Hey folks
I realise there is a contingent of single malt aficionados here on SNA but I wonder if there is perhaps to a lesser extent wine connoisseurs lurking about to lend a hand. Not claiming to be one myself but thought I might ask a question.
Now the above question relates to a CellarMasters 'gift' card I recently received for being a Woolies Everyday saver card user to use in the month of June (I presume something to do with the end of financial year). The offer extended to several cases of wine, ranging in 12/16 bottle cases of red or white only or mixed varieties.
A quick internet search of any of the bottles found in such cases yielded marginal results with majority belonging to or related to cellarmasters. This suggested cellarmasters exclusively stocking this particular bottle. A 'woolies select' so to speak.
We all know Woolies and Coles have majority marketshare in AU over the wine industry and private sellers/cellar doors cannot compete against the larger volume lower price duopoly. In fact there are some claims whereby Woolies/Coles still label the cheaper bought wine as if still made by the private label - but in fact grapes are grown in one place and bottled elsewhere:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW_Z6QJxr9U
The video mentions a website: http://whomakesmywine.com.au/ which has details on some the brands owned by Woolies and Coles privately but aren't publicly labelled.
Now I am not naive enough to consider this another case of David vs the big evil corporation (Goliath). And it's not to say that even though the retailers will be trying more and more to buy bulk grapes at a lower price, the quality of wine should still be up to a certain level of quality. Considering most Australians are having difficulties with budget cuts and the lot, shelling out more to boutique winemakers would be a big no no especially if you can get the same 'brand' at the bottle o' for cheaper.
No this not a rant, note even a public information post. I just wanted to know where else do others buy wine from if not from these major companies (remembering of course not all brands are owned by woolies/coles)? That is, do you object to any of this and subscribe to more independent channels? Online? Private cellars/wineclubs? Or do we take another sip of that vintage Coles red, sit back in our chair and merely let the music play.