Gary’s Wines Of Choice If He Had Gone Shopping

Gary’s Wines Of Choice If He Had Gone Shopping – Episode #363

December 4, 2007

This could be a lot of fun, Gary Vaynerchuk breaks down into consumer mode and picks out a few things he would have picked if he went into a wine shop in another city like Madison, Wisconsin or San Fran.

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Comments on this episode(270) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Jewel Food Stores, a staple in the Chicagoland area.

I dunno …” by Karen
“ooo 0 for 3 is tough. I like the way you look at it though.
QOTD: …” by A dumb Rhine king
View all 270 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Nora AlbarinoSpanish Albarino
2006 Vina Chocalan CarmenereChile Carmenere
2002 Marques De Grinon Petit VerdotOther Spanish Red Wine

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Episode #125 created by Jason Hicks

270 Responses

December 4, 2007

GrapeStuff
1
December 4, 2007

billyg
top 5?
December 4, 2007

Billr
Yoooo…Top five…nice
December 4, 2007

Dave Canada
Top 5
December 4, 2007

sky
top five? six?
December 4, 2007

Susan
Top 10?????????????
December 4, 2007

Susan
Top of the grape heap???????
December 4, 2007

Susan
Gary- You are the tops!!!!!
December 4, 2007

Ryan M.
Thanks for the upload Gary
December 4, 2007

DannInNH
QOTD We shop at Shaw’s…big NE chain.
December 4, 2007

Billr
Congrats Dave on your win…..
December 4, 2007

Dave Canada
DAMN….you said Dave and then waited….I nearly shit myself!!!!
December 4, 2007

crank
QOTD: Broadway Market in Eugene.
December 4, 2007

Karl Laczko
Didn’t win (probably ‘cos I didn’t post a comment until an hour ago!). Late, going to bed, give you my QOTD tomorrow.
December 4, 2007

Benji
B-E-A-utiful
December 4, 2007

mrzitro
top twenty
December 4, 2007

waibeans
that’s right.. spit on all the lurkers! not sure if that’ll get peeps to comment tho. LOL

And isn’t this like the third time you’ve done Nora on the show? The second at least GV… what’s up with that?
December 4, 2007

GrapeStuff
QOTD: Do a lot of it at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
December 4, 2007

waibeans
just went through the SS that Gary’s Scores has been dutifully updating (not like that bastard SS)

you’ve done the 04, 05, and now the 06. At least you’re doing different vintages… guess I can’t really rag on you for that
December 4, 2007

KC
Congrats to the dude who won the wine! QOTD: Whole Foods in West Orange.
December 4, 2007

Billr
QOTD: Wal-Mart
December 4, 2007

Dr T from N. Carolina
H’mm, we’ve all been spit on :-O Congrats, Dave.

QOTD Harris Teeter & the Fresh Market

“T”
December 4, 2007

Will G
QOTD: Jewel, Trader Joe’s
December 4, 2007

JC
QOTD: Shop Rite in Chester
December 4, 2007

sky
yeah pv yeah nora….shopping at ingles supermarket on haywood rd in west ashville nc. I cant afford to go to earth fare(our local version of whole foods) because then i couldnt support my wine habit
December 4, 2007

sky
oh yeah and thanks for spitting on us. my name was in that bucket……….
December 4, 2007

Tim Vining
neighborhood store in Pittsburgh, PA (Bloomfield Shur Save)
moving to Toronto so will probably be shopping at downtown Dominion. Keep it local!
December 4, 2007

John Farrin
QOTD:Since I have the time, I shop all the stores in my area and buy the good sale items from each of Safeway, Lucky’s, Raley’s, Food Maxx and Trader Joes. I buy some bulk things and meat at Costco.
December 4, 2007

Christopher J
Gary, great show. Way to get in that Small Wonder reference! Classic, I love this show! Your energy pumps me up, I like it.

QOTD: Nothing special, major grocery store in town. I live in a fairly rural suburb of Chicago. I will hit a Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or a great produce market if I am in the area.
December 4, 2007

DaveyDonut
I swear I have never even come close to agreeing with a Wine Enthusiast review… I literally subtract about 3-5 points from their reviews to decide what I will probably score it. Happened just the other day when the 2003 Musella Amarone they went 93 on and I scored 88.

What you experienced today is why I very rarely, if ever, go into wine shops and just buy wines off the shelf, even based upon the variety, region, or even producer that I have been enjoying. I know I know, there’s something to be said about that wine shopping experience, but I research EVERYTHING to death before I dive in, and that includes my wine. I enjoy shopping for wine and researching it online. My favorite local wine shop has their inventory online and up to date, so I can just shop online, do my research, then go to the store and pick it out.

QOTD: Depends on what I want! My favorite store is probably the City Market in NW Portland, which has one of the best Italian wine selections around, incredible local produce, and one of the largest artisanal cheese selections in North America (that’s what they claim!). Besides the specialty stuff, I shop at the downtown Portland Safeway!

David
December 4, 2007

J.R. Young
Now we’ll see if yesterday’s lurkers remembered to watch the show today.

What’s up with taking the elevator?

QOTD: Los Gatos farmers market for produce, Whole Foods for everything else except fish, that all comes from Pure Foods fish Market in the Pike Place Market, Seattle. Not these are not the clowns with the circus show throwing fish.
December 4, 2007

Aaron J
Gary, you know this is a great show when you go 0/3 and still bring energy and excitement. Radool my friend, radool.
December 4, 2007

KJlost
Spitting on the names Gary? Now you’re just kicking when they’re down

About Red Bull…I’d say you’re not missing much. Stuff’s disgusting in my opinion.

QOTD: local super market, either Shaws or Stop and Shop. I go to Whole Foods for fruits and vegetables though. If I’m not eating as much of the stuff as I should be, I should at least get better products, right?
December 4, 2007

portland guy
Gawd, GV, you were wound. Not your best. Little less talk, a lot more action is needed. QOTD – Whole Foods.
December 4, 2007

amy
QOTD: Wal-Mart, and I hate every second of it, but they are the cheapest
December 4, 2007

DaveyDonut
And oh yeah… you need to stick your paw back in that soaking spit bucket and draw another name! You said you’d draw another name who would win the iphone (I refuse to play their stupid Apple capitalization game).

David
December 4, 2007

Barry
Congrats Dave, share the bottle with all of us over dinner!

QOTD: When I have some extra cash I really enjoy going to Whole Foods and getting some nice cheese’s and different items from the salad bar, but I mostly shop at a local produce place called Joe Caputo’s which is in Palatine, IL. If I need everyday stuff I always head to Dominick’s since that is where my bank is and they are open very late.
December 4, 2007

Siggi from Iceland
Wow that was a good show, I have been trying a lot of Albarino’s lately and I was supprised to see how good food wines they really are. Keep up a good work Gary, you keep on giving me ideas for my work in selling wines and let people try new things:D
December 4, 2007

Rajiv A
QOTD: I shop at Wegmans and the university dining hall. The dining hall sucks for quality, but does have variety going for it. Where else can you try linguini in alfredo sauce with mandarin oranges and cinnamon?

Thanks for doing this episode, Gary. As of the beginning of my wine shopping I’m 1 for 30, and I was beginning to feel bad. I like how you approach every single wine with a positive outlook-that’s something I really need to work on.
December 4, 2007

jesseeley
QOTD: Wegmans (just got back)

Congrats to the winner!
December 4, 2007

mikey lennon
QOTD: Midtown Foods or HyVee
December 4, 2007

orion
Good show today. makes me feel better about dropping 50 bucks on wine i don’t end up liking myself.

