Decent wine on a budget

[mominwestlake]

I am having an appreciation party for 40 members of an organization I am president of. I would like to serve wine and beer. I am not a wine drinker, so I have no clue what type/brand of wine to purchase. I want to buy something decent and popular this time of year, but I don't want to spend a bundle. About the only thing I know about wine is that there is red and white. I am serving several different types of appetizers, so I need something that will go with about anything. Any advice?!

 

[MAJPLO]

Coppola Rosso and Coppola Bianco are both good and inexpensive. I don't like the bianco as much as the rosso. Ménage a Trois had a red that is not bad but a little more fruity than some people like. They also have a Chardonnay that is good and reasonably priced. Yellowtail Chardonnay is also decent and inexpensive.

 

[ChiCat]

I'm a big fan of Estancia wines, cheap, easy to find.

ETA I would get a white (pinot grigio) and a red (cabernet).

 

[Lisa71]

If there is a fresh and easy big kahuna wines are not pricey and good or total wine and more has selections in every range. My grandma's fave is a $4 Pinot Grigio...and a bottle serves 4 glasses. I count 2 per person and it usually is enough wine..I also encourage a Byob and just have a few extras.

 

[wiigirl]

Coppola Rosso and Coppola Bianco are both good and inexpensive. I don't like the bianco as much as the rosso. Ménage a Trois had a red that is not bad but a little more fruity than some people like. They also have a Chardonnay that is good and reasonably priced. Yellowtail Chardonnay is also decent and inexpensive.

 

[kiramay]

I'm a big fan of Ménage e Trios and Apothic blends. Very smooth for under $10 a bottle.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Chateau Ste. Michelle is a good wine that you can get at most grocery stores including Super Walmart and Target. I get if for $8 - $10 a bottle.

My favorite this time of year is Chateau Ste. Michelle's Harvest Select Sweet Riesling.


They also have a merlot (which is a red) wine that is good.


I have not tried any of the Ste. Michelles that I did not like.

http://www.ste-michelle.com/our-wines#page=2

 

[tvguy]

Do you have Trader Joes? 2 buck Chuck.

 

[disney4us2002]

I like Yellowtail and the big bottle, maybe twice the regular size is $12 if not on sale. I like Merlot for red and Riesling for White but for a less sweet white you could choose Pinot Grigio. For a large crowd, the regular size bottles will go too fast imho. Also, it is worth checking your liquor stores, many offer a discount if you buy in bulk. I get 20% off if I buy 6 bottles at one time.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I saw it mentioned before, Yellow Tail is great. I will throw Barefoot into the mix, I also like that myself. It is a good value and about the same price as Yellow Tail. Can't go wrong with either of those brands. The Robert Mondavi stuff is also good, slight increase in price for that (but still can be found for less than $10 a bottle).

 

[disneyfreakk]

I'm a big fan of Estancia wines, cheap, easy to find.

ETA I would get a white (pinot grigio) and a red (cabernet).

I agree with ChiCat! The Estancia wines are good!

The Ménage e Trios wines are horrid.

 

[2goofykiddos]

LOVE Apothic Red, but not white. Gnarly Head is another good, cheaper Zinfandel. Would second St. Michele. That was the first winery I ever visited and it is still a favorite!

 

[Couchy]

I'm a big fan of Ménage e Trios and Apothic blends. Very smooth for under $10 a bottle.

i love both these reds....so easy to drink and goes with anything

 

[KaChow]

I vote for Apothic as well, and don't forget Costco for wine!

 

[HeatherC]

Here's another vote for Chateau St. Michele. I am a big wine lover and was shocked at how cheap these were after tasting them. I also love their white Chardonnay. Can't go wrong with them.

Most people I have found generally like a Merlot (red) and a Pinot Grigio (white)... if that helps you when choosing.

 

[Gigi22]

Just a quick word about serving size for wine. The industry standard is a 5 oz. serving. I would check the wine glasses you intend to use and make sure that they are not oversized glasses. It is easier to make sure no one has too much if the glasses are a standard size.

Also, I would stock some soda water so that those who wish to drink less can enjoy a white wine spritzer.

 

[mominwestlake]

I saw Cosco mentioned, but has anyone found a good wine at Sam's Club?

 

[Lisa71]

Costco actually has professionals taste all the wine and wine makers are very competitive to get chosen. I saw it on the Costco documentary ...I do not think Sams club is the same as it is a Walmart brand and their products are hit it miss. Most Costco products have a lot of research. I am not a big "2 buck chuck" fan but all the other disboarders recommended brands are pretty good.

 

[wolf29]

While it's passable, just something about buying $2 Chuck for an "Appreciation Party" just isn't correct. I'd pick Barefoot if I had to select one consistently decent budget wine, but many here are excellent choices.

 

[leelee9878]

Do you have a Wegmans near you? They have $6 bottles and they are pretty good I buy them regularly.