Wines available in NJ

[Thraz]

Whenever I ask someone at a store in NJ if they can order a particular wine, the clerk refers to a great big book that apparently lists all wines available for retail in the state. When I ask how I can get a copy they don't know. Does anybody on the board know how I could get my hands on one?

[Kcwhippet]

We have that in MA also. Up here it's called the Massachusetts Beverage Journal, and it's distributed to the retail shops here by subscription. You might be able to get an older copy, but it might be a bit difficult. The problem with them giving a copy to you - a retail customer - is that would show you exactly what their margins are. I don't know what business you're in, but it wouldn't make good business sense for you to have a retail price tag on your product while you're handing out your wholesale sheet to potential customers. Our copy, and previous month's copies, is kept in a drawer under the counter where customers can't inadvertently get their hands on it.

[hotwine]

Maybe check the shop's dumpster....?

[Thraz]

I can see the margin issue. I was hoping to easily identify wines I would want to order from a full catalog rather than just the shelves of the few stores I visit, but that all makes sense. As for the dumpster idea, well I haven't had enough wine yet today, but next time I do I'll give it some more thought.

[TheEngineer]

Not sure if this is the same source...suspect it may not be but...

https://secure.zinergy.net/bevmedia/membership_app.asp?pz=NJ

[Thraz]

It looks very much like it. The only thing is... they require a liquor license. I also notice that under "organization type" in the liquor license category, you can list "consumer". Is there a liquor license you can get if you are not actually going to trade, just consume? I am not looking for prices that retailers are charged, just for a list of what I can get in NJ - any other idea? Thanks.

[winoweenie]

A move mite be in order! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]WW

[Thomas]

Thraz,

there are no lists other than the one provided by Beverage Media, et al. to the trade.

First, the book is updated monthly; the reason for that is simply that products change hands and distribution, plus prices, regularly.

Second, there is a fee of about $100 for membership and more to use online and other "goody" services.

Third, I know of no license for consumers to consume wine--YET!

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 11-10-2005).]

[Kcwhippet]

It's interesting that they seem to require you to be licensed to get a subscription in NJ. Here's the site for the Mass Beverage Business subscription - www.beveragebusiness.com/bbcontent/html/subscrib.html - and it doesn't require a license (apparently). The site's a bit screwed up, but if you click on the Buyer's Guide up top, then click on Archive Search, you can get access to a lot of interesting articles, most written from the slant of folks ITB.

[Thraz]

Living in PA sometimes feels like there is a mandatory license for consumers, except nobody knows how to get one. NJ with its wine stores across the bridge from Philadelphia saves my life a little bit every day.