Inexpensive everyday selections from Modesto wine columnist

I’m always on the lookout for quality Monday wines. They’re the wines that pair well with leftovers, can be used in cooking, or served to those uninvited guests. In other words, they’re inexpensive daily wines that will get you through the week. Friday wines are special and a bit more expensive ($10-$20) because, well, it’s finally Friday. However, most Friday wines are really opened on Thursday, which is still OK. Sunday wines are for those big celebrations like anniversaries, retirement parties or winning the lotto. For these splurge wines, how much you spend is totally up to you.

Some of my favorite Monday whites this year were Bogle Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc, Kirkland’s Italian Pinot Grigio, Trader Joe’s Espiral Vinho Verde, Kendall-Jackson’s Chardonnay and the McManis Family Vineyard’s River Junction Viognier. My favorite rose was the La Vieille Ferme.

Some favorite reds were the Castle Rock Russian River Pinot Noir, the Terra D’ Oro Amador County Zinfandel, Bogle Vineyard’s Petite Sirah, Kirkland’s Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Trader Joe’s Caves du Fournalet Cotes du Rhone, Casa Santos Lima Red Blend Portugal and Three River’s Columbia Valley Washington Merlot.

To simplify your hunt for a Monday wine, here are some reliable, readily available and under $10 brands you can trust; Castle Rock, Columbia Crest, Bogle, McManis, SEAGLASS, Barefoot, Dark Horse and Chateau St. Michelle.

White Wine Festival returns

Twenty-seven Anderson Valley wineries will be pouring their white wines, sparkling wines, roses, library wines and even a bit of signature Pinot Noir at the 15th annual Winter White Wine Festival. The festival returns Feb. 19-20 with sumptuous food and wine pairings, Dungeness crab, paella, cheese fondue and more. You can select which wineries you would like to visit each day (four) for both days. Early-bird pricing for the cellar pass is available until Dec. 15. Find out more at www.avwines.com.

The Lodi Beer Trail

Best known for its award winning wines from 85 wineries, Lodi is expanding its reputation for handcrafted brews. With five breweries and four tap rooms, visitors and locals are discovering Lodi’s growing beer scene. Some have food options on site and others bring in food trucks. To get more information on the Lodi Beer Trail go to www.visitlodi.com.

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.