I have only ever seen these in store. Agree that they can be incredible values. Usually only when they are trying to close out the last remaining bit of inventory (I’ve never seen one with too much available for purchase).
Binny’s had some outstanding sales over the last few months. I was at the Glencoe store recently and they had a terrific deal on a number of Ridge bottlings, including 2017 Pagani for $29.
Binny’s “end of bin” sales were the ultimate temptation. You have no idea when or why or how many are available. Selection varies by individual store. Total happenstance crap-shoot…but most “end of bin’s” were 50%off…which made the individual item retail for less than wholesale. Some sales were single bottles, or 4 or 5, always less than a case. In the years I worked there…most customers never saw the sales…employees considered them a “perk”, or held for “regular” customers.
Largest and best selection are Lincoln Park, South Loop and Highland Park. They also get the heaviest traffic, so closeouts might not last as long. Best bet imo is the Clark st. (Lakeview) store…better selection and things tend to linger a little longer than the other stores, although these days the local, idle Cubs fans may be paying more attention. Oak Brook is good too.
Back in 2004, Binny’s had a blowout of 1998 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia for $37. I got in near the end and only got 5 bottles, I think, and still have 2 left. That’s back when they would ship.
The best Binny’s locations for fine wines are Lincoln Park (the old Sam’s main store), Lake View (3000 North Clark), Downtown (Grand and Wells), South Loop, Oak Brook and Highland Park…these are essentially the “Fine Wine Stores” for Binnys…the other 30 odd stores scattered around Chicago are basically “discount liquor stores”. They’re currently opening about 4 new locations a year. Still family owned…still great prices (usual markups are 33% rather than 50%).
The new Evanston location would likely also make that list, as its possibly larger than Highland Park and has a pretty impressive high-end selection. They’ve also greatly upgraded and expanded in Glencoe, another good one.
As mentioned, deals vary by store. Not advertised. And St. Charles has been shrinking the wine department for some time now, much smaller than it used to be. At the expense of beer and booze. Cheap liquor piled high these days.