9.13.10:
So, I like expensive wines as much as the next person... but what really stimulates the value shopper in me like nothing else, is to find those little beautiful gems that are super delicious, and totally affordable. Here are some wineries I like, that consistently make great wines for under $20, sometimes even under $15, or $10, or <gasp!> $5!! If you haven't tasted them already, check it out. Next time you're having a party and want to bring or serve a wine that people will enjoy, but won't break the bank, check out one of these super wineries. I know I may lose some of you to open with 'value wines' instead of super-fancy boutique wineries, but hang with me here... I'll get to you shortly.
The clear winner: Trader Joe's... look for the Vinas Chilenas Sauvignon Blanc (<$4), the Petite Reserve Viognier (<$4), and the 2-Buck-Chuck Cabernet Sauvignon (<$3). They usually have someone who works the wine section -- I love to ask them for suggestions and it's a great way to try something new without a huge investment if you truly hate it. If you end up not liking it, and are over the age of 30, you can bathe in it. Fruit acids (AHA's) are great at exfoliating your skin!
A solid choice, every time: Chateau Ste-Michelle (WA) Okay, so I may not exactly be objective, having worked there and all (my happy place), but dang it, they make some excellent wines at really great prices! Besides being a beautiful place to visit, they have a fun and educational tour, and an amazing culinary program. If you want to spend some serious cash, you can, but seriously you don't need to. Eroica, their world class, Top 100 Reisling is extremely reasonably priced at <$25, and their Dry Riesling keeps winning awards all over the place, and retails between $6-$8!! My all time favorite is the Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc. 50% stainless and 50% neutral oak aged gives it a big round mouth-feel to nicely compliment the citrus, melony, grassy richness.
Another 'Can't Lose' winery is Cline (CA) and their sister winery Jacuzzi (yes, the bubble tub peeps). They rock! The Old Vines Zin, the Mourvedre, the Pinot Gris.... everything I've had by them is great! And all under $20, most well under.
Another Washington state winery, who has in recent years been awarded Best Winery in Washington is Maryhill (WA). Located along the Columbia River, near the border of Oregon, the Maryhill winery also hosts an annual concert line-up. If you're in Portland and are tired of drinking Pinots, head east about an hour to the Columbia Gorge AVA, and visit Maryhill. Can't get away? You can readily find their wines in better wine shops and some grocery stores. They are one of the few wineries in Washington growing Zinfandel, and it shows nicely.
Some of you might roll your eyes, but here comes another Washington winery that offers great value and even better sipping.... Charles Smith (WA) wines. Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Boom Boom Syrah, and The Velvet Devil Merlot are all amazing wines, and all retail for $15 or less. But of course we would expect no less from Charles Smith, Food & Wine 2009 American Wine Awards Winemaker of the Year.
