As a sommelier, I&rsquo;m often asked how to find delicious, budget friendly wines. This can often be a challenge because most people seek out commercially popular regions like Napa or Bordeaux. They&rsquo;ve heard of it, are comfortable with it and, when faced with numerous choices, gravitate towards it. I&rsquo;m here to tell you: this is your first mistake!

A lot of things go into the price tag of a wine and not all of them relate to quality. While, in my opinion, there is a huge difference between $10 and $25 wines, once you get to the higher price points, a lot of $50 wines taste just as great as some $300 wines. Why is this? A lot of different factors go into the cost of a wine. Land in commercial regions like Napa and Bordeaux comes with very high price tag. Vineyards in Napa range anywhere from $350,000 to $1 million per acre; naturally, producers need to charge more for their offerings to reap a profit. These regions are also infamous for using new oak barrels to give their wines that vanilla, baking spice quality popular with consumers. There&rsquo;s nothing wrong with that style of wine, but when new oak barrels can only be used once and cost up to $2,000, be ready for a higher price tag. It&rsquo;s not surprising that it&rsquo;s difficult to find a Napa cabernet sauvignon for anything less than $50- $75! So, how do you shop for great wine at a budget friendly cost?

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SEEK OUT LESSER-KNOWN REGIONS:

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Ever heard of Chinon? Or Basilicata? Exactly. Regions such as these are where the bargains live. This is because producers can purchase land for a fraction of the price and often obtain second hand, used oak barrels, resulting in lower over-head cost while maintaining quality wine. Chinon, a region in the Loire Valley of France, is often overshadowed by Burgundy and Bordeaux. The wine is made from Cabernet franc and has all the raspberry, cedar, earthy qualities of a good French wine&hellip; at a fraction of the cost. Whole Foods, one of my favorite grocery stores for affordable, quality wines, carries Chinon for about $18. Likewise, regions like Bandol and Languedoc in southern France are labels to look for when you want a cost effective Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre instead of the more well-known region of Chateauneuf Du Pape.

Italy, in general, is a top pick of mine for delicious, affordable wines. Over 900 grape varieties are grown there, resulting in a lack of supply and demand that benefits the consumer. Many people have heard of Barolo, a premium wine region in northern Italy&rsquo;s Piedmont, or Brunello di Montalcino, a celebrated wine region in central Italy&rsquo;s Tuscany, but those often come with higher price tags. The previously mentioned Basilicata is a region in southern Italy, and home to quality bargain wines made from Aglianico, a deep, black fruited grape with powerful earth and structure. If you want something similar to Barolo, try seeking out the Langhe Hills region instead. It uses the same Nebbiolo grape variety from the Piedmont region but, without that commercial reputation, runs at a bargain. Barbera, a grape variety sometimes thought of as Nebbiolo&rsquo;s little sister, is another option. I&rsquo;ve found great Barbera by Cantine Povero for as little as $15. Which leads to my second tip:

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SEEK OUT LESSER-KNOWN VARIETIES:

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Still hankering for something from California? Try Sonoma&rsquo;s Pax Vineyard. They grow lesser-known grapes like Valdiguie, which is a light, bright, fruity grape similar to Burgundy&rsquo;s Beaujolais made from the Gamay grape. Or Napa Valley&rsquo;s Heitz Cellar&rsquo;s Grignolino, a berry, earthy gem originally from Piedmont in Italy. Both wines fall comfortably in the $25 dollar price range.

If you want a white Burgundy, try reaching for an Aligote, Burgundy&rsquo;s lesser known white grape, instead of Chardonnay. Faiveley makes a delightful sipper for around $22. My point is, there are a lot of delicious wines out there that don&rsquo;t get the credit they deserve. Like a lot of products, you are often paying for the name built by marketing. Just because you haven&rsquo;t heard of a grape, doesn&rsquo;t mean it isn&rsquo;t great.

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LOOK FOR SECOND LABELS

If you MUST have that well known region with that well known grape variety, this last tip is for you. The best way to find value is if a winery makes a second label, like most wineries in Bordeaux. For example, Chateau Palmer, a prestigious third growth estate, runs at about $400 a bottle. It&rsquo;s second label, Alter Ego, can be found for about $65. Chateau Palmer owns great land and employs top farmers, so even though Alter Ego contains the grapes that didn&rsquo;t make it into their top cuvee, it&rsquo;s still an above average wine. Most chateaux do this. Mouton Rothschild makes Le Petit Rothschild. Lafite Rothschild makes Carruades de Lafite and so on.

