{"id":1018,"date":"2013-07-28T17:04:30","date_gmt":"2013-07-28T17:04:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/?p=1018"},"modified":"2013-10-07T01:56:40","modified_gmt":"2013-10-07T01:56:40","slug":"deals-o-the-week-wine-deals-school-deals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/2013\/07\/28\/deals-o-the-week-wine-deals-school-deals\/","title":{"rendered":"DEALS O’ THE WEEK, WINE DEALS, SCHOOL DEALS"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n\"Summer<\/a><\/p>\n

\nWINE DEALS<\/strong>
\nVintage Ohio is this upcoming weekend so here this post I will note all the great ways to save on wine and which wineries are top notch.<\/p>\n

Many stores have great sales on wine. You can regularly find good wine marked almost half off at Giant Eagle and other stores and wine shops. Once the wine is past its peak or a new year comes in then they have to mark down the old stuff. Some of the old stuff can still be pre-peak so it’s worth digging around for those wines. By peak I mean the wine has the best taste. If it sits too long, especially with sweeter wines, it goes bad over time. Then it can taste like vinegar or the ground near an amusement park Cotton Candy stand.<\/p>\n

Some stores have discounted wine that they are trying to sell off. The wine can be marked as low as a penny above cost in Ohio. When Tops was here they had to dump any wine they didn’t sell when they closed. Even the $100 bottles. You’d think they could discount it more so that it would sell, but the law wouldn’t allow it. Oh to be the sink that had those bottles poured into it.<\/p>\n

WINE TAGS<\/strong>
\nWine tags are coupons found on bottles of wine. They were more prevalent back some years ago, but there are still some found here and there. You can find coupons for meat, produce, condiments, snacks, and other items. Depending on the state you live in you don’t always need to purchase wine with it. In Ohio you don’t need to purchase the wine. Cashiers sometimes see a wine bottle advertised on the coupon and they mistakingly think you need to purchase the wine with it. If you get in good with the wine person at your store you can have them save you some good ones in exchange for cookies you baked or a short back massage. <\/p>\n

WINE REBATES<\/strong>
\nRebates for wine can be found on bottles of wine. You can usually find one that will give you a rebate for purchases of 1, 3, 6, or 12 bottles. I regularly find rebates for $24 for a case of wine. I’ve even seen rebates of $50 for a case of wine. Buying one bottle usually gets you $2 off or so and it tiers up from there. <\/p>\n

CASE DISCOUNTS<\/strong>
\nMost every store will give you a 10% discount when you buy a case of wine. You usually can mix and match so that you don’t have to buy all of one wine. Wineries usually do the same. Some even give bigger discounts or 5% off for half a case. The boxes also make a great place for storing corn or water balloons. <\/p>\n

I’ve purchased cases that some out of state wineries were trying to get rid of at 75% off the original price! Sometimes shipping can be costly though, but I’ve gotten it shipped from California for as low as $25 a case.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n2007<\/strong>
\nMy favorite year is 2007. What does that mean? Wine has good and bad growing seasons. And 2007 was a great year. Off the charts for reds in California. Give me a bottle from that year and a straw and I am one happy camper. There was a Guenoc 2007 Petite Syrah that I hunted down at most every Giant Eagle. The 2009 year vintage was good too. This year won’t be great for some regions with all the rain. Hot and dry weather can stress the grapes making them more concentrated in flavor. <\/p>\n

Yes, you can probably call me a wine snob. I’ve tried wines from just about every state and visited all the major wine regions multiple times. I’ve even had wines from Maine, Alaska, and Montana. My favorites are dry, earthy, tobacco, leathery Merlots, Cabs, and Petite Syrahs. Funny, because that is also how I’d imagine a college party to smell like. I also like a buttery oaky chardonnay. A crisp Riesling is nice too. Everyone has their own taste, so what one thinks as spectacular another person might think it is like yucky dank end-of-the-day dark socks worn by Wilford Brimley.<\/p>\n

My favorite region for wine is Washington. They have some great wines at great values. The best wines are in the Walla Walla region where it is like a desert, but there are tons of farms. My favorites there are a Barnard Griffin Port, Tagaris Merlot, Milbrant Merlot, and pretty much anything from Chateau St Michelle, Columbia Crest, and Columbia Valley. <\/p>\n

Driving through wine regions is like taking a stroll through Heaven’s back yard. The wineries sit on rolling hills in opulent properties. Some look like mansions, rustic retreats, or even castles. Some of the best wine regions for the scenery are Paso Robles, Dry Creek Region, Sierra Foothills, Fingerlakes, the Dalles, Williamette Valley, to the Niagara region. <\/p>\n


