Supermarkets vs Wine Merchants, where should I Shop?

When it comes to buying wine, most people typically have two options: supermarkets or wine merchants. While both options have their pros and cons, there are a number of advantages to using a wine merchant that should be considered before making your next purchase.

First and foremost, wine merchants offer a much wider selection of wines than supermarkets. They often specialize in specific regions or types of wines, and they may even have rare and hard-to-find bottles. This means that you will have access to a wider range of options, which can be especially beneficial if you are looking for a specific wine or if you want to try something new.

Another advantage of using a wine merchant is that they are typically staffed by experts who have a deep understanding of wine. They can help you navigate the wide selection of wines and make recommendations based on your personal taste and budget. They can also provide valuable information about the wineries and the regions where the wines are produced. This is especially helpful for people who are new to wine or for those who want to expand their knowledge and try new wines.

Wine merchants also often have a more personalized service, and they can offer different ways of buying wines, such as creating a wine club, or offering wine subscription services, creating a customized wine list for a special event, or even having a wine storage service. This is particularly useful for wine enthusiasts who want to explore new wines and build a collection over time.

Additionally, wine merchants often have a good relationship with wineries, which means they can offer exclusive access to limited-edition wines or pre-release wines that are not yet available in supermarkets. This is a great opportunity for wine enthusiasts to try something unique and special.

Another advantage of using a wine merchant is the quality of the wines. Supermarkets often have wine that has been sitting on the shelves for months, if not years. Wine merchants, on the other hand, are more likely to have fresh and high-quality wines that have been stored under optimal conditions.

Finally, by using a wine merchant, you can support small, independent businesses and the wineries they represent, rather than larger corporations. This is an important consideration for those who want to support local and sustainable businesses.

While supermarkets do offer the convenience of one-stop shopping, they often lack the expertise and personalized service that wine merchants can provide. Supermarkets also often have a limited selection of wines, and the bottles may not be stored in optimal conditions.

In conclusion, using a wine merchant can offer a more personalized and diverse wine-buying experience, with access to a wider selection of wines, expert advice, and exclusive access to certain bottles. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, visiting a wine merchant can be a great way to expand your knowledge and try new wines. If you're looking for a unique, high-quality wine, or just want to learn more about the wines you're drinking, a wine merchant is definitely worth considering.

Winewizard smart wine aerators are available from local wine merchant. 

Winewizard is a smart, micro-oxygen technology proven to enhance wine’s taste, aroma and mouthfeel, and increase it’s perceived age and value.

“It’s like ageing and decanting wine to perfection, in seconds.” Steve Heminway. Indi Wine Merchant & Sommelier.

Our unique 3-in-1 technology starts with pure air, which we rebalance, changing the percentage of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases. A gentle squeeze of Winewizard’s trigger diffuses millions of micro-bubbles into the wine increasing the surface area 10,000 fold.

This patented combination of rebalanced air and surface area opens up the wine, boosting flavours, softening tannins and reducing sulfites.