Nobody loves wine more than millennials do. The Wine Market Council reports that they consume almost half of all wine in the United States. Drinking can be an expensive habit if you do it often enough. On average, a bottle of red wine costs $15.66, meanwhile a bottle of white is $14.41. Fortunately, there are tricks thirsty millennials can use to save money on wine purchases.
Shop on a Tuesday
The next time you plan to pick up a bottle of wine, schedule your shopping trip during the week. An Ibotta study found that it’s 6 percent cheaper to buy wine on a Tuesday than it is on a Saturday. To double up on the savings, use a cash back app to be rewarded for your purchase.
Buy by the case
If drinking wine is part of your daily routine then it may make sense to buy by the case. In many places, you can qualify for a discount of 10% or more if you pick up at least a 12-pack of 750ml bottles.
Give boxed wine a try
Boxed wine used to have a bad reputation for being low quality, but it has come a long way. The pros are that it stays fresher longer than bottled and you get more for your money. Usually when you open a bottle of wine, you need to drink it within a couple days. But with boxed wine, it can stay fresh for approximately six weeks because no air can seep in. When you do the math, it usually works out cheaper to buy boxed versus bottle. You can purchase a 3L boxed wine for $25 or less which is the equivalent of 4 750ml bottles.
Shop at discount stores
You’re probably already familiar with Trader Joe’s Two Buck Chuck, but don’t sleep on their competitors. Aldi’s offers an award-winning selection at a low price. Their Exquisite Collection Cotes de Provence Rosé was ranked one of the world’s best wines and only costs $8. Walmart has also been praised for their wine. Their La Moneda Reserva Malbec won Platinum Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards and has a $6 price tag.
Pick second labels
Often when high-end wineries have grapes that don’t meet the standard for their main line, they use them for another label instead. This allows customers to get good quality wine at a more affordable price. For instance, a bottle of Opus One can easily go for $300 or more but their second label, Overture, only costs $115. If you have a favorite high-end wine, find out if they offer a second label and give it a try.
Choose wines from cheaper regions
Italy, France and Spain are known for being the top wine regions which is why they command the higher price tag. Choosing a wine from the Southern Hemisphere will still get you the delicious taste you crave but at a lower cost. Here are a few countries to look out for and what they specialize in:
- Argentina – Malbec
- Australia – Shiraz
- Chile – Cabernet Sauvignon
- New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc
Stick to what you like
At one point or another, we’ve all bought something that didn’t taste as good as anticipated. Rather than waste money on things you’re unsure about, you can save money on wine by sticking to the one you know you like. If you want to experiment, wait until your local liquor store has a wine tasting. During the event, take note of which ones you like and dislike, then spend your money wisely.
