Now, we make wine out of the box kits (WineExpert) for $1.75/bottle (kit cost=$49.99 : makes 30 bottles of wine). Some argue that this really isnt wine, but we like it just the same. We have made over 4 kits in the last two years. We make Ice Wines for $3.00/bottle. They make great gifts for Christmas and Birthdays. Not to mention every time we go someplace for dinner, they ask, “Can you bring a bottle of your wine?”

The equipment needed to make wine was a gift from my mother ($200). Even if we would have purchased the equipment ourself, we have already paid it off with the amount we’ve saved on making our own.

~M

I also checked out wine contest lists (luckily, the local grocery store posted them) to find ones that scored high but were still under $15.

For me, I find that wine is one of my great splurges. I don’t wear makeup, and I bike to work every day that the weather is nice. Frugality in some areas allows me to be more lavish in my wine purchases.

I enjoy wines of all prices, and have kept labels/written down ones that I’ve loved. However, take it one step further – write down *why* you liked it! This helps in several areas –

1) If you talk wine with friends, it will help you give better recommendations. If you know they like sweeter wines, you’ll recall ones you had that you liked AND that were sweet.

2) If you recall Bogle Petit Syrah (one of my faves) tasted really good with that chocolate cake you had the other night, you’ll know precisely what you want the next time you have chocolate on the menu.

3) My favorite reason…You’ll start to notice different tastes in wine and be able to better compare and contrast them.

Good luck!

What we do is go to the local hypermarche when they have the big sales and see which wines are almost gone.

One time we got lucky enough to be shopping when a gourmand restaurateur was shopping..they had notes. We followed at a discrete distance and picked up some good stuff.

I’ve often wished I’d kept a database about wines I have enjoyed, it’s sage advice. A friend spent 6 weeks in South Africa and brought me one of the most delicious wines I’ve ever tasted, and I failed to make a note of the label. Haunts me to this day!

Incidentally, my doctor told me to enjoy a small glass of red wine every evening. Just one glass, not too much. Good for your heart, your brain, and for lowering your cholesterol. Best prescription I ever received! )

1. Wine is a want, not a need.
2. Want to save the most money? Don’t buy any.

Price is certainly no indicator of quality. We drink what we like.

Like the video blog…just not the NYJets spittoon!

Great guest post J.D.

1) try inexpensive wines that have a high rating (wine spectator?). If you can do it systematically (by grape) you can get a better feel whether a) you like that type of varietal, and what kind in that varetal you like. Everyone’s taste is a little different, when you find a wine that you love AND is inexpensive it is even more satisfying to enjoy.
2) write down the names that you like, next year you might like it still
3) buy in bulk. The 2 main grocery stores we use have a 10% off by the case. We have not done this yet but plan to in the future.
Regarding expensive versus inexpensive I know what I like; I’m generally easy to please but there have been times certain wines I haven’t cared for and it doesn’t necessarily correspond to price.

The pleasures of a glass of wine with a delicious cheese, and fresh/dried fruit are truly worth the value.

I look forward to sampling some of these

But I’m NOT DRINKING F!CKING MERLOT!!!

I don’t know if they have them out your way JD, but you should check out some of the whites from Atwater Estate, Dr Frank’s, Billsoro Winery, and more. They all have shipping from their sites (although I think state laws prevent them shipping to some areas). The Rieslings and Chardonnay’s are especially good. Although, 2007 was a great year for their reds, very warm and dry.

My fiance and I just went on a wine tour (we do several times a year) of the area and the ’07′s are glorious! We bought 8 bottles for $84. Now just to resist opening them too often!