It is often assumed that those in the wine business drink nothing but the finest, most expensive wines and dine in lavish restaurants. Granted, working in this business does have its perks, and I have been fortunate to try many great wines and eat some amazing meals. However, at the end of the day, I am always on the hunt for the next great inexpensive bottle or as some of my guests say, "the $10 bottle that tastes like $20."

The good news is that this task is not as impossible as it may seem. There are, though, tricks that come in handy when seeking out value wines that outshine their humble price-points. Here are a few that I use regularly when both recommending and buying for myself. 

First, seek out less popular grapes. Want something light? Rather than flock to Pinot Noir, consider Beaujolais Villages from France or Barbera from Italy. Both wines are generally easy drinking and have similar flavor profiles. Most importantly? At everyday price ranges, these deliver superior value.

Second, look to less popular areas. If you must have Pinot Noir, regions such as Russian River Valley and Carneros will generally command higher prices and rightfully so because of their good quality and popularity with consumers. Instead, consider California's Central Coast or New Zealand for great quality Pinot Noir at humble prices.

Finally, if your Pinot Noir must come from a popular growing region, consider smaller, under-the-radar producers. ABC has an outstanding wine buying team that travels the world seeking out superb winemakers who are passionate about their wines and eager to have them represented in our market.   Many are family-owned and produce small quantities. These are boutique producers offered to you at outstanding price-points. 

Next time you are in your ABC store, look for the "Direct to You" symbol on the price tags to identify these wines. And don't forget to ask your wine consultant for a recommendation--that's why we are here, and it is our pleasure to assist you.

Dave Malone, Wine Consultant at 1930 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee.

Follow me on Twitter @abcwinedavem