This is great advice.

In a previous life (phase) I drank a LOT of wine. I actually own an old wine cellar from the early 1900s (about 70m2). When I bought it I had planned on stocking a wine cellar. Then I quit drinking. LOL.

I have traveled and lived around Europe a lot. While I was still drinking I was particular to both Rioja and Ribera del Duero (I worked in Spain periodically for 8 years). Here in Europe (maybe not in the US) you can get get both wine varieties in really good quality for under $20 if you go with lesser-known vintners.

For Italian wines, go one "grade" lower on the quality rating (e.g. DOC rather than DOCG) and you can find some great wines at a bargain. You will have to do a lot of testing ("Oh, no! I'm forced to drink wine!" LOL), and understand that a small vintner might not be around forever, or not be available (smaller production), etc. Again, my location in Austria right next door to Italy certainly makes a difference in availability and price.