Thanks Laurie for starting this thread - and thanks Appleman for your strong endorsement of the VN.
Laurie - the store(s) that I can actually go to (in The Cities) generally carry either only Wine Expert or WE and some Cellar Craft (smaller selection).
I've done two Vintners Reserve kits and was happy enough with them but they weren't great wines. I did the Vieux Chateau du Roi (first kit I ever did) and happily drank and gave away to happy recipients most of that batch and then tucked almost a case away to see how it does at a year old - not quite there yet. Then I did a Merlot and have had that as the default house wine while cranking out a bunch of fruit wine and one ageworthier kit. They were 'thin' wines to be sure, not even close to a commercial red in body, or taste even, but I still happily drink them.
The next kit I get though, I intend it to be a Vinifera Noble from George and just budget for the shipping in order to get the better product. I just have way too any wines hanging around and not enough time to sit and have a glass -- and summer isn't my best winemaking time.