WINE RESOLUTION: Enjoy Better Wine, while Saving Time & Money
The most delicious resolutions you’ll ever follow

1. Buy in quantity.

The easiest and smartest way to improve your wine enjoyment is to buy in quantity. Just six bottles earns you an easy 10% off; a case of 12 nets you 15% off! Buying wine by the bunch lets you mix and match type and price, so you can try different wines for different occasions. You’ll save money, and you’ll have something on hand when you need it.

2. Get out of your wine rut–Explore!

Resolve to branch out and explore something new– try a different region or a new grape. Let the crackerjack staff at VINTAGES ease you into some new selections – or shake up your palate if that’s what you’re after.  Just mention how or when you drink wine; some wines are brilliant with a meal, but aren’t the best for stand-alone sipping. Our wine consultant will make just the right recommendation.

3. Follow your favorite wines every vintage!

One of the best and most enjoyable ways to learn what good, authentic wine is all about – find some favorites and buy them EVERY YEAR! By drinking wine from the same producer every year, you will gain a greater appreciation of “terroir” –how a particular place and the unfolding drama of the growing season affect the wine’s character. A few guidelines: first, choose a quality producer–someone who goes the extra mile in both vineyard and cellar to make the best possible wine with whatever nature gives them. Next, choose a region that experiences vintage variation and producers that are not afraid to show it: best bets are the traditional regions of France, Italy, and cooler climates in Oregon and northern California.

Don’t be dissuaded by a less than great vintage –have the confidence of your convictions and buy your favorites year in and year out. If you’ve selected skilled, artisan winemakers with good land, you will have enjoyable wine EVERY year.  Your superior wine savvy will win friends and influence people—trust your palate more than points.

The logical corollary to the resolutions above. If you begin to buy wine in quantity, and you’re diversifying your selections, and purchasing a case of your favorite wines (a couple selections per season is a good idea), then a place to keep the wine in some kind of order makes a lot of sense. Start small; a corner or closet with cool, consistent temperature is ideal. Short of that, consistent temperature is better than swings of hot and cold. (The top of your fridge is not a good place!) Making selections from your own cellar is very satisfying — and you can keep your favorites maturing for 3, 5, 10 years or more and dip in from time to time to see how they’re doing. It’s well worth any amount of effort and you’re on your way to being your own cellar master!