Buy before the holidays, or after?

[Mike C]

I feel like this is a newbie question, but got to wondering. Here in the US, are prices generally better before, or after, Christmas & New Years? Or does it make no noticeable difference?

Cheers!

[Glenn E.]

I haven't really noticed a difference here in the US, so I don't think it really matters all that much. You might catch some general Christmas specials, but I don't recall ever seeing Port marked down specifically before the holidays.

In the UK, on the other hand... wow! They get some amazing sales on LBVs and reserves.

[Roy Hersh]

In January there are retailers who hold specials during the slow time of the year. They use the "inventory clearance" excuse for these sales, saying they are doing year end inventory and want to have less on hand to count. Nobody really believes this story, but for a few extra % off, why not. Then again, some will definitely be very competitive during the months of October and December when the beverage industry in the USA usually realizes approx. 40% of their annual sales during the 4th quarter, on a nationwide basis.

[Eric Menchen]

Take the deals when and where they come. As for before or after the holidays, I can't say I've noticed a measurable trend. I do think, but I haven't statistically measured this either, that in the spring when things start getting warmer, prices are relatively lower.

[Roy Hersh]

I've always felt that APRIL was prime time for Port buying, at least here in the USA.

[Andy Velebil]

I've also noticed more a dip around the spring time than in Jan/Feb, then prices seems to go up around mid summer for some reason. Lately though prices seems to be all over the map so I'd recommend always keeping some spare change on hand for when the deals pop up.

[Derek T.]

In the UK, on the other hand... wow! They get some amazing sales on LBVs and reserves.

I suppose if you think Croft Unfiltered LBV 2005 is a good deal at around £6 per bottle I'd have to agree with Glenn