Bargains in the barrel room

Years ago, I did some freelance writing for a local magazine. One month, my assignment was for a feature about local wine shops. I distinctly remember two things that I learned from a local wine expert:

1. Women tend to choose wines based on the label; and 

2. Don't hold into a special wine for a special occasion.  You ARE the special occasion. 

I am definitely guilty of number 1, mainly because most local shops are liquor stores, not wine shops, meaning they offer shelves full of bottles, usually arranged by region, and staff who know absolutely nothing about them. The only way to make a selection is to pick and choose at random, usually based on whatever I've had in the past that has been okay. This method has resulted in me wasting a lot of money on bad wine, or rather, on perfectly good wine that I just don't like. I couldn't even choose wines based on magazine or online reviews because inevitably, the local stores wouldn't have whatever it is I was looking for and I'd either have to drive around chasing it down at some inconvenient store three towns over, or give up and buy something else at random. I don't really care for either of those options. 

 Annapolis Wine Cellars has taken the guesswork out of choosing a wine. They have what they call their "barrel room," where there are always a dozen or so wines open for tasting. For free. With no obligation to buy. It's the coolest thing ever if you're like me and like to try new wines but don't feel like using the eeny-meeny-miney-mo method. They also have lots of wines available at bargain prices, and each one is accompanied by a really good description of the wine. They haven't steered me wrong yet. 

The barrel room. This is just a small portion of what they have to offer. 

My selections today, based on their recommendations. More on each individual wine as I taste them. I will say that all four of these wines only cost about $60 total, which is much better than what other boutique wine shops charge.