I caught the last few hours of the BR Spring Gallery Tour last Friday night. As I looked at the art, I also took a look at the wine being served. Large gatherings call for great values which made me think about some of the selections now widely available at local grocery stores. Gone are the days when the only place you could find a solid wine was a specialty store. Don't get me wrong, I have been actively involved in the wine industry for almost 25 years as a journalist/reviewer/TV & Radio host/wine judge and even an owner/buyer. But my goal has always been the same: to make affordable, delicious wine available to as many people as possible. Which is why I am thrilled to see better choices at groceries, big box, pharmacies and liquor stores.

So-I thought about the art I reviewed on Friday night and what wines I thought would be fun to "pair" with them, that equally expressed the artistry both in the art and in the bottle. And were satisfying yet affordable as all wine and art should be.

Editions Limited-They were serving Yellow Tail. Which worked with the modern abstract multi media art on display. Yellow Tail was one of the first "critter" labels from Australia to dominate the grocery wine world. Producers from down under found themselves with an abundance of wine grapes, so they created a wine that appealed to the casual American wine drinkers love of fruity oaky wines. A low, low price and easy-to-identify label helped jettison the brand. You can find Yellow Tail virtually any where that wine is sold.

Inspire-the art here was bright and playful which made me think a prosecco or frizzante would be fun. These lighter styles of sparkling wine are like giggles in a glass. Riondo and La Marco both make tasty easy to find offerings.

Marigold Clothing-Linda Shikany's store is like a gallery every day with her eye-appealing displays and chic, yet comfortable, clothing lines. Friday, she was showing the magnificent jewelry art of Camille Richard. Metals and stones of all colors created a natural yet elegant assortment of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Wearable art that was like a costume, so, thought of the fabulous wines from Francis Ford Coppola. The Rosso and Bianco are two of the best buys at any grocery store. Spend a few dollars more and indulge in the Sofia Rose-named for Coppola's director daughter. Classy, dramatic, timely choices in the glass or for your body.

Hotel Broad Ripple & Edington Katz Project-the hotel has its own bar and wine list but the seats were full so I didn't have a chance to peruse the list. The art on Friday was that of Nick Hill who has an incredible talent for capturing the raw pure essence of nature and color and light. His various landscapes were dramatic and thought provoking. And reminded me of being in the Wine region of Mendoza, Argentina. So I wanted to sip wines from that area while enjoying Nick's art. Reliable producers include Alamos, Norton, and Santa Julia.