Will I really taste the difference...

[cpurvis]

Sharron, there is no inherent problem w/ "grocery store wine"...it simply tends toward mass-produced, mass-distributed brands. Private wine stores can focus on smaller producers & (sometimes) higher quality.

Storage would not likely be a difference between vendors since distributors need to "move" grocery store wine quickly, & price it to do so.

If you want to splurge, then look under the "Best Buys" thread on this site or under the thread for your preferred varietal. Unless you feel compelled to shell out $60 for a bottle, you can get excellent wines for much less, & many are noted in the threads on this site.

cheers,
cp

P.S. If you're near Santa Monica, then visit WineExpo. Roberto will set you up w/ wines that are a)exceptional, & b)well worth your $$.

WINE EXPO
2933 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica 90404
(310) 828-4428 WineExpo@earthlink.net
1-800-WINE EXPO


[This message has been edited by cpurvis (edited 11-20-2001).]