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WWBG: Buying The Label

By WTOP Staff

WWBG

Editor’s Note: This column is sponsored by Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

More and more, consumers are buying wines based on the wine’s label. A pretty label is irresistible to customers, regardless of the contents inside.

A wine could taste amazing and be at a great price, yet if the label is sore on the eyes some consumers will be less likely to buy the wine.

This also goes for wine names. The quirkier the better. Wrongo Dongo, Mommy’s Time Out, Flipflop and even a wine called Cat’s Pee On A Gooseberry Bush attract consumers more than a traditional named wine with better juice. It’s become so bad that some wineries put more money and market research into the label than the actual wine.

During the holiday season, consumers want that nice looking label and name to use the wine as a gift. I’ve had many experiences in which a customer would like a recommendation for a gift, but politely declined my suggestion because they did not like the label or name. Thankfully, some wineries have it all: A beautiful label, catchy name and delicious juice. Here are a few I can recommend this holiday season:

True Myth Chardonnay 2012; Edna Valley, California

True Myth ChardonnayTrue Myth Chardonnay delivers 90 points from Wine Spectator, a beautiful label, excellent price (15$), and a delicious taste. True Myth is new to Montgomery County and quickly has become a customer favorite. Loaded with ripe flavors of pear, pineapple, light citrus, vanilla bean and sweet oak. It’s a must try.

Black Chicken Zinfandel 2011; Napa Valley, California

Black Chicken ZinfandelMade by famous winemaker Robert Biale, Black Chicken is one of the most sought after Zinfandels in the world. Add in a quirky name and great label and this wine is truly legit. The name “Black Chicken” was originally used as a code name for old man Biale’s secret stash of Zinfandel hidden in the barn. The secret eventually got out and now wine consumers can enjoy this excellent Napa Valley product. It’s one of my favorites and a perfect holiday gift.

Worthy “Sophia’s Cuvee”; Napa Valley, California

Worthy SophiaWorthy is the second excess juice of Axios, a high-end Cabernet that is very popular in the Napa Valley. Worthy has a gorgeous painted label and catches the eye of consumers that are trying to impress. Luckily for them, Worthy is a delicious and silky smooth wine that has become one of our best selling reds. The 2008 vintage scored 91 points from the Wine Enthusiast and is a reliable gift option to any wine lover.

Goats do Roam 2012; Fairview, South Africa

Goats do RoamGoats do Roam is one of South Africa’s best selling reds on the market. You have probably seen this wine all over wine shelves in the area. With a catchy name and label, this wine delivers at an affordable price. Goats do Roam is a blend of six different red varietals and has tasting notes of fresh berry, lavender with subtle spice. On the lighter side, it finishes soft and balanced. It’s an excellent wine for those who want to try a South African wine for the first time.

Got a question for the folks at Georgetown Square Wine and Beer? Want to know how to find a specific wine or beer brand? Wondering what Montgomery County’s unique system for distributing alcohol means for you? Shoot us an email at desk@gmail.com and you could get your question answered.

Community discussion guidelines: Our sponsored columns are written by members of the local business community. While we encourage a robust and open discussion, we ask that all reviews of the businesses — good or bad — be directed to another venue, like Yelp. The comments section is intended for a conversation about the topic of the article.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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