Well, OK, then.
Find restaurants that sell wine by the carafe or half-carafe. Right now, due to a huge ‘09 high-quality Napa Cab glut, you can come across some exceptional values. Ask to see the house wine 1.5 bottles they’re decanting.
Go in fours. Share everything. Order some good cheese-bread appetizer so that any lapse or tardiness in service isn’t noticed. Your server will love you, and if you tip them lavishly, you are now a pet and will be pampered whenever you return, and don’t forget to request your server by name when you do.
I like a nice place but usually the best places are very basic.
I’m no snob.