Taste and mood.

Location in the store, if I don't have to walk too far in the store that is a good wine.

Since I keep a variety in my rack, I look for whatever is a good buy today.

Less then $5 and I'll look at it..

Oak tannins give me migraines, as do other components of red wine. This pretty much limits me to oak-free whites. They also must not be too dry or too sweet.
I'm the only one in the house who drinks wine at all, so I need packaging that allows me to drink one or 2 glasses, then forget about it for a week or more. Most small box wines stay fresh long enough to finish them, and mini bottles work well.

alcohol content and proximity to my mouth

Varietal => region => price => vintage

No sulfites

All of the above. I usually am looking for a specific varietal, but have been known to come home with anything that catches my eye. I have my favorite regions and have a vintage chart on my phone so that plays into it sometimes too.

Obviously, I also look for great prices but sometimes am in the market for an overpriced, ready to disappoint splurge...

woot cellars = instabuy

CA wine=> region => usually Zin=> under$20.00 These are my usual steps. If I recognize a winery that I know and like, I may make a price exception.

Taste!

helenhalla wrote:Oak tannins give me migraines, as do other components of red wine. This pretty much limits me to oak-free whites. They also must not be too dry or too sweet.
I'm the only one in the house who drinks wine at all, so I need packaging that allows me to drink one or 2 glasses, then forget about it for a week or more. Most small box wines stay fresh long enough to finish them, and mini bottles work well.

You just need a Vin Vac and then keep it in the fridge. You don't need to subject yourself to boxed wine. I love my Vin Vac. I even vac my port and just keep it in a cool, dark place.

All of the above

Taste