What’s in an Appellation?

An optimist sees a glass of wine as half full; a pessimist sees it half empty. Decide which you are, then take your choice of Santa Barbara County wines inspired by today’s murky economy. They are Gainey Vineyard’s Recession Red and Firestone Vineyard’s Prosperity Red and Prosperity White. The Gainey is an easy-to-drink blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Firestone’s red is 80% Cabernet and 20% Merlot, while the Prosperity White is a fruity, off-dry combination of Riesling and Gewurztraminer with a touch of Chardonnay. Each of the three sells for an affordable $5.