How to Save Money on Wine

Americans consume over 950 million gallons of wine annually, and the wine industry is worth over $60 billion in the United States. A bottle of wine can range anywhere from $3 to hundreds of dollars, if not thousands. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a quality bottle of wine. Chances are you would like to save some money on your next bottle of wine, whether you enjoy a glass every night or occasionally. Use these helpful tips to save you money on your next bottle and score some quality wine for less.

Don’t Judge the Wine by the Bottle (or Box)

Packaging is a marketing tactic, and it shouldn’t be used to judge the quality of the wine. While higher quality packaging will usually signify a higher quality wine, not all good wines will come in fancy bottles. One of the biggest misconceptions about wine is that it is not a good wine if the bottle is not sealed with a cork. Many good bottles of wines utilize a screw-cap design instead of a cork. There are a few reasons for this, but the biggest is that it actually keeps the wine fresher. Boxed wine has also risen in popularity, and many of the boxed wine offerings will rank higher than their bottled counterparts. The most important thing to remember is that you are buying wine, not a bottle.

Discount Wines Don’t Disappoint

Have you ever had a glass of “Three Buck Chuck”? If so, then you know Chuck is referring to Trader Joe’s Charles Shaw wine. Another popular offering in the discount wines is California Roots, Target’s $5 bottle of wine that is sure to please. The best discount wine out there is by far Winking Owl from Aldi; you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bottle of wine for under three dollars. Next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t be afraid to try a bottle of the discount wine; even if it’s not good, you’re only down five dollars—but if you find one you like, then you could end up saving tons on wine!

Buy in Bulk

One of the best ways to save money on wine is to buy in bulk. When you purchase wines in bulk and by the case, you can sometimes save up to 40%. You don’t have to buy a barrel of wine or even a case to get a bulk discount. Most Kroger and Pick ‘n’ Save locations offer 10% off six bottles of wine, and they often double it to 20%. Check where you usually buy your wine; they likely will offer some form of bulk discount.

Discount Codes and Coupons

You should also be on the lookout for coupons and discount codes for wine. There are plenty of places online that have discount codes and coupons for wine. You can also reach out directly to the manufacturer for coupons. As with everything else, be on the lookout for wine coupons wherever you can. Many times stores will also have discounts and coupons in the aisle or attached to the shelf by the wine; many of these can save you a few dollars on certain bottles of wines.