Cheap Wine Discoveries

Wine Exploration on a Budget

Crazy about wine? Or do you just like a bottle with dinner now and then? Either way, we are all looking for a good value. Not everyone has an amazing wine cellar at home to pick from when the wine mood strikes. Most of us are hitting our local grocery stores or wine shops looking for the next bottle. I have a small collection at the house, but if I dipped into it every time I had guests over, which is quite often, it wouldn’t exist. I do believe that great wines are meant to be consumed and shared with friends, but let’s be honest…I am not popping the cork on my 1982 Mouton for a barbecue attended by several of my Miller Lite drinking friends (I love them anyway!) I am also just like most people nowadays and I am not looking to break the bank so I can pick up a case of wine for entertaining.

So, what I have been doing for a few months now is simple. I go to my local market, which has a decent little wine selection, including many wines under $10 a bottle. I don’t spend my time examining the labels or over thinking my purchase. I just grab 5 or 6 cheap bottles and take my chances. Does this sound a little crazy, especially considering I am definitely into wine? Not at all! I have discovered some great little gems mixed in on those under $10 shelves that I never would have discovered if I was being a little pickier. Of course I also discover a few wines that are clearly overpriced and should be relegated to the $3 cooking wine shelf, but for a cost of less than $10 I don’t mind the learning experience. The lousy wines get put on the “Oh my. Never again!” list, and the little gems become great go-to wines for large gatherings at the house. You might be surprised how many wonderful wines I have found, including a $6 Zinfandel, a $9 Pinot Noir and an $8 Cabernet. Wine Spectator won’t be releasing scores on these wines anytime soon, but they have been delightful to drink and many friends have enjoyed them. So, try it yourself the next time you are at your local store. Grab a few bottles of cheap wine, take your chances, and maybe you too will discover some surprises for under $10. At the very least, you will have fun trying. Cheers!