I was shocked when I saw the predictions for how much the average American plans to spend for Thursday's spooky, spider-web decorated holiday. The National Retail Federation 2019 annual survey predicts shoppers will spend an average of $86. I can't speak for others, but in our neighborhood, we tend to spend more than that just to fill the candy bowl for the parade of costumed children at our front door.
When I shared that number with a few neighbors recently they all seemed to agree, as much as $86 sounds like a lot of money, it barely scratches the surface when you figure in the costumes, food and wine we buy in addition to the sweet treats.
If you haven't bought your wine yet, my recommendations include not only the best values and splurges but feature unique, eerie theme labels sure to be a hit at your Halloween celebration.
The Values
2018 Concha Casillero Diablo Devil Red, Chile (about $14 retail)
2018 Ghostrunner Ungrafted Red, California (about $16 retail)
2018 Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot, Washington (about $15 retail)
The Splurges
2018 Bogle Vineyards Phantom, California (about $20 retail)
2018 Owen Roe Sinister Hand Red Blend, Washington (about $29 retail)
2018 Ghost Pines Winemaker Blend Chardonnay, California (about $18 retail)
2018 The Divining Rod AV Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $20 retail)
2018 Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $20 retail)
2018 Hahn Family Boneshaker Lodi Zinfandel, California (about $20 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR 72203, or email:
uncorked@thewinecenter.com
Food on 10/30/2019