Buying Supermarket Wine - Folly or Fortune?
For most wine drinkers a trip to the local supermarket is sufficient enough to fill everyday needs.
Occaisionally, maybe when in need of advice, guidance or something a bit special, a trip to the local wine merchants fits the bill.
Others may join a wine club and buy case lots and others might take a pilgrimage to vineyards and buy their favourite tipple direct.
Either way, it's fair to say that most consumers will buy wine at a supermarket at some point.
So what is it about supermarlet wines that gets people bent out of shape about the wine's quality? Why the stigma?
Mass-produced, cheap 'n nasty, non-age-worthy and crap are some of the descriptors I have heard. But is it? Are Supermarket wines folly or fortune?
Well, it all depends on what you are looking for and where you get it.
Most supermarkets bulk buy, theres no secret there. The power of bulk buying resulting in a lower price per unit for the buyer is simple business savvy.
Up until recently many of the big supermarket chains did sell cheap and cheerful bulk wines from the countries producing them and consumers loved it....initially.
Wine was available to Jo public at affordable prices and for many the journey into wine started. There were many choices and countries to learn from and it didn't cost a fortune.
Comments
by pearl - pretty ... (not verified) May 27, 2015 Permalink
I'm originally from France but now live in Australia and I must admit I kind of miss the wine aisles at French supermarkets. There's so much more choice there and the wine is also much cheaper.
I think you're right though, expensive wines are probably best bought directly from a producer or a specialty wine store.I've bought a few corked wines from supermarkets before and that's always a very sad experience, especially when it's an expensive wine hehe.
by di May 27, 2015 Permalink
Thanks Pearl - yes you have to like the wine prices in France €5 or even lower can get you a great bottle.
by Casey @ Travell... (not verified) May 28, 2015 Permalink
It is a shame in Australia they don't sell wine in the supermarkets. Being a Kiwi, I am use to it in the NZ supermarkets but since moving to Perth I have missed it. It's nice to be able to do the grocery shop and wine shop at the same time!
However if I was after an expensive bottle I would definitely head to a wine shop rather than the supermarket to ensure that all important quality! Great article :)
by Nicole - Champa... (not verified) May 31, 2015 Permalink
It's interesting you say that Casey, there is plenty of supermarkets with a wine section on the east coast. The wine is often big brand and not terribly interesting though.
by Nicole - Champa... (not verified) May 31, 2015 Permalink
Great post. We have a huge supermarket based wine industry in Australia (not as big as the UK but approaching it). Generally I find supermarkets here stock the mainstream large wineries. Often reasonable quality, at bulk buying prices. We also have a lot of specialty liquor supermarkets- huge stores that only stock alcohol, some of the wines are from small producers. Like you, i do wonder how it is handled though- I know they are careful about storage conditions but I do wonder how long some of the corked bottles stand up on the shelf before sale. Bit less of an issue with our massive screw top culture.
by Nicole - Champa... (not verified) May 31, 2015 Permalink
Oh no, my comment was just deleted I think.
This is a great post. I definitely agree with not buying expensive wine. I always wonder how long the cork-sealed bottles have been standing up on the shelves.
Thanks for linking up again to #Winenot
by di May 31, 2015 Permalink
Thanks for your comments Nicole. Mainstream stuff for sure is what is generally on the shelves which is ok is that's what you're after.
In Canada they have separate stores for wine, beer and spirits which is a pain if you just want a quick bottle. It's also extremely expensive given the taxes over there so i'm quite content now that i'm here in the land of affordable vino!
by Louise at Willu... (not verified) May 31, 2015 Permalink
In Australia, while alcohol is not sold in supermarkets, the supermarkets often own bottle shops right next door to the supermarkets. In fact, our alcohol retail market is dominated by our two supermarket chains, Coles & Woolworths.
It is largely well known, high volume wineries, many with good quality, or home brands.
There are gems to be found, especially in the 'bargain bin'!
I try to shop at cellar doors, through mailing lists with wineries, or independent bottle shops though. They tend to have more interesting selections and more money ends up in the winemaker/winery's pocket.
Thanks for linking up through #WINENOT!
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