Cork it

When you eat out, consider bringing a bottle of wine from your collection instead of purchasing one at the restaurant. Many places allow you to bring your own bottle for a corking fee, usually $15 or $20. There are many excellent bottles you can buy at the store for between $10-$12.

My favorite of the year has been the Folie a Deux Menage a Trios. You can find it as low as $8.95 in some places, or up to $11.99. Both the red and the white are excellent from his California winery. Buy a case so you always have one to grab on your way out to Friday date night. Even with the corking fee, it's still less than the average $45 you'd pay for a bottle as good from the restaurant's list.

Be sure to call ahead to your destination and ask for their policy on bringing bottles.