It wasn’t too long ago that refreshments for a Super Bowl party consisted of several cases of beer and few bags of pretzels. If you really wanted to get creative you’d heat up a jar of Cheese Whiz, pour it over a pile of tortilla chips and call it “nachos supreme.”

Thank goodness those days appear to be over.

Super Bowl parties have evolved into thoughtfully planned, well orchestrated events, and wines have increasingly become a part of the beverage menu.

There’s no requirement to do a super splurge on wines for this coming Sunday’s game, but offering wines in the 1.5 liter size (equivalent to two standard 750 milliliter bottles) can make a great addition to your Super Bowl party. Granted, we’re not talking about over-the-top wines here, but they do tend to be fruit-forward, crowd pleasing choices that won’t cost you a bundle.

Glen Ellen Winery out of California produces several varietals in the 1.5 liter size that all retail for the bargain price of about $10 a bottle. Included in the selection are the 2008 Chardonnay (with nice, fruity baked apple flavors), 2007 Merlot, 2007 Cabernet, and 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel. The zin is particularly tasty, with big, brambly blackberry flavors and an eye-popping 14.9 percent alcohol content that’s balanced by a touch of residual sugar.

Washington’s Columbia Crest Winery Two Vines label offers a trio of good quality, 1.5 liter wines that are priced at about $15 each. In addition to the 2007 Chardonnay, there’s also a 2007 Merlot/Cabernet (which is actually a blend of mostly merlot and cabernet franc) and a 2008 Vineyard White, a combination of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and semillon.

Box wines have come a long way and might be something you want to consider serving as well. Chardonnay or cabernet are available in a 3 liter container from both Powers Winery (about $20) and Black Box Wines (about $23) Each box houses a vacuum-sealed bag, which should keep your wine tasting fresh at least a week or two after the party is over.