I’ve been meaning to do a post like this for quite some time, and after recently returning from the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival (held at the stunning Vancouver Convention Center), I found just the motivation I needed.

We all have wines that we always grab at the store— for me, those mostly consist of wines under $15, up to maybe $30 if it’s a really special occasion—or look for on restaurant menus— I only wish these could be under $15. So why not put all of our favorites all in one place? Herewith, my all time favorite wines (interspersed with some gorgeous pictures from my time in Vancouver at the Wine Fest)

I hope you’ll help me by adding your favorites in the comment section.

{Vancouver’s Olympic Torch}

Under $15

• Espiral Vinho Verde, $4.99 (sold at Trader Joe’s)
• Cristalino Extra Dry Brut, $5.99
• Cupcake Chardonnay, $8.99
• Obvio Malbec, $9.99 
• Starborough Sauvignon Blanc, $9.99
• Goats do Roam Rose, $9.99
• Kris Pinot Grigio, $10
• Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rosado, $12
• Crios de Susana Balbo Rose of Malbec, $12
• Morande Pionero Rose, $12.99
• Zenato Lugana, $12.99
• Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc, $13.50
• Echelon’s California Series Pinot Noir 2010, $13.99
• Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier, $14.50
• Echelon Collection Series Napa Valley Chardonnay, $14.99

$25 and under

• Selby Sauvignon Blanc, $15
• Morande Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, $15.99
• Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon, $17
• Hess Su’Skol Chardonnay, $18
• Conundrum White Wine, $22
• Verderol Spring in a Bottle, $22
• Miguel Torres Gran Coronas, $22
• Markham Merlot, $23
• Blasted Church Cabernet Merlot, $25

$50 and under

• Duckhorn Pinot Noir, $34
• Lucien Le Chene Sancerre Blanc, $35
• Montaudon Rose Brut, $38
• Barnaut Brut Rose Champagne, $38
• Cakebread Chardonnay, $42
• Acacia Vineyards Chardonnay, $40
  
• Belle Glos Pinot Noir, $44
• Tawse Winery Robyn’s Block Chardonnay, $44
• Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, $45
• Yalumba The Signature, $45
• Bodegas Castano Casa Cisca, $50

 **Wines in Italics were discovered at Playhouse Wine Fest. To get your ticket to next year’s festival, which I can’t recommend enough, visit playhousewinefest.com.

What are you favorite, go-to wines?

It’s been said about Trader Joe’s wine selection that the cheap ones aren’t good and the good ones aren’t cheap.  But after reading a recommendation for their Espiral Vinho Verde, I thought it couldn’t hurt to spend $4.99 and find out for myself. Literally translated to mean “green wine”, vinho verde is a crisp, refreshing and tart white wine with some effervescence. Not quite sparkling…but almost. Imported from Portugal, Espiral pairs perfectly with spicy Thai dishes, seafood and light fare. It’s quickly become my go-to wine whenever I stop in at TJ’s. Try it!

We picked up a bottle of this Malbec at a great wine shop called Total Wine in Alexandria. It’s a chain, which I usually avoid, but I love all the staff recommendations at this enormous warehouse full of tempting libations. And I love being able to browse different regions. “Let’s head over to France!”

When we first started dating, Matt spent six loooong months in Argentina (for him, the time flew, but while I sat at home missing him, it certainly felt like time stood still). While in Buenos Aires, Matt developed a deep love for Malbec and now, back at home, we’re constantly looking for the next great Argentinean Malbec. This one hits the mark on all counts!

Obvio’s Malbec is one of those wine where you pour yourself a glass fairly mindlessly, and within your first sip, you’re walking back over to the bottle to see what you’re drinking. This deep violet, drinkable wine, from San Carlos, Valle de Uco, tickles your palate with an array of red and black fruits, and pairs beautifully with meats (hello Argentina is cattle county after all!), pasta and cheeses. Even better? It costs less than $10! That’s my kind of wine.