I had a chance to sit down with a representative of DFV Wines along with my local Heidelberg Rep Matt Frampton last week. DFV Wines owns one of the largest California Wine portfolios out there and they focus on producing solid wines at very accessible price points.

We had a 90 minute tasting session where we sampled 14 wines. The tasting focused on 4 of DFVs brands:

Belle Ambiance

Gnarly Head

Noble Vines

Hand Craft

I was impressed overall by the depth of the portfolio and we really only scratched the surface of what DFV has. I am very familiar with Gnarly Head and Noble Vines, having sold them myself when I was on the distribution side of the business. It was good to taste the current vinages and some of the new varietals these brands are now offering.

Belle Ambiance and Hand Craft were both new to me. I was especially impressed by a couple fo their whites, and the reds offered decent quality at the price points. I'm not a huge value wine shopper for myself, but it is a very important part of the overall wine market. I think both these brands offer substantial value at their $7.99 to $9.99 price points.

Here's a look at four favorites from the tasting:

2013 Belle Ambiance Pinot Grigio

All the grapes come from San Bernabe vineyards, which is likely to be California's newest AVA very soon. Light, clean and fruity with nice acidity and a fresh finish

2013 Hand Craft Chardonnay

DFV donates $1 to breast cancer charities for every case of Hand Craft they sell. Lushfruits with creamy vanilla from the French oak aging and a little viognier blended in.

2012 Noble Vines 181 Merlot

I was quite impressed that a bottle this price from California could resemble a Bordeaux style Merlot. Great body and character for a wine at this price point.

2012 Gnarly Head Cabernet

It was their Old Vine Zinfandel that put this brand on the map 6 or 7 years ago. I was impressed by the quality of most of their varietal offerings and blends. The cab offers dark fruits and tantalizing spices.

You can find these wines on the shelves at almost all local grocery stores and even some convenience stores. Wine shop and local restaurants that recognize good values will likely feature some of the above brands on their lists. Go enjoy and save some money too!