Cook bacon/ham until crisp. Drain off fat. In lge pot, place water & clam juice mix. Bring to a boil. Add cooked bacon/ham, Creamy Clam Chowder Mix & wine (Optl). Bring to a boil again. Lower heat & simmer for 30 min. or until veg are tender. Add clams & simmer for 5 min. Add cream & hot sauce(optl). Serve in bowls. Top with oyster crackers (optl). Makes 10 servings.