With the way the economic status of America is heading, extra indulgences in life are far from being enjoyed. Amongst this is of course Wine. As we all know wine is not cheap. If you are able to get a cheap bottle then drinker beware, for most of what is out there is not great quality. I have found myself drinking more South American and Australian. These wines, you are going to find affordability as well as drinkability. If you want a French or Italian wine then you just need to know what you are looking for.

A good Italian, yet affordable, is going to come under the names Nero d’Avolo, Dolcetto and Primitivo. Key regions are going to be Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia, and Umbria. This is the perfect time to try something new. France? You can drink from there as well, but same thing applies; try something new. Draw yourself towards Loire, Rhone, Provence, and Alsace. These are the more affordable areas but of course you may come upon more expensive prices mixed in. Stay away from these. You can’t afford them. A general and fun rule that I suggest you follow is: if the label doesn’t make sense and it’s under $12 then buy it. Turn drinking into an adventure.

A friend of mine has a rule that she sticks to, an expensive one, but smart at the same time. The first bottle that she drinks is always a more expensive nicer bottle. If you have to get it out of your system then do it, and then buy cheaper ones after that. Also remember that everyday is not a holiday or occasion to be celebrating. If you believe that everyday is well then learn how to do it on a budget or invite me over. Little known fact about me, I do enjoy a good celebration.

It’s hard to drink American cheaply right now. For that I suggest you try something else that is in that price range and home grown: Beer. Microbreweries in the United States are really starting to produce great ales. Like all things, baby steps are required. Flying Dog, Dogfish, Rouge, Magic Hat, Brooklyn, Sierra, these are just a few suggestions. Go to your local beer distributor and follow that same rule, never heard of it, then buy it. If you are one of the many out there that believes that beer doesn’t have a flavor profile, then stop yourself now and start drinking ales. You are going to get that same old bland taste in a lager. Leave the lagers to drinking games. I’m not a huge fan of the Budweiser family beers, but the new American Ale that they are producing is good and possibly a stepping-stone for the masses.

Just because our nation is broke doesn’t mean you have to particularly live like it. When we stop having fun and laughing is when I leave the country (again). So run to your local beer distributor or wine store and Wine (or Ale) Your Diet.

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