re: Red/white wine suggestions

Vending Machine Winery is a couple from New Orleans. The horror show is a unique blend of some obscure grape varietals. I poured it by the glass and loved it but it isnt everyones cup of tea.

As far as recommendations go, keep a selection of some things at various price points. Sometimes the stuff with a name will impress more to some people rather than what I may believe is a better wine.

Chardonnay: Cakebread ($35) or Sonoma Cutrer ($20)
Cabernet: Jordan ($55) Cakebread ($65) Silver Oak ($65)
Pinot Noir: La Crema ($20) J ($30) or Belle Glos ($45)
Riesling: Really anything will do unless you want to get into some German Auslese

If youre not drinking wine or collecting, some of the most popular labels are that way for a reason, they are people friendly and consistent. I could go for days on products like Kobalt Cab, Lewis Cellars Wines, Robert Foley, etc but in the end it wouldnt make a difference. Keep a variety of things at price points and keep the better stuff reserved for nicer nights.