Commitment. Taking the plunge. Diving in. Whether it’s selecting a bottle for dinner or buying a few cases for a special party, eventually you have to pay for wine. So how do you KNOW you are going to like a bottle? Frankly, as a consumer you have two main options.
The first, although it takes a little time, is to find someone you trust. Build a relationship at your local wine shop. No matter who is running the register, there is always someone in the building who know what he or she is talking about. Introduce yourself. Tell them other wines you’ve liked or disliked. Be straight up about your price range and comfort zone. These tasting guides love to share knowledge. Many have selected the wines in the shop themselves and take pride in sending you out the door happy, whether you spend $15 or $150.
It’s your job to build your relationship. The next time you pick up a bottle, let her know if you liked or didn’t like what you bought. We get satisfaction in knowing we were part of a great evening or even a night on the couch. I once heard that the combination of tempranillo, buttered popcorn and a chick flick made someone’s week.
The other way to know for sure if you like a particular bottle or grape is to put it in your mouth. Simple as that. So how?
This valley has abundant free or reasonable wine tastings. Use them. Remember, you are not there to get your buzz on, but to explore your palate. The Liquor Store, next door to Albertsons, has free tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays. They also offer samples from a machine just next to the front door. Ask for a tasting card. The Whole Grocer also offers tastings, all year round on Thursday and Friday from 4 to 6p.m. and sometimes on additional nights in the summer, so call ahead.
Bin22 offers 18 wines by the glass, all available in a 2 ounce pour, so you can try before you buy. They also have periodic wine tastings, usually on Wednesdays. Ask to sign up for their wine club so you can be notified whenever they have one.
But the granddaddy of them all is Dornan’s. If you have not been to a Wine Tasting on a Budget, you have not tried wine. Every first Sunday of the month (the next one is Sunday, September 1) they offer 10 wine tastes for $10. And they give you a $5 off coupon for any of those bottles to use that night. Seriously, no brainer. In the summer they even have the tasting on the deck. Dennis, who runs the shop, will gladly offer suggestions and advice. Best deal, ever.
Plus, you can hit the park, get some exercise and exercise your taste buds as well.