\n\"GoldMedalWineClub.com-Great<\/a><\/p>\n

\nGOLD MEDAL WINE CLUB<\/strong>
\nDiscover extraordinary wines and big discounts up to 70% off with their summer sale and on gifts and accessories with GoldMedalWineClub. It has a national reputation for finding America’s finest, limited production wines. They have been recognized in The Wall Street Journal, Bon Appetite Magazine, and Food and Wine Magazine. Featured wines meet strict selection criteria, including multiple medals from major wine competitions along with high ratings from national wine publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate.
\nClick here to shop: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/cecplyc<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"CraftBeerClub.com-Beer<\/a><\/p>\n

\nLOT18<\/strong>
\nGet quality bottles of wine, including hard to find ones and ones made in small quantities at a discount. At times they even have free shipping. New offers daily. Once you become a member, they’ll automatically deposit a $10 credit into your account for you to use within 48 hours! Membership is free.
\nClick here to see the deals and all: https:\/\/www.lot18.com\/i\/Joe651164<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nWINE WOOT<\/strong>
\nFind wine deals and wine gizmos on the cheap on Wine Woot. Deals change all the time so you should find something you’ll like on the site at a great price.
\nClick here to shop: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/d4fnuko<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"Zagatwine<\/a><\/p>\n

\nDIRECT WINES<\/strong>
\n12 outstanding reds JUST $69.99. Enjoy a dozen expertly selected wines delivered to your door and SAVE $110 as an introduction to the Zagat Wine Club.
\nClick here:
\nhttp:\/\/tinyurl.com\/c78cffs<\/a><\/p>\n

GLASS OR BOTTLE<\/strong>
\nA bottle of wine typically is equal in volume to 4 glasses of wine, but that depends on how a restaurant pours it and the size of the glass they pour it in. Sometimes you can get 6 glasses out of a bottle of wine if they are pouring them into small glasses. As a standard, multiply the glass price times 4 and if it is more than the cost of the bottle then get the bottle, if you plan on drinking that much. Check out their wine glasses first. Some places use tiny glasses while others use large wine glasses. Ohio allows you to cork the bottle and take it home if you don’t finish it. <\/p>\n

HALF OFF BOTTLES\/GLASSES OF WINE<\/strong>
\nMany bars and restaurants do happy hour pricing on wine. Many are a $1 off or so for a glass of wine. Some charge $5 a glass…not that great of a deal, especially if their glasses are small. Places like Bar Louie will do $4 glasses of wine including glasses that are normally $10 or so. Burgers and Beer in downtown Willoughby does $2.50 Happy Hour glasses of wine. Some even do half off bottles or glasses of wine on certain days. Here are some (subject to change):
\n
\nMacaroni Grill – half off bottles and glasses of wine through summer
\nPeties – Shoregate in Willowick – half off wine and beer in August 2013<\/p>\n

MONDAYS<\/em>
\nBeckys Bistro – Willoughby Hills – retail price wine night
\nMatchworks Tavern – Mentor – half price wine
\nLure – Willoughby – half off bottles of wine
\nBillys Martini Bar – Mentor – half off bottles of wine<\/p>\n

TUESDAYS<\/em>
\nManhattan Deli – Willoughby – half off bottles of wine with two entree purchase
\nSara’s Place – Gates Mills – half off glass of wine
\nBass Lake Tavern – half off bottles of select wine
\nThe Blue Star Tavern – Solon – $5 off you bottle of wine
\nBallantine – half off bottles of wine
\nCorks – bottle and appetizer for $20<\/p>\n

WEDNESDAYS<\/em>
\nVittorios – Wickliffe – 1\/2 off house wine
\nSushi Rock – Beachwood – half price wine
\nD’Vine – downtown Cleveland – half off flights of wine
\n100th Bomb Group – half off bottles of wine<\/p>\n

THURSDAYS<\/em>
\nThe Blonde – 6901 Rockside Rd in Independence – half off wine bottles after 7 PM.
\nParagon – Euclid – half off bottles of wine
\nMacaroni Grill – half off bottles of wine
\nValenti’s Restaurant – Beachwood – half off glasses of wine
\nOliver Twist – half off glasses and bottles up to $50<\/p>\n

FRIDAYS <\/em>
\nCladdaugh – Legacy Village – half off bottles of wine – rare to see a deal like this on a Friday<\/p>\n

