I like wine. I don’t know anything about it, and when I find something I like it’s because it tastes good, not because the tannins aren’t too acidic, or something – I don’t even know what that means.

What occasion doesn’t warrant a sip or two of vino? Truly, I can think of none. Season premiere of Glee? Obvi. It’s Sunday? Don’t mind if I do! Of course, everything in moderation…..and that’s all I’ll say about that.

Anyway, at my age with my income and lifestyle, it is important to be thrifty and practical when it comes to the purchase and consumption of wine. I’ve done the legwork around town (within, say, a mile radius of Buckhead), and these are my go-to’s, based first on price and taste, then on label aesthetics – there is nothing cultured about my approach to wine drinking.

My favorite reds:

• La Vieille Ferme: this double bottle of red with the charming label was first recommended to me by a manager at Pearson’s for “drinkability” or something like that. Whatever, it’s a tasty double bottle with a screw top. Allie likes! I’m even a fan on Facebook. $11.99 at Tower; $16.99 at Whole Foods.
• Gascón Malbec: I love, love, love this wine. John at Tower says it his favorite malbec under $20, which says a lot, IMO. John is incredibly wise. $8.99 at Tower.
• Mark West: I honestly feel kind of pedestrian even listing this, but I couldn’t leave out my buddy Mark – we’ve been thru a lot together…$9.99 at Tower. $12.99 at Whole Foods.
• La Granga Tempranillo: It’s a screw top from Trader Joe’s with a charming label and a decent taste. Done and done. $4.99.

even the age verification on the website is charming...

My favorite whites (warning – I don’t branch out much with white grape varietals):

• NO Sauvignon Blanc: definitely my go-to white. It’s reasonable, v tasty, and a screw top..! $8.99 at Tower.
• Opala Vinho Verde: I love vinho verde in it’s lightness and very, very slight tinge of carbonation. The alcohol content is also about two percent less than your average  bottle of white, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing…and how pretty is the label! $7.99 at Whole Foods.

I'm a sucker for pretty labels

These six wines are literally the last six bottles I have purchased (toss in a few Two Buck Chucks here and there), and I stand by my selections. Sorry I’m not sorry I don’t venture above $13. I have no idea what foods would go well with what wines, but I can say with utmost certainty that the Tempranillo goes great with Wednesdays.