Rage Against the Machine?

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is slowly loosening their grip on alcohol sales in the state. First six packs of beer in the supermarket (only 2 at a time, though, you naughty child) and now wine vending machines will slowly make their way through the state. Currently there are plans for Western Pennsylvania locations, but no specific stores announced. Giant Eagle, which is the largest supermarket in the area, is listed as the one likely to receive the contracts.


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The wine kiosks offer a small approximately 40 item selection, that range from 6 to 40 dollars a bottle. You must first scan your license, and then blow into breathalyzer to confirm that you are not intoxicated. You will not be allowed to complete the transaction if your blood alcohol level measures above .02. Keep in mind that the legal limit for being considered a drunk driver is .08. If you weigh around 160 pounds, .02 is one drink. If you weigh 140 or less, you are already at the .03 to .04 level. Also keep in mind that the average person that has one drink will not appear to be impaired, which is when if you go to a state store, you will not be allowed to purchase any product.

The wine kiosks present as a step forward and backward at the same time. Pennsylvania is the only state (besides Utah) that does not allow wine and beer to be purchased in a supermarket. The kiosk is Pennsylvania’s solution to appear moderately progressive, while still protecting the state store system. I do believe that some people argue for state stores because they believe that having too open of access to alcohol is problematic, but most reasons for keeping our archaic system relate to the loss of jobs. I sympathize, I do not like to see job loss of any kind, but this Byzantine outdated system needs to go. If supermarkets become the main wine suppliers, there will be a need for additional jobs. How about allowing the ex-state store employees dibs on these positions? There has to be a fair balance that can be struck between retailers and the unions, especially because the amount of money that would be generated for grocery store chains would be impressive. To me this suggests that the stores should allow themselves to be more amenable to the requests of the state store employees’ union.

The end of state stores has been touted for years in Pennsylvania. The kiosks are a chip in the wall, but the adult citizens of Pennsylvania deserve a full on Berlin Wall-esque teardown of our current system.

What do you think? Would you buy your wine from a kiosk? Do you dislike the state store system in Pennsylvania, or does it not really matter to you?

Myself? I’m not sure. Subjecting myself to a breathalyzer is too invasive in my book. BUT not having to run an extra errand is also intriguing. Obviously I have a marked disdain for the current system, and would love to see a full selection of wine and beer at my local grocer.

Hi, I like wine that lives in a box.

As W.C. Fields once said “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” When a fairly regular occurrence in your household is to prepare dinner will sipping on some wine, the cost has to enter into the equation. While I would love to be able to crack open a moderately priced bottle of wine whenever I felt like it, I know that does not fit in my budget. Where to turn then? The fine world of boxed wine … or “casks” because that is a lot classier.

When I’m looking for a budget selection I almost always (unless I need to buy a 1.5 of white for a place that is BYOB) select reds. In my opinion the margin for error is so much greater. A cheap red wine can be “meh,” a cheap white can taste like jet fuel. Therefore I almost always end up selecting a Red Burgundy wine, not from the actual region in France, just the nice imitation our friends in California produce. It certainly has body, but the flavors are not as deep as a Cabernet Sauvignon or spicy as a Shiraz. It easily compliments most dishes, and is most excellent for cooking. The best thing, though? I can purchase five whole liters of it for around 15.00*!

My favorite for the longest time was Inglenook Burgundy. But then the asshats that run the state stores decided to stop ordering this variety about a year ago. Below is a search of the PA wine catalogue. It doesn’t appear anywhere in the state. Nice.



With Inglenook being impossible to find, I was forced to switch to Almaden Mountain Burgundy.


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That beauty above can almost always be found in my fridge. And yes, I prefer all my wines chilled. Suck it, snobs.

It certainly isn’t fantastic, but it is pleasant enough and works well in all my recipes. What is your favorite budget wine selection? Also has anyone had success creating a special order at a PA State Store?


* Here is some trivia for you. Five liters of wine is officially called a “Franzia.”