Wine Insiders vs Wine

It's 5 o'clock somewhere, and wherever you're located, shopping for the right wine can be a wonderful way to relax at the end of a long day. Whether you're looking for a perfect pairing to go with dinner or searching for a gift to surprise your in-laws, there's always an occasion for wine. And, it's no wonder wine is a favorite. It's been around for thousands of years.

The oldest known traces of grape wine production have been found in digs in Georgia (in Europe) that date back to 6000 BC. Wine has been a staple throughout Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and modern times. And it isn't location-specific, either. You can find wines made all over the globe, from the USA to the Middle East, to world-renowned wineries in Italy and France.

With so much history behind wine, it's not such a surprise that there are so many kinds to choose from. Whether you have a staple favorite or you're a burgeoning sommelier hoping to try them all, there are tons of choices from around the world. From Sauvignon Blanc to Merlot, or Chardonnay to Pinot Grigio, there are plenty of flavors, grapes, and vineyards to pick from.

You can even find some unique distilleries like those in Japan that offer Plum Wine or Rice Wine (better known as Sake). Whatever your pleasure, there's wine (or wines) out there just for you. You may never get tired of this longtime favorite boozy beverage. But the trick is finding the best wine store to score those sweet reds, fruity whites, or balanced rosés.

There are tons of places to find good, great, and rare wines, and it can be hard to decide where to start browsing. Whether you're looking to pick out a single bottle or stock your home wine cellar, shopping online can take a lot of the travel worries out of purchasing your favorite flavors. With access to wineries around the world, online wine stores offer a wider variety than at your local shop or a winery that just produces its own vintages. Plus, someone else can do the heavy lifting for you, so if you are buying a case (or two), getting the wine shipped through an online service can save you some sore muscles from moving the bottles from the shelf to the cart to the car.

Now, if your head is spinning from too many options, we've got your back. We get it, the internet is overflowing with wine stores and wines to choose from. How do you pick out the best wine store for your needs? To help you narrow the field (or vineyard, we should say), here are a few factors you can consider:

• Cost. Whether you're looking for your everyday red wine or something a little exotic, the price matters. If you can find a wine somewhere for a slightly lower cost, it's definitely worth a look. Some wine stores charge you a retail price that's padded for extra profit. So, make sure you get good value for your money. Check sizes, vintages, and quality to make sure that if you want to pay top dollar for some fancy wine, you get your money's worth.
• Shipping. Since you're shipping something breakable and perishable, you'll want to check out the shipping policies for the wine store you're considering. Make sure the shipping costs are competitive with other stores, and check for guarantees against breakage or damaged bottles.
• Wine selection. The selection of wine is a big deal for choosing a wine store. You don't want to pay for shipping just to find the same few wines you'll get at your local grocery store. Make sure the wine store you pick has a competitive variety that carries all the wines you want plus all the ones you want to try too.
• Reputation. A wine store's reputation can tell you a lot about the quality of its vintages and service. Look for wine stores that have "A+" ratings from the Better Business Bureau or that have lots of positive reviews from other amateur (or pro) sommeliers out there. That way, you'll know you're getting the best wine for your money.

To help you with your home wine cellar (or maybe just a wine shelf), Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked today's top wine stores. We hope this helps you sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass or two of your favorite bubbly or fruity vintages. You deserve a little treat. And maybe, you'll be able to try some new flavors or wines you've never considered. Cheers!