I will admit I am a relatively recent convert (~last 10-15 years).
When I was young I used to hate any wine with bubbles. The bubbly dishwater that my very first ladyfriend drunk was utter undrinkable garbage akin to feline urine put through a soda stream... Then I found Champagne (appellation). Although I was a Champagne lover before flying frequently in premium cabins, the latter has certainly helped me enjoy it more frequently.
My first sparkling reds were probably similarly average to my high school soda steam. However in a similar light, I was convinced to try Seppelts one Christmas before moving from beer to red wine. My opinion immediately changed. Over the years I have developed more of an appreciation for this variety/technique.
It certainly isn't an everyday drink, but a bottle or two shared with friends and/or family in the warmer months certainly hits the spot. Most of what I drink is from two producers (don't all guess at once), but I try to experiment every now and then. There are some Great Western imitations around the $30 mark which are drinkable, but not in the same league.