   |  Your Wine and Beer Selection SucksJanuary 29, 2009 at 12:10 am by john Ever wonder why most beer and wine selections at bars or restaurants really suck? There are many answers to that, but there is one specific reason that you may not know if you've never worked in the food and beverage business. It's rigged...it's crooked....it's a sham...you're getting hoodwinked...beguiled...ripped off... schnookered....bamboozled... hopplecapped....ok, I made up that last one. Here's the thing, there are a few (but primarily one) big alcohol distribution companies that handle most of the wine/beer/liquor in any given state or territory. A typical visit from one of these companies to your bar might go like this:
BAR: Hi, I've just spent my life savings and worked my ass off to open this bar.... I'd like to taste some wine and beer with you, choose what I like the best, then bestow on you the honor of featuring the best of the best in my bar
THEM: Shutup. The only way we'll sell you these three liquors that you have to have in any bar to survive, is when you devote 4 of your 6 taps to our beers (no matter how mediocre) and all of your wine lineup.
Nice, huh? The only other version is when they punch you in the face and steal your wallet when you're done with that conversation. Seriously, there's no other possible variation to that exchange. This is why you see the same wines over and over and over again as 'glass pours' in these establishments. It's easier...it's cheaper...it's less stressful really if your pride hasn't been destroyed. So, let me issue a call to arms for all you barflies and foodies...cheer on those establishments that buck this trend! They work hard to keep in the obscure stuff, the stuff from the little guy that eventually expands your palate and brings you back to that stool. Especially in an economy like this when the big players are offering deals that are structured to drown the little guy out of business, it's more important than ever to save money, but also to spend those precious few bucks wisely. Leave a comment  Paul J. said:Interesting, I just figured most people were satisfied with the plebian swill they pass off as a malt beverage. Makes sense though. The Man is always keepin' us down. Fight the power! January 30, 2009 12:29 PM Nicole W. said:One of my officials New Year's resolutions is to drink more wine. Well, not a larger quantity of wine, but a more varied selection.So, you will be seeing more of me. :) Are there other local establishments that buck this trend? And if there are, would it be in poor taste to talk about them here? January 30, 2009 1:45 PM Joshua L. said:So all the while it was the distributors strong-arming bars & restaurants into serving us the same fours wines (and six crappy beers)?? Wait!! I'm not completely brushed up on my organized crime-family techniques...but it's that extortion? Well, here's to the "little guy!!!" Here's to the underdog, fighting the good fight to bring us a better life (viniculturally speaking)!! Here's to a future, happier and more prosperous because we stood together and brought America to a brighter day! (Sorry, all the excitement over beer & wine has gotten mixed in with my "Obama Fever")! BTW John, I love the word "hopplecapped" and intend to begin using it in conversation :^) January 30, 2009 3:28 PM Nicole W. said:Did you see this story in the New York Times? It's all about how they predict the economic downturn will affect Eagle Rock.It mentions a few of my favorite spots, like Regeneration, and has an oblique reference to CoWineCo.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/fashion/26eaglerock.html?_r=2&hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1235620961-7ArnzMsTvZnN9eGipyom5A&pagewanted=allHere's hoping they're wrong. February 26, 2009 7:11 PM |
Thanks you! As a little guy, who is very much wanting to stay in business, I appreciate the call to arms! In these economic times you can directly affect a small producers situation by supporting an artisan product, and make a friend at the same time;)Cheers to Colorad Wine Company and J&J.
January 30, 2009 12:25 PM