Wines online . . . and on your doorstep within a day or two. Doesn't that take the slog out stocking up for Christmas entertaining? Here are a few of the switched-on companies who can save time, trouble and backache.
Burgundy Direct is Ireland's best source of rigorously selected Burgundy from small, quality-driven growers; a wide spread of regions, prices, starry names. The list also embraces Alsace, the Loire, Champagne, the Midi, Italy and Spain and Argentina, making Conor Richardson an excellent onestop shop. Sales by the case, which can be mixed. Delivery in Dublin free.
HOT TIPS: unbelievably classy MaconClessi Quintaine, Guillemot-Michel, 1996 (£11.35); subtle and delicious Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Domaine Francois Gerbet, 1996 (£10.95); tempting Givry 1er Cru, Domaine Joblot, 1997 (£11.95). email burgundy@indigo.ie
Wines Direct, a mail order veteran, has worked hard to ensure that its all-French list is studded with well-priced, characterful wines. Bordeaux, the starting point, dominates the Christmas selection; Burgundy and the Loire are in there too, but never forget that Paddy Keogh has unearthed some stunners from the south of France. Sales by the case (which can be mixed); delivery within two working days.
HOT TIPS: fruity white Bordeaux Chateau Bertinerie 1998 (£7.25); smooth and ample white Burgundy Domaine de la Condemine Macon-Peronne 1997 (£8.75); dark, smoulderingly rich Domaine Gardiis Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel 1996 (£8.75). www.winesdirect.com, email winesdirect@wines-direct.com
Mitchell & Son has a comprehensive website - and a comprehensive business, rich in top-end fine wines but increasingly well-endowed with tasty, inexpensive wines for everyday drinking. Delivery countrywide, no minimum order size.
HOT TIPS: smart, citrus-fresh Chardonnay alternative, Hill of Hope Verdelho, Hunter Valley, 1998 (£8.95); hugely popular Mitchells Claret 1996 (£7.95 ); Tuscan gem Le Volte, Tenute dell'Ornellaia 1996 (£11.95). http://MitchellAndSon.com, email wines@mitchellandson.com
Pettitts Supermarkets has a cracking selection of wines at keen prices, and offer free delivery in the five towns where it is located - Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, Arklow and Athy.
HOT TIPS from the new Winter Collection: fresh, almondy Dietrich Pinot Blanc, Alsace, 1998 (£6.99); gutsy Chateau Pech-Celeyran, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape 1997 (£6.49); fullbodied but lively Pomino Bianco, Frescobaldi, 1997 (£8.99). www.pettitts.ie
Karwig Wines, tucked away in Carrigaline, is reaching the wider public it deserves via the net. Hooray! Joe Karwig has an eclectic, fascinating list. His native Germany is a special forte, but Spain and Italy also emerge strongly and France is well represented from the classics down.
HOT TIPS: fruit-packed, organic white Domaine du Rey, Cotes de Gascogne, 1998 (£6.00); plummy red Barone Cornacchia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 1997 (£6.99); classy Spaniard De Muller Priorat Legitim 1995 (£8.99). www.karwig-wines.ie, email info@karwig-wines.ie
David Dennison Fine Wines, Waterford's most serious wine merchant, has loyal customers way beyond the southeast - in part because Dennison sells the producers he champions with so much conviction. France predominates; other strengths are South Africa, Spain, Australia. One case or less delivered within 24 hours; courier service on bigger orders.
HOT TIPS: glorious white Burgans Albarino 1997 (£11); gulpable red Chateau les Ganfards Bergerac 1997 (£7.95). email ddfw@tinet.ie