How to Be a Budget Wino, Fresh & Easy Style

Times are tough, and if you've found yourself scrimping and pinching from the former bounty in your entertainment budget, you might have also found yourself spending more time at home (unless you're out heeding the wisdom of our own Recession Obsession, that is). But being at home doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself, right?

While Trader Joe's Two-Buck Chuck's era of novelty may be gone (although, as a reliable budget wine pick it still handily fits the bill) you can expand your wine rack without breaking the piggy bank via Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market's selection of affordable wines.

The folks at F&E work with wine producers from all over the world, including New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, Spain, and Italy, as well as on the West Coast of the US in Washington and here in California. They've got 65 specially-selected wines available exclusively at their stores, and many of them have won awards, and can be had for under $11. The folks at F&E floated some samples our way, and we've been sipping our way through a $4.99 Ogio Primotivo, a $3.99 Northwood Cabernet Sauvingnon, a $1.99 Vista Point Chardonnay, and a $4.99 Pink Flamingo Rose. (Our fave pick of the four is, hands down, the Primotivo; also, read about LAist's Caroline on Crack's Wine Smackdown taste test.)