Imbibe On a Budget

One way to unwind at the end of a long day is with a soothing glass of wine. Living on a budget does not necessarily relegate wine to a list of out-of-reach extravagances.

It is possible to enjoy good wine without breaking the household budget. Purchasing wine at the grocery store saves money because you’re not paying for a huge restaurant markup.

Banish the notion that wine won’t taste good if it’s inexpensive. There are great bottles for less than $10!

A 2003 study by the Oenonomy Society of the U.S. asserted that "80% of wine drinkers can't distinguish between regular and reserve bottles of the identical wine." With that in mind, comfortably choose a cheaper bottle rather than splurging for the reserve label.

Host a blind wine tasting to see if the research holds true. Invite friends, asking each to bring a bottle of less-than-$10 wine. Cover the labels and pour.

Then, venture further into the world of affordable wine by creating your own tasting club. Gather regularly (weekly?) with friends, rotating between houses so no one is stuck with the purchasing obligation every time. Make sure you set a price threshold, then try as many as you can find.
Another way to imbibe on a budget is to choose wines from countries where the local currency has fallen – that way the exchange rate translates to savings when you buy native wines.

Plus, if you buy a case of wine, you’ll get the standard discount that Hiller’s offers when you purchase by the case!

One last idea: if you’re dedicated to keeping your hard-won dollars here in Michigan, choose from these quality, affordable home-state wines, as recommended by our resident expert, Eric Novak.

Leelanau Cellars seasonal wines are often on sale. The two most popular are:

Winter White - "A delicious, bright and light-bodied wine with luscious, sweet, fruity flavors" – and;

Autumn Harvest - "A dry, medium-bodied red with wild berry and cherry nuances."

Leelanau’s Tall Ship chardonnay is priced normally at $9.99 a bottle. (Watch the biweekly Hiller’s circular for $1-off promotions!)

Chateau Grand Traverse Semi Dry Riesling.

Other great finds at Hiller’s:
Mendoza Malbec, Vaca Morada, in a 3-liter box for $8.99. “An insane bargain,” says Novak.

Bodegas Castano Monastrell from Yecla Spain at $6.99 - earned 90 point scores for two or three vintages in a row; a monster value.

Barefoot Pinot Grigio at $5.99 – a great everyday white.

The Grand Cru brand at 2 for $8 – quite good, especially the Syrah.

Crane Lake at 2 for $8 – try the just-released Pinot Noir. “A $4 vintage Pinot that is actually drinkable has been unheard of until now,” says Novak.

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