QoTD: No whole foods close enough, so Kroger it’s gotta be.
December 4, 2007

sallieann
I’ve bought a good deal from Wine Library, but I get most of my bottles from Sam’s in Chicago and when I’m in Texas I like to go to my little, tiny neighborhood shop called Put a Cork In It.
December 4, 2007

sky
we love your pumped up energy !!!!!!!!!!!! dont calm down! its great! its contagious too!
December 4, 2007

Ant'ny
QOTD: Wies in Macungie, PA or Giant in Trexlertown, PA

When are you going to hit some of the smaller state producers? PA? TX? OH?
December 4, 2007

sky
I had a morgradio alborino the other day that was corked. that sucked.
December 4, 2007

Jason S.
QOTD: Whole Foods in Tenleytown.

Gary – If you’re going to do a show on Albarino, I just tried a great one from a California producer in the central coast – Longoria. Probably my fav albarino I’ve ever had – a varietal I would never have tried were it not for you an WLTV.
December 4, 2007

sky
but also had a great burgundy that same day. it made up for it
December 4, 2007

MattyO
great show! here recently i went 1 for 2 with a couple of wines. the one that i liked and didn’t think i would, a shiraz from mandavi, was outstanding. the other, a zin, was horrible. it was like candy. terrible stuff. the shiraz had complexity and some “come back and drink me again, you missed something” kind of characteristic to it. so i feel you GV! i feel you man! you rock!
December 4, 2007

Marshall
Hey, I tried my first 100% cabernet franc last night (from the Loire Valley) and I loved it. Unfortunately, I will have a hard time finding other bottles of 100% Cab franc because that guy in “Sideways” bashed it.
QOTD: Woodman’s in Madison, WI
December 4, 2007

Andy
QOTD—- Always support the regional grocery stores G … Looking for sales or the getting in the store specials ….. Great ep G thanks for the love to the Vayniacs…. Getting into the Spanish wine thing… really enjoying the Albarinos
December 4, 2007

K MAN
Dude you’re killing me! Did you get the mp3 yet?

If you don’t like it just tell me! haha I won’t be offended.

Kyle
December 4, 2007

Benji
Congrats to Dave! Good to see a fellow CKCer/budding wine collector get in on the shiz!

QOTD: Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods-Wild Oats Market
December 4, 2007

Taylor
Wish I could have won that bottle of wine has an occasion picked out and everything.
QOTD Either local Stop and Shop or this small family run business called Morning Glory Farm
December 4, 2007

Sassodoro
Good show, even though the wines were disappointing. You’re right that it’s important to try new things, but it’s harder to do that when the wines get more expensive. I’d love to learn about Burgundy, but mistakes there can be very costly.
December 4, 2007

Linderelli
did you enter any of the ladies into this contest?? how come we didn’t even get into the top 5? j/k

QOTD – I live in Dayton, WA population 2,676 and I buy my cheese and eggs from the Monteillet Fromagerie – but the rest of my shopping is done in Walla Walla (where I work), and really there isn’t anything special there (Super 1). On occasion I get to the booming metropoli of the Tri-Cities and Yokes Fresh Market is where it’s at.
December 4, 2007

Dale Cruse
Gary, you need to taste Red Bull on ye olde Thunder Show!

Also, you haven’t done a blind tasting episode in a while. Maybe it’s time.

QOTD: Shaw’s, Stop n Shop, Roche Bros.
December 4, 2007

Phil G
QOTD – I go to the local stores in Yorktown NY: A&P, Food Emporium, and Turco’s
December 4, 2007

chenrys
Darn, we couldn’t watch yesterday’s show until today….and we usually post a reply. Missed out on the drawing. Oh, well…

We have that kind of experience alot. Get a variety we’ve been looking for, or a producer that has had good reviews and been disappointed…but it is a good learning experience anyway. We haven’t found an Alberino that we like yet, but we’re still trying. And we’ve been looking for a Petite Verdot varietal for while, at least one we can afford. We’re glad you try these wines and let us know what you really think.

QOTD: I mostly shop at a small Publix near me that I know well. I occassionally go to other places for special things I know they don’t carry.
December 4, 2007

Neil
Mollie Stone’s Markets
December 4, 2007

Leftcoast
I had a ‘06 Havens Albarino at lunch today at it was really interesting. A ton of fresh pear in the nose, overall a very good wine.

QOTD- Trader Joes gets most of my business. The wine section is hit and miss.
December 4, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: The Associated on Myrtle Ave in Brooklyn, the greenmarket either and Fort Greene Park or McCarren Park depending how far I feel like riding my bike, and some times Trader Joes.
December 4, 2007

Colin Nicol
Yo Gary, enjoyed the format of today’s episode.

QOTD: Treasure Island Foods, 3 blocks north or Belmont on Broadway, Chicago IL

Have a good night.
December 4, 2007

Palmer
QOTD: Ralph’s for the day-to-day general stuff, Whole Foods when I need some higher quality fresh produce and other ingredients, Huntington Meats for well, meat.
December 4, 2007

TGatesman
QOTD: I was a HUGE Harris Teeter fan until we moved out of their area…now it’s Kroger and of course Tom Leonard’s (Yes, it is the offspring of the great Tom Leonard’s in Danbury, CT)
December 4, 2007

Palmer
Great episode today by the way. Loved the intro, appreciated the energy.
December 4, 2007

Rock n Roll Andy
I shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Sometimes Jewel!!! Peace!!!
December 4, 2007

RieslingRon
Another interesting show Gary.

QOTD:My wife does the food shopping and Wegmans is about the only place she goes.Great produce.
I do the wine shopping as I’m the only one drinking it……..Northside in ithaca or Wine
Library when free shipping is an option.
December 4, 2007

sfgiants55
Safeway baby! Ingredients for Life!
December 4, 2007

Lindsay
Still waiting for the episode to load but WOOHOO MADISON!!!

Shout out to Wisconsin vayniacs! Come join our wine club — it’s called “WASTED” (look us up on facebook) and we meet twice a month in Madtown. We all tasted the Thanksgiving four-pack together last Sunday and it was awesome.

*Barriques representing*
December 4, 2007

Sharon
QOTD: Trader Joe’s, Donelan’s, Mahhhhket Basket
ps: Wine Library is beautiful!
December 4, 2007

passthecab
QOTD: usually at Harris Teeter, although I am favorable towards Lowes Foods! Gotta love the greenpoints…
December 4, 2007

Adam J
Ooo, a Madison shoutout. Represent!
December 4, 2007

Obama_Man
Gary, GREAT episode, promise I won’t be a lurker anymore! I’m glad you did this episode, I often feel lost when trying to buy a bottle I haven’t tried. As a HUGE Albarino fan, I can tell you that the Black Pig is AH-MAY-ZIIIIINNNG! MORE PLEASE, I WANT A CASE!
December 4, 2007

Mike Miller
QOTD: Kroger in Avon and Plainfield. Supplemented by Costco and Sam’s Club in Indy.
December 4, 2007

Dominus
Great show and nice to see even you go 0-3. I do it all the time.

QOTD: Eastern Market in DC, Whole Foods and Harris-Teeter in that order.

Cheers except the Cheaters won again! Are the refs getting paid off?

Dom

P.S. I would spank you like a newborn in paper football!
December 4, 2007

Kevin
QOTD: Specifically? Superstore, Italian Center South, 99 Supermarket for asian stuff and weird meats. And my dad’s – cause that’s where we store all our game meats and garden root vegetables.
December 4, 2007

Cliff and Darcey
QOTD: My food shopping is done at: Local Farms if and when I can, then the local healthfood store, then Kroger, but I always check my garden first …. though this time of year there aint much there!
December 4, 2007

Peter E
QOTD: De Zavala Market in San Antonio
December 4, 2007

Jennifer
QOTD: Wegmans. I love Wegmans. Price gouging and all- quality can’t be beat.
December 4, 2007

ScottyZ
QOTD: Giant Eagle, Trader Joes, and on days like today…i grab a few essentials at a hole in the wall market near my apartment. They were out of bread and their milk expires tomorrow…so i just got a couple mega millions tickets instead.
December 4, 2007

Dave Canada
Finally, it’s petit Verdot….I have always bee curious what your wet dream was
QOTD – Central Fresh Market….I can walk and it has great bread!
December 4, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Do you really think you’ll find wine in MADISON WISCONSIN????? !!!! But you won’t get any from WL because you don’t ship to WI anymore!!!!! OK, Ok,,, i’m over it already… at least they haven’t disconnected the internetz and the opportunity to watch.

