If someone wants to treat me to a very expensive bottle of wine, I will never refuse. I will languish over each sip and revel in the whole experience. Don't try to talk to me, I will be in another land. But when I purchase wine myself, I can't say I spend more than $15. Wine for me is shared with girlfriends well into the night (often from a box), sipped after a successful house cleaning, or poured to enjoy a special meal with family. The holidays are coming! Here are some budget wines for dinner I'm excited to share 5 wines around $15-mark I learned about at the 16th annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo in Toronto last Thursday. Sommelier John Brass gave a great tutorial of the following Canadian & international picks: 1. 2008 Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Reserve, Niagara, Ontario - $14.95 You can really taste the minerals in this wine, which is typical of wines from the Niagara escarpment. Pairs with: buttery white fish or roast chicken dinner. 2. 2009 HobNob Merlot, Languedoc, France - $11.95 A smooth, black currant-y Merlot...and what a price for French wine! Pairs with: veal or a tender steak. 3. 2009 Rigal Malbec, Cahors, France - $11.95 A very rustic and deep red wine, makes your mouth pucker with tannins. Pairs with: earthy dishes such as baked ribs or cassoulet. 4. 2009 Pasqual Toso Malbec, Limited Edition, Mendoza, Argentina, $14.95 Argentinian Malbecs are the new darlings of red wine. This gem is a tasty mouthful of ripe fruit and a balanced finish. Pairs with: liver & onions, grilled steak or lamb 5. 2009 Viña Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Shiraz Reserva, Rapel Valley, Chile - $11.95 My favourite! I've always avoided Concha y Toro wines for some reason, but I stand behind this peppery and delicious Shiraz. Pairs with: rich meat dishes, barbecue I hope this helps make your holidays a little merrier. Now, are you a red wine person, or a white wine person?