2002 – A Good Year for Charles Shaw and Trader Joe’s

By George Anderson

One of the hottest selling and highly regarded wines is also one of the least expensive. Consumers are flocking to Trader Joe’s stores in California and elsewhere to stock up on Charles Shaw wines that retail for under $3 a bottle.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the trade magazine Wine & Vine conducted a blind taste test and found that “Charles Shaw’s 2000 Chardonnay beat out a $67 Chardonnay”.

Moderator’s Comment: Two Questions–

1. How is the grape glut affecting the consumer wine
   market?


2. Will the current situation create any longer-term
   changes in the category or how consumers purchase wine?

We know several consumers who do not normally drink wine
who have purchased a case of Charles Shaw. The combination of low prices and
good quality are having an impact on the bottom line.
[George
Anderson – Moderator]

• The
  Secret to This Wine’s Popularity Is the Grapevine – Los Angeles Times