No matter if your wine preference is red, white, sparkling [1], or rosé, there is always one type of wine that is everyone's favorite — one that is flavorful and affordable.
However, it's not always easy to find a blend that checks all of your boxes when it comes to bargain bottles [2], and we are pretty sure there is absolutely nothing worse than popping a bottle of vino only to find out that the one you brought home with the last few dollars of your paycheck is pretty much the worst.
To save you from that moment, we scoped out some of the best bargain bottles on the market today. We asked experts from the wine industry, including sommeliers and wine store owners, and scanned apps like Vivino for wines that have complexity on the palate and flexibility in the pocketbook (or wallet!). Check out this list of bottles that are budget-friendly, but sip like they cost a pretty penny.
Hart Winery Rosé of Sangiovese
Made in the Temecula Valley, the 2017 Hart Winery Rosé of Sangiovese is a bit higher priced than an average bargain bottle at $22, but it is worth every penny. The wine is full-bodied, has layers of lush fruit, and is clean on the palate. This is the perfect pairing for just about any meal, but it can also make a great sip on its own.
2016 Bread & Butter Chardonnay
A blend of creamy and tropical notes, touched by a hint of acidity, Bread & Butter's 2016 Chardonnay ends with hints of vanilla and oak. Priced at $13, it is a bottle that will stay on your go-to list all year long.
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
If you're looking for something with a unique flavor profile at a bargain price point, Robert Mondavi's Private Selection Bourbon Aged Cabernet Sauvignon is it. Available for $12, the wine has scents of blueberry cobbler, graham cracker, chocolate, and smoke, and is complemented by the flavors of blueberry pie, caramel, and sweet vanilla custard with a touch of oak.
Charles Smith Wines 2017 Kung Fu Girl Riesling
Winemaker Charles Smith's Kung Fu Girl Riesling was inspired by a Chinese meal. Priced at $13, this wine has notes of citrus blossom, lychee, and a touch of lime.
Josh Cellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rated a best buy on wine app Vivino [4], the Cabernet Sauvignon from Josh Cellars drinks at a much higher price point than it is purchased at. Available for around $13 per bottle, this Cab Sauv is full of red and black fruit flavors, and tickles the nose with scents of cinnamon, clove, and dark fruits.
Charles Smith Wines 2016 Velvet Devil Merlot
Available for $13, the 2016 Velvet Devil Merlot from Charles Smith Wines has tasting notes of black fruit and tobacco but promises a smooth finish.
Bonterra Organic Vineyards Dry Muscat
Available at a price of $16, this wine is crafted from organic Muscat grapes for a finished product that is fresh, clean, and dry. Aromas of orange blossom, tangerine, honeysuckle, and a hint of apricot give way to a vibrant and intricate palate offering flavors of grapefruit, preserved lemons, and nectarine, with an intriguing warm spice.
Winter's Hill 2016 Watershed Pinot Gris
Winter's Hill has a range of pricey wines, however, its Watershed Pinot Gris will not disappoint on the palate or in the pocketbook. Available for $16, the wine has scents of green apples and is slightly tart on the tongue, allowing it to pair well with fish dishes, mild cheeses, and salads.
Wölffer Estate Rosé 2017
While rosé may be thought of as a Summer drink only, that is simply not the case. Wölffer Estate's signature rosé wine is full of fruit flavors like cantaloupe and apricots, but finishes clean. A fresh blend, the wine can be paired with cheeses, fish dishes both hot and cold, and even roasted turkey.
2017 SIMI Sonoma County Chardonnay
This Chardonnay, priced at $17, has a golden straw hue, and aromas of tangerine, white peach, green apple, and Meyer lemon. Zesty flavors of lemon curd, stone fruit, and nectarine are framed by vanilla followed with wet-stone minerality and orange peel on the finish.
Martini & Rossi Asti DOCG
What would any list be without some bubbles? Priced at $15, Martini & Rossi Asti is a sparkling white wine that is also silky and smooth, with grape, melon, and peach flavor notes.
Beringer Founder's Estate Pinot Noir
The Founder's Estate Pinot Noir from Beringer comes in at about $9 per bottle, but is packed with flavor. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for five months before being bottled and has flavors of cherry and currant combined with cedar and cinnamon.
Intrinsic 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Available for about $17, this wine has a layered effect on the palate that one would expect from a more expensive wine. Notes of blueberry jam and chocolate combine with others like pomegranate for a savory blend.
J. Lohr 2016 Merlot
This merlot is made with Malbec as well to ensure a bright, fruity flavor and a rich finish. It is made from whole-berry fermentation in stainless-steel tanks and has a sweet lilac scent on the nose. It is priced at $15.
Alamos Malbec 2016
It is hard to believe this wine from Argentina, smooth and full of dark cherry and blackberry flavors, is priced at around $10. This blend has some spice to it as well, with notes of vanilla and brown spice, and has firm tannins for a long finish on the palate.
Santa Cristina Umbria Blanco
At $9 a bottle, this Santa Cristina Umbria Blanco is a bargain bottle that won't disappoint. Fresh, crisp, and light, this wine pairs well with pasta and fish and has tasting notes of bananas and citrus fruits.
Leitz Dragonstone Reisling
Off-dry and with a crisp bite, Leitz Dragonstone Reisling is made in the classic German fashion. Available for $16, the wine has tasting notes of peach, pineapple, grapefruit, and a hint of lime.
