Say you’re ready to graduate from the hated three (hint: if you can buy it at Target, do not bring that wine in my house), but don’t know where to start, the most obvious place is your local wine shop—or restaurant, during the pandemic—where you make friends with the people that work there and they become your wine sherpa (none of these are close enough to me, but see: Austin Shaker, Apartment 115, Lenoir or Bufalina in Austin).
In the absence of a local, I will be your wine sherpa… here are the wines I’d order online to build out a well-stocked wine fridge:
Balanza rosé – their amazing rosé is deeply discounted right now: $218, including shipping, for 12 bottles. ($18.17/btl)
Maison Noir sampler – this sampler is so much cheaper than any of their wines alone; it’s a steal at $190 including shipping, 3 bottles of 4 wines ($15.83/btl)
Michel-Schlumberger – often discounts cases of their wines, like the current Harvest Grab Bag specials. They may not be as boutique as the first two, but they are always crowd-pleasing, solid Sonoma wines. Mixed case at $140 including shipping ($11.67/btl)
If you find a wine or winery you like, make sure to sign up for their mailing list, as you’ll be the first to hear about specials and discounts!
For your top shelf or special section in your wine fridge (labeled “oooh, you fancy!” in mine), I recommend these Wine Clubs where a bottle of wine comes in around $30 (shipping included). My favorites:
- The Marigny: wine club signups are currently closed (sorry) but I’d be remiss not to mention my absolute favorite natty producer. Most of their current releases are very low-alcohol too.
- Rock Juice: natty wine selected by two badass women, you can commit to a lower volume than 6 or 12 for this club.
- Dry Farms: focus on low sugar and low-alcohol wine; a great intro to this style of wine, focuses on European varietals.
Lastly, if you’re a Francophile, Elden Selections offers affordable Burgundy, free shipping on cases, and $50 off your first order. I haven’t ordered from them yet, but seems like a steal on great French wine.