with a nice French table wine at a reasonable price of about $15 or indulge in a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne for about $90.

As a young adult, when I began drinking wine, a French friend told me, "You can never go wrong buying a bottle of dry French wine. It can be a bit more costly for a fine one, but a good table bottle will do for just about any occasion.'' And she was ever so right.

One of Hamilton's best places to go for selection or advice is Gosling Brothers Ltd. on Front St. founded in 1806. They are experienced wine and spirit merchants; Gregory Alban , retail wine consultant, is very helpful and gives splendid suggestions! The staff are also helpful and friendly I love going there near Christmas time because they are so well stocked and you can smell the chocolate! Yes, those liqueur chocolates, "Famous Names'' in the box for $12. I like perusing their Christmas gift packages like the Ameretto gift set with 2 glasses and 1 fifth of Ameretto.

Mr. Alban advised, "I have noticed people are buying in larger quantities for the season. The main choice seems to be the 3 meter bottles, 1995 vintages from France. We have 950 plus selections of wine at this store. We carry 1981 3 5 6/88/89 Vintage Bordeaux.'' They make made to order gift baskets and offer free delivery Island wide.

Another choice wine shop is located in the Emporium on Front St, Wine Rack managed by John Robson. "We offer a world of fine wine and accessories.'' They have handsome displays and Mr. Robson knows his bottles.

Wine experts say there are basically five categories of wine styles: Red wine comes from black grapes which ferment with their skins.

Rose wine comes from black grapes without the stalks but the juice is separated once the correct pinkness is achieved.

Blush wine originates from California, is a new style of rose where the black grape skins are left to macerate for a short period with the must.

White wine comes from either black or white grapes.

Sparkling wine consists of a sugar solution and special yeast culture added to dry white wine. The wine is sealed and a secondary fermentation occurs.

Those `Famous Names' chocolates at all Gosling stores are tempting. Careful that the children don't nip into them! Fine wines from around the world at "Wine Rack'' in the Front St. Emporium.

John Robson, the manager, awaits to serve you.