Five Tips for Shopping a Big-Box Wine Store

By Kate Crowley Thu., Feb. 7 2013 at 1:00 PM

Categories: Top Lists, Vine Geeks

Continued from page 1

3. Use the services. These big stores often offer everything from home delivery and pre ordering for pick-up in store to wedding registries and rewards programs. With some programs you'll earn a 5% or receive special notifications on your favorite labels. Total Wine just launched a wine & food app for your phone that they developed in collaboration with Wine Spectator. These are often things local stores don't offer, so take advantage of them if you shop box stores often.

4. Browse online ahead of time and make a list. Not only do some stores offer in-store pickup, many let you browse online to see what's in store and what's available for shipping. Some websites tell what price you'll fine a particular wine at in the store, and what aisle it's in for swifter shopping.

5. Use them to find a favorite. Go for a tasting, which usually happen on the weekends. They're typically free depending on the laws in your area and it beat waiting in line at a big box retail clothing store. Additionally, tastings wines are often on sale, so if you fine something you like, you'll also be saving a bit of money. Find a few favorites you know the store carries regularly and if you're traveling or in a rush -- you'll always know where to find a favorite standby.

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