n the middle of the North End’s fragrant smells of traditional Italian food and the swarms of people vying for sidewalk space stands the Wine Bottega, an unassuming wine shop for the masses looking for decent and affordable wines—and free samples. Every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., owner Kerri Platt and her staff hold complimentary tastings, with more intimate tastings the first Thursday of every month highlighting a particular wine region for about the price of a glass of vino at some of the touristy neighboring trattorias. The shop is kind to your wallet in other ways, too, with a corner dedicated to bottles under 12 bucks and 20 percent off a hand-picked case of 12. Tuder