At Chateau Wine Market and Bar in Dallas, oenophiles are spending less.
"People's comfort level with spending on wine is changing," said owner Amier Taherzadeh.
Taherzadeh said his average sale price for a bottle of wine has dropped from $50 to $35.
However, budget-conscious connoisseurs still demand quality. According to wine expert Ken Chase, wine consultant for American Airlines, it is possible to find quality wines at a good price.
Chase said the following wines are all exceptional values:
- Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, Chile (Approx. $10)
- McManis Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007, California (Approx. $10)
- Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone, 2006, France (Approx. $25)
- Melipal Malbec, 2006, Argentina (Approx. $25)
- Kingston Pinot Noir, 2007, Chile (Approx. $30)
Chase also says the following countries are producing many quality wines at reasonable prices:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Chile
- France
- South Africa
Chase and Taherzadeh agree that finding a quality wine at an affordable price is easier than ever because winemaking technology has improved so much in recent years.
"There's no doubt about it, the whole industry is changing," said Taherzadeh.
