Tis the Season to Be … Cheap?

I’m a big proponent of re-gifting, recycling, and making donations at the holiday season of clothes, books, etc. to those in need. I’m also a fan of food gifts (especially yummy hard-to-find treats!) and of course, wine.

But what does it mean to give a gift of wine—is it an obligation to bring a bottle when invited for dinner, cocktails, or a tree trimming party? Or is it a thoughtful gesture to show the host that you want to grace their table with something special that they will enjoy now or put aside for a rainy day?

For me, giving a gift of wine is a reflection of who I am. If I don’t have something that I’m proud to give, I’d rather not. I don’t re-gift wine—unless it’s something that I know the host will enjoy—and I certainly don’t bring bad wine to someone’s house—even if they are having a big bash where no one will know the difference.

So imagine my surprise when late last week an email went around advertising a $2 bottle/$25 case red blend from CA as a great wine to bring or stock for the holidays. Of course this offer peaked my curiosity—what was—was it actually sold elsewhere for $14.99 as the advertisement suggested? —or was it another Two Buck Chuck making it’s way into the LA market.

Low and behold—and thanks to the marvels of the internet—there’s a site or two out there that actually picks up these amazing deals (or all kinds) and moments after the offer went out there were hundreds of people already commenting on the find.

And here’s what the common thread was that was the most disturbing because it seemed like these people were ones who actually have an interest in wine as well as love a great find.

“Even if it’s terrible, it will be the wine I bring everywhere over the holidays,” one quipped. “What a deal—I’ll give it to everyone I know,” spoke another. “It was a bad year for this wine (perhaps explaining the price) but at this price it’s too hard to pass up,” said another.