For a wine lover who hovers around the $10-$12 price range these days, it’s music to my ears – and my wallet – to be able to bring my own wine to dinner. Given the state of the economy, I and my husband love discovering all our new Ukrainian Village neighborhood spots, where we can eat like kings and queens, but spend like modern day paupers. After all, we must continue to support local small businesses in any way we can, especially now. You with me?

To complement my budget-friendly BYOB outings as of late, there are, thankfully, myriad quality wines out there which can be purchased for less than $12; in this case, for less than $10. A couple of my favorites, available at Just Grapes, are a 2007 De Bortoli Chardonnay from Australia ($6.99) and a 2007 Viña Borgia Grenache from Spain ($9.49).

This fresh and flavorful Chardonnay from Down Under displays lively aromas of peach and melon, and the wee bit of French oak aging adds complexity, a hint of vanilla on the palate and a satisfying finish. The Grenache flaunts a bold bouquet of blackberry and cherry with distinct notes of licorice on the palate. The words “clean” and “bright” sprung to mind when tasting this approachable 100% Grenache.

At these prices, folks, let me tell you, you can’t go wrong. Trust me. I’m Chicago’s new value wine bandit in disguise. Let me know some of your favorite wines that pack a mean punch for around $10 – and your favorite local restaurants to sip ‘em.

Maybe you prefer something as evil as you. A swig of the 2007 Evil Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia should make you feel warm inside. Are you more open about your dark side? Just grab a bottle of 2007 Bitch Grenache. And if you’re really feeling vicious this Halloween, add the 2006 Norman “The Monster” Zinfandel from Paso Robles, California.

Or maybe subtlety is your thing, a quiet haunting, a frightening little whisper. The 2007 Urban Uco, Torrontes from Cafayete-Salta, Argentina bears a haunting photo on the label. Do you dare taste what’s inside? The 2007 Vina Borgia Garnacha from Campo de Borja, Spain, features something of an apparition as well. Those shivers might have something to do with how good the wine is, or something more…

Still not sure which wine is calling you? Taste them all for free 4-8 p.m. October 31 at Just Grapes. It’s the perfect warmup to a chilling evening. No tricks–this is all treat. Muwahahahaha!!!!!!

And hello root vegetables, spices and venison at Cafe des Architectes in the Hotel Sofitel Chicago, where French Chef Noguier took over as executive chef when he left one sixtyblue in August.

Green is gone, and turnips, rutabaga, cinnamon, cloves and other fall flavors now dominate Chef Noguier’s palette. His foods are a little more heavy and warm in contrast to the chill off the lake. And to pair, his restaurant is pouring richer, spicier wines.

One of Noguier’s favorite matches is a venison dish cozied up to Terre Rouge Tete-a-Tete, Sierra Foothills. The 2005 is a blend of 56 percent Syrah, 28 percent Mourvedre and 16 percent Grenache. This California wine spent 16 months in French oak. Looking for something similar on the shelf? Try Bennet Lane Maximus, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Or, for that gamey component that Mourvedre provides, check out El Seque, which is 100 percent Monastrell/Mourvedre. It’s big and bold, with quite a bit of oak and yet still plenty of ripe, plummy fruit, according to Rob Mosher, wine buyer at Just Grapes. Slightly lighter but still with that nice gamey-ness to hang with the venison is Domaine Ligneres Aric, with Carignan and Mourvedre. This one has good dark fruit and a leathery edge, Rob says.

This fall Chef Noguier also suggests a delish 2006 Easton Amador County Zinfandel, perfect with short ribs. It’s a dry California red with smooth tannins, tons of big fruit and a bit of creaminess from 10 months in French oak. The 2006 Di Arie Zinfandel, another from Amador County, also works well with fall foods, Rob says, particularly the warm spices Chef Noguier is incorporating.

I suppose that surrounded by smells and tastes such as these in the kitchen, it’s a little easier for Chef Noguier to say goodbye to summer without a heavy sigh. Cinnamon, rich red wine…Cheers to Chef Noguier for reminding this friend of fair weather that there is something to look forward to as the leaves fall!