The-Wine-Educator    WINE & SPIRITS EDUCATION AND CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE CONSUMER AND THE PROFESSIONAL

I worked in three different wine stores, and I knew my recurring customers who were always asking for any new Oregon Pinot Noir which might come on the market.  Because I knew I had a customer for this wine, when the wine reps came around wanting me to buy their wines, and put them on the shelves, I knew that if they were offering any new Oregon Pinots, I would buy a few.

Likewise, there are a lot of "allocated" wines on the market.  Meaning each store is only allowed to buy their allocated amount with each new vintage.  When these wines came in, I would often ask my regular customers if they had heard of the wines, and if they wanted a bottle or two.  And knowing my customers, I knew who to ask.  But, if a stranger walked into my store, and I had never seen them before, and would probably never see them again, I kept quiet and let the opportunity to sell an allocated wine, to a customer I would never see again, go by.

There is a third reason to develop a relationship with your wine retailer, and this is information.  Information is often more important than buying new or allocated wine.  Information can be very important, and misinformation can get you burned.

There are some great winemakers in this world.  For example, Gary Ferrell.  Gary Ferrell makes some of the best wines I have ever tasted.  But, as a businessman he has sold his name, and his winery, and Gary Ferrell wine is no longer made by Gary Ferrell.  That is good information to know.  Additionally, Gary Ferrell has started a new label (not using his name) and knowing that information can be quite valuable, if you want wines made by Gary Ferrell under a different name.  Your wine retailer, who buys and sells wines on a daily basis, can often pass along that kind of information.

And again, you may hear hype over a particular wine, which may be all hype and no substance.  This kind of misinformation (often in advertising) can cost you a lot of money, unless you have your wine retailer looking out for you.  (For example:  Cristal Champagne).

In  any business, especially wine, knowing the person you are spending your money with is a smart idea.  Developing a relationship with that retailer can end up getting you better wines, less expensive wines, and keeping you off the Internet auction sites, spending too much money in the middle of the night.

Until next time, drink good wine.

Dr. Dave

"Drat!" I can't find that wine anywhere.  If I want it bad enough, I guess I'll have to go to the Internet and pay twice the retail price, plus shipping!"

Ever said that?  I have.  Too many times!

The problem is there is only so much of any particular wine, and if you can't get it directly from the winery, then the  next best option is to get it from your favorite wine retailer.  And, if you can't get it from them, it's off to the keyboard and credit cards.

But there is hope.  Most retailers get at least a few bottles of the popular wines, but they don't put them on the shelves.  They hold them in the back for their best customers.  It has become common practice in many retail businesses, that if there is a limited supply, and you know you have a "special customer" who is looking for that product (wine), the retailer will often hold a few bottles (or all the bottles) in the back for their special customers.  That is why it is important to (1) develop a relationship with a wine retailer, and (2) always let your wine retailer know what you are looking for.

The advantages of establishing a relationship with a wine retailer . . .

                 Dr. David Muhleman