10. There are so many ways that consumers are able to purchase wine these days. In the past, most would purchase everyday wine directly from a grocery store or liquor store. Now, we have the Internet for online auctions, specialty wine clubs, and we can even buy directly from the winery.
The grocery store may sell a small selection of wines or they may even contain a wine department that specializes in affordable drinking wines and occasional wine tastings. Wine specialty shops are able to help you with your selection and usually carry wines that are harder to get if you are looking for something special. They may also have wine tastings. Wine retailers in the US, such as ABC Liquors or Total Wine, may even have publications or newsletters they distribute to help you with your selections by describing the wine or region. They may offer a bigger selection and the wine tastings are fun.
Wine auctions can be located online and through different catalogs, publications or wine clubs. Try to find out the background of the wine prior to purchasing. Sometimes they will let you taste the wine during pre-sale and other times the wine may have no history. Find out if they liked the wine or not and if it comes in complete cases or if there is one or two bottles missing from the case. That may let you know that the previous owners may not have liked that particular wine. If you know your wines and the history of the wine, you may get by with a great deal.
Online, you can find some specialty wine clubs. Again, make sure that the wine is the quality that you are looking for. Some wine clubs offer bargain wines that they are trying to get off of their hands. Other wine clubs offer very exclusive wines that you cannot get anywhere else but in their club. You may want to check out the club in full detail prior to joining.
My favorite way to purchase wine is directly from the winery by joining their club and having shipments sent to my home. They give you privileges with the wine club, such as free wine tours or tastings and specialty wines that are only made for their wine club members. They also make you feel very special when you visit or call.
If you can, go to the wineries and try their wines and purchase the ones that you like. This is convenient if you are in the area because you are able to pick your favorites without having to worry about what it might taste like. In the US, this is common but in other parts of the world, you may not be able to buy directly from the winery.
You can buy directly from the winery online if they have a Web site where they sell their wines. Hopefully if in the US, you are in one of the states that are able to receive wine shipments. Florida used to be one of those states that were not allowed to have wine shipments, but now some of the counties in Florida are allowed to receive wine shipments.
Beware of shipping charges. The convenience of not having to leave your home might offset the shipping costs. The wine is shipped in crates on their side as opposed to the bottle being straight up unless you buy your wine by the case. What is best about buying this way? It is coming from the winery directly to you so you will know what you are getting and it is guaranteed to be winery quality.
Let me know of how you like to buy your wines. I am sure there are many other routes not mentioned.
Be nice, funny, or educational with your response!
Bon Vin!
Veronica
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