Down from 2020, but up from all other years. The exploding interest in champagne, and drastically increased German purchases (increased over what was already a lot) are responsible.
66% lower in 2021 compared to 2020.
85% less than my all time high.
Most likely will be at this level or lower, as Iāve basically cut retail (save for the occasional lower-cost sparkler) and am sticking with two direct to consumer wineries.
Whoa! I just looked and it was much much higher than I expected. It was a high year for me too since Iām about to retire and wanted to beef up the cellar.
I have plenty of respect for people who budget and track, and then on top of that each of us has different financial situations. But just speaking for myself and with no judgment of anyone else, the hobby is more enjoyable and less stressful when I donāt keep track of the dollars, the numbers of bottles, the rise and fall of my collection size, and all of that.
On a smaller point, I also agree that itās nice not to be able to answer the probing and critical questions about it.
For at least five years Iāve been intending to start shrinking my wine inventory. I have yet to make a dent.
Covid has not helped. About half the wine I open used to be consumed at group dinners with family or friends, or parties. Not in the last couple of years.
It also has not helped that other dining, entertainment, and travel expenses have been reduced, so it doesnāt seem like Iām spending much money.
This year, forces like smoke taint, prices that seem outrageous, and utter lack of space are going to make me reduce my stock to what I can fit in the wine cellar. I swear!