Wine Buying Guides, Expert Picks & Reviews | Big Hammer Wines

Wine Buying Tips

Rosé

Jun 12, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

The Best Rosé Lives Under $35: How to Pick a Bottle Worth It

Rosé isn't just a summer accessory—and it doesn't need to cost $100 to be good....

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Father's Day

Jun 11, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

Father’s Day Wine Gifts 2026: The Complete Guide to Bottles Dad Will Actually Open

The best Father’s Day wine gift isn’t the most expensive bottle — it’s the one...

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Occasions

Orange wine cocktail served poolside with fresh citrus and summer fruit on a sunny afternoon

May 30, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

Summer Wine Cocktails: The Spritz Alternatives Worth Pouring This Year

Looking for refreshing summer wine cocktails? Learn how to make Aperol Spritzes, Hugo Spritzes, frosé,...

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Graduation

May 29, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

How to Pick Wine for a Graduation Party: A June Celebration Buying Guide

Planning a graduation party this June? Learn how much wine to buy, the best wines...

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Red Wine

Apr 21, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

Best Value Red Wines Under $30 in 2026: 9 Bottles Worth Every Penny

Looking for the best red wines under $30? This guide breaks down 9 standout bottles...

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Wine 101: The Basics

Person browsing an online wine shop on a tablet at home, comparing bottles and prices

Mar 20, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

Buying Wine Online: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Well

Buying wine online opens the door to small-production bottles you’ll never see in a supermarket...

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How To Choose Better Wine

Mar 17, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

The Biggest Myth About Old Wine

Old wine isn’t expensive because it’s old — it’s expensive because it’s rare, stored for...

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Wine Buying Tips

Friends enjoying wine together during a wine tasting conversation about grape varieties and wine regions.

Mar 04, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

Stop Asking Me What My Favorite Wine Is

Wine is too vast and too tied to moment and place to have a single...

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Wine Buying Tips

Person decanting red wine into a glass decanter in a wine cellar.

Feb 24, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

Wine Market Trends: There’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Wine Lover

U.S. wine consumption has declined 1–2% annually since 2021 — but the headlines don’t tell...

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Wine 101: The Basics

A cellar with six different wine bottles.

Feb 23, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

The Shape of Wine: How to Read a Bottle Like a Pro

Key Takeaways Bordeaux bottles (high shoulders) = bold, structured wines with dark fruit, firm tannins,...

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Austria

German Chateau with Riesling wine bottles.

Feb 13, 2026
by Greg Martellotto

German Riesling Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Bottle

German Riesling ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. This guide explains how to tell the...

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