Where to Find Bargain Wines in Phoenix AZ

Avoid the Bargain Bin, Drink Great Wine and Save Money, too!

As luck would have it, and while we are on the topic of the high price of wine, I have recently taken stock, making note of wines that are not only ready to drink now, but affordable in the sense that I can serve them on an everyday basis without fear that I am depleting a precious commodity or paving my way to the poor house. I'm from the camp that says everyday wines need not be the swill of the bargain bin.

I was reminded of this recently as I watched the New Zealand winery Nobilo sweep the Best of Show white wine award at the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition with an inexpensive ($13) Pinot Gris. Though I had not been familiar with Nobilo's Pinot Gris, I've long been a fan of the Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc. Retail price: $12. So I was far from shocked that a $13 wine could dazzle a room full of demanding wine professionals.

Of course, I realize that one man's value wine is another's splurge, so I've compiled some thoughts on wineries that currently deliver exceptional quality in a range of prices from $8 to $12. If that's your price niche, I have great news for you. This is the sweet spot, for you can serve good quality on a regular basis without wrecking the budget.

I have recommended a handful of wineries from my short list, in my order of preference, but encourage you to look around on your own and experiment because I'm barely scratching the surface here. As the year goes on and I taste more wines I am confident I will discover a plethora of wonderful wines at good prices.

My criteria are that the winery offer a good range of quality wines at $15 or less and distribute nationally. And I've thrown in a few 'Best Buys' priced at $10 or less.

Husch Vineyards - A family run winery located in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley, Husch is a perennial favorite because of its consistently high quality. Not all of Husch's offerings fall within the price parameter (that said, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir at $23 is a steal for those so inclined) but those that do - an exceptional 2007 Chenin Blanc ($11), the 2006 Mendocino Chardonnay ($15) and the 2006 Gewurztraminer ($14) - are terrific value wines.

Nobilo - I've already given Nobilo quite a bit of love, but I would add that its triumph at the San Diego Competition was in no way a fluke. I've enjoyed the Nobilo wines for years and believe we have benefited immensely due to the kind exchange rate between the U.S. and New Zealand dollars, though it no longer favors the U.S. buyer as much as it once did. For a few dollars more, Nobilo's Icon wines, which would be the equivalent of reserve wines, are very classy.

Ventana Vineyards - Under new management that is determined to raise the profile of this heretofore sleepy Monterey County winery, I expect the Ventana prices to soar in a few years as its fame spreads, much the same as the neighboring Hahn Estates Winery (Hahn would have been at the top of t...