DON’T BE AFRAID OF A BOX WINE OR A SCREW CAP BOTTLE,
IT DOESN’T NEED A CORK IN IT TO BE GOOD.
your fancy and shop around, that is part of the adventure.
You’ll meet new friends and develop a relationship with a
local purveyor or two. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions
of a fellow wine shopper or the owner. Buying by the case
provides a much deeper discount, 10%-20%, depending on
the store. Once you have established a relationship with a
local wine shop, discuss their opinions and what they may
have on closeout. I hit the jackpot one day at a local shop I
frequent. I walked in and asked what they had on closeout,
once shown and I knew what I was buying, I drove home
with three cases of wine. A bonus for both of us. He was
able to generate some cash flow and I, some wine flow. Try
buying from a warehouse club and be sure to check local
newspapers for coupons. Do not equate expensive with
good. The Oenonomy Society of the United State did a
study and found that 80% of wine drinkers cannot tell the
difference between a vineyards regular and reserve bottles!
I have been dabbling with wine for over 35 years and
I’m still learning and trying wines from all parts of the
world. My original mission was very simple, I did not want
to go out to dinner and be taken advantage of by some
restaurateur. If I were to make a choice for the meal and
that bottle was not available, I wanted to be able to make an
informed decision on my own for what else would go with
the meal. This effort could be with or without the help of the
sommelier. Always take some guidance from the waiter or
sommelier and, if possible, if the wine is by the pour (glass)
ask for a sample prior to ordering. I do this all the time and
the wait staff will accommodate you. Get what you want,
you are paying for it. If you think a wine might be corked or
off in taste, inform the wait staff. I sent three bottles back
one evening, because they were corked. Yes, the owner came
over each time and agreed. It can happen, this is where
being an informed wine drinker pays off.
We have so many great resources today at our
fingertips, your Smart Phone is really your best friend in
getting wine info quick. Please remember that the Wine
Journey is your destination! Don’t be afraid of a box
wine or a screw cap bottle, it doesn’t need a cork in it to
be good. Join a wine