Retail pricing of wines is so amazing.  From one store to another the prices can change dramatically, with huge differences--not to mention the monstrous mark-up in restaurants.  I often find it hard to order wine in a restaurant that I either have at home or I know it only costs a fraction of the price on the wine list, but...a meal isn't complete without wine as an accompanient, so I guess it's worth the extra cost.

I guess the true nature of a "bargain hunter" takes over when I'm shopping.  I love to take advantage of the closeouts that I frequently run into--bargains that can't be ignored!  Getting rid of wines to make room for new ones is a wise shopper's dream, and knowing the difference between a Vin de Pays and Grand Cru classes is a must when bargain shopping.  You may find the "buy of a lifetime" and will want to take full advantage by purchasing more than one bottle.  

Sale tag shoppers (otherwise knows as STS) can make that dollar stretch even more.  Take notice of the expiration of the sale and shop accordingly.

This is a little bit of trivia I found to be so interesting I thought I'd share with you.  Around 1900, German Mosel wine, a light, elegant and racy wine was highly valued and appreciated everywhere! Remarkable was the price comparison between the top international wines.  At the turn of that century, Mosel Rieslings commanded higher prices than wines like Ch. Haut Brion or Ch. Yquem!  (see photos below)

I'm afraid those days are over; we'll never see that again.  Talk about flip-flopping!

Marie Griffin, North West Florida

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