Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP)
Programs: AA EXP 2M, Delta Flying Col., US Air Gold, Marriott Plat, Hilton Plat, SPG Plat, Hertz Pres.Cir.
Posts: 152
It's not so much that restaurateurs are lowering margins on existing wines as it is that they're taking advantages of outrageous deals being made by distributors and/or wineries. With a combination of excessive inventories and supplier/distributor consolidation, there are incredible wines being offered to buyers at under $100 (sometimes under $50) a case.
They'd be foolish not to take advantage of these deals, and the fact that they are is making it very difficult for those who can't lower pricing to compete. It's hurting all of us.