NW Wines: Not Ready For Prime Time

[Thomas]

Unlike many parts of Europe and elsewhere, American viticulture is not subsidized by the government; in fact, it is the only American agricultural product that enjoys no subsidy.

Prices to some extent reflect economic conditions. It is costly to produce wine in America, which is why comparitive bargains abound from some European places and South America. In addition, in America wine is not a daily food, it is a luxury and, sorry to say, most of the West Coast producers have made a decision to go after the luxury market--indeed, many of the producers are OF the luxury world.

And so, as I agree with Kcwhippet, on a positive note: there remains a volume of good, solid wine at affordable prices from places other than the West Coast of the United States.

Having said all that, I also point out that if one operates a retail establishment one has the freedom to sell what one wants to sell. At my place, we eschew much of the West Coast and a part of the East Coast (Long Island) on the basis of price/quality ratio.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 01-11-2003).]