We're here to help.Would you like to chat now?I was in Costco recently picking up some shrimp, and because the wine department is right next to the seafood, meandered over for a look at what was available. The wine section isn’t what it was way back in 1998 when, with great fanfare, the big box company hired Master of Wine David Andrew to build their fine wine program. But they still have quite a good selection of reliable producers from around the world.Unlike Trader Joe’s, which often buys obscure labels from little-known regions and/or from smaller producers, Costco relies on tried and true, mostly larger producers, and prices their wines just a smidgen under most wine shops — and in L.A., wine shop prices are very competitive. It’s good to know, though, that in a pinch you can do some one-stop shopping at Costco. Hey, and if you need a wine cooler, you can pick up one on the way out.Here are my picks for some good buys at Costco right now. 2012 Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett (Mösel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany): A sweet-tart German Riesling from the ever excellent Dr. Loosen.

Serve it well-chilled, the better to appreciate flavors of green apple, pear and citrus. Very refreshing with a clean finish. $14.99.A great red full of layers2008 Allegrini “Palazzo della Torre” Veronese (Veneto, Italy): For under $15, you can drink a great red from the Veneto. Allegrini’s “Palazzo della Torre” has also been a favorite of mine for its depth and complexity. The fruit is ripe and vibrant, accented with sweet spices, licorice, chocolate and tobacco. Pay attention to how this Valpolicella develops in the glass, opening up and showing new layers over an evening. A bargain for the quality2008 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy): This is the basic Barbaresco from what may be the best cooperative winery in the world, certainly in Italy. A true expression of the nebbiolo grape in Barbaresco. Note the perfume of dark berries and rose petal and the wine’s elegance. Tannins are laid back, the fruit bright and vivid. And what a bargain for the quality.

To drink now or hold for a few years. A silky Pinot2010 Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir (Burgundy, France): A Burgundy for $14? From the estimable old house of Louis Jadot comes this everyday Bourgogne rouge. No special vineyard, just Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards all over Burgundy. Bring out the roast chicken or salmon for this silky Pinot with soft tannins and a perfume of wild strawberries. wine and food pdf$13.99.2011 Jermann Pinot Grigio (Venezia Giulia, Italy): Silvio Jermann makes interesting wines at every price level and is best known for his Vintage Tunina. best cheap wine making kitJermann’s Pinot Grigio comes from northeastern Italy. where to buy bad cat wineIt’s intense and focused, yet has an easygoing charm. best red wine for white fish

A terrific summer aperitif or a wine to serve with grilled shrimp or fish. $17.99.French wine in a can!Bellini season: Two ingredients for the perfect summer drinkWant your red wine to taste better in the heat? Pop it in the fridgeThis summer in Spain I had a complete break from worrying about what to drink. We just found a nice Galician wine at the local Lidl for four euros and stuck to that for the entire trip. best breakfast wine countryIn Spain it’s easy to drink well cheaply but in Britain we have to pay duty on wine at £2.08 a bottle plus 20% VAT. best boxed red wine uk 2015When entertaining at Christmas it can be very difficult to find wines that I enjoy but aren’t going to break the bank. best wine by tasteSometimes I think I should take a leaf out of Richard Nixon’s book who would secretly sip Chateau Margaux while serving plonk to his guests.best way to open bottle of wine

Fortunately though, there are bargains to be had if you know where to look. My best bit of advice would be to join The Wine Society who offer unbeatable value for money. Failing that, look out for supermarket multi-buys, sometimes up to half off when you buy six bottles or more (though not in Scotland as the Scottish Government don’t trust their people to buy in bulk without going on a rampage down Sauchiehall Street.) beer and wine store hoursAldi and Lidl are also happy hunting grounds for the impecunious connoisseur. The wines I’ve listed below are good enough for when your grand aunt comes over but you also won’t mind when Steve from accounts pours half a bottle into a pint glass. Philippe Michel Cremant du Jura NV (£7.49, Aldi) This is the wine I recommend to friends when they are getting married but they always ignore my advice because they can’t imagine that a cheap sparkling wine from Aldi can be any good.

Well more fool them because this is great: clean and lemony with a certain toasty biscuity quality just like a good champagne. Palataia German Pinot Noir (£11, M&S) So it’s not the cheapest wine but if like me you want something similar to Burgundy with your turkey then this is stunningly good value. What I love about it is its combination of ripe strawberries with a proper forest floor smell just like in a much more expensive wine. Torres Viña Sol 2015 (£5, ASDA until December 27) Viña Sol is a Spanish classic and at this price impossible to resist. You won’t get fireworks but you will get lots of crisp green apples and a hint of lemon peel, and it’s so much better than your bog standard Pinot Grigios or Sauvignon Blancs. This is the ultimate Christmas party wine. De Bortoli Liqueur Muscat Aged 8 years (£11.99 for 50cl, Aldi) An Australian speciality made in New South Wales from a blend of vintages like a tawny port. Utterly delicious and very adaptable;