Cheap Date: Valentines Day

Posted 02/13/2008 at 11:32 AM by Derek

Whenever your heartstrings are tugged at, your purse strings are never far behind. The worst part about holidays like Valentines Day is that after all of the wine, food and ambience you’re left with more than memories, you’re left with a bill that can color your evening “red” from anger instead of amore.

So here are a few tips to keep the cost down without having to count pennies or sacrifice enjoyment. Consequently, doing your homework will not only save you some change but will also impress your date.

1. Royale Blush
Champagne is expensive, but it’s also inextricably linked to special occasions. Popping corks and “ching, ching” are part of the soundtrack to celebration. So how can you order bubbly without breaking the bank? Order a Kir Royale to start and skip the bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé.

Kir Royale is a sparkling wine with Créme de Cassis added. Very often restaurants use a house Champagne or inexpensive sparkler and sometimes substitute Chambord for Créme de Cassis. Either way, the combination of the bubbles, sweetness and acidity makes a great aperitif and is a festive way to start without the pricey tag.

2. Never Hurts to Ask
Many restaurants now put their wine lists online but even if they don’t you can always call the restaurant and speak with the sommelier or wine buyer. Tell them your cost range and ask for suggestions. As a sommelier, I always appreciate guests who make the extra effort.

When calling the sommelier or wine buyer, try to do it before their evening shift begins. It’s probably best to call late afternoon. Make sure you feel comfortable describing your tastes and ask them why they like the wines they suggest. That way, you can go in to the night with a few ideas in mind.

3. The Next Best Thing
Burgundy may be one of the world most romantic regions, but it also carries one of the heftiest price tags. Prices for top regions throughout the world can be steep. So steer clear of the better-known regions and try lesser-known ones instead.

If you like power and ripe fruit, avoid the price tag of Napa and look southward toward Argentina’s Malbecs; if you prefer a little more subtlety, than look eastward toward Greece’s Xinomavro. You can also stick with well-trodden regions but explore obscure appellations within those regions like Ruchè di Castagnole di Monferrato from Piedmont, Italy. This may require a little research but it will definitely save you some money.

4. BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine)
Not all restaurants allow corkage—bringing in your own bottle for a small fee—but those that do offer a great opportunity to consume special bottles that you have already purchased or were given as a gift. Call the restaurant in advance and ask them if they have a corkage policy. Generally the corkage fee will be between $15 and $40 and you are restricted from bringing bottles that the restaurant carries. Make sure to bring special bottles, nothing looks cheaper than hauling a grocery store selection for a sommelier to pop: “Sir, your Twin Fin Merlot.”

5. Save the Last Glass
This one is a no brainer. Retail is simply cheaper than restaurant prices, but it can also be more romantic as well. Skip the last glass and save a bottle for home.

At the end of the evening, go sweet and light. Moscato D’Asti from Piedmont, Italy is a great choice. Not to be confused with Asti Spumante from the same area, Moscato D’Asti is frizzante but not fully sparkling. There are several very good producers (Ceretto, Coppo, etc.) and it generally comes in half bottles—perfect for two.

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