People who know me well understand that wine ranks high on my list of pleasures, no matter the season. I even keep a few special bottles earmarked for Santa.
Wine is also a popular — and sometimes expected — contribution to a gathering when the host is handling the meal. But if you’re headed to a more upscale holiday event and want to make an impression, supermarket aisles can feel hopelessly stacked against you.
Fortunately, we’ve gathered some insider tips and choices to help you choose a bottle like someone in the know — without overspending.
How to Choose the Best Wine
Below are several broad suggestions in case none of the affordable picks later appear on your local shelves.
Notice the Packaging
It bears repeating — pass on large-format bottles and boxed wines. Although quality wines can be found in those formats, the odds are against you.
The screw cap, however, isn’t a deal-breaker.
Actually, many wine professionals agree that screw caps can be a superior method of sealