We suggest taking a chance. Go out on a limb and try something new!  If you swear by Sutter Home’s White Zinfandel, try La Linda Malbec Rose ($12) from Argentina. In July 2009 we wrote we had a crush on this “sweet (but not too sweet) juicy, cranberry-colored” charmer. La Linda has “a strawberry nose [that] gives way to a dry but, fresh flavor. Lots of fruit but not in your face.”

For a terrific summer white, bag the Kangaroo and try La Poule Blanche Vin de Pays. Discovered last June at the Spirited Gourmet tasting, we wrote, “We just loved this wine. Its peach and honeysuckle nose is complemented by a vanilla-mineral palate that will accompany many of your summer weekend lunch favorites. At $10.99 this is definitely on our by list.”

If you’re a red wine fan, try Quintas das Tecedeiras Reserva 2006 from Portugal ($12). In October 2009 we wrote that this six-grape blend had “…a nice deep cherry nose and a terrific balance of tannins and fruit throughout the taste. Tastes like a far more expensive wine and is a terrific value.”

With a 1.6 percent decline in wines sales priced $20+, it’s clear that the economy has hurt the wine market along with every other industry.  But there are so many wines that taste like $20+ bottles but cost much less! So it’s time to explore new varietals, new wine regions, and new names.