The common wisdom, primarily based upon historic patterns after 9/11, is that people in crises stop going to restaurants and begin buying wines from grocery stores to save money. I don’t think wine is a save money item. I disagree with most writers. I don’t think grocery stores sell lower quality wine. The truth is that the restaurant experience is more costly. Here is why I, regardless of the economy am willing to pay the cost. Some wines do cross over from restaurant to store shelf, but it is restaurants that have the larger selection of wines. The majority of them cannot be found at stores. I think of restaurants as big tasting rooms where you can try lots of different wines with food. I also think wine exists to enhance meals. The fun thing about wine is that it not only stimulates your tastes buds, but it stimulates your brain. That requires companionship. That pretty much is my life. I believe in fun, intelligent companions, great wines, and delicious meals. I also admit that I like to see people dressed up, looking as good and being as beautiful as they can be. As for the extra cost, there is a cost to always having a clean table, the correct wine glasses, no dishes to clean, and the occasional meeting of eyes across the room. That is why I go to restaurants as often as I can.