By Kathryn Millhorn
“Give me wine to wash me clean of the weather-stains of cares,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson. While it may not treat actual weather-stains in this season of dingy damp, it’ll sure help your holiday attitude stay sunnier than our forecast.
Locally Ralph’s and Bayview Thriftway are a hub for some of our region’s most spectacular wines at the lowest prices. Rob Backman is their caped crusader, Direct Store Delivery Manager by day and Beer, Wine, and Liquor Manager by night. His goal is to bring the best products to the best customers for the best prices, no matter what.
One of his current favorites is exclusive to the Ralph’s and Bayview stores. The Benson Vineyards Estate Winery of Manson, WA, offers a red blend called ‘Rhythm’. Backman considers it to be “off the chart in quality, low in tannins, and versatile at an everyday price.” This wine is a combination of Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon and the vineyard’s #1 seller. Most retailers sell Rhythm for $28 but Backman was able to negotiate an exclusive price of only $12.99 a bottle.
While skillful wine pairings are the hallmark of a successful holiday meal, Backman is proud that Rhythm goes well with anything. He, personally, has had it with everything from bratwurst to Copper River Salmon and filet mignon and it is always a beautiful compliment.
Through the hard work of creative buyers like Backman, Thriftway’s wine sales are consistently high. The holidays, however, definitely see the stores going through a “crazy amount of wine.” Because of his skillful bargaining, other Benson Vineyards reds, which usually retail for $30-$50, are only $19.99. His goal is simple: “I want something you’re not going to find anywhere else.”
The mark of a true oenophile will be their response to the following phrase: Thriftway has Figgins. Are you scratching your head in bewilderment? Keep reading. If you’re flying out the door, buckle up and don’t forget re-usable shopping bags.
What is Figgins, you ask? It is the rare, bottled sunshine of a Walla Walla Valley winery whose entire stock usually sells out in less than a month. This small-batch wine is prized and typically ranges in price from $129-$139 a bottle. While supplies last, the two local Thriftway’s will sell it for $99.99 a bottle and quantities are very limited.
These deep discounts often result in a “feeding frenzy” of buyers. As Backman says, “these are the bottles you don’t see in an everyday store. It’s all about getting a good deal and passing it on to the customer.” He’s had customers buy out their entire stock of a favorite vintage thanks to Thriftway’s availability and competitive pricing.
Whether you shop for wine as a gift or to accentuate a sumptuous holiday meal, Ralph’s and Bayview Thriftway offer a unique, affordable selection. But more than that, their customer-centric attitude can be seen in the knowledgeable sellers who can match you with just the right bottle for just the right price.
Louis Pasteur once declared that “wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.” While it shouldn’t be used in lieu of a flu shot, it’ll certainly help with the winter doldrums, visiting in-laws, office parties and overlong school vacations.
While visiting, sample the holiday spirit (not spirits!) and jog your creative party spirit. You never know just what you’ll find to make the season bright.
Ralph’s Thriftway can be found at 1908 East 4th and Bayview is downtown at 516 West 4th.
