Freedom of Choice: Thanks to improvements in both efficient transportation and import/export laws between countries, now more than ever, we have access to wines from all over the world. Opening these doors has allowed us wine lovers to explore parts of the world we might never visit but still get a sense of their style by trying their version of, say a Pinot Noir. It gives us the opportunity for different experiences and opens our minds to explore other cultures that may intrigue us even from the first sip. I can recall more than once trying a wine from a new and unknown part of the world, and afterwards going to Google to not only learn more about that region, but by default learn more about the area in it’s entirety. It’s my way of virtual traveling. If you prefer to support local, today’s perfected ability to graft wines from distant root stocks (think of Sangiovese being transported from Italy and being grafted on an American root stock in Paso Robles and grown locally) gives us the ability to bring other countries to us and make our version of their famous grapes. Consider trying both side by side and see what you prefer.
Savvy Shopper: The internet has done many great things since its boom, like allowing retailers to showcase their selections on a website to enable consumers from all over the world to have an opportunity to purchase their wines. This inevitably creates a way for consumers to compare different stores and help keep the prices in check amongst the shops. Thanks to shipping laws allowing many states to ship from one to another, you can even buy your favorite Loire Valley Sancerre from a shop in White Plains, New York and ship it to your vacation home in Florida. Other ways to use the web are to visit sites like Winesearcher.com that can provide a list of retailers who carry a specific wine you are in search of, and Cellartracker.com which displays reviews of select wines by wine lovers across the globe to help you make an educated decision on wines you may have an interest in purchasing.