Welcome back to school after that lovely break for a few days of feasting. Using all the knowledge you all have gained in the past few columns, I’m sure that a least a few of you might have had the chance to wow Mom and Dad with your wine savvy and maybe may have even had the chance to use your parents’ green for more expensive wines.
But alas, here we all are back at school and back on a budget. Well, have I got the solution for you! In my various travels around Eugene, I have found one place that is always a reliable source for cheap and quality wine.
Sundance Wine Cellars, at 2470 Alder St., offers the very best in wine selection, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and above all, value. No matter when I have visited Sundance, I have always found the staff courteous and helpful, no matter what my budget. And have never had a bottle I didn’t enjoy. But a little more about the place itself:
Here you will find probably the biggest selection of wines in town. The store features wine from virtually every wine-making region in the world, and it has a large selection of local wines, as well as wine from around the state. As you walk into the store, you will notice that aside from the wine separated by region, you will find wines that have been set aside as bargains.
Here you will be able to find perfectly acceptable bottles for as little as $4. Of special note are the 1992 Castelle ‘Il Villa Chianti Classico and the 1999 Sangiovese San Giorgio. Or how about a white? You might try the Leonard’s Crossing 1998 Chardonnay. Whatever your taste, be adventurous; this is definitely the place to do it.
“We try to get the best wines in all price ranges,” said Steve Baker, manager of Sundance.
But to really open your horizons, go attend the free wine tasting offered every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.
If you find yourself in a bind for time this holiday season and you can’t get to the wine cellar for an hour to get what you really want, then I have yet another suggestion: Trader Joe’s, at 85 Oakway Center.
This store has it all, from a quick gourmet to holiday treats, and yes, good cheap wine. Upon receiving my Traders Joe’s bulk mailing, I quickly noticed there were several wines on sale for just less than $3.
Were they any good? “Who cares?” I thought, “I can afford $3 for wine!” However, I was not disappointed, as the Belle Sirene Chardonnay was quite nice. I also grabbed the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the same vineyard. Three bottles of good wine for the price of what would usually be one is a good deal anywhere.
However, supply seemed to be limited so hurry on over.