No matter how much the economy slumps, people have to buy food, cosmetics, heat, -- even coffins. Wine consumers would add that wine is a necessity, no matter how tight money becomes.

The Wine Market Council, an industry promotional group, agrees, as it predicts positive trends for the wine business in 2009. In 2008, the group says, wine consumption in the United States increased for the 15th consecutive year. We Americans passed Italy in total wine consumption and now rank only behind France. It reminds of what Napoleon said of champagne: In victory you deserve it; in defeat you need it.

National data show that while consumers are still buying as much wine, they are spending less, that is stocking their cellars with less expensive wines. How national trends impact on us in rural southern Indiana is part of our subject here.

In the video, Ole and John F. Davis, co-owner of Hoosier Buddy Liquors in Nashville, Indiana, discuss that impact.