I didn't see any reference to this after doing a search; my apologies if this has already been discussed.

Passing through the PC in E at IAH (that's an alphabet soup sentence), I noticed a series of small signs at the bar. They are test marketing premium wines for anywhere from $5 - $9 a glass.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to write them down. I belive one was a Stags Leap Chardonnary, but I could be wrong.

The bartender said they were testing it there and, if successful, might roll it out to other PCs. In addition, he said that they will begin testing Premium Liquors for cash. There will be no change to the "well" drinks and the non-premium wines. Those will still be free.

Interesting development. On the one hand, I enjoy not having to worry about paying for the alcohol at the PC. On the other hand, it sure would be nice to have some better brands to choose from, even if it means a little more cost up front (and not raising the PC dues).

CO started this the Friday before DO2. The wines were a HUGE improvement over the standard Two Buck Chuck. I can't wait until they expand the program to EWR.

I think its a good idea as well.

it was announced here by Cigar, they launched it coinciding with the 'Do.

Sounds like a good option to me - I'll get to the airport a bit earlier for my next flight so I can indulge!

There will always be some alcohol that is just cheap enough and okay enough to give away, but if you want premium wines, clearly you will pay some how and this seems the most feasable and resonable way to provide.

-Vincent

And you still won't have to.

As long as there are still free drinks, and that well is Smirnoff not Winners' Cup - I like the open bar at the PC and is one of the major reasons I'm a member.

I should have clarified that what I hoped was that it wasn't a trend away from the free drinks.

However, I think next time I go through IAH, I will make a definite pit stop to get some nice wine.

Yes that is one....it's available at most Costco's too (around $20)...very good wine

BTW: at the wine tasting before the DO one of the supervisors was telling me if this test goes well they will also expand it to other acoholic beverages...she made it very clear 1) they are not trying to make a profit, only to cover their costs 2) they will NOT reduce the free offerings as a result of the "fee" offerings

Maybe they should change the name from the Presidents club to the Sargeants Club with discount on wines

Such as JW BLUE!!!

Tests are going well, and the few folks I've talked to say the expanded bar plan is looking like good.

Did you make it to the pre-gathering in the conference room up stairs in "the PC in E at IAH"? They were really test marketing up there but the prices were virtual -- it took some effort to keep your glass empty.

Unfortunately, not, but I am hoping to attend the next DO. Had a little matter of our daughter's sixth birthday and a surprise trip to Disney World that prevented me from going to the DO. Oh, well.....

This is not a money maker. I asked at the event upstairs at the PC on Friday, and the $9 wine is costing the PC about $35 a bottle (the $5 likely $20) so the wine is priced at about 4 glasses per bottle.

The premium wine comes in a different, better, larger wine glass. You are likely going to get at most 5 glasses per bottle. So this really is a good deal if you want to try really premium wine/champagne. You would pay much more in a restaurant and likely a higher price if you bought one bottle at the store.

Yeep. The Franciscan (sp?) will run you ~$19.50 at Costco or $9 a glass at a resturant.

The PC prices are good. ^

Now if they only could get rid of Sara Lee...