Scribblings from the Mitchy Side

So I don't drink wine (apart from champagne but that's a whole nother story), so I never buy it or have it in the house and I know notheeeeng about wines. So whenever I come across a recipe that wants a glass or more of wine or whatever, I'm lost. What sort of wine? Will any old wine do for cooking? Or should you get a decent quality wine? And if so, can I get it in quantities small enough so that I'm not left with a bottle of the stuff that I'll never drink? Any thoughts appreciated :)