QOTD: ? I shop all over.. like to spread it around.
December 4, 2007

NathanN
QOTD: Hy-Vee on Broadway or Harrison
December 4, 2007

PaVo
I live in Lincoln Park in Chicago, for everyday I go to the local grocer called “Big Apple” but then we try to do a big shop at Whole Foods and then cab it back home. It helps that a huge wine store is right by there!
December 4, 2007

Danny C
Gary,

Great ending to the show, might be one of my favorites…THE TRUTH! I am pumped for tomorrow, I am pulling to be your co-host!
December 4, 2007

Steven Wyatt
Wegmans in Ithaca, NY (HI RIESLING RON, 10 comments or so above!) Gary there are at least 2 Ithacans, you need to answer my “Ask Gary” question about Finger Lakes wines. Anyway, Wegmans would be the best grocery store in the world if they sold wine (they literally everything else- what gives?)

See Gary, Im commenting and there is no contest!
December 4, 2007

thepiratedoc
Gary I am so proud of you for going oh-fer on the picks! In your own place, too. Humility is a gift!
QOTD: My wife does the food shopping @ Food Lion, WalMart, or Lowe’s unless it’s a special meal and then I do all the leg work. I do all the wine shopping at Lowe’s or my local wine shop, Priscilla’s. What do you do with the greenpoints, Passthecab?!?
December 4, 2007

pomace
strong episode – we need more like this, TOTALLY off the cuff…
QOTD: Biggs (Hyde Park) most excellent.
December 4, 2007

Geoff
Gary, hear that? ….they’re breaking… your breaking my balls man I assume I was “gee off” #2 in the contest? it’s actually pronounced just like “jeff”, haven’t you been to toys r us?
December 4, 2007

JonE
Too bad on the PV G-Man. But then again 02′ spain was pretty rocky..? And the NORA, come on that’s
a crowd pleaser. I’m not saying there’s a wow factor there, but for an entry level foray into the Albarino -it works.

QOTD: Harris Teeter,Lowes, Fresh Market, and when I get a chance A Southern Season. But I long for the days of Wegmans in my past.
December 4, 2007

Jeff D.
QOTD: when I actually do shopping, I go to the Albertson’s on Live Oak Ave and Santa Anita Ave in Arcadia. But in Princeton … well, since I don’t really have to do shopping, I usually buy my snacks at the Princeton U-Store since I have an employee discount.
December 4, 2007

KennyPetersenII
Great Beginning, Great Ending, to bad the wine’s made the show lack on the mid-palate. HAHA
Great show as always, would love to keep seeing the store!
December 4, 2007

KNode
QOTD: I usually get wines at Central Market or World Market. Occasionally I’ll pick something up at Kroger (it’s about a minute from my house) but it doesn’t really have the best selection of complex wines.
December 4, 2007

David M Roberts
Liked the brief tour of WL (kind of like Benny Hill with samba music). How about the full tour as a kind of holiday open house deal? The place is immense, and would be fun to see the whole space.
December 4, 2007

Kristen
Of course TommyBoBo of WI, you can find wine in Madison…you should just come to Barriques! Or if you’re talking about WL’s wine, just have a Rhode Islander as a friend…they’ll bring it back on the plane!

Thanks for objectively rating the wines today GV! I appreciate that you would tell us the truth about them and go 0 for 3 in your shopping spree at WLTV, which is a gorgeous store by the way!

QOTD: I go to Trader Joes down the street and to Capital City Foods when I need to get “mainstream” grocery items. Though, when I’m in RI it’s Shaw’s.
December 4, 2007

Mike Z
Madison, WI is a great town!!! I lived there 8 yrs and visit often. There ARE good wine shops there (pay attention TommyBoBo!): Barriques, Steve’s, etc… Check ‘em out. Lots of my collection is from those stores.
QOTD: We shop at Henry’s and Trader Joe’s in San Diego… We stay away from “Whole Paycheck”
GV- have you ever done a show with Mott as your co-host or special guest?
December 4, 2007

cgatesman
QOTD: Stew Leonard’s!
December 4, 2007

Cameron Ghazzagh
QOTD: Safeway because it is the closest but I would go to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s instead if they were closer

BTW GARY: This is sort of a weird compulsion/impulse of mine after I started tasting wine regularly: When I’m in the shower I get water in my mouth and pretend it’s wine and swish it in my mouth and spit it out. Same?
December 4, 2007

Grape Expectations
Wow, what a spectacular place Wine Library looks to be. I may have to take a vacation to New Jersey just to spend a couple of days browsing around.

QOTD: Did you really mean “food” shopping??? Just in case you did, I buy my food at a local high-end chain called Haggen (which also has a pretty nice wine department and gives 10% discount when you buy 4 bottles). If you meant “wine” shopping, then, other than the above mentioned Haggen, I buy mostly at Compass Wines in Anacortes, WA. A locally owned shop that specializes in Washington wines but also carries a good selection from other parts of the country/world. They are really nice, helpful, down-to-earth folks. And they frequently have free tastings (with the winemakers present). What more could you want. I’d probably buy from Wine Library if they would do whatever it is that needs to be done so they can ship to Washington . . .
December 4, 2007

tarheel17
QOTD: Whole Foods, PCC, QFC, Costco and during the summer, farmer’s markets. I gotta wonder though, do you read these answers?? I mean, do you really care where I buy my food, GV? I’d rather you just keep on keepin’ on with the show than read about my shopping habits, personally. Thanks for another good one!
December 4, 2007

David
Sorry about the 0 for 3, but it makes me feel better that even you can strike out at a (your) wine shop, which of course is why I like buying wine from WL after seeing your reviews!

QOTD: Whole Foods at Columbus Circle in NYC.
December 4, 2007

Joseph L
Truck across town to Whole Foods for the “high-end” ingredients for the week. All the faceless name-brand stuff is from Wal-e-world. Currently do my wine shopping at a little place called Old Town Liquors.
December 4, 2007

Kathryn
I shop at Winn Dixie for pantry type items and at the farmers’ market for produce. I pass through a few small towns on my way to work and there are often farmers on the side of the road selling onions, sweet potatoes, strawberries, etc., so I find myself shopping along LA Hwy 51 as well! I do have to make the trek to Whole Foods for my Tofurkey slices, though…..I am SO addicted to those!
December 4, 2007

Harley Stan
great episode today
QOTD- exact as I can be
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=%5b100%2d149%5d%20Grant%20Ave&city=Longmont&state=CO&zipcode=80504&country=US&title=%3cb%20class%3d%22fn%20org%22%3e%5b100%2d149%5d%20Grant%20Ave%3c%2fb%3e%3cbr%20%2f%3e%20%3cspan%20style%3d%22display%3ainline%3bmargin%2dbottom%3a0px%3b%22%20class%3d%22locality%22%3eLongmont%3c%2fspan%3e%2c%20%3cspan%20style%3d%22display%3ainline%3bmargin%2dbottom%3a0px%3b%22%20class%3d%22region%22%3eCO%3c%2fspan%3e%20%3cspan%20style%3d%22display%3ainline%3bmargin%2dbottom%3a0px%3b%22%20class%3d%22postal%2dcode%22%3e80504%3c%2fspan%3e%2c%20%20%3cspan%20style%3d%22display%3ainline%3bmargin%2dbottom%3a0px%3b%22%20class%3d%22country%2dname%22%3eUS%3c%2fspan%3e%3c%2fspan%3e&cid=lfmaplink2&name=&dtype=h
December 4, 2007

Daniel
QOTD: I shop at Ukrop’s – it’s specific to the Richmond, VA area, and it’s fantastic. I even worked there when I was still in college
December 4, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Gary, that was a fantastic show. You showed people that there’s no good way to pick great wines all the time and you tried to get across that it’s fun for people to drink many different kinds of wine, even if they don’t especially like them.

