Stimulus packages, earmarks, government bailout plans…if you’re as tired of these buzzwords and phrases as much as I am then read on.

That’s because purchasing affordable, everyday wines during “these tough economic times” doesn’t require a kitschy sales pitch with a bailout tie-in. These wines essentially sell themselves by tasting good, putting a smile on your face, and leaving a few extra dollars in your wallet.

In addition to being reasonably priced, one thing I enjoyed about today’s three selections was the pleasant surprise each provided by tasting slightly different than the grapes used to make the wine.

For example, the Renwood Winery 2006 Viognier (about $10) from Lodi, California caught me a bit off guard because I thought it tasted almost like a sauvignon blanc instead of a viognier. It’s a refreshing change in that it’s not quite as heavy-handed as some, with brisk, tangerine and citrus flavors and just a hint of stone fruit on the finish. I picked up my bottle at the downtown Community Food Co-Op store.

Another white wine value is the Las Brisas 2007 White Wine (about $11). This Spanish wine is a combination of verdejo, viura, and sauvignon blanc grapes that when blended together taste something like a Washington semillon. Aromatic, with a bit of a grassy edge, it’s full of citrusy lime and grapefruit flavors with a touch of granny smith apple. It’s a superb match with a variety of seafood and shellfish such as cod, halibut, clams and oysters.

Argentina’s Mendoza region continues to impress and the Conquista 2007 Malbec (about $9) is no exception. The wine starts out a bit like a pinot noir, with lovely aromas and flavors of strawberry and dried cherry that melt into more of a plummy, slightly spicy finish. How they managed to keep the price so low is beyond me. It’s a good, solid value that’s perfect for everyday enjoyment. Look for it at area Haggen stores and simply ask for a special order if it’s out of stock.

Whenever I try wines from Washington’s Lost River Winery, I’ve come to expect quality, reliability, and good taste.

Fortunately, owner/winemaker John Morgan seems to outdo himself with each new vintage, and he’s really raised the bar with an outstanding selection of current releases.

For starters, try the sinfully delicious 2007 Rainshadow (about $15). This 60/40 combination of sauvignon blanc and semillon yields a beautiful, golden hue and tropical fruit aromas. It’s surprisingly full-bodied with plump, pineapple flavors that are balanced by just the right amount of brisk, citrus fruit on the finish. Affordable, tasty and highly recommended.

The 2006 Côte-Wall (about $26) is a co-fermented blend of Columbia Valley grapes – 92 percent syrah and 8 percent viognier, to be exact. Even at that small amount, the viognier adds a bit of velvety stone fruit flavor at the wine’s initial taste. But this quickly melts into a nice, meaty layer with edges of smoky bacon fat that says, “serve me with food,” and a grilled steak or roast beef au jus might just do the trick.

Made from Walla Walla grapes and aged in 100 percent French oak barrels, the 2006 Syrah (about $24) is another huge red wine. Compact, black cherry flavors and touches of dark chocolate, mocha, and black pepper on a lengthy finish suggest both Old World craftsmanship and excellent cellaring potential. If you like this wine, chances are you’ll enjoy the 2006 Cedarosa (about $26), a Bordeaux-style blend of merlot and cabernet franc, which is on my list of wines to try.

Lost River Winery wines can be found locally at restaurants including Du Jour Bistro, Nimbus, The Cliff House and Dirty Dan Harris’; Haggen, Community Food Co-Op and Food Pavilion grocers; and The Vines and Purple Smile Wines wine shops.

Washington winemakers come from all walks of life; retired engineers, former dot-commers and those who are simply influenced by a rich history of family tradition.

For Margarita Vartanyan, owner/winemaker of Vartanyan Estate Winery, the inspiration came from her husband Eugene’s family, who has practiced winemaking for generations in their native Armenia.

The Vartanyans moved to the Bellingham area in 2002 and purchased land to begin their own vineyard and winemaking operations. Margarita opened her facility to the public last year and has a full flight of current releases available for purchase at the tasting room.

Her wines have a decidedly European flair, with a subtle emphasis on fruit flavors along with several qualities that make them extremely food-friendly.

For example, her 2006 Merlot ($14) displays a nice savoriness, while the 2005 Chardonnay ($24) is complex and flavorful, with touches of apple, pear and toasty oak. Either wine should pair nicely with pork, duck, or even a salmon entrée.

Also notable is the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16), which is drinking beautifully with hints of dark fruit flavors, supple tannins, and a whisper of smoke on the finish. The 2006 Syrah ($26) also features some nice dark berry on the palate, but the finish is soft and silky, leaving an impression of both full-body and elegance.

Finally, the 2005 Trilogia ($30) is a must-try blend of three red varietals. The 60-percent pinot noir base really shines through, with gentle strawberry flavors and nice acidity, while cabernet franc and merlot provide the wine with added depth and structure.

The tasting room is located at 1628 Huntley Road, just a mile north of the Mount Baker Highway off Noon Road, and is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. More information: www.vewinery.com.

An evening of Pacific Northwest food and wine will be hosted by Dan Radil and local cooking guru Mary Ellen Carter. Details to come!

6:30 to 8:00 pm - Dan teams up with Quel Fromage owner Rachel Riggs at Fairhaven’s Pacific Chef for an evening of Northwest wines and incredible cheeses from around the world. For more information go to www.pacificchef.com or visit the store at 1210 11th Street in Bellingham.