Vino on a budget?

With my 31st birthday on the horizon, I'm thinking of what kind of shindig I want to throw! I've got nothing but wine on the brain. Nothing, and I mean, nothing could top my 30th birthday. It was everything I could have asked for and them some. It was flawless. I don't even think I can compete with myself last year because Lord knows where I got all my inspiration and energy from?!

This year, I think I'll allow husbands, boyfriends and/or significant others to join in the festivities this year. I'm thinking of going to the same winery as last year, Mandola's. Plus, their menu is fabulous and anything we order will be amazing. Wine "Tasting" is a must! Maybe a night of games. Board games that men would enjoy too. Just no video games.

Since most normal people enjoy a glass of wine every now and then, I thought this list would be helpful to winos and newbies alike. It's a small investment to learn, or simply enjoy an array of wines that should be readily available out there.

Cheers!!!
Whites
Bianchi 2007 "Elsa" Torrontés
Argentina $8
A distinctive varietal, Torrontés is characterized by intense fruity-floral aromas.

Columbia Crest 2007 Grand Estates Chardonnay
Washington $8
An elegant wine, rich with apple, pear, and a hint of oak.

Fish Eye 2007 Pinot Grigio
California $8
Tropical fruit and intense citrus dominate in this dry, food-friendly Pinot Grigio.

Domaine de Bernier 2006 Chardonnay
France $9
This excellent Chardonnay from the Loire Valley is rich with grapefruit and lemon.

Veramonte 2007 "Reserva" Sauvignon Blancv
Chile $9
Fruity and zesty, this has melon and lemony flavors with herbal notes and bright acidity.

Brancott 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand $10
Grapefruit, tropical fruit, and grassy flavors accent this wine from the Marlborough region.

Domaine La Hitaire 2007 "Les Tours"
France $10
This crisp, dry vin de pays ("country wine") from Gascony is a blend of less-familiar varietals, such as Ugni Blanc.

Ponte de Lima 2007 "Adamado" Vinho Verde
Portugal $10
This young white is fresh with lime flavors and herbal aromas.

Tintero 2007 Moscato d'Asti
Italy $10
This sweet, low-alcohol wine from Piedmont has citrus zest, pear, and apricot flavors.

Wolfgang 2007 "Concerto" Grüner Veltliner
Austria $10
In this versatile wine, ripe citrus flavors carry a hit of peppery spice.

Reds
Archeo 2006 Nero d'Avola
Italy $4
A favorite from Trader Joe's, this rich, earthy red with dark fruit has an oaky finish.

Banrock Station 2006 Shiraz
Australia $5
Big flavors and a low price tag are a winning combination in this fine red with ripe plum and black-cherry flavors.

Bianchi 2007 "Elsa" Malbec
Argentina $8
Argentina has become known for its big-value Malbecs: Here, blackberry and plum flavors are matched by a spicy finish.

Budini 2008 Malbec
Argentina $9
This big wine is characterized by black cherries, blackberries, and spice.

McManis Family Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
California $9
Blueberry, blackberry, and chocolate flavors balance this Cabernet's spicy notes.

Monterra 2005 Merlot
California $9
A rich Merlot with a hint of chocolate.

Di Majo Norante 2007 Sangiovese
Italy $10
Blackberries and spice with violet aromas make this an appealing wine to pair with the robust flavors of this time of year.

Eguren 2006 Tempranillo
Spain $10 for 1 liter
From the Castilla y León region, this full-bodied red is loaded with raspberry fruit.

Goats Do Roam 2006 Red
South Africa $10
This Rhône-style red has soft tannins, black-cherry fruit, and a spicy finish.

Vigne & Vini 2005 "Schiaccianoci" Negroamaro del Salento
Italy $10
This rustic red from Puglia shows concentrated, earthy flavors that are balanced by aromas of spice

SOURCE: www.bonappetit.com