It’s based out of a condo in San Francisco, it delivers delicious wine at amazing prices, it’s won loads of critical acclaim, it’s a brilliant idea that no one else has thought of, and it doesn’t own a single vineyard or ferment a drop of wine – which part of the Cameron Hughes Wine story could possibly be the most unbelievable? Or does it even matter when you’re getting a bottle of wine worth $30 to $50 for less than a third of the cost?
The mastermind behind this wine–and its namesake – Cameron Hughes has parlayed his extensive experience in the industry to fulfill his dream. Combining his passion for fine wine and his drive to bring it to the people, Hughes has made it possible for the rest of us to knock back the good stuff without spending a fortune or compromising quality.
Founded in November 2001, Cameron Hughes Wine is the brainchild of Cameron Hughes, a wine negociant (trader) who hit upon the idea of taking advantage of the embarrassment of wine riches in California. With two separate and renowned growing regions, California is blessed with an oversupply of wine. But while the demand for the fine beverages balloons every year, the majority of high-end wines remains off-limits to many consumers. Enter Cameron Hughes, the self-proclaimed Robin Hood of the wine world, who has figured out how to liberate ultra-premium-quality vintages and bring them to the general public – at great prices.
How does Cameron Hughes Wine do it? They start by buying small portions from lots of luxury wine and turning them over to two highly experienced winemakers for blending. Cameron Hughes chooses the best blends and brings them to Costco for signoff. After it’s finished, bottled, and aged for four months, the wine makes its way to Costco outlets.
In the last year, Costco customers in northern California have grabbed 28,000 cases of the wine, and the company expects to see that number jump to 50,000-plus cases this year when the brand spreads to southern California, as well as Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, Washington, and New Jersey. Angelenos can look forward to seeing bottles of Cameron Hughes Wine this month at Costco stores in Culver City, San Juan Capistrano, Torrance, Burbank, and Westlake Village. It’s already been a huge hit in recent L.A.-area tests, where the merlot sold out in just a few hours–despite the 100-degree conditions.
No “two-buck Chuck,” Cameron Hughes Wine’s Lot brand covers a wide variety of grapes, from chardonnay to merlot to zinfandel, and the critics have chimed in. Food & Wine and the Mercury News have both taken notice, and Wine Spectator has awarded the wine an editor’s pick and a score of 87 points. Recently, they also claimed the Critics Platinum Award.
Currently available on the Cameron Hughes Wine website are lots of syrah, merlot, and cabernet, and in line with the company’s approach, new lots will pop up, “treasure hunt” style, in Costco from time to time. The trick is to be on the lookout for these treats. What you can count on is paying from $7.99 to $14.99 for red wines that ordinarily sell for $20 to $40, while white vintages that normally retail between $12 to $25 are priced at two for $10 to $8.99, all contained in an attractively labeled bottle.
Next time you have a dinner party, you don’t have to skip the wine, nor do you have to settle for a lesser-quality product. With Costco stocking these scrumptious and affordable vintages, bring home a case of Cameron Hughes Wine. You’ll enjoy the flavors and the savings.
