While I prefer beer, I have had my share of wine. For whites I prefer Pinot Grigios and Viogniers, for reds I like most types, including blends.

If you are really serious about getting a lot of wine, I would suggest taking a trip to Sonoma/Napa. Spend a week going to various wineries, doing taste tests, and experiencing the huge range in variety and quality available. Many of the wines sold there are not easily acquired in the DC area, and nothing beats being able to taste before buying. Find some that you like, and bring/ship them back. At wineries that have something you really like, you can buy futures (think a pre-order for a upcoming year vintage) in wines that you will probably never see on the east coast.

For a less expensive trip, you could drive on out to Virginia, and try some of the local stuff. Some won't be very good, but there are a few that have surprisingly decent wines. The VA wineries are catching up, now that the vines are maturing and the vineyard owners are getting more experience.

In advance, can the mods please send defibrillators to the Org's French contingent.