Though we would all love to indulge in a bottle of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Grand Cru Bordeaux every night, most twenty- or thirty- something Angelenos need better jobs, or at least cheaper rents, before this will ever be the case. Therefore, in an effort to find the most perfect and budget-friendly beverage out there, host an evening of wine tasting that will cost you less than would one glass at any LA restaurant (OK, OK, except for World Cafe from 4-7 daily!)
So here's the deal: You provide appetizers, and have your friends play sommelier by bringing a bottle or two of their favorite wine -- red, white, or champagne -- but it must be under $5 per bottle. The idea is to try as many different wines as possible.
Set up all of the wines on a table or bar, along with enough glasses for a crowd (with wine markers so no one loses track of his or her glass.) Then make scorecards like the one to the right to keep track of everyone's opinions, so that even when the night, and your memories of it, are over--your research is recorded forever!
Here are a few ideas--though by no means are a complete list. The more wines, and the more creative, the better!
Vitavin Egri Bikavér Bull's Blood of Eger 2002
$3.50-$6 wherever wines are sold.
Le Grotte Reggiano Lambrusco NV
$4.50 at Trader Joe's
Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio 2005
$4.95 at Albertson's
Moreau Blanc
$3.99 at Trader Joe's
Columbia Crest Columbia Valley Gewürztraminer 2002 and 2004
$4.99 (on sale) at Albertson's
