Reality is you don't have to spend $50 for a good bottle of wine Perhaps if you want to spend a little more think about a decanter or a good wine bottle opener to go with it.

I would go with one from a very recognised area ie Barossa Valley, McClaren Vale, Limestone Coast, Clare Valley.

A shiraz or Cab Sav would be the safer options as some of the others can be a bit more risky on a flavour point of view. And get something that is a couple of years old.

A few good winer makers.... there are so many I can't think of some of the rippers we have had

Peter Lehmann
Penfolds
Annies Lane
Lindermans
Jacobs Creek
Wyndham Estate

Skillagolee

But there are some amazing boutique wines, that you may be able to get at a good, if I think of some others will let you know