This is a column for the couch potato set. Make that the wine-loving couch potato set, as what follows is a rundown on places that, with the aid of nothing more than a phone call or a mouse, will deliver wines from around the world. Cheers. Aeve Baldwin

Village Cellars
For twelve years Village Cellars has been importing and delivering wines from Australia and New Zealand. Their catalog lists about 200 reds, whites, sparkling wines and port that, with a phone call or fax, will be delivered anywhere in the country. For orders in Honshu placed before noon, delivery is the following day. You may also specify the date of delivery (great for gifts), have your selection gift-wrapped or arrive with a message.

The prices are reasonable, though the temptation, as with any pay later scheme, is to order away and nurse your shock later with, naturally, a glass of wine. Orders over JY7500 entitle the buyer to an automatic discounted Service Price.

Some choice samples: Yellowglen Methode Ch. Rose (JY2340), a sparkling Cabernet; Frankland Estate Olmo' Reward (JY3560), a sumptuous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cab Sauv, Malbec and Petit Verdot; Ninth Island Pinot Noir (JY2180), a light-bodied wine from Pipers Brook, Tasmania; and Orlando Jacob's Creek Chardonnay (JY1140), very good value for the price.

To order a catalogue call 0120-1068-76, fax 0766-72-8681 or email order@village-cellars.co.jp


Masutoh International Liquor Shop
A wine and cigar shop that delivers for free in the Kanto area, with the exception of discount specials. Masutoh is currently in the midst of its Italian Wine Fair, offering a fairly extensive selection of Italian wines, ranging from JY1190 to JY25,000. Owner Stuart Ablett reports that they're also taking orders for this year's Beaujolais Nouveau. "This year the weather has been just about perfect in France, so the Beaujolais Nouveau is going to be very good. If you order before November 13 we have a special discount. This is one of the products for which free delivery does not apply, but a case only costs about JY1000 to deliver, though we accept orders of only one bottle of wine."

To order call 03-3351-1087 or 090-8102-6222, or fax 03-3225-5843, email info@masutoh.com or see homepage.

The store is located at 6-29 Yochomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Open 11am to midnight Mon-Sat, 6-11pm Sun. Closed the second Wed of every month.


Alcotrade
The name says it all. Order wine, beer, spirits, cheese and gift sets online and pay by credit card, COD or bank transfer. Wines are classified by country and type, and hail from California, Italy, South Africa, Switzerland, and more. As yet the California offerings are limited to two Sonoma wineries, Dry Creek and Geyser Peak, but there are 22 selections from Switzerland and 23 Italian wines. It's hard to beat the ease of purchasing or the reasonable prices.

To order go to www.alcotrade.com or call 03-5702-0620 during office hours.