I'm not a drinker of wine so often, so I can't really comment on the video. But sparkling's a whole 'nuther story. I might not be able to tell a $50 from a $100 champagne, but I can sure as shit tell either from a $20 bottle. There is no question that when it comes to sparkling wine that there is a clear correlation between price and quality. I don't think there's a way to make good sparkling wine inexpensively. At least, nobody has yet found one.

The most expensive wine I've ever purchased was a Krug Grand Cuvee (non-vintage), and it was in celebration of selling my house. I could afford it, and I wanted to have something special to enjoy the moment. It was unlike anything I'd drank before, and very tasty. However, I wouldn't say that it was worth 3x a bottle of, say, Taittinger. But Taittinger is sure as shit worth 3x as much as a bottle of Asti or whatever shit they peddle for $15 at the liquor store.

That said, I wouldn't buy a bottle of Taittinger every day or even every month. It's a special occasion thing, and I'd rather buy quality every now and then than shit all the time.

To address your broader point, though, beer >>> wine. I could give up wine, even champagne, and not feel like I'm missing out on too much in life. I would never voluntarily give up beer.