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California
and wine are synonymous, but we're not talking Napa Valley. Southern California
is the most competitive wine market in the United States.
A
glut of grapes has driven prices on drinkable wines to less than $5 a bottle at
many wine retailers. And in California, unlike many states, it's legal for a winery
to sell directly to a retailer, cutting out the wholesaler costs that drive up
prices.
A
popular wine sold exclusively at California-based grocer Trader Joe's under the
Charles Shaw label is widely dubbed "Two-Buck Chuck" thanks to its $1.99
price tag. While the brand is available at Trader Joe's in other states, it costs
more outside of California, $2.99 or $3.39 depending on where you live.
Before you turn up your nose, this label has the awards
to back it up. Over the years, the Charles Shaw cabernet has beat
out a $65 bottle of wine in a prestigious Los Angeles blind taste
test, while its bargain merlot was awarded four out of five points
in a taste test conducted by wine critics at the Los Angeles Times.
But Two-Buck Chuck's accolades don't end at the Golden State border.
A Charles Shaw shiraz got through to the finals of the 2004 International
Eastern Wine Competition in New York, one of only 53 finalists out
of 2,300 wines entered.
There's also Golden State Vintners Pacific Peak, which
sells for $2.49 at Beverages & More stores in California. Wine
Business Insider said it's better than "Two-Buck Chuck."
If you get really lucky, you might snag a case of Staton Hills'
1997 cabernet, which was sold to the 99-Cents Only stores when the
winery and its inventory was purchased in 1999. The Los Angeles
Times gave the red wine a five out of five points.
The easiest and cheapest way to transport wine is
to put it in your car and drive it home. If you must ship it, remember
that it's illegal for retailers or wineries to ship to many states.
For a wine lover, touring wine stores and wineries
is vacation enough. But if you need more entertainment, consider
that Hollywood, Disneyland and some of the world's most beautiful
beaches are all in Southern California.
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