SATURDAYS<\/em>
\nStampers – Half off bottles of red wine.<\/p>\n

SUNDAYS<\/em>
\nStampers – Half off bottles of wine.<\/p>\n

Please let me know if you come across any other half off places!<\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nOHIO WINERIES<\/strong>
\nIf you want free cheese plates, BOGO entrees, wine glasses and other deals at Ohio wineries, you can find coupons for them in the Our Town and All Around coupon book. The books are only $13 now (normally $28) – new books available in September for $28 – good through 12\/1\/14). Purchase them at: http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/merchandise\/index.htm<\/a>
\nHere are the winery coupon offers in the 2013 Our Town and All Around coupon book:
\nBenny Vino – free pepperoni puff appetizer with purchase
\nBuccia Vineyard – free cheese plate
\nCandlelight – BOGO snack menu item
\nDebonne Vineyards – free cheese plate
\nDeer’s Leap Winery – free etched Deer’s Leap glass with purchase
\nEmerine Estates – free cheese plate – lotsa fruit wines including carmel apple
\nFerrante – free Trio garlic bread with purchase of two lucheon entrees
\nFirelands – free cheese plate
\nGoddess Wine House – one free dessert with purchase
\nGrand River Cellars – BOGO dinner or luncheon entree
\nHermes – free Baked Labrea bread round with olive oil with purchase – located in an old barn – very cool
\nHorizons – BOGO dinner or lucheon entree
\nJoe Biscottis – free cheese plate
\nJohn Christ – free assorted cheese and crackers with purchase
\nLakeshore Inn – free cheese plate – great garden and view right on the lake
\nLalure – free wine glass with wine purchase – nice patio with the winery in an old farm building
\nMarkko Vineyard – free cheese and crackers
\nMastropietro – free cheese plate – big facility
\nMatus winery – free cheese plate
\nMyriddin winery – free cheese and crackers – well hidden by Lake Milton
\nOld Firehouse winery – BOGO dinner entree
\nPaper Moon Vineyards – free cheese plate with food or beverage purchase – decent wines – nice facility
\nSarahs Vineyard – free salsa and chips wih purchase
\nSchool House winery – free cheese plate
\nSwirl – free bread of wine with purchase
\nSwiss Heritage – free pound of swiss cheese with Heritage wine purchase
\nVermillion Valley – free bruschetta with french points with food or beverage purchase – nice new facilty
\nVirant – free cheese plate with food or beverage purchase
\nWine Bar Below – free flatbread pizza or cheese plate with purchase
\nWinery at Spring Hill- – free dessert with any food or beverage purchase
\nYour Vine or Mine – free cheese plate with purchase<\/p>\n

BEST OHIO WINE<\/strong>
\nFind the best wines as found by the Ohio Grape Industries Committe at http:\/\/www.tasteohiowines.com\/award-winners.aspx<\/a>
\nAny Ice wine at Ohio wineries is top notch and win tons of awards. Usually they have to wait for two days of 19 degree weather before they can pick the grapes for the ice wine.
\n1) Markko’s – awesome chardonnays, cab sauvignon, and Rieslings
\n2) Harpersfield – superb chardonnays and other dry white varietals
\n3) St Joseph – great pinot noir (won double gold in San Fran), this year’s cab is nice too
\n4) Gervasi -Italian varietels
\n4) Paper Moon – love their old vine zin
\n5) Laurello – great variety of quality wines. Some Italian varieties too. Try the Rodavi.
\n6) Maple Ridge – not open much, but great wines – organic too
\nThere are also others that have a spectacular one or two – Troutman Cab Franc, LaLure Pinot Grigio, and many others. <\/p>\n

BEST VIEWS<\/strong>
\n1) Lakehouse Inn – it’s a B&B that sits on a bluff next to the lake, they have a deck on the lake, garden area that is a site to see that goes down to the lake.
\n2) Gervasi Winery – located in Canton. The place looks like an opulent California winery. Beautiful
\n3) South River (Church winery) – rebuilt church now a winery, great picnic pavilion and terrace area overlooking the winery.
\n4) Wolf Creek – in Akron
\n5) Ferrante – busy, but the place looks high falutin
\n6) St Joseph – new location – great overlook
\n7) Mastropietro – many weddings there<\/p>\n

BEST ATMOSPHERE<\/strong>
\nMost every winery has a great atmosphere. Here are some good ones:
\n1) Hermes
\n2) Vino Veritas
\n3) South River
\n4) Lake House Inn
\n5) Thorn Creek Winery
\n6) Harpersfield Winery
\n7) Spring Hill Winery<\/p>\n