Plus you were wacky excited at the beginning and serious but still engaging at the end. That makes WLTV so great, I’m so glad you aren’t putting an unneeded warning at the beginning of these episodes.

QOTD: For groceries I shop about 50% at Whole Foods and 50% at Harris Teeter (both in Mount Pleasant, SC), but not the Harris Teeter that’s next to the Whole Foods, that one sucks for some reason. I guess they gave up when Whole Foods showed up. I do pretty much always get meats and cheeses from Whole Foods though. Their cheese counter is awesome.
December 4, 2007

mrzitro
QOTD: Fresh Market
If Tallahassee had a Whole Foods, I’d shop there alot also.
December 4, 2007

PASO WINO
Gary, bummer on the wines today, but I can’t wait for a show all about Albarino. Even GV can go 0 for 3. That makes me feel good.
I will say this is a perfect example why I don’t buy wine in a shop, unless I’ve tasted it or someone has recomended a bottle. I don’t make enough money to burn on OK wine. Maybe when I become Daddy Warbucks I can burn money on whatever bottles, but for now I usually take the safe route. Thanks Gary!!!

QOTD: Trader Joe’s, the BEST for quality and fun, but also amazing value for all those people who don’t know. Oh yeah and I work their, but seriously Trader’s is awesome and I rarely shop at the main supermarkets.
December 4, 2007

Adam
Whole Foods, Costco, and Farmer’s markets when possible.
December 4, 2007

Grapedigger
Too bad for the PV, I was looking forward to try the 03, as it’s available here in SAQ montreal (40$)..Well, now I am backing off from it, especially at this price tag. Find us some good widely available 100% PV to try. Cheers
December 4, 2007

Aaron
Gary,

What was nice about this show was that even though you didn’t like the wines, at least on the first two you didn’t throw money down the drain. I hate getting that expensive bottle knowing that I could have had something just as good for half the price. As someone who has been watching regular for only a month or so, I am just glad to a place that understands that wine is all about the experience.

Missed yesterday (stupid hotel internet cut me off) but… The best was Bouchon in LV, liked it better than French Landry (which was great but I love bistro style food).
December 4, 2007

Oregon Jim
QOTD – Any place that has a good wine selection!

We all outsmart ourselves when buying wine. If you don’t step outside your comfort zone you are going to get a lot of losers. Finding a new favorite it so much fun, and often it is something that is totally against the grain. That is what makes it so fun and rewarding. There are 200 different Oregon Wilammette Valley Pinot Noir producers. One state one grape. multiply that by all the world’s wine growing regions and grapes.
December 4, 2007

Araldite
Publix for general stuff, Whole Foods for fish, cheese, specialties, Costco for mostly dry goods, dog food, paper goods, detergents, and Total Wine because it’s the only wine store near me. WL for special wines.
December 4, 2007

steve
The Boise co-op organic foods and where they have a big wine selection
December 4, 2007

John Watson
We buy our groceries at two places here in Portland. 1) a local place called New Seasons, which is like Whole Foods, except cheaper and more accessible. Great meat, great produce, great selection. 2) Trader Joe’s, baby.
December 4, 2007

HuskerJamie
Three places here in Lincoln. Leon’s, Ideal Grocery and Open Harvest Organic.
December 4, 2007

wfdeac
Thanks for the episode Gary.

QOTD: Harris-Teeter and Whole Foods
December 4, 2007

cliff
garyv is half robot…that’s radool! qotd – safeway
December 4, 2007

Scott
Too bad the Nora was a bust. I tasted the 2005 this summer and was really impressed with my first taste of an Albarino so I bought a bottle. As always, GV was right, it was great with a spicy halibut dish.

QOTD:
I do my shopping at a midwest chain, Hy-Vee, even though Whole Foods is closer and they have a better wine section.
December 4, 2007

JamesN.
Gary,
QOTD; Giant Eagle, and Trader Joes.
December 4, 2007

MagnumGourmet
In the summer I try to purchase as much as possible from farmers markets. Other than that, it’s mostly Trader Joes.
December 4, 2007

E
So do you always go for the Spanish stuff first when you’re randomly shopping or was that just near the door? Seriously, I would sit through a whole case’s worth of randomly grabbed stuff, duds or no.

And yes, I have had the Longoria albarino and yes, it does kick ass. I didn’t even know they grew the stuff in California. Sharp, steely, rocky, beautiful stuff.

QOD: Hy-Vee @ Marketplace (it’s an IA thing).
December 4, 2007

KyleLikesTies
Hey, GV … after the sake episode the other day … and after finishing up my gender-studies paper (Shout out to all the others from the Grad Student Crew who are stressing at the end of the term: Trying to get crap done for your classes, grading your students, putting in the hard-core hours.), I went out and bought a bottle of Mukune “Root of Innocence” to keep me company while packing for a trip to Central America … I know *nothing* about sake (no, really: *nothing*) … but thanks to WLTV, I said to hell with it, I’ll trust my own palate … The only really identifiable smell on the nose (and it followed through when I gave it a whirl) was coconut milk, which I love … As I’m reaching the end of the bottle I have to say I *love* it … there’s a little heat, but it’s pretty controlled considering it’s 15% … Have you tried this one? -and- If, so, do you have more specific tasting notes? Look forward to catching up on WLTV when I’m back in the States next month!

QoTD: I do my food shopping at a small, local “hippy” (organic / natural food, people that work there say “far out” and some have dreads, etc.) store … I go there mainly because nobody looks at me strangely when I spend 15 minutes spacing out and staring at vegetables, which is about the most relaxing thing I do all day (well, besides my glass of wine with dinner!).
December 4, 2007

lenny
You will crash and burn at Table football!!!!!

QOTD:

Krogers. They are next door. Also sometimes at Central Market.
December 4, 2007

FJDR
QOTD: Ukrops, which is a Richmond, VA area chain. They don’t sell any alcoholic beverages, so it’s just for “food”. Oh, and Target sometimes.
December 4, 2007

Robin C
I crashed out tonight at my house on a $20.00 Marietta Cab we opened for company. I couldn’t get used to it. It was just too hot and tarry.
QOTD: Albertson’s, Smith’s, Whole Foods for special items. I know I should go to Trader Joe’s, but it’s quite a bit out of my way. I hate driving.
December 4, 2007

Fiorentina!
Hey Gary-
weird episode, but…ya know..we’ve all been there. Not every wine is going to be a hit, but at least I got to see the lay out of Wine Library. I’m from CA, so I don’t really get a chance to see your store too often…..it really is an amazing sight to see. I’m sure that you get a lot of people that come to shop at your store from all over the country.

QotD – I do my wine shopping at BevMo! It helps because I work there and get a discount, but, for my food, I shop at Trader Joe’s and Ralph’s
December 4, 2007

Rico
QOTD: Bravo Supermarket in the orlando Fl area
December 5, 2007

SS Chris
The lovely SS Dede does the shopping…sometimes KINGS, but mostly in the A&P. Kings is too friggin’ expensive and Dede likes bargains….bless her heart!!
December 5, 2007

SS Chris
BTW, Kudos for being honest w/ the wines that you picked out!!
December 5, 2007

Achilleas
Honesty is the best policy – thanks for that.

