What is the best way to prepare a pot roast?

[Marlin Clock]

I've tried doing this multiple times since its pretty quick and cheap. For now I just buy a basic roast, put it in a crock pot, add carrots, onions, and potatoes, and a cup or so of red wine, but I wanna see if there's anything better I could be doing.

[pop-tart]

Do you sear it in olive oil first because that makes the ends all crispy delicious..