There are many Ohio wineries making spectacular wine. Sure, many years ago there were some and still are ones that still make the sweet stuff. But don’t let that fool you. There are many making great dry varietels. Some of the ones that made nasty wine some years ago have turned the corner and they now make spectacular wine. <\/p>\n

Old Mill is unique with old wood beams. It’s near downtown Geneva.
\n
\nMany have great music venues (indoor and\/or outdoor) like Grand River Cellars, Ferrante, Chalet Debonnet, Harpersfield, Firehouse, Old Mill, and Laurello. Chalet Debonnet has a great outdoor facility. They have craft beer there too – Rat Cellar Brewery. <\/p>\n

If you like the sweet wines that Ohio was known for way back when then try John Christ, Klingshirn, Firehouse, Emerine Estates (try their caramel apple), Buccia, and Virant. I’m not crazy about them. Too much sugar can make them headache wines.<\/p>\n

Some wines are sourced from outside of Ohio. Because the source changes most every year the taste can change also. You’ll see those bottles labeled American instead of say, Grand River Valley. <\/p>\n

CORKAGE FEE<\/strong>
\nSome restaurants charge a corkage fee. It’s a fee to open a bottle of wine that you brought in. Works great since you can find a steal at a store and then bring it in to open for $5 or less. Some places don’t even charge a fee to do so.
\nAt Cedar and Green Wine and Cheese you can pick a bottle in their store and drink it there with a $5 corkage fee. You can find great deals on bottles. Some are less the $10 on sale. Located in University Heights across from Heinens on South Green Road. On Saturday, 7\/28 they are having Cheap Wine Night – taste 54 different wines plus hot and cold appetizers for only $16.50 per person.<\/p>\n

At Pranzo located in downtown Willoughby bring in your own bottle and pay $2 per person (or per glass) for a corkage fee. It’s a great deal since most restaurants charge double of what a store charges for a bottle of wine. <\/p>\n

Biga Woodfired Pizzaria in Kirtland across from the High School lets you bring wine in and they have a $5 corkage fee.<\/p>\n

Grumpys in Tremont lets you bring in wine. There is a convenience store across the street with a decent selection and price.<\/p>\n

Deweys Coffee in Shaker Square has a $5 corkage fee.<\/p>\n


\n\"ASAP<\/a><\/p>\n

\nIDINE<\/strong>
\nGet 5% to 15% or more off you dinner tab which includes the whole bill including wine and tip. Just match up your credit card to the site and start earning rewards that will be sent back to you in the form of a gift card.
\nClick here: http:\/\/www.idine.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nRESTAURANT.COM<\/a><\/strong>
\nSome restaurants on Restaurant.com<\/a> allow you to use the gift certificate on your wine purchase. It will usually state on the certificate if they do. If nothing is stated, ask if they do. Get $25 restaurant gift certificates for $10 or less with their special discount codes.
\nCheck http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/blog1<\/a> to find the special discount deals for the certificates for an additional 40% to 70% off!<\/p>\n

Click here to get gift certificates for over 200 northeast Ohio restaurants and thousands of others across the U.S. – great for vacations!: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/RESTCOUPONGUY<\/a><\/p>\n

SHIPPING WINE<\/strong>
\nSome states don\u2019t allow shipment of wine out of state. Check this site to see if your state does: http:\/\/www.freethegrapes.com<\/a><\/p>\n


\n\"Expedia.com\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nNEW WINERIES<\/strong>
\nM Cellars opened on South River Road. Lots of great wines coming up as he let us try some that were in the cellar. It’s near the church winery (South River Winery). Ohio has over 160 wineries.
\nGoddess Winery opened in Conneaut – sweet wines.
\nVino Veritas opened in Little Italy – the owner went to high school with me. Great entertainment and vibe there. Throw your cork in an oversized glass and you get the bottle free!
\nSharon James Winery opened in Newbury. <\/p>\n

\nWINE TASTINGS<\/strong>
\nIn Ohio they have to charge for tastings. Lame. It should be up to the discretion of the winery to charge. In some wine regions most of the wineries don’t charge for tastings, usually at wineries off the beaten path too. Some will credit the tasting fee if you buy a bottle of wine (Fingerlakes). Some charge way too much like $5 or $10 for a tasting if not more (Napa). Some are free after using a wine pass that gets you freebie tastings and discounts (Dry Creek Region and Fingerlakes). Some charge a reasonable amount or none at all (Sonoma). Some you can find free tasting coupons on their web-site. Some wineries should pay you to taste their wine and then use your body for science to test the effects of nasty wine. <\/p>\n