QOTD:
Apart from the stuff you get from supermarkets, we have some amazing fresh produce markets where the farmers come down at 6am, set up stalls and sell the stuff that just came out of the ground or off the tree that morning – pretty awesome.
December 5, 2007

ChrisR
My question is what’s Gary’s deal with the Nora Albarino? This is at least the third episode where he’s tasting it, and it really seems like a bit of a letdown.
December 5, 2007

Roy B
Too bad about the carmenere, Gary. There’s a $10 Santa Alicia Carmenere 2003 Reserve from Maipo Chile that I get at my local grocery (Basha’s – an AZ chain). It’s honestly one of the better value wines I’ve tasted and come back to often. Well balanced, dark fruits and beautiful dark chocolate flavors. Not being very experienced with this varietal, I’m not sure if this bottle is a true expression of the grape, but I love it.
December 5, 2007

James H
Early in the summer, my brother and I decided to go out for sushi one afternoon. We went to a local sushi joint called Oishii. This afternoon we had a roll called “Waniguchi” that features tempura alligator inside of it. I don’t know what it was about the alligator that day, but it was _amazing_. Every roll we had just melted in our mouths! It was amazing. Excellent food and great company: my brother. That was my favourite meal ever. Bar none.
December 5, 2007

flippy
QOTD: In the summer we go to the local farmer’s market on the outskirts of the city (Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA), but in the (LONG) winter we usually end up at the Superstore – a big old box store in Canada. They have a good selection of organic stuff and the prices are great – I could go to either of the other two big chains (Safeway or Sobey’s) but it’s pricier and just as mediocre.
December 5, 2007

Justin
I am a lurker and I am not sure what I am doing here.

Question of the day: I like to do my shopping at my parents house because they have the best prices.
December 5, 2007

monkuwino
QOTD: Trader Joe’s and Costco. If ever I move away from So Cal, that is the requirement of my new location. There has to be both of those stores within driving distance.
December 5, 2007

Alex
due to college tuition i still live with the rents..:( …i think they shop at pick’n save.
December 5, 2007

Michelle R
QOTD: Farmer’s Market, Trader Joes, and once in awhile I’ll order groceries online from Safeway.com since they deliver.
December 5, 2007

Augustus
I shop at Trader Joe’s for my food – the quality is very high and the prices are very low. I feel bad for those who don’t have a Trader Joe’s in their area. Here in Los Angeles we have loads of them, so I’m quite lucky. Good show tonight, despite the lack of any true winners.
December 5, 2007

Jon A.
QOTD: When I lived in Columbus, OH it was Krogers. Now that I’m up in Cleveland it’s Giant Eagle (hooray for gas perks), GFS and Costco.
December 5, 2007

Tim
QOTD: Peoples Food Co-Op; Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA. Those hippies are better than Whole Foods!
December 5, 2007

DavidB
0-3, you are human!
QOTD – Trader Joe’s for the majority and Whole Foods for some specific items, every weekend. Once in a while the local farmers market for veggies and fruits.
December 5, 2007

Mike S.
A great episode! You had me rolling with the “a good bottle of PV is my wet dream.”

QOTD – Usually Shop Rite, when I can get there I go to Whole Foods
December 5, 2007

DavidB
OK, just because Tim included it I will as well – my wife just signed us up with People’s Co-OP in O.B. (San Diego, CA)
December 5, 2007

John Z.
First time poster!

I live in Madison, Wisconsin, thanks for the mention in the description! It just snowed several inches on top of half a foot, and I played in the snow for two hours tonight. Made me feel like a kid. I’ve also just got into wine and winemaking, and your video blog has helped to spark my interest. Thanks!
December 5, 2007

Dulamae
QOTD: I love food, I guess that is called a “foodie” these days so I hit up several stores. Specifically I ADORE Trader Joes. I also like Sunflower Farmer’s market and Fry’s/Kroger for all of my fiance’s junk food.
December 5, 2007

Mark T
QOTD: Trader Joes
December 5, 2007

Larry T.
Gary,
This was the first time I watched your show.
I really liked it… and I’m not a big wine drinker.

Your show was entertaining as well as informative.
And it’s obvious you love what you do.

Good job.

Larry T.
December 5, 2007

JustinL
QOTD: Mostly a mix between the Portland Farmer’s Market and Trader Joe’s
December 5, 2007

JeffWalnuts
QOTD Safeway, the new one, 4 min 12 seconds from my home.
Artesa Albarino is a nice wine. Citrus-y!
December 5, 2007

Yoni Rabkin
Israel’s newer supermarkets are unusually good to shop at. So we try and leave the baby with our parents and escape to one of them in Haifa region.

One of them even (in Yagur) has a nice wine section!
December 5, 2007

OldVinesJim
QOTD: I do my weekly grocery shopping at the HEB at the corner of Slaughter Ln. and Escarpment Blvd. in southwest Austin, TX. (You said be specific.) You can find me there most Saturdays between 3:00 and 5:00.

On a wine note:
Like many places these days, the store usually has a little tasting set up in the wine section. I almost always partake (any opportunity to taste is a learning experience) but hate those damned thimble-sized plastic cups they pour into. I feel like I’m tasting 50% of what the wine has to offer. GV – that’d be a interesting show: taste the wines from these little cups and give your comments then taste again from the big glass. Maybe do it blind. Let’s see how Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva shows in a thimble.
December 5, 2007

HO
Third time this week with comments, does that take me out of the lurker category
Where do I shop for food? The real answer is i don’t shop, but if i do which is not often i go the whole foods market if a super market can be fun this is fun
scott
December 5, 2007

Anthony
Great Show Gaz. GOTD: I shop at IGA and Woolworths
December 5, 2007

J Cray
I shop at Jasco for fruits and vegetables, The Maruhei or Jump for fish and meat, but I have to all the way to Narita to Makino Liquor Shop or Tsuzuki-ya for my wines and spirits.

BTW, if you ever do another beer episode get some Hitachiko Nest Beer. They make a wild red rice beer that tastes like flowers and, well, red rice. If you can’t find it there let me know and I’ll send some to ya.
December 5, 2007

SmokeyUST
I believe GV was o for 3 on his own wines. Terrible GV terrible…

QOTD: Kowalski’s Market or Rainbow Foods (for big trips) or my restaurant…
December 5, 2007

StÃ©phane
You should have some Red Bull, I don’t particularly like it, but it does have a unique flavor. Something to add to your palate library.
December 5, 2007

Glen
That Jason really knows his stuff. I loved that clip….!!!!

Hope I see you tomorrow. I’ll be in to pick up some wine I ordered.
December 5, 2007

BobM
Hey, Gary-

It’s a good thing not all your customers have the same palate as you! It’d be hard to move all that wine, otherwise. In any event, if anybody tries to criticize you for conflict of interest, just show them this episode.

QOTD- I shop at a local store called Berkeley Bowl, as well as the Farmer’s Market. Berkeley Bowl has the most unbelievable produce of any store I’ve seen. I recently counted 22 varieties of mushrooms there. They buy from local growers when their produce is in season, they have a good selection of organic produce, and their prices are way Better than Whole Foods. Odds and ends come from Trader Joe’s.
December 5, 2007

C-Fiddy
Who gets the honor of washing out the bucket every day???
You better triple their pay for today’s episode. That’s just a mess, man.
QOTD: Winco mostly. Great prices, employee owned, but a horrible wine selection. That’s what Old Doc’s is for.
December 5, 2007

David Grega
Just wanted to say thanks to Montana Legend steaks for the really nice wine…thanks to Gary and WLTV for facilitating everything….I’ve never really won anything like that before….feels good!
December 5, 2007

Pardus
QOTD: I shop at the local farmer’s market (Banovo Brdo) and at a Megastore in New Belgrade called Idea Extra. I was at Idea yesterday and went into their wine shop. Unfortunately I have the Mother of all colds and wasn’t feeling it, so I left empty-handed.
December 5, 2007

Chrisfs
Man Gary, Wine Library is huge! , you have two floors !

