I was surprised by wine prices in Sonoma a couple of years ago; I expected them to be very inexpensive but found the opposite (of course, I didn't know the Cool places to shop). Even at the wineries, it was as expensive to buy it there as opposed to any outlet back home so why bother lugging it around.

 

That being said, every dollar spent hanging around the tasting rooms in Sonoma (and on a subsequent trip to Oregon) was money well spent. Tasting something and really liking it followed by a bottle purchase, then hanging out on the deck overlooking the vineyards while an acoustic guitar player did his/her thing (as you drained the bottle and maybe another) was very enjoyable.

 

I was in a bar at home and my friend got a glass of chardonnay- the bartender picked up a bottle of Barefoot and poured the glass. She set it down and I asked her how much it was- she said $6.50. Are you kidding me? For Barefoot chardonnay, a truly vile wine? I refused it. Obviously, this wasn't the classiest of bars but that is price gouging for sure.

 

I have no problem paying that money for a quality glass of wine but Barefoot?

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