Struggling to choose the right bottle of wine without spending a fortune? In this episode, Certified Sommelier John shares expert wine buying tips to help you shop smart—whether you’re browsing the aisles of Trader Joe’s, Costco, or your favorite wine shop.
We break down exactly how to choose a great bottle of wine on a budget by decoding wine labels, understanding regions, and knowing what really matters when it comes to:
– Wine regions and origin (Italy, France, Spain, and the U.S.)
– Price vs. quality: what you’re really paying for
– Grape varietals and wine styles to look for
– How vintage impacts the wine (and your wallet)
– Label-reading tips to avoid common traps
– Best-value wine picks from Trader Joe’s and Costco
Whether you’re a wine newbie or an experienced enthusiast, you’ll walk away with practical sommelier-approved tips for buying wine confidently and affordably.