I love Apothic Red & Unruly Red as moderately priced, nice red blends. Cupcake Red Velvet is another one, cheaper and not quite as good but better than most in it's price range. A red blend is a good place to start with red wines. Lots of bold fruits and gentler flavors.

I agree with all these. I also like the menage a toi red. I have seen it for around 7.00 if it goes on a good sale.

sorry more of a liquer drinker

Zinfandel is a variety of red grape which is usually made into a red wine, so if you liked the white then I'd suggest trying that.

If you want a good wine then avoid the big brand names like Blossom Hill. Go to a wine merchants and ask for help, the staff usually know their stuff.

These. They're cheap and sold pretty widely.

Though if you want to try Italian wines, if you can get your hands on a Castello Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva (2007 was the one I had), I highly recommend it. =] It's pretty decently priced.

I'm a regular wine drinker and agree with your recommendation. A merlot or merlot blend (14 Hands red blend, along with the ones you mentioned) is a great place to start as far as reds. Those who are used to sweet wines/mixers and want to transition to wines might do well to look for something that has spent a lot of time in oak since that usually translates to vanilla notes in the wine.

Good luck, wine is a lot of fun!