The most expensive wine in the world is a 1787 Chateau Lafit. A single bottle of that Bordeaux that was auctioned for £105,000, or $160,000. Luckily there are hundreds of wines that come at a fraction of a price.
Here are some ways to find affordable wines. Go ahead, enjoy a glass today. You’ll reap all the health benefits of wine, including lower risks for heart disease and cancer, and you don’t have to spend a fortune either.
Look for alternative sources
Some regions are known for producing high-quality wines, but the cost of running a vineyard there are enormous. There are many other wineries operating in other regions, and since their overhead is lower (and they’re trying to carve a niche for themselves versus the Bigger Labels) they may sell equally delicious wines at a much lower price.
Check out other kinds of grapes
Skip the cabernet sauvignon and more famous grape varieties for petite sirahs. Think of it as a way of exposing your palete to the different flavors and nuances.
Buy wine from regions with warmer climates
Since the weather in Australia, Spain and California tend to be more predictable, their harvests tend to be larger and more regular. That’s why vineyards in that area will be able to sell more bottles at a lower price. Ask the wine shop for a selection of wines from those regions and you’ll see the difference.
Take advantage of festivals
Check your local newspaper or state website for
announcements of wine festivals. Usually, wines there are sold at very good prices.
Know the optimum drinkability
Wines that have been developed to age in a cellar for five years or more tend to be more expensive. But that’s pretty useless if you plan to enjoy the bottle that night. Ask the wine shop about whether the bottle should be aged or not.
Photo from familyhealthandhome.com