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You’re driving down the 10 freeway, past the orange groves and the historic brick architecture that makes Redlands feel like a time capsule, and then you see it. The massive signage for Total Wine & More Redlands. It’s tucked into the Mountain Grove Shopping Center, sitting right there at 27514 West Lugonia Avenue. If you’ve lived in the Inland Empire for more than five minutes, you know this isn't just a liquor store. It’s an ecosystem.
Honestly, the first time you walk in, it’s a bit much. The ceilings are high. The aisles are long. The sheer volume of glass bottles can make your head spin if you haven't had your morning coffee yet. But there’s a reason this specific location stays packed while smaller shops struggle to keep the lights on. It’s the selection, sure, but it’s also the weirdly specific way they’ve integrated into the local San Bernardino County culture.
Why Total Wine & More Redlands Hits Differently
People in Redlands are picky. They like their history, and they like their high-end amenities. When this location opened, it had to compete with the long-standing nostalgia of local spots and the convenience of big-box grocers. It won because of the "Wine Education Center." That’s what they call it, anyway. It’s basically a classroom in the back where you can sit down and actually learn why a Bordeaux tastes like pencil shavings (in a good way) without feeling like an idiot.
The Redlands store specifically caters to the craft beer crowd too. If you look at the "Brewery Map" sections they often display, you’ll notice a heavy lean toward SoCal staples like Ritual Brewing Co. or Hangar 24. They aren't just shipping in generic palettes from a warehouse in the Midwest. They’re stocking for the guys who spend their weekends hiking in Oak Glen and want something crisp to drink afterward.
The Pricing Game and the "Yellow Tags"
Let’s talk about the money. You’ve probably noticed those bright yellow "Winery Direct" or "Spirits Direct" tags. If you’re looking to save ten bucks, those are your best friends. These are labels that Total Wine sources directly, cutting out the middleman. Now, some wine snobs will tell you to avoid them because they aren't "heritage brands," but that’s mostly nonsense. Some of the best-valued Cabernet you’ll find in the 909 area code sits under those yellow tags.
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It’s about volume. Because the Redlands hub moves so much inventory, they can keep prices lower than the boutique shops downtown. But there's a trade-off. You won't get that intimate, "I've known the owner for twenty years" vibe. You get efficiency. You get a cart that actually rolls straight. You get a humidor that’s actually temperature-controlled.
Navigation Tips for the Mountain Grove Hub
Walking into Total Wine & More Redlands without a plan is a mistake. You'll end up with a $40 bottle of Mezcal you didn't need and a six-pack of cider that’s way too sweet.
Start on the right. That’s where the spirits live. If you’re a bourbon hunter, you know the struggle of finding Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare in Southern California. The Redlands staff is generally pretty upfront—if it’s not on the shelf, it’s probably not in the back. They deal with "allocated" hunters all day long, so being cool to the person stocking the shelves goes a long way.
- The Beer Aisle: It’s organized by style, not just brand. This is huge. If you want a Gose, you don't have to hunt through twenty different brewery sections.
- The Cigar Room: It’s a walk-in humidor. Even if you don't smoke, the smell of cedar and aged tobacco in there is incredible.
- The Tasting Bar: Usually toward the back or center. Check their calendar online. They do "Taste of Italy" or "Bourbon Basics" events that are surprisingly cheap—usually $20 to $30.
Logistics That Actually Matter
Parking at Mountain Grove can be a nightmare on Saturday afternoons. If you’re planning a big haul for a party at the University of Redlands or a wedding at one of the local estates, go on a Tuesday morning. The aisles are empty, and you can actually talk to the wine consultants without being elbowed by someone looking for White Claw.
They also do the "Order Online, Pick Up In-Store" thing. It’s a lifesaver. You pull up to the designated spots, and they bring it out. In the heat of a Redlands summer, not having to leave your air-conditioned car is a genuine luxury.
The "Education" Factor
Most people think the classes are a gimmick. They aren't. They’re taught by people who actually have to pass internal certifications. You’ll see them wearing different colored shirts or vests sometimes—that usually denotes their level of expertise. If you find a "Wine Professional" (usually the ones in the black vests), ask them about the soil types in Paso Robles. They actually know the answer.
This matters because Redlands is a town of hobbyists. People here don't just drink wine; they collect it. They want to know the vintage. They want to know if the 2021 drought affected the grape yield in Napa. The staff at this location is trained to handle those "deep dive" questions that would leave a grocery store clerk staring blankly at you.
Sustainability and Local Impact
There’s often a debate about whether big-box stores like this hurt the local economy. It's a valid concern. However, Total Wine & More Redlands tends to hire locally. You’ll see familiar faces who live in Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and Highland. They also participate in local charity auctions and provide bulk discounts for non-profits in the area. It’s a corporate entity, yes, but it functions like a local hub.
Also, keep an eye on their "Local Picks" endcaps. They frequently feature spirits from San Bernardino County or Riverside County distilleries. Supporting the "little guy" while shopping at the "big guy" is a weird paradox, but it works here.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Visit
If you want to master this store, you have to use the app. It sounds nerdy, but the app tells you exactly which aisle and bin number a bottle is in. No more wandering around the "Aperitifs" section wondering where the Vermouth went.
Also, join the rewards program. I know, everyone has a rewards program. But this one actually gives you coupons for $5 off or $10 off that aren't impossible to use. If you’re buying a couple of cases for an event, those points add up to a free bottle of something decent pretty quickly.
- Check the "End of Aisle" bins. These are often closeouts or seasonal items they’re trying to move. You can find some weird, high-quality German Rieslings or niche craft beers for half price.
- Ask for a box. They have a mountain of sturdy cardboard boxes near the front. If you're buying more than three bottles, don't use a bag. These boxes are perfect for moving or storage later.
- Check the dates on IPAs. Redlands gets hot. Even though the store is climate-controlled, you want to make sure that "hazy" IPA wasn't bottled six months ago. The staff is good at rotating, but it never hurts to check the bottom of the can.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Stop settling for the same three brands of Chardonnay you buy at the supermarket. The next time you head to Mountain Grove, do these three things:
- Try a "Region of the Month": Pick a country you’ve never visited—say, South Africa or Portugal—and ask a staff member for the best bottle under $20 from that section.
- Sign up for a class: Look at the schedule near the front door. Bring a friend. It’s cheaper than a movie and you actually get to drink.
- Utilize the concierge: If you’re planning a wedding or a massive backyard BBQ, they have people whose entire job is to calculate exactly how much booze you need so you don't overspend or run out.
The beauty of Total Wine & More Redlands is that it grows with you. Whether you’re a college student looking for a cheap handle of vodka or a serious collector hunting for a $500 bottle of Opus One, the floor plan is designed to accommodate both without judging either. Just watch out for the traffic on Lugonia—it’s always worse than you think it’ll be.