Alright, it has been a couple of months since I decided to take the “Grocery Store Wine Challenge” and I now have my first chain grocery store finding. This was hard for me… since I am so partial to my local stores. So as I stopped by Safeway, with a sleeping baby, I decided to use my time wisely and peruse the wine section. I went in to this, with a sour attitude, but to my surprise the wine section at Safeway wasn’t horrific (meaning, there was more than just Carlo Rossi boxed wine!). So, to my fellow novices who are unable to hit West Seattle Cellars, Picnic on Greenwoood, Esquin wine merchant, and/or Vino Verite on Capital Hill (or any other wine shop in your neighborhood), there are decent options at your local grocery store. Here are some of the wines I found at Safeway on Roosevelt (and 75th). I am sure that each store (especially in a different state) has different wine selections, but take a look at these wines the next time you pop by Safeway.
*** I also have a wine tasting tonight, so take a look below!
Grocery Store recommendations – Safeway
Just a little information – if you purchase 6 or more bottles, you receive a %10 discount – with their Safeway Club card
L’ecole 2006 Caberent Sauvignon $26.94- A Walla Walla red. I have only had L’ecole once, but loved it. For the most part Walla Walla wines are smooth and full of flavor. This wine is worth the investment. You can also find this wine in local wine shops as well.
Kestral – Lady in Red $14.99 – Prosser WA – another great wine. I have been to this winery twice and have always enjoyed their wines. Great everyday drinking wine.
Gascon Malbec – Argentina $11.49. I have had this wine once. Not my favorite Malbec but has a nice, light flavor. Good wine to take to a party.
Red Bicyclette Syrah – France $8.99. A can’t beat price. I purchased a glass of this wine in a restaurant once and had a nice flavor – a hint of pepper if I remember correctly.
Powers Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – Tri-Cities, WA $10.84. I met one of their wine makers about a year ago. Very nice gentleman and his wines do not disappoint. They also own Badger Mountain Vineyards as well. Once fact about Powers, is that all their wines are organic. Exceptional price.. pick up a bottle.
If in doubt and need a wine in a hurry – Bogle Vineyards in CA make inexpensive wines that hold their own. Make sure to drink this wine last. Always start with your more expensive, hard to find wine first – then end with the cheap stuff. Bogle wines are around $10.00 and I have seen them at most major supermarkets.
Tonight’s Tasting:
Tre Donne – D’Arc 2006 Italy ($15.00 West Seattle Cellars):
This wine is a blend of 40% Barbera D’Alba, 30% Pinot Noir, 20% Dolcetto D’Alba, and 10% Freisa.
We opened this wine with our dinner – which was vegetarian Chili. Wow!! That is pretty much all I have to say. A smooth, vibrant and intense wine, I was more than impressed. I was planning on having just a glass with dinner, but I have a feeling this bottle may be gone by the end of the night. If you can find this (and it won’t be at Safeway) – please grab a bottle. They say this wine goes perfectly with pork, but I beg to differ. It goes great with a vegetarian meal. Take my suggestion, grab this wine while you can.
I hope you have a great time searching for tonight’s tasting or grabbing a Safeway wine!
A Wine Journey 