QOTD: I shop at the Berkeley Farmer’s market on Saturdays. I shop at Trader Joes (Two Buck Chuck!), the Cheese Board http://cheeseboardcollective.coop/ for great cheese variety and baked stuff, Vintage Berkeley for wine. And sometimes Andronico’s, an upscale supermaket, but not that often anymore since there’s a Trader Joe’s I can get to easily.
December 5, 2007

Chrisfs
Bob M is right, Berkeley Bowl is a great local store, but their parking lot is really small, you have to be almost David Grega level lucky to find a parking spot there on your first pass through. I take Bart to Trader Joe’s in El Cerrito. Less choice on the fresh veggies, but lots more single person quick packaged stuff. And Pollo Asado to die for.
December 5, 2007

medo
Congrats to Dave for the Masseto!

QOTD: I’ve no special shop for food in general.
December 5, 2007

dave from Osaka (thunderball)
Another great episode.

QOTD: Lots of the little local markets or (sadly?) the big Costco in Amagasaki near Kobe. It’s EXACTLY the same as the Canadian and American ones…weird.
December 5, 2007

Lars
Ouch! Like watching da Jets. So much potential…so much pain.

QOTD: Costco
December 5, 2007

Tom L
Congrats Dave.

Gary – Do a show with two Albarinos up against two Sauvignon Blancs. We need it, man.

QOTD: Whole Foods (or as I affectionately refer to it – Whole Wallet).
December 5, 2007

Tzahi
Gary,
Sorry man but I didn’t liked the idea of spiting the wine on your viewers, us

QOTD-
Usually I get my wines (Israel) at Wine route store: http://www.wineroute.co.il/
Or at Wine & more- http://www.wineandmore.co.il/
December 5, 2007

Wey
Marques de grinon! That was one of my first ‘wow!’ wine experiences… It was the 1998 Syrah of Grinon and I loved it so much! I still have the bottle in my trophees corner

Lick the rock, bite the sock! WinelibraryTV
December 5, 2007

jason
no love/ 1990 for me today, oh well.

random thoughts_ gary, did you go to band camp? i am really proud that you never drank red bull. that shit is horrible, like a liquid lolly pop. who the fuck looks at CR for wine info. my mom gets CR for tech stuff. i saw that they had reviews of wines and beer! beer like BUD! insane. you so added insult to injury like the “the body” by spitting bad cheap wine on all of the losers. sinade o’conner said, ” the difference between like and love is spitting and swallowing” hale mary
QOTD: i shop at the coop, manor, the wine store and the farmers market. in the states i was shopping at whole foods, starbucks, the diner and all of the tasty restaurants in DC.
December 5, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: When I was back home on the East Coast, in college, living in Boston, SHAW’S was always how I got down for groceries. Now, in LA, it’s a pretty even split between Ralph’s and Von’s (I literally purchase certain items from one store and will only buy other items from the other…gotta go where the deals are.)
December 5, 2007

J.Rice
Central Market for specialty items like truffles, funky grains or spices, teas (they carry Republic of Tea), and meats. Super Wal-Mart works for the staples like flour and sugar, but not produce, as it can be quite bad. I’ll usually hit up Albertson’s or farmer’s markets for my produce. Geez, I sound like a high-maintenance shopper.
December 5, 2007

salvatore
Gary………

I’m feeling much better about making wine selections that often don’t meet my expectations.

Ya can’t hit a home run every time. That’s why that grand slam is so exciting when it happens.
December 5, 2007

Svante Adermark
QOTD: Whole foods, MoM (My Organic Market) and local Asian markets in Rockville, Maryland.
December 5, 2007

virid
Best montage ever by Jason Hicks.
December 5, 2007

habeen
QOTD: In Minneapolis, for Cheeses, olive oil, Prosciutto, and baguettes I go to Surdykâ€™s Liquors. For deals on larger quantity stuff and milk, I go to Costco. For produce and general groceries, Byerlyâ€™s. Occasionally I’ll stop in at a Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods if I am driving by and need an item.
December 5, 2007

italianwinelover
wow 0 and 3–just proves that your a true wine lover. We all have had that happen but like you said thats how you learn.

I have a bottle of the 2002 Marques De Grinon and have been waiting to open it. I think I’ll wait a little longer and hope for the best!

QOTD:Trader Joes/Whole Foods/Body+Soul(local organic store) Jewel Aldi..it all depends on what I need and how much time I have!
December 5, 2007

ryan nahapetian
best place to buy food has to be Trader Joes. The prices are better than Whole Foods and you still get quality foods that are good for you and the environment. Also, while Whole Foods has that uptown yuppy east village vibe, Trader Joes feels more homey and has a downhome hippy co-op feel. They have a decent wine selection too.
December 5, 2007

ryptide
QOTD: A variety of places. When I’m home on weekends, I like to hit Eastern Market (DC) for meat and produce. For just random grocery shopping (canned goods, etc.) I usually wind up at Safeway, with a few Whole Foods trips thrown in depending on where I am.
December 5, 2007

Brandon
Nice bit of production there at the start. Great show.
December 5, 2007

Martin
Better luck next time; in the summer I go to the Greeley, Colorado farmer’s market. Otherwise, I’m at safeway every other day.
December 5, 2007

Brian Vanaski
Love the opening, it’s great to see the shop. It’s so big!
December 5, 2007

The Fanjestic
QOTD – Walmart Grocery Store.

Next time you should just do the drawing but not tell anyone you’re having it. For the True Vayniacs to have a better shot!
December 5, 2007

Orion Slayer
It’s cool when you show the shop! I feel envious!!!

Envy: An emotion that occurs when a person lacks anotherâ€™s superior quality, achievement, or possession and desires it for themself.

QOTD: I go food shopping most often at WinCo. The prices are great and that leaves more money to buy wine.
December 5, 2007

stewart l
As you said, even a wine critic can have an o-for, just like us. But enjoy and learn from the experience
QOTD- Giant Eagle
December 5, 2007

jason carey
Gary, you should do some different Rias Baxias wines such as Godello and Verdejo.. which are just as amazing and can be even more food friendly than Albarino
December 5, 2007

Ricky B.
Market of Choice (that is really the name).
December 5, 2007

Marc
I go 0-3 often, but it’s the thrill of the hunt and finding the prize that makes it fun!

QOTD: Trader Joes/Costco/Green Valley Ranch Farmer’s Market
December 5, 2007

Robert the singer
Hey Gary, ex-lurker here. I particularly like the 05 Nora. Wish I could buy more but the shipping really kills me. I always wait for the free shipping specials. I’ll pass by when I go by NJ.
QOTD: Usually Publix
December 5, 2007

Eric
Thank you Dash, for reminding me to go back and fill out the form. In my eagerness to change out the badge for a widget a few weeks ago, I forgot to put my URL into the form. . .anybody else??
December 5, 2007

Noontime
QOTD-We do most of our food shopping at local green markets in order to reduce the environmental impact of our consumption (costs quite a bit of money and a whole lot of gas to get california oranges to southern florida).

Great show Gary.
December 5, 2007

Todd Smith
QOTD – I try to buy most of my veggies from the local farmers market on Saturdays and we have a small independent whole foods type store I like. I go to Publix (grocery) at last resort. Eat local!
December 5, 2007

Carlitos
Gary, you mentioned that the PV was lacking something else to blend with. Have you tried the Marques de GriÃ±on Summa Varietalis that you guys also sell? It’s their Syrah, Cab and PV blend. I haven’t tried the 2002, but the 2003 I tried in a restaurant in Spain last summer blew me away!

QOTD. Most of the shopping is done at a local farmer’s market here in Hollywood, FL called Big Irv’s. For our specialty buys we go to Whole Foods, expensive but they have the stuff.
December 5, 2007

Deano
Gary sorry it didnt turn out like you planned. But yeah it happens to us all.

