Tips for buying great wine on a budget …Read More

When it’s time for the champagne toast to celebrate 2009, why start the year by spending a fortune? These three sparkling wines (which is just the term for what most of us call champagne if it is made outside the Champagne region of France) are a good-tasting, budget-friendly way to start the year.

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, $20
Made from mostly pinot noir grapes, this sparkling wine is fruity without being too sweet.

Piper … Read more

One of my favorite things about bourbon: It is possible to find great bourbon at nearly every price point. And while there definitely are $400 bottles of bourbon out there that will knock your socks off, it’s possible to find something impressive that fits a normal person’s budget. Here are picks in a few price ranges:

Under $25

Old Grand-Dad Bourbon, 100 proof

Wine Enthusiast praised this bourbon’s “buttery feel on the palate” and “tangy … Read more

During the holiday season, money’s tight. But it doesn’t mean you can’t have the good stuff … or give the good stuff.

Rosso & Bianco has some solid offerings for $12 a bottle. (I got mine at the tasting room, and it was $11 there.)

You can feel comfortable bringing this wine as a host or holiday gift or serving it at your holiday gathering.

The 2006 Pinot Grigio is a light and fruity white, … Read more