Online Wine Shopping Tips

The Rampant Oenophile certainly loves browsing his local wine shops for new and exciting finds. Sometimes, however, browsing for a specific wine, vineyard, or varietal can lead to disappointment if your favorite vendor isn't fully stocked.

That's why I love online wine shopping, too. I can always find my favorites, even the hard to find type that aren't typically stocked in my local stores.

Online wine shopping can be a blessing or a curse for the uninitiated, so read these helpful hints and visit these online favorites.

Check Shipping: You never know when your state might enact more crazy laws about shipping wine, so check the online store for their shipping rules to your home state. I usually ship wine to my office because I don't want it sitting on my front stoop in the heat, or worse, stuck on a hot truck because no one was home to sign for it. Consider shipping to your office, as long as you don't think someone will run off with your vineyard treasures!!

Consider Cases: Many of the online shippers offer either substantial case discounts or great shipping discounts, so consider stocking up on your favorites by buying a full or split case. It's a great way to complete a cellar, and some shops even allow a mixed case to receive the great discounts.

Call to Confirm: Anytime you are trying something special, call the shop directly to confirm your special needs or requests. Unlike Bricks and Mortar wine cellars, online wine shops don't always have a warehouse for stocking and storing wine. Many depend on the "speed of the Internet" to order from suppliers only as your order gets placed. That's especially true of odd lots, special vintages, and rare wines. If you absolutely positively have to have the wine tomorrow, you should call to confirm that your choices are in stock for immediate delivery.

Search for Clearance Specials: Just like a local shop, online wine sellers often have amazing clearance sales, so check those specials early and often to find the best deals. I love to find the last bottle of a 90+ point wine that retailed for $50, only to be left on a clearance special for just $15. The wine actually tastes better (at least to this Rampant Oenophile) for the bargain. It's like prospecting for gold and finding a big nugget at the end of the trail.

Track your Shipment: Bottled wine certainly doesn't like temperature change and extremes of either variety, so track your shipment and make sure that someone over 21 is available to sign for your package to keep it from sitting on a truck in the heat or snow. Parcel services are old hands at shipping wine now that the wine retailers have been open to nationwide distribution, but you still don't want to take chances. Track your package online and be ready for arrival.

Watch this blog for the Rampant Oenophile's list of the top 5 online wine shops coming this week!