Buying direct
For all wine consumers visiting wineries in wine country is one of the really special experiences. The passion the beverage elicits from many of us goes to a whole other level when we are actually in the winery and walking among the vines, it is just different. When any of us visit wineries it is customary to buy wine directly from them, especially when tastings are complimentary it would be rude to not do so. Many of us too enjoy being in the wine clubs from our favorite wineries. It is not only a way to demonstrate support for a business we appreciate but it may also be a way to access certain wines that are winery only, or not distributed.
We support all of our winery partners and encourage our own customers when they are visiting wine country to show their support. Buying all of your wine direct from wineries though is not always the best idea. It has far reaching affects on your local wine industry, can be expensive especially when factoring in shipping and can result in a cellar overly focused on just a few brands. In many ways too it can narrow your palate.
A vibrant local wine industry makes living in any area a lot more comfortable for any who truly appreciate wine. A big part of the vibrancy derives from having a broad and deep selection of wines to choose from for your everyday consumption and on special occasions. It is why we taste with every distributor, every importer and every winemaker whenever we have the chance. It is how we build a collection that is not “the same old names” we tend to see. Buying direct has an impact on this as well. A big part of what keeps a winery interested in a market is ongoing demand. Through our purchases at the wholesale/distributor level a winery sees the benefit in continuing to send their products to this market, conversely if they do not see local purchases here in North Idaho because consumers are buying all the wine directly from the winery they may start to think “Why bother?”
Buying direct from the winery too may not be the best economic proposition for consumers. Shipping wine is expensive. We know because we send wine to customers in some faraway places and despite the recent trends in gas prices shipping rates continue to rise. If consumers factor in shipping charges and whatever price breaks they might get from a local retailer like the dinner party for instance if they are in our wine club the savings can be substantial.
The breadth and depth of the collection in your own cellar comes into play as well. All of our palates change over time. We know it is true of our own and we hear it over and over from customers. So many have said, “We used to be so fond of this wine, but now we just don’t seem to enjoy it as much.” Changing tastes are the reason, good wineries don’t just become bad ones, winemakers tend to improve the longer they work at their craft, but our palates are constantly evolving. If you have been buying from a winery direct over a long period you may find yourself with a well stocked cellar of wine that is no longer your “go to”.
By continuing to focus heavily too on just one or a small group of wineries you could develop your own version of a “house palate.” An appreciation for only a few of those wines from the thousands that are out there. We have found the best winemakers are those who constantly challenge their own palates by trying wines from far flung places and wineries they know nothing of, it is a big part of how the hone their skills, and a good idea for consumers as well.
Buying direct from wineries is a vital part of the wine industry, equally as vital is buying wine at home in your own local market. We encourage support of wineries with direct purchases especially when visiting but keeping a vibrant local wine industry benefits the community and each wine consumer in immeasurable ways.
If there is a topic you would like to read about or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d’Alene Press.
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George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and table top décor shop located by Costco in Coeur d’Alene. George worked as a judge in many wine competitions, and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. Be sure and check out our weekly blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com/home/blog-2. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.