Is the price listed on wine reviews the retail price?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
What is the "release price” listed with a Wine Spectator wine review? Is it the price per bottle, price per case or price per liter?
—Arturo, New York
Dear Arturo,
Unless stated otherwise, the price listed in a Wine Spectator wine review is the suggested retail price per standard 750ml bottle as provided by the producer or importer, rounded to the nearest whole dollar. In cases where the producer or importer does not supply a suggested price, we indicate that the price is not available (NA). Of course, you might find a lower or higher price for a given wine, depending on your market.
Some wines, however, are not sold in 750ml bottles, and in those cases, the listed price in a Wine Spectator review is accompanied by a specific volume.
—Dr. Vinny
