You don't have to spend a bundle in order to score a great bottle of wine.

Given the economy, we’re not loading up on designer bags and shoes like we used to — in fact, we’re cutting back on trips to the spa and may even postpone a trip to Europe. But lean times don’t have to mean bad wines, according to VIVmag contributor Victoria Abbott Riccardi. Below are her tips for snagging great wine values this harvest season — and beyond.

Look abroad. You can find excellent values, particularly for red wines, in countries like Chile, Spain and Argentina, where wine prices haven’t yet risen to the high quality of winemaking. Try the spicy, lush Acordeon Malbec ($11.99) to pair with game and roasted meats.

Try a copycat. For champagne taste on a Schweppes budget, fill your flute with alternative sparklers, like Italian Prosecco, French Cremant de Loire, Spanish Cava or a California bubbly, such as Roederer Estate Brut NV ($19.99) tinged with cherry, citrus and caramel flavors. We like it with roasted cashews, sushi and even Cheddar-cheese Goldfish.

Step into the box. Instead of buying four bottles for your next party, try the equivalent in a 13-liter box, the latest rage in eco-friendly wine values that’s also great for tailgates and picnics. The spicy, plummy FishEye Shiraz from California ($20) is a terrific bet and tasty with turkey chile and barbecued salmon.

For deals on unique finds in Wine Country, read “Notes from Napa” in VIVmag‘s September/October issue. Abbott Riccardi also advises befriending your local wine merchant. “These folks buy and sample wines for a living, so they know what’s available and what tastes good at a great price,” she says. Has your local wine shop turned you on to any budget-friendly labels? Tell us below!

Photo credit: Laura Doss

Tags: Argentina, Argentine wine, California, California wine, Chile, designer, Europe, French wine, Hospitality/Recreation, Italian wine, Laura Doss, Malbec, Prosecco, Roederer Estate Brut NV, Shiraz, Spain, USD, Victoria Abbott Riccardi, VIVmag, Wine