QOTD:
-Safeway usually but sometimes lucky.
December 5, 2007

Craig
In this area we think we have a great wine store when we have over 300 different bottles of wine to choose from!

Of course, that should be obvious by my answer to the QOTD: The Piggly Wiggly
December 5, 2007

Valerie
QOTD: Oleson’s Market (in Charlevoix), a small grocery store chain in Northern Michigan.
December 5, 2007

Kristen
PS- You need to try and seek out 2006 Burgans Albarino if you do an Albarino episode…which I’m counting on! Everyone at Barriques loves it!
December 5, 2007

Bill H
QOTD – Trader Joe’s, and then Whole Foods for cheese
December 5, 2007

Jacob
I didn’t comment yesterday because I would have felt guilty because I rarely comment. But I watch through a video podcast aggregator, not through the site, so the “comment this guy up” links aren’t handy.
December 5, 2007

Kristi
hmm, I got to Safeway for the convenience and a local grocery store called the Nugget (it’s similiar to Whole Foods) for higher end items.
December 5, 2007

Dave lurk M
I don’t mine some O’fers if they are drinkable… I hate it when they are so bad you dump them.

OTD: 1st Jungle Jim’s, 2nd Trader Joes
December 5, 2007

Tinhorn1
I love to shop at PCC in Seattle. Keep up the amazing work!
Take good care,
Brook
December 5, 2007

ryan
QOTD groceries at trader joes and the local farmers market

As for being 0 for 3, you didn’t think the wines were bad just not amazing, so I can’t see how that is any worse than buying the same over-marketed, over-hyped boring bottle
December 5, 2007

Dan H
I shop at Tops on the Waterfront, a great local grocery store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
December 5, 2007

Dominick Mack
Wegman’s beats the piss out of any other grocery store.
December 5, 2007

BillT
I drive all the way from Chesapeake, VA to shop at Wegman’s in Woodbridge and to get a Ripper at Rutt’s Hutt in Clifton. Sometimes I visit friends while in the neighborhood…
December 5, 2007

Big Nick
I think that I pissed the wife off today by letting her know that we are going to NJ for our vacation next year…..no questions to be asked. I have to see the WLTV store that place is huge. She asked me first if we were going back to atlantic city and when I told her no she just screamed and walked away.

QOTD: There is no place around here to shop besides the larger chain stores, and they are no fun. On occasion I will slip down to this local market that has great produce and some nice wines. Nothing fancy, but nice for a change of pace. Horrock’s it is.
December 5, 2007

Shane
QOTD: Central Market, Jimmy’s Italian Market, Rudolph’s Market, Kroger. Depending on what I need. All in Dallas.
December 5, 2007

Wednesday
Trader Joe’s for staples.
The Super H asian market for seafood and for exotic flavors.
December 5, 2007

James H
I shop at two grocery stores in my neighbourhood: Zehrs, and Remarks. The former is for the every day food stuffs, but the latter is for speciality goods, and extremely fresh goods — it’s more expensive, but sometimes it feels nice to splurge.

Congrats to Dave Grega!
December 5, 2007

Mr.Sato
QOTD Mostly Trader Joe’s for the staples. We also shop at Nijiya Market for our Asian needs (the wife is Japanese). For fruit, when we can’t get to the farmer’s market, we go to Gelsons. We now make our own bread and icecream, which has cut down on our Gelsons runs.

Hey Gary, it is encouraging to see you bomb out shopping [blindly] for wine, since we’ve all done it, but didn’t think such experienced wine drinkers such as yourself had the same problem. And you’re right… if the wine doesn’t totally such it is usually worth the experience, even if you don’t totally like it. Wine can vary in so many ways… it is always a new experience.

cheers!
December 5, 2007

MB Dallas
Nice intro of the store. Had no idea it was such a large shop.

Ordered an Albarino (Laxas) at dinner the other night, and really enjoyed it. Learned about the grape from the show, so it was top of mind. Thanks!

QOTD: Central Market. It’s a Whole Food-like retailer in Texas. Great produce, meat, seafood, and hard to find ingredients. A nice wine department, though it seems a bit overpriced.
December 5, 2007

Karl Laczko
QOTD – EVERYWHERE. One week it’ll be Tesco’s, then Sainsbury’s, occasionally Asda, Waitrose when I need some really nice wine, back to Tesco’s, then maybe Morrisons, into Newcastle for the Central Market (and maybe Fenwick for more nice wine) then the next week it’ll be Costco, Aldi features regularly, last week I picked up the shopping at Makro (and a wine cooler!) and occasionally even the COOP gets a look in, then Waitrose again, maybe Tescos, blah de blah blah blah……………..
December 5, 2007

hockeywiner
Loved the intro! Wow, wish we lived closer to visit!
December 5, 2007

Lukas B
QOTD- mostly Tesco. Sainsbury if i’m feeling adventurous and rich.

Great show,
congrats to Dave
December 5, 2007

Joseph M. Kennedy
QOTD: Ralph’s Freshfare and Wholefoods.
December 5, 2007

L
whole foods
December 5, 2007

Carly
Hi Gary! I’m sure if I went shopping I would somehow have done worse than 0-3. Don’t let it get you down, and WAY TO LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING (i.e., wine is all about trying new things, learning your lessons, sometimes twice)! I love that about you.

QOTD: I shop mainly at a Market District Giant Eagle, sometimes at Trader Joes, not enough at ALDI, and very occasionally at Whole Foods (their canned pumpkin puree is so much better than anyone elses!).

Now, if only the damned PA blue laws weren’t so restrictive: I have to make a separate trip for wine/beer/liquor! Very annoying.
December 5, 2007

CORSkier
I definitely spend my money on groceries at the local Ashland Food Co-op. Gotta give that money back to the peoples!
December 5, 2007

Bernie Bearnaise
The sea of wine that is in your library is daunting even to its owner. I now feel much better when I have purchased my three bottles and only one is up to expectation. You stopped and picked up the Sojourn cabernet and then put it back because you tasted it last week. Have you tried one of their Pinot Noirs yet??????

Malbec has found a home in Argentina. In Chile they feel that Carmenere has a life of its own springing from their soils. Carmenere was a lost grape no longer popular in Bordeaux and was previously mistaken for Merlot in Chile. DNA testing revealed that it was indeed a separate varietal and the rest is history. BTW, recently the entire genome of vinifera has been mapped. We will know more about the history of the vines as a result or if they have committed a crime…..

Safeway, Lotte and Giant Foods.
December 5, 2007

Ryan
QOTD: Whole Foods
December 5, 2007

Matthew L
Good show Gary. Anyone who’s been watching for a while knows you love Petit Verdot. (As do I.)

QOTD: I shop for food at three different stores near my house. Allow me to be specific.

Safeway, 6500 Piney Branch Road, NW, Washington, DC

Whole Foods, 833 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring, MD

Sniders, 1936 Seminary Rd, Silver Spring, MD
December 5, 2007

Derek
Great show Gary!!

QOTD: We do most of are shopping at Shaws
December 5, 2007

Cuse Wino
Please no more discussing your wet dreams……..
QOTD- Whole Foods
If there is one person that does not need Red Bull it is you, the Energizer Bunny!

