Tips & Techniques: Many myths surround supermarket wines

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Many grocery stores, such as Trader Joes in Oak Park, have an impressive selection of wines. | Sun-Times Media

Updated: March 9, 2012 8:03AM

Myths about the purchase of wine in supermarkets:

Myth 1: Supermarkets have only simple, boring wine

This is not always the case. States that allow wine sales in supermarkets increasingly have stores with healthy wine programs. The overall selection isn’t usually as interesting as that of a top wine merchant, but many are perfectly respectable.

Myth 2: It’s best to stick with basics

Some of the best values in supermarkets, and for wine in general, reside with the grapes and regions that are just outside consumers’ comfort zones. Instead of gravitating to the chardonnay or merlot aisles, which will often be dauntingly large, experiment with the store’s more manageable stocks of better-priced prosecco, gruner veltliner or zinfandel.

Myth 3: Prices don’t vary

Speaking of value, most people don’t realize that wine prices can vary widely among supermarkets. If you are going to realize the full value of shopping at a high-volume store, make sure to comparison shop. It has never been easier with the Internet.

Myth 4: Only chain supermarkets are fertile hunting grounds

There’s gold in those hills beyond traditional chain supermarkets and their bottle-based cousins, beverage superstores and other warehouse clubs, which can all thrill with smart choices and fabulous prices. In fact, I once found a rare bottle of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Reserve languishing in the display case of an airport gift shop, amid cherry-scented potpourri and University of Alcatraz sweatshirts.

Myth 5: Service
is nonexistent

Courtesy wine expert Mark Oldman on foodnetwork.com