Hustle Buys have come to signal the new "Two Buck Chuck" era at Trader Joe's and The OC Register is encouraging us to get on down to TJ's for the latest in very good, but very cheap wine. Trader Joe's has secured more "grown-up grape" at deep discounts and all that deliciously boozy savings gets passed on to us - often at prices that are 50 to 75 percent less than retail. more ›

A few weeks ago, a 17-year-old agricultural laborer named Maria died of heatstroke after working for 8 hours non-stop in 100 degree heat in a Stockton-area vineyard. According to the United Farm Workers, worker charges filed with Cal OSHA claim that "the land owner where Maria suffered heat stroke continues to utilize labor contractors that don't abide by the law," such as not offering the workers shade or have water within easy access. In fact, just last week "another charge was filed for lack of water and shade at one of the company's locations." more ›

The last time I ate at Sitton's in NoHo was after a particularly rambunctious and alcoholic visit to the Hollywood Bowl. It seemed like a really great idea to try to balance out the Two Buck Chuck flowing through our systems with a big ol' heaping plate of diner fare at my neighborhood all-night eatery. I have a fuzzy memory of us being "that" table--you know, the ones who think they are really clever... more ›

A few months ago I came home from work to find one of my roommates sitting on the couch with a glass of wine in hand. From the time I first met this friend, one thing was very clear: he loved wine. In fact, he had a very special relationship with one brand in particular, Charles Shaw. Good ole' Two Buck Chuck was a loyal friend to my roommate all through college. Chuck had... more ›

Turns out that cheap buzz you've been getting from Trader Joe's staple swill might actually be a legitimate wine tasting experience: Charles Shaw Chardonnay has won the top prize at this year's California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. This is great news for those of us who buy the stuff by the case - and although we may fondly recall many nights (and days) (and, um, softball games) spent chugging wine from a box,... more ›