Observations from a novice: Week 10: The promise of the festive season

Since last week, we have held two tastings and the topic of conversation at both has been what impact will the current economic climate have on the wine industry.

Well, when I started writing these blogs, my intention was to distract myself from any thought on the subject of the economy and try to enjoy our new and gradually expanding business. But I guess there comes a moment for us all when the economy slowly catches up, jogs along side for a while and then overtakes, waving as it passes...and then all you have left is its backside in your face for the rest of the undefined journey.

So the big debate...what will happen in January? Will shops add new lines or won't they? Will the wine industry feel the full impact of the economic challenges or not? What on earth, is going to happen?

Now I am one of these people who tries to avoid the impact of these debates on my own person circumstances, will jovially respond and then go away and secretly try and plan for adverse circumstances. But I can honestly say, in this situation, who can reasonably plan ahead? Economic predictions seem to change like the weather and consumer responses seem to be equally unpredictable. Some wine merchants are anticipating the worst and some seem to be having a better time than feared putting it down to the trend towards fine (or at least better) dining at home instead of in restaurants. Others put it down to consumers' resolve not to let what is reported on the news significantly influence the few things they really enjoy.

At the end of the day, it is a mixed bag of views and motivations that at this time of the year, at least, I refuse to get into the endless debate on. At the end of the day, no one really knows what will happen in January, apart from January, so my philosophy is enjoy the festive season as much as possible, carpe diem as far as sales are concerned and, when new year comes, lets grasp hands for Auld Lang Syne and not let go until we are through whatever storm or sunshine comes our way.

Lucy Khoneizer is the owner of new (and hopefully very successful) company, Lebanese Fine Wines.

• Harpers Says...