> I really wonder how many people can actually recognise a $10 bottle of wine from a $30 bottle of wine - or similar.

The problem is even asking that question. Just because a wine is $3000 does not mean you will like it. Just because a wine is $10 does not mean you will dislike it.

The proper question to ask is: "Do I like this wine enough to spend what they are charging?"

Personally, if I'm eating rather bold food, a simple, nice, straightforward wine is the ticket--and that's probably less expensive. If I'm being a gourmand and having subtle and delicate food, I'm going to want something with a bit more complexity and probably be willing to pay a touch more.

HOWEVER, if you have a wine dealer you can talk to and he figures out you aren't into flexing your "wine penis" but just like good wine, you're going to find your price bands all over the map. Many of those dealers take it as a personal challenge to find things that are cheaper that you will still like. And sometimes they will recommend something expensive saying: "Yes, this one is everything you've heard and then some."

As always in these sorts of things, be friendly, talk to people and be genuinely interested even if you are an amateur. You will find that good things happen.