Buying Wine by the Case Will Save You Money at Checkout — Here's How to Build the Perfect Case of Wine

Most of us buy wine off the cuff. We grab a bottle or two at the store when we're buying groceries or on the way home from work; maybe we visit a winery on a weekend and bring home a few bottles we particularly loved.

This standard approach is entirely fine, but I'll offer you a cost-effective alternative: Create a case of wine (12 bottles) that lives in your home, is restocked as needed, and can cover any wine contingency you might have—weekday dinners, special occasions, friends coming over, you name it. You'll never have to panic and rush out at the last minute because you forgot the wine (terrible fate!). Plus, at least initially, you'll benefit from the fact that most stores offer discounts on full cases, sometimes as much as 15%.

And remember: When storing wine, temperature is key. The best place is a wine fridge or a cool cellar. After that, an inside closet. The worst places? Anywhere hot—like, for instance, your kitchen.

Read on for wine editor-approved recommendations on how to build the perfect case of wine to be prepared for any occasion, and save some money at checkout while you're at it.

How to build a case of wine

3 Bottles of Everyday Red

Randomly decide to make burgers? Hankering for a steak? Just want a good glass of red wine? You'll move through these bottles regularly, so keep several on hand. Follow your own taste—could be Cabernet, could be Chianti, could be an Aussie Shiraz. But if you like robust reds, Marietta Old Vine Red ($17) is a perennial steal.

3 Bottles of Everyday White

An everyday white is exactly that: a Wednesday night, work-wore-me-out bottle you can open without thinking. For some, that's a Pinot Grigio; for some, a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc—your choice. But the crisp Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc ($18) is a strong contender.

1 Bottle of Everyday Sparkling

Bubbles just make life better (proven scientific fact), and having bubbles on hand that you can enjoy without worrying about the cost, even more so. Value for money, it's hard to beat Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain. The Naveran Cava Brut ($20) is a great choice.

1 Bottle of Special-Occasion White

Occasionally, you need to impress someone, even if it's just yourself. White Burgundies can be among the greatest white wines. (Plus, they age well, so no need to rush into popping the cork.) Look for the layered Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Blanc ($60).

1 Bottle of Pricey Sparkling

When a special occasion does come along,Champagne— the real stuff—is the answer. Don't go to the store day-of; instead, keep at least one bottle of something sublime, like Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut ($79), in your stash.

1 Bottle of Dessert Wine

Once in a while, a glass of good sweet wine is the absolute right thing for the moment, and that almost never coincides with having any in the house. Fix this. Vin santo from Italy, like Castello di Monsanto La Chimera ($50), is one to savor late into the night.

1 Bottle of Good Rosé

Have one on hand for the friend stopping by who just loves-loves-loves rosé. But not all rosé is created equal, so spend a little (not a lot) on a top producer from Provence. A bottle of Château Minuty M de Minuty ($23) won't disappoint.

1 Bottle of Special-Occasion Red

When the boss abruptly invites him- or herself over, or you left out the one crucial thing (wine) when shopping before a special dinner party, having a spare bottle of top-flight red on hand is a lifesaver. Why not a Bordeaux, like the luscious tobacco-scented Château Bourgneuf ($65) from Pomerol?