We live in Wine Country so eliminating wine from the budget as though it were an unnecessary line item is unthinkable. Intolerable. Unbearable.

Of course in this economic climate buying wine does warrant some discretion, so here are some tasty labels you can find for $15 and under.

McManis – pinot gris, petit sirah, cabernet and syrah.

Balletto – pinot gris, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, zinfandel and pinot noir.

Bogle – petite sirah, zinfandel, cabernet, merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.

Pedroncelli – cabernet, zinfandel, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Some Sonoma County brands of Rodney Strong – sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, and zinfandel.

Smart shopping is the only solution because in Wine Country wine is a staple.