Wine on a budget does not have to be dull. When you are looking for a party wine or a fine dinner wine, consider the following options to keep your tastes high and expenses low.
Buy affordable, surprisingly good wine by scouring regions of the world not strongly associated with wine production. For instance, there are some deals to be had in Napa Valley, California, but a real steal lies just south in Saratoga. Here, the Mount Eden Vineyards situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains offers bottles of pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay for $20 to $30. In Washington State, Columbia Crest offers a wide variety of wines ranging from $8 to $15 and up. Worldwide, lesser-known (but noteworthy) wine regions include Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Australia and southern Italy. Thinking outside the box can help keep more money inside your wallet.
Wine and food pairings for parties
Speaking of thinking outside the box, boxed wine has come a long way in terms of flavor - and bulk rate is always good! Why not treat party guests to boxed wine, perhaps served elegantly from a decanter as opposed to the actual box? Decanters are a beautiful touch for any party, and can also provide a classy cover for a bottle of wine commonly labeled as "inexpensive" or "inferior" in the minds of some partygoers.
The fact is, odds are good most party guests won't be wine connoisseurs, so unless it is a fancy dinner party, this is not necessarily the time to splurge on fine wine. Consider a sparkling wine or champagne, particularly in the value-laden 1.5-liter size. These will work terrifically for cookouts or party appetizers. Another solid choice is any wine with fruity overtones, as they are typically popular among party guests and much more affordable than dry wines.
One final penny-pinching idea is to research particular vintages from particular regions. Wine produced during very rainy or excessively hot seasons might be generally snubbed as no good. In reality, some good wine came out of that region that year, and odds are good it is highly affordable. You do not necessarily have to shy away from more expensive labels if you just know Mother Nature might drive down costs for you.
If you find yourself in a circle of friends who are wine connoisseurs, why not invite them to contribute? After all, for wine lovers, there is little more enjoyable than a wine potluck of sorts.
Ask guests to bring their favorite bottle of wine so everyone gets to sample a little of the old and familiar along with the new and exciting. Talk about a party! Just make sure you have provided plenty of tasty appetizers for the ideal wine and food pairing.
With a little creativity and innovation, you can find the perfectly tasty wine pairing for your budget. Be the talk of your social circle without the big splurge.
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