The first white wine I enjoyed was a simple Muscadet. Richard Desnoyers (then Chef at the Belvedere) was experimenting with a seafood tower and suggested I give something white a whirl. When I asked what I should drink he brought me a bottle of Muscadet and it widened my palate again as the cheap white juice was simply fantastic. Now I am hooked on great white wines and if you give them the chance they can be as big as ANY red wine you like to enjoy. Though the list is much smaller, you will find each of these wines represents excellent value (each costs under $30) and is designed to get you to try something new. Many higher-end (e.g. more expensive whites) have become favorites of mine that rival my love of shiraz. If you want to spend more…buy yourself a Leeuwin Estates Chardonnay from Australia or a bottle of Montrachet…

Top 10 Whites for Less than $30…Rated by Value for Your Dollar

1. Heartland Stickleback ($14) - Ben Glaetzer’s white “ying” to his Stickleback red “yang”! A marvelous blend of Semillon, Chardonnay, and Verdelho. A total bargain.

2. Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc ($30) - Yes I know, everyone loves Cloudy Bay but give this a chance and you won't be disappointed. Costs about $30 and isn’t a citrus fruit bomb.

3. Lorca Pinot Blanc (2000) ($18) - My favorite wine with oysters. It is so crisp your cheeks will thank you a thousand times over. Drinking very well as of June 2008.

4. Ojai Sauvignon Blanc – Holy peach batman! A wonderful effort from California. Exclusive to Bin 905 downtown. Prices went up...but are now coming down with the strength of the Canadian dollar.

5. Brokenwood Semillon (2007) - This toasty little number cools you off faster than Rosie O'Donnell in a bikini. The Hunter Valley in Australia is known for Semillon.

6. Isabel Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - Everything a SB from Kiwiland should be; fruity, expressive, and made for people who dislike oak in their whites.

7. Triennes Viognier Sainte Fleur - Very subtle and rich in flavor. Solid sipping.

8. Highfield Sauvignon Blanc- Ever had someone inject you with Passion Fruit?

9. d'Arenberg Hermit Crab Viognier - Quite a bizarre name but order it like it's no biggie and you'll look even cooler after people taste it.

10. Seresin Sauvignon Blanc- For the price ($17) this is smashingly good. More fun than teasing Flames fans about Mike Keenan!