The big hitters in Napa have a similar system. Harlan estate&rsquo;s proprietary cabernet can run upwards of $900, but their second label, The Maiden, is closer to $350. They even have a third label, The Mascot, that can be purchased for a cool $150.

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HAVE FUN TAKING RISKS!

But if it were me, I&rsquo;d still prefer to grab a Chilean cab for a fraction of the price. You can get Max Errazuriz&rsquo;s top wine, Don Maximiano Founder&rsquo;s reserve for $85, much less than Harlan Estate&rsquo;s cheapest offering. This is because I find it fun and exciting to try wines and grapes from new regions. Sure, there might be some flops, but there are also hidden gems! You&rsquo;ll also get to brag to all your friend about the new find you discovered.

I understand that it can be intimidating buying something new, but I would encourage you to, nonetheless. The best way to learn is through experience and trial-and-error. And don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask for help! No one expects you to memorize every grape from every region. That&rsquo;s the sole reason people like me have a job. When that store clerk asks if you need anything, let him or her guide you.

But most of all have fun! Wine isn&rsquo;t as serious as it likes to seem. I hope by using these tips you&rsquo;ll widen your usual repertoire and save some money doing it. Happy hunting!

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A lot of things go into the price tag of a wine and not all of them relate to quality.

Shopping for Value and How to Find It

Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

California Chardonnay: it's a name synonymous with sunshine, buttery richness, and maybe even a splash of white wine envy (looking at you, Bridget Jones). But how did this grape, originally hailing from France, become a Californian icon? Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard, from its unexpected origins to the reasons it continues to reign supreme on wine lists.

Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard!

Forget everything you think you know about sweet, syrupy wines. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region that’s as light and bubbly as a summer day.

Lambrusco: The Party in a Bottle You Need to Try under $25

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to trade in your full-bodied reds and crisp whites for a glass of refreshing rosé. This versatile wine is not only perfect for spring but also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods all year round.



Rosé originates from France, specifically Provence - the world’s leading rosé region. It has been produced there since 600 BC when Greeks brought vines to southern France. Unlike its red and white counterparts, rosés are made using an array of grape varietals including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault among others.

Spring into Rosé: The Perfect Wine for Warmer Weather

We are interested in understanding your dining and wine consumption habits to gain valuable insights into the wine and restaurant industry.

State of Wine and Restaurant Survey 2024

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

For Chardonnay lovers seeking a refreshing, value-driven alternative, Aligoté, Burgundy's "other" white grape, beckons with its crisp acidity, subtle minerality, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbor, Aligoté is finally gaining recognition for its unique qualities and exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

A Hungarian Legacy: Imagine yourself in Tokaj, Hungary, a region steeped in winemaking tradition. For centuries, Furmint has thrived in its volcanic soil, basking in the warm sunshine. These grapes, loved for their thick skin and high acidity, became the cornerstone of Hungary's most famous wine: Tokaji. These sweet, honeyed treasures were once enjoyed by royalty and popes!

Furmint: Hungary's Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Check out these four whites wines under $24, from some great producers across various terroirs – France, Italy, Spain. Spring is in the air.

Four must try white wines for under $24 from France, Spain, and Italy

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Herb & Wood

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to San Diego where they explore the wine list at Herb & Wood,

Wine List Review of Herb & Wood, San Diego

Maria Valetta

Herb &amp; Wood

RT): Hi Everyone, welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert! Great to be back for another episode with you as we expand to southern California

RT: Today we are talking about Herb &amp; Wood, this little spot nestled within the Little Italy neighborhood of downtown San Diego is known for Modern interpretations of Traditional Mediterranean cuisine.&nbsp; The retractable roof brings the outside in, while heat lamps in the winter keep you cozy as you nosh on a multitude of tapas-style plates coming from the wood-fired oven. The wine list at Herb &amp; Wood features a selection of Champagne and Ros&eacute; wines plus whites and reds broken down further into headings of Old world and New world, Maria, What do you think of their list?

MV: This is not a large list by any means, but the selection is lovely&hellip; well procured, with a lot of thought put into the offerings, with some excellent

Options from the US, France, Italy and Spain, and even Germany, Austria and Portugal&hellip; something for everyone for sure.

RT: Where should we begin then?

