We started a deal here called "Wine Wednesday". We all show up with a different bottle of Red, and have a few glasses. It's kind of caught on, everyone we tell suddenly starts showing up.
I live in Adelaide so I have Clare Valley McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley within quick driving distance
But being from NZ I have a good collection of wine from Napier Mission Estate etc
We have a wardrobe fill of reds from both NZ and South Australia
Also had some top drops from South Africa
I'm not a big wine drinker, but I've dated a few girls who were. Sadly, I don't remember what they drank or why they drank it. Ah well... as Sumit would say "good luck bros."
Here in Italy wine is very low cost and is of high standard. Sangiovese grape is my favourite red. It's definitely worth a try. There are Sangiovese wines produced in California.