I don't know about you but I'm going wine shopping today for a 4th of July barbecue. My theory is that expensive wines are wasted at an outdoor party where everybody's guzzling, so I asked master sommelier Laura Maniec of Corkbuzz Wine Studio for some cheap but not embarrassing suggestions.

You're the Vinho Verde brand ambassador so can you tell me if any of them are around $10 and still really good?

When you have a lesser known region, like Vinho Verde in Portugal, the value proposition is there since they don't have big marketing bills to pay. Most of them are under $12 retail and a lot of them under $10, made from great grapes that don't grow anywhere else in the world. Vinho Verde wines have forever been light and fizzy, refreshing for the summer and never oaked. They're perfect for summer salads, fish tacos, guacamole, ceviche and lighter fare.

Which ones specifically would you recommend?

Casal Garcia and Twin Vines I think cost $10 or less. I also recommend Afros Vinho Verde, which is a little more serious and not a blend, made with 100 percent loureiro grapes. I served it recently at an event and everyone loved it.

Does the bad Portuguese economy make the wines cheaper for us?

I have no idea how it affects the price but of course we're helping their economy and supporting their export market by buying their wine. It's the same with Greece. It makes sense to support them if they're making good wine, which they are.

What about a good, cheap rosé?

There's a lot of quality on the market right now with rosés. Vera Vinho Verde is a great, delicious rosé that I think sells for under $10.

Any other favorite rosés from other regions?

Lucy pinot noir rosé from California is definitely under $15. Triennes rosé from Domaine Dujac. And I'm drinking a lot of Ameztoi Txakoli  Rosé from Spain.

What would you drink with hot dogs and hamburgers?

Beaujolais is great with hamburgers and hot dogs, or a lighter Côtes du Rhône. Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley.

Which ones specifically?

For Côtes du Rhône, Montvac  -- I think it's $10 or under. Coquelet Beaujolais Villages might be $10. From the Willamette Valley I love Anne Amie pinot noir and you might be able to find that for $13 or $14.

It's okay to chill red wine, right?

I do it all the time. We do a clambake and put lighter summer reds in the ice bucket. They can benefit from a slight chill. It's not the same thing as putting ice in your wine. But you obviously don't want it too cold, not the same temperature as a white wine.

Any other undiscovered regions where you can find deals now?

I find really good value from Sicily. Greece has amazing wines at an inexpensive price. They overdeliver for the quality. Jura in France makes really good summer wines. Spain is always great for value, especially the regions of Montsant, Navarra and Jumilla.

 
What do you think of my theory about spending less for a big outdoor party than I would for a smaller dinner party?

I approve. I'm all for saving money, getting good wine that doesn't break the bank. I go to a beach house where everybody's drinking communal wines and I do the same thing. For the beach and barbecues you should experiment with inexpensive wines and not take it too seriously.