MV: They have some great wines by the glass too, so if sparkling is your thing too, Start with the Pierre Sparr But Rose from Alsace France &nbsp;- this lovely cr&eacute;mant d&rsquo;Alsace is 100% PN made in the champagne method- this will go down super easy! Or you could go with the Sancerre, Domaine Auchere this bright citrusy Sauv Blanc is the perfect companion to all the Hamachi crudo with ginger and apple or any of the Vegetable small plates.

RT: Do you have a fav red by the glass for this menu?

MV: order a glass of the Vietti Barbera d&rsquo;asti from Italy. I Love this Piedmont producer, this wine could go with just about everything. Let me say.. This food menu is great, so many options &ndash; something for everyone!

RT: any interesting bottles that we should not miss here?

MV: yes def some fun stuff on this list&hellip; and the markups are fair &hellip;the Vieux Telegraph La Crau 2020 CDP blancs are kind of rare&hellip; I used to sell this producer when I worked for International Wine Brokers. Dominated&nbsp; by Clairette grape and bolstered by 30% some Grenache Blanc, 15% Bourboulenc, 15% and Roussanne.

Another interesting white Bodegas Edet&aacute;ria &ldquo;Via Edetana &ldquo; Blanc DO Terra Alta Spain 2019 70%Grenache 30% Viognier highly aromatic wine, balanced by a bright acidity. South of Barcelona in Gandesa DO Terra Alta.

RT: I would definitely try both of those&hellip; any interesting red wines you would want us to drink?

MV: My pick is the Keenan Upper Bowl Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019, a single vineyard cab franc from Napa valley I&rsquo;m &nbsp;totally on board!

RT: That&rsquo;s an underrated gem of a grape for sure!

MV: oh yeah hey.Cheval Blanc knew from the get-go that Cab Franc could make fantastic juice.

RT: How about some value wines.. I know that the Spanish white you recommended falls into that category, any others in that nice price point?

MV: I have a few more great options for you: Try the Tornatore Etna Bianco 2019 a beautiful white from Sicily made from the native Carricante grape grown in volcanic soils

And for red since the menu has some killer pizzas and pasta dishes the Messer Oto Aglianico del Vulture &ndash; a rustic but unoaked version of the Aglianico grape from the Basilicata region of Italy.

RT: That sounds like a perfect wine for that Oxtail gnocchi dish on the menu

&hellip; now can you steer us towards an option or two that I could order to impress everyone at the table?

MV: Okay so take it up a notch because you&rsquo;re trying to impress your in-laws.. &nbsp;I actually think The Trimbach Grand Cru Geisberg (gaysbourg) 2016 Riesling is going to shine so brightly with honeysuckle and Asian sliced pear but with a superior dry finish...&nbsp; and if you are eyeing a re, splash out on the Margaux du Chateaux Margaux 2014 the third wine of famed premier cru Bordeaux estate chateaux Margaux but this is on-trade only offering so here&rsquo;s your chance to try this beauty it would be perfect with the Iberico pork secreto, and if you&rsquo;re on a new world wine kick the Shafer hillside select 2015 $626, you can&rsquo;t go wrong with this beauty - I can rarely recommend this one because it&#39;s always so insanely priced on a winelists so I&rsquo;m happy about this markup so make this top rated cabernet your top notch selection.

RT: Fantastic Choices &hellip;Well thank you Maria for helping us discover the wine list at Herb &amp; Wood in San Diego. And Thank you everyone for joining us today you can find more wine tips from Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine list? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates. Prices and selections subject to change, please drink responsibly.

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CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

The Blue Dog Cookhouse and Bar

Arnaud Baillot

Bourgogne Chardonnay NV

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Sharon Weeks

Cattoo Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Thomas Schmitt

Kabinett Riesling NV

Riesling

Mosel, Germany

Miraval

Studio Blanc, Mediterranee NV

Méditerranée, France

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Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley, USA

Domaine de l'Espigouette

Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages 'Plan de Dieu' NV

Grenache

Rhone, France

Babich

Black Label Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Jermann

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Grigio

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Willm Cremant d'Alsace Rose NV

France

Château Gigault

Cuvee Viva Blaye - Cotes de Bordeaux NV

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Bordeaux, France

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Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon NV

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California, USA

King Estate

Chardonnay NV

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Willamette Valley, USA

Bibi Graetz

Grilli del Testamatta, Toscana NV

Toscana, Tuscany, Italy

Cade

Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley NV

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Rose Blend

Provence, France