WineInk: A local case

He answered the phone on the first ring.

“Kellllyy, what can I do for youuu?”

I had a request, but it was tabled for a minute as Gonzo and I caught up on the current ski season and he shared stories that he had raged a bit at the Highlands closing party. Then we got down to business.

“Gonzo, can you put together a case for me with wines from around the world — all red, no cabernet or pinot noir, maybe some malbec or grenache or mourvèdre — and bring it in under $250?” I asked.

“Of course, I’ll have it ready this afternoon. See you then,” he replied.

When I got to the temporary trailer in the heart of downtown Basalt that is serving as the current home of Jimbo’s Liquor (and wine) that afternoon, Gonzo had hand-selected from his reduced but still robust collection of wines 12 bottles that fit my request perfectly. My wife had tired a bit from our normal nightly repertoire and had asked for wines with a little more earth and flavor. He provided just that.

In my case, a dozen wines from Jimbo’s were malbecs from Catena in Argentina, Italian sangiovese and primitivo, a couple of Cotes-Du-Rhône wines from Kermit Lynch Selections, and an organic monastrell from Goru Verde in Spain. The final tally was $236 and change. He even carried the case to my car.

We are fortunate to live in a valley that is full of so many wine options with passionate people who stock and sell great wines. Of Grape and Grain has more outstanding wines per inch than just about any wine shop anywhere. Sundance  Liquors and Gifts in the Snowmass Center has been a beacon for wine lovers for decades, and Four Dogs Wine and Spirits in Willits will deliver its solid selection from their kennel of wines in its Rover. The Grog Shop and Aspen Wine and Spirits are just steps away from Aspen’s City Market and Clark’s Market, respectively. It is easy to walk in and have a conversation about what wines you might want to have with the dinner you just shopped for.

Further down valley are two spectacular options that make a trip to Carbondale worthwhile. The wine shops at Catherine Store and Sopris Liquor and Wine hold treasures and great prices. They also offer individualized service for consumers of any budget.

There are many ways to buy wine in this world that provide convenience without the soul of the personal experience that you will get by walking into a local wine shop, having a conversation, and buying a bottle or case of wine. Warehouse stores like Costco and online retailers like wine.com have made the process simpler and perhaps more affordable.

But have they improved the wine-buying experience?

For my money, they have not. The best place to buy wines is still in a local, independent wine shop. People who have made the commitment and investment to run a wine shop come to their business with both passion and an intimate understanding of wine.

The best way to get the most out of your wine-buying experience is to find a great wine shop and frequent it. This may require a little legwork at first, but you’ll be better for the exercise. Check out some shops in the valley, peruse the selections, and ask some questions. If the wine pros are nice, knowledgeable, and helpful, you have found your place. Frequent it. Spend your money there. Over time, your wine shop will become a part of your life, much like, say, your hairdresser, or barbershop.

It is spring, and it is a great time to spend some time and money in a local shop and buy some wine. The new releases of Rosé and sauvignon blanc are hitting the shelves, and it’s time to restock for the coming season. And think about ways to get some value out of the wine buying experience.

First, consider doing what I did at Jimbo’s, and buy by the case. Almost all wine shops give discounts to bulk buyers, and, if you can purchase boxes instead of bottles, you can sometimes save up to 15% on your wines. Ask your retailer if they offer case discounts. If they do, think about picking up, say, three or four bottles per case of special wines that may cost more, and then mix the case with more affordable everyday drinking wines. That way, you get the case discount on those higher priced specialty bottles. Also, be sure to ask if the retailer can give you a better price for cash instead of a credit card purchase. The savings may be worth it for both of you.

Next, be aware of the specials that wineshops offer. There are different times of the year when a wine shop may discount certain wines, and you can save a bundle. For example, just before New Year’s is a great time to buy Champagne, as the stores are flooded with bubbly, and major brands may be marked down considerably. Late in the spring, like now, a shop may stock up on Rosé for summer and drop the price. Look for sale-priced wines. A price cut combined with a case discount can mean big savings.

Yes, there are many ways to buy wine in this world, but for me, none is as simply satisfying and efficient as going to a local wine shop and engaging with wine pros. You might even get some local tips.