comments below.
Update: I was in Tesco in the Jervis Centre and they have signs up around their wine aisle saying that they will ‘hold their prices’ for Christmas. Knowing Tesco, this could be double-speak, but the wine prices didn’t seem to have increased, and you also get 25% off if you buy any six bottles, which is a pretty good deal.
Friday 7 December, 2012 at 9:22 am
This “middle class” label drives me mad. Anyway, I imagine most retailers are not passing it on until they restock. I highly recommend O’Briens for your Christmas wine. They deliver free, nationwide, on all online deliveries for Christmas. (I am in no way affiliated with O’Briens, just a very loyal customer. Hic)
Friday 7 December, 2012 at 12:24 pm
I don’t understand how people who are really squeezed can afford more than a bottle of wine every now and then. I just can’t. Even one bottle a week would mean an extra 7 or 8 euros (providing it’s on special. Most decent wines are over 10 euros and I would rather not drink than drink plonk), which would be enough to pay for 2 meals.
Bottom line is if you can afford the 8 euros a week, an extra euro won’t make a big difference. If like us, you can’t, then… well… let’s stick to the water while it’s still free
Friday 7 December, 2012 at 12:51 pm
duty on wine and beer has increased consistently over the years, yet the actual cost in supermarkets and off-licenses has gone down due to competition. The extra euro won’t make a huge difference in the long run – suppliers will probably get squeezed by the likes of Tesco though.
Saturday 8 December, 2012 at 9:03 am
Curious Wines and Wines Direct are both keeping their prices down until Chhristmas.
Thursday 13 December, 2012 at 10:51 am
Wines Direct are only keeping their prices down for their Christmas special offers. They have put up the prices on the rest of their wine.
Thursday 27 December, 2012 at 5:10 pm
If you want a ready supply of table wine, just make your own from kits. Works out about a euro per bottle. Easy.