Master sommelier Andrea Immer and Eli Rodriguez discuss D Arenberg Stump Jump Cabernet and Santa Barbara Chardonnay; Best Cellars, New York, N.Y.

Supermarkets are great place to find affordable wine — it all comes down to simplifying the selection process for the consumer and keeping it affordable, which also gives great opportunities to try new wine without breaking the budget. But sometimes, finding your new favorite wine takes more than low prices. That's why specialty shops like Best Cellars don't just sell wine, they also educate the wine buyer.

• Don't shy away from buying wine in supermarkets.
  
• Specialty shops can be easier to navigate.
  
• There are six grapes that can be grown in most parts of the world.
  • White: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay
    
  • Red: Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon

Whites
Riesling, light-bodied
Sauvignon Blanc, medium-bodied
Chardonnay, full-bodied

Reds
Pinot Noir, light-bodied
Merlot, medium-bodied
Cabernet Sauvignon, full-bodied

Pricing Range

D’Arenberg Stump Jump Cabernet, 2001 vintage — $13
Santa Barbara Chardonnay, 2001 vintage — $13
Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Dry Riesling — $12
Ramsay Pinot Noir, 2001 vintage — $17
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc — $11
Fetzer Eagle Peak Merlot — $20

Good Combinations

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc and chips and guacamole
Shrimp and Scallop Skewers and Bonny Doon Riesling
Pasta Carbonara and Ramsay Pinot Noir

Resources

Wine & Spirits Magazine
New York, NY
212-695-4660
www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com

Target
Daly City, CA
650-755-2393
www.target.com

Best Cellars
New York, NY
212-426-4200
www.bestcellars.com
For schedules or more information on wine tastings at New York's Best Cellars, please contact 212-426-4200.

Union Square Wine & Spirits
New York, NY
212-675-8100
www.unionsquarewines.com

Rachael Ray
Food TV Host and Author, 30 Minute Meals
www.foodtv.com

Create an unforgettable dining experience with Andrea Immer's Entertaining Made Simple CD collection. Each CD includes music, menus, recipes, affordable wine recommendations and video demonstrations.