Well it has been quite a while since my last post.  Hoping to be more dedicated to fresh content!!

Recession Rehab

                I know we’re in a recession but that doesn’t mean we have to stop having fun entirely!  Many of us have less disposable income than we did two years ago and are making adjustments in spending - some major, some minor.   If you are a wine drinker like me there might be a little less room in the budget for your favorite bottles but don’t check into rehab just yet.  Reasonably priced quality wine has never been so readily available.  In other words, it’s a buyer’s market – but you have to know where to shop to get the best quality.

In challenging economic times wine consumers have historically tended to drink less, but better wine.  This is largely because there was very little quality wine to choose from at the low end of the price scale.  Anyone remember Chianti in a basket?   These days, trading down in price does not have to mean trading down in quality.  More than ever consumers are awash in quality wine at every price point, especially at shops which specialize in wine.  Rick Lombardi of the Vin Bin says “fine wine to us does not mean it has to cost $40 and up. I'm just as happy suggesting a knock-out $10 Southern French red as I am showing a prestigious Napa label costing five times as much.  He goes on to say, “we survived the worst of the economic meltdown by helping our customers adjust to more affordable wines we already carried.   Our selection has always centered on the ‘quality to price ratio (QPR)’ guide.  In other words, you get the biggest bang for the buck in the wines we choose.”  Places like the Vin Bin, McKinlay’s in Holden, and Mass Liquors in Worcester are focusing more on these types of QPR wines while the larger liquor stores are limiting “hand-sell” wines in favor of low priced, high volume “cookie cutter” wines.

When dining out it is discouraging when your favorite $15 bottle is $50 on a wine list.  However, it might surprise you that restaurants like One Eleven Chophouse offer an excellent relative value because of their selection, service, and relatively low prices.

When dining out at One Eleven I am usually the last to order because I spend so much time combing through their award winning wine list.  Some people go for the steak – I go for the wine.  Locally, it is the best place to find elusive “I’ve always wanted to try” wines.  And they offer a relative value to boot.   For example, at Grille 23 in Boston the 2004 Heitz Napa is $100 – it is $79 at One Eleven.  OK, maybe not a bargain for everyone but they also offer over 40 bottles under $40 as well a wide selection of half bottles.  This is an incredible value per serving when you consider that wine by the glass sometimes carries a 100% markup!

Wine is not recession proof; however, wine has never been a more affordable luxury.  Value doesn’t mean cheap – value also doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price.  If you know where to shop and eat you can get the best quality and value.  I am encouraged by the blossoming local wine trade especially in a down economy.  Have you been to Citizen yet?  Stop by for a glass of recession relief – and treat yourself without a sustaining a serious pain in the wallet