ClarkDeals.com is adamant that we will only share deals that we think will truly save you money. To support our work, we do make money from some links to companies and deals on our site, which helps to pay our bills and support our Consumer Action Center. Learn more about our guarantee here.
Expired Deal
Expired Deal

5 ways to save money on wine when prices are up

5 ways to save money on wine when prices are up
Get This Deal Read More
Image Credit: Clark.com
Theo Thimou |
Problem with a deal? Let us know.

With wine production on the decrease, the average price for a bottle of wine is going up.

But there are at least five ways you can save money on wine if you’re willing to change your wine-buying habits.

RELATED: Best and worst days of the week to buy alcohol

How to save money on wine 

After poor weather in Italy, France and Spain, global wine production is down to a 60-year low, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine.

That decreased supply is driving the cost of wine up, particularly if you favor imported wine.

While the obvious solution would be to drink U.S. vintages — Napa Valley production hasn’t declined nearly as much as that of its international competitors — there are a few other ways you can save a buck on a bottle and still get your glass on!

1. Don’t be afraid to try wine from discount grocers like Aldi and Walmart

You probably know about Two Buck Chuck and how much customers of Trader Joe’s love it.

But did you know that an $8 bottle of win from Aldi was recently named as one of the best bottles in the world?

Speaking of Aldi, we’re partial to the discount grocer’s Winking Owl label for $2.89. That low price is especially great if you like to use real wine, not cooking wine, liberally when you’re cooking your meals to enhance the flavor!

Likewise, Walmart’s La Moneda Reserva Malbec recently won Platinum Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

2. Shop the dollar stores for wine

Yep, you read that right!

While we can’t vouch for the quality of this vintage, rumor has it that Dollar General has its own house brand of wine called Spring Creek. Though we’ve never seen it at our local Dollar General, it may be lurking on the shelves of yours.

At around $3.50 a bottle, it’s worth a shot!

half case sale on wine at cost plus world market

One reviewer called the Spring Creek brand “highly drinkable” and noted the light texture of the wine in her review. We’ve heard anecdotally that Spring Creek is pressed by E. & J. Gallo Winery for Dollar General, but we can’t substantiate that.

Meanwhile, another reviewer had this to say about the Dollar General bottle:

“Even my wine snob friends who have been to Napa were shocked. My family tasted wine across Italy and thought it was very good. My faves are the Merlot and Riesling. The Pink Moscato is sweet, but very nice.” – Mary

3. Buying wine on this day of the week will save you money

Being strategic about when you buy is another great way to save on wine! According to the popular mobile shopping app Ibotta, try picking up your wine on a Tuesday for an average savings of 6%.

4. Buy in bulk

It’s easy to get a case discount either online or at a variety of retailers. For example, during a recent trip to Cost Plus World Market we spotted the following deal:

half case sale on wine at cost plus world market

You only needed to buy six bottles to take advantage of the 30% half case sale. That lowered the price per bottle from nearly $12 to $8.29.

5. Shop at a warehouse store

Like everything else in the store, wine only gets a small markup of between 10% to 13% at Costco Wholesale.

No surprise then that alcohol is a big seller at the warehouse club.

And the neat thing about buying alcohol at Costco is that you may not even need a membership to do it!

That’s because some states prohibit the sale of alcohol through any club or membership. Check with your state laws if you’re not a member, but want access to great prices.