Your Guide to Buying BC Wine Online

Benefits of Buying BC Wine Online, Directly From the Winery

• Access to Wines Not Available in Your Area: If you do not live near your winery of choice it’s unlikely that your local liquor store will stock any more than one or two of their wines, if any at all, depending on your location. Buying online directly from the winery ensures you have access to their full selection!
• Convenience: Shopping for BC wine online is incredibly convenient. You can explore options at your own pace from the comfort of your home and make selections that align with your preferences and budget, at any time of day or night.
• Detailed Information: Wineries that sell online typically provide detailed information about each wine they offer, including how it was made, tasting notes, and food pairing suggestions. This information can help you make informed decisions and discover new wines that suit your preferences.
• Price Comparison: When buying BC wine online, you can easily compare prices, making it easier to find options that fit your budget. Remember to check out the shipping costs too when determining overall cost. 
• Customer Reviews: In some cases, online wine sellers feature customer reviews and ratings for each wine. Reading these reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality and taste of the wine, helping you choose BC wines that align with your taste preferences.
• Convenient Delivery: Many BC wineries offer home delivery directly through the winery, saving you the hassle of transporting heavy bottles from a physical store to your home. 
• Special Offers Through Wine Clubs: Many BC wineries offer wine clubs whereby six or twelve bottles of wine are shipped to club members anywhere from once a year up to four times a year, depending on the type of wine club and the level chosen. Wine clubs can introduce you to new wines and provide exclusive access to curated selections, often with a special discount! In most cases it is possible to customise the selections if you would prefer to stick with wines that you are familiar with, however, if you want to try the new selections you can use this guide to determine whether or not you think it will be a bottle that your palette will enjoy.

Your Guide to Buying BC Wine Online

We've created this guide to buying BC wine online without tasting it first. By following these steps, you'll increase your chances of choosing a wine that suits your preferences.

1. Know Your Wine Preferences: Before you start browsing for BC wine online, it's essential to understand your personal wine preferences. Most wine drinkers have a good idea of what they usually gravitate towards, so consider the following factors:

Do you have a preferred grape variety? Each grape variety imparts its own unique flavours, aromas, and characteristics to the wine. Some of the most popular wine varietals in British Columbia are:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its deep colour and bold flavours of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar, Cabernet Sauvignon is often full-bodied and can age well.
• Merlot: Merlot is smoother and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers flavours of red berries, plum, and chocolate.
• Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is known for its delicate and complex flavours of red berries, cherry, and earthy notes. 
• Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a versatile white grape known for its buttery, oaky flavours. It can range from crisp and unoaked to rich and full-bodied.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc produces crisp and refreshing white wines with flavours of green apple, citrus, and fresh-cut grass. 
• Riesling: Riesling is a highly aromatic white grape that can produce a range of styles from bone-dry to sweet. It's known for its floral aromas and flavours of apple, peach, and honey. 
• Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a white wine known for its off-dry to sweet taste profile. It has a rich, full-bodied texture with floral, fruity, and spicy notes on the palate. 

What is your preferred wine style (e.g., red, white, rosé, sparkling)?

Do you favour dry, semi-sweet, or sweeter wines?

What type of wine body and acidity do you gravitate more towards (light, medium, full-bodied)?

Do you have a particular flavour profile that you like (fruity, oaky, earthy, etc.)?

Think about each of these factors in relation to wines you already enjoy and you will have a list of your preferred characteristics to guide your selection.

1. Research the Winery: If you're considering wines from a specific BC winery, take the time to research their reputation and history. Pay attention to factors like shipping policies, return options, and customer support. Established wineries with a good track record are more likely to produce quality wines. Look for winery reviews and ratings from previous customers to ensure their reliability and quality of service, or for awards that the winery itself has won. Dirty Laundry won Gold in the 2023 Best of Penticton awards in the Best Winery category!
2. Explore Wine-Specific Customer Reviews: Reviews of the wines themselves can be invaluable when buying BC wine online. They often contain insights from people who have already tasted the wine. Look for reviews that mention flavour profiles, whether the wine met expectations, and any noteworthy experiences.
3. Find Out Which Specific Wines Have Won Awards: The main purpose of industry wine awards are to recognize and reward the quality of wines. Winning a wine award can signify to consumers that a particular wine has been evaluated by experts and judged to be of high quality. This recognition can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Dirty Laundry has been named one of the best Okanagan wineries for several years and awarded over 100 medals, including 28 gold medals for superior taste and commitment to quality.
4. Read Wine Descriptions Carefully: Online wine listings typically provide detailed descriptions of each wine. Pay close attention to these descriptions to get a sense of what to expect. Look for information about flavour notes, aromas, food pairings, and ageing potential.
5. Seek Recommendations: If you're unsure about a specific BC wine or need advice, don't hesitate to reach out to the winery’s customer support or consult with friends, family, or wine enthusiasts who might have recommendations based on your preferences.
6. Consider the Price: While price is not always indicative of quality, it can be a helpful guide. Determine your budget and explore wines within that range. You can find excellent options at various price points.
7. Keep Records: After making a purchase, keep records of the wines you've tried, including your thoughts and preferences. This will help you refine your choices for future online wine purchases.

Buying wine online without tasting it first may seem daunting, but by understanding your preferences, researching, and relying on the information provided by reputable retailers, you can confidently select BC wines that suit your taste. Remember that wine appreciation is subjective, and exploring new wines can be a delightful journey of discovery. Cheers