Good to see you struggle at buying wine. We all go through it. You can be very disappointed still buying what you are comfotrable with. I love the Cartlidge and Brown Pinot Noir and bough a bunch of the 2006 to give out for the Holidays and it was horrible. All Rubbing Alcohol and no fruit. Very disappointing.
December 5, 2007

Carl
Trader Joe’s ’cause I work there and get 10% off.
Try the Warrmang Grand Pyrenees 2002…30%cab/30%cabfranc/30%shiraz. $14.99 great right out of the bottle. One of the best wines we got right now.
December 5, 2007

Monstrose
QOTD: Costco for staples, Whole Foods for things I don’t need by the ton and Marczyk’s (a local Denver shop) for cheese and special stuff.
December 5, 2007

Mark
QTOD- Whole Foods and if I have time, the specialty markets that Chicago has so many of (Paulina Meat Market, for example).
December 5, 2007

Timothy Burke
QOTD: I do most of my food shopping at the ACME down the street from me. Across the street from them is a Beer Distributor where I get my Bacardi O3’s at. And down the street from there is a Wine & Spirit Store where I of course get my wine and Liquor.
December 5, 2007

Dominus
looking forward to a Classic! Time to quaff some il Mimo rose.
December 5, 2007

Norcal
QOTD: Trying to mix whole foods, trader joe’s, a little bit of Safeway, and the farmers market.
December 5, 2007

Smith MBA
QOTD: You asked for specifics, Whole Foods on P Street NW DC, Dupont Circle Farmer’s Market on Sundays, Giant Foods on O Street NW DC, CVS on 4th and H street.

I think that covers most of it.
December 5, 2007

Michael
QOTD: We shop at Whole Foods and farmer’s markets.
December 5, 2007

Dominus
Waiting . . . I guess I’ll pop the Saint Jean du Barroux and see what all the fuss is about.
December 5, 2007

Lindsay
QOTD: Willy Street Co-Op in Madison or Jenifer Street Market, which is close enough to walk even in a snowstorm. But I get all my wine at Barriques, where I (occasionally) work. The 10%-above-cost discount for employees is awesome.
December 5, 2007

ev
Gary, the intro was cool. However 25 minutes was too long. Even keeping the intro in, I could see losing 10 minutes off this show. Shorter will keep me watching all your shows. Have you tried Salneval Albarino or Pirramimma PV?
QOD: Costco and a myriad of other shops for teeny stuff like a lemon or garlic head………
December 5, 2007

ecola
I’m hoping when I fall asleep tonight I’ll have a Petit Verdot wet dream.
December 5, 2007

pawncop
Nice show, good learning experience.

QOTD – Mostly Wally World (Wal Mart) for the day to day stuff.
December 5, 2007

David Dadekian
QOTD: I try to get to a Trader Joe’s as much as possible, otherwise it’s Dave’s (a local RI grocery chain).
December 5, 2007

Richard T
QOTD: Local Market, Safeway, Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, Farmers Market, and SF Ferry Building
December 5, 2007

Eric Holm
He sure was NOT shopping in PA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 5, 2007

elliottf
QOTD: Ralph’s and Trader Joe’s
December 6, 2007

wayno da wino
Yooo GeeVee !!
0 for 3 ? Hey, nobody’s perfect!! I’ve been
0 for 3 and worst myself! Tomorrow’s another
day!!

QOTD: Henry’s, Winco Foods, Stater Brothers
December 6, 2007

David Ziemba
So I know I am HUGE LURKER(SP?) but, you went 0 for 3 and all your choices had scores and this is illustrating that even you Gary do shop with scores. So, why did you rely on scores…we shouldn’t as you usually say. But, the thing is you can usually give yourself some type of “insurance” when buying since the experts did like them. I know I mainly try to shop for scores and bought wine with scores, that have dissapointed. But is there any chance that you can litterally hit random on the computer and pick any 3 non-scored wines and see how it goes for an episode???
Thanks for all your help and entertainment you have given me out here.
Dave “back in Iraq” Ziemba
December 6, 2007

Colin
GV – Fun show. QOTD – Corner mart, TJ’s and Whole.
December 6, 2007

Alex Haag
QOTD: At home, the groceries come from Wegman’s, at school, it’s Tops
December 6, 2007

CHATrBox
Yeah, nice shout to the Cactus Juice! That takes me backâ€¦those were dark dark days.

Egg Nog in wineâ€¦is that a good thing? Obviously not. Remind me never to go wine shopping with you! Way to jump on the grenade. Sacrificing yourself for the good of the wine world.

QOTD: Whole â€œPaycheckâ€ Foods on a regular basis, but Pikeâ€™s Place Market for special dinners like surf â€˜n turf night coming up this Friday!
December 6, 2007

wmole
Great to see you shopping for wine again Gary, just like in L.A. That was fun, but now I’m sorry to have missed that meal at Binxxx>? My better half was holding out for ethiopian food, Oh well!
Loved the high energy you brang today. All the Best GV to you and fam.

Trader Joes, Whole foods coming here soon.
December 6, 2007

Stu
QOTD: Pick ‘n’ Save
December 7, 2007

Mason
QOTD: I do all my food shopping at Schnucks or The Fresh Market.
December 7, 2007

Carl
Trader Joeâ€™s â€™cause I work there and get 10% off.
Wow, another Carl at a TJ’s!
December 7, 2007

Adam Z
Trader Joes when I can, Vons because it’s close, and costco because it’s rad.
December 7, 2007

yowens
The whole foods when i forget im poor, the stop and shop when i dont.
December 7, 2007

DARREL LAS VEGAS
I work at WHOLEFOODS so guess!
DARREL the wine specialist!
December 8, 2007

ChadD.
TJ and Krogers
December 8, 2007

NADINE
Adonis and IGA -
December 8, 2007

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD: I shop at Publix and at my favorite restaurant/gormet shop. I also shop at several local wine stores to get a wider selection of wines. I try to follow your rule of trying new and different wine from around the world.
December 8, 2007

damon aka unknownwine
local city market. Findlay Market, downtown cincinnati
December 9, 2007

Matt from Barossa
You lost me when you gave the Earthworks a thumbs down in the intro…
December 9, 2007

Elliot Essman
QOTD – Food shopping at Stop and Shop or my local IGA.

When I have access, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods (in either CT or NY where they don’t sell wine).
December 9, 2007

Lisa Marie
I live in Seattle and do my shopping at Trader Joe’s, QFC, and farmers markets. I’m a little sad my local farmers market just closed down for the winter, but Pike Place is open all year round (We just celebrated it’s centennial). Interesting episode; I dug it!
December 10, 2007

JayZee
Geez, Gary, that was interesting in the negative sense. Actually, I sort of enjoyed watching you strike out – just like your JETS against my BROWNS yesterday afternoon!!

QOTD: We shop for food at the local grocery store chain, Giant Eagle. But we also shop at Trader Joe’s for some items and we get meat at Cleveland’s West Side Market, which is awesome.

http://www.westsidemarket.com/
December 10, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: HEB
December 12, 2007

Fred Liu
Dear, dear, gary, it took me almost a week to get thru this vedio, just can not make the connection, while I am enjoying any other episode…Whatever, I finally know what gary will shop for himself. That is great~ And, try everything, I do agree. Thank you, man, and that is it.
December 14, 2007

Peter
Regarding relying on scores when buying wine – how else are we supposed to differentiate? There are so many options, and you have no idea by looking at the region, varietal, producer, vintage, label, etc. how good the wine is inside the bottle. Having at least one expert give a thumbs up is the best lead most of us have when deciding what to buy. Sure, over time we learn and we can make more independent decisions. However, for most of us, relying on ratings is an entirely rational thing to do.

Gary, I challenge you to a game of paper football. Can you make a 25 foot field goal? I can, promise.
December 31, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Ouch 0-3. We all have to have those days, I guess. QOTD: Whole Foods. I just find the food ( esp meats and vegetables )to be a better quality. I know its more expensive at times but so worth it.
February 4, 2009

A dumb Rhine king
ooo 0 for 3 is tough. I like the way you look at it though.

QOTD: Cub Foods. They are all over the place in MN. I think I might get some meat from a sustainable farm this year, maybe a CSA with SunShineHarvest. We are definitely doing a food garden this year, so soon my own backyard.
April 14, 2009

Karen
QOTD: Jewel Food Stores, a staple in the Chicagoland area.

I dunno know, GV: I’m really wanting to try the Nora Alberino now, based on the “sniffy sniff” alone!