<p>My favorite bottle of wine is a Moscato D’Asti by Villa Alena–sold at Trader Joe’s for about $7.50 per bottle. (Somewhere my friends from Sonoma State are weeping right now.) VERY sweet, sweet enough to be drunk on its own, and sparkling, which I like.</p>
<p>I went wine tasting with my aunt and uncle to Delicato Family Vineyards…they had a lot of really great wines. They run the “Sweet” label, and their Sweet Cabernet was very good (served chilled and not as intense as most Cabs). Their raspberry and almond champagnes (separate, not the same wine with both flavors) were also delicious.</p>
<p>"My neighbors own a winery and gave us a bottle of their $90+ red one time. Let me tell you, price DOES make a difference. That was the best bottle of wine I have ever had!</p>
<p>My son’s roommate’s parents own two wineries in Napa. I am still waiting. ;)</p>
<p>I went to weekend family reunion and brought the 1.5 liter bottles of Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay. It was a big hit. I can find it for $18 on sale. Cavit Pinot Grigio is what I buy when I need a 1.5 liter bottle of a lighter white.</p>
<p>I like Kendall Jackson for everyday chardonnay ($10 on sale for regular size bottle).</p>
<p>My favorite value reds - also $10 on sale for regular size bottle - are Bogle Petite Syrah and Apothic (blend). Both of these are “big” and receive raves from guests that typically drink at a higher price point than I!</p>
<p>We have been drinking anything from the 90+ label. This company buys surplus barrels from vineyards that have earned a 90 or better rating from Wine Spectator and re-labels them with the 90+ label. You can get a $40-$60 bottle for $10-$15 and a great Barolo for $30.</p>
<p>I’m getting some good ideas from this thread.</p>
<p>Here in NoCal, Bogle is a winner. It’s just down the road from me, and consistently has good wines. Also like Kim Crawford</p>
<p>Our Grocery Outlet has some good wines, the owner likes to stock very eclectic wines. I can sometimes get good ones at World Market.</p>
<p>I do buy Crane Lake, Two Buck Chuck, but mostly to make my own sangria in the summer.</p>
<p>Love having wineries so close to us, a 45 minute drive and we are in the midst of Amador and El Dorado counties in CA. Lots of the wineries have an inexpensive blend that we can stock up on.</p>
<p>Apothic Red and Menage a Trois are two quite good, mild, inexpensive red blends (about $10 a bottle - a steal). As far as whites go, Chateau St Michelle Riesling costs about $7 a bottle (Costco) and tastes as good as, if not better than, more expensive Rieslings.</p>
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<p>Depends on the state. At our WA Costcos, only members have access to all of the store offerings, including alcohol.</p>
<p>An Italian wine currently featured at my local Trader Joe’s is, I believe, Viola brand. Sells for about $3 and change and much tastier than two buck up-Chuck…</p>
<p>My favorite everyday wine these days is Red Knot shiraz. We also enjoy checking out every Rioja we can find. We have yet to find one that isn’t enjoyable, at any price level. </p>
<p>Now, if you want to talk favorite expensive type of wine, ahh Amarone …</p>
<p>I am always in search of a really good inexpensive red wine, and I think I found my top pick.
It is Estampa Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon (Petit Verdot)
The year I have is 2011, it is from Chile.
Cost me $10. Extremely good cab. I can’t think of a more expensive one that is actually better than this.</p>
<p>Found a Sauvignon Blanc (2011) that has become a favorite–it’s from Vinoce Vineyards in the Napa Valley. Probably on the high side of inexpensive, but it’s wonderful–costs about $20.
Another find was a sparkling rose, which I always thought I wouldn’t like. Decided to try this one and loved it. It’s called Domaines Ott Les Domaniers Cotes de Provance Rose–it’s in the $20 range as well.</p>
<p>I’ve brewed a bunch of batches of beer, and am now going to try making wine. My first attempt will be for cooking purposes - for my solo enjoyment while cooking.</p>
<p>If you make wine yourself, the cost is $60-$150 for 30 bottles worth.</p>
<p>There are local stores that sells the wine recipe kits. There is one that also sells bottled wines made from the kits. This way, I can drink a bottle before deciding if I want to brew 30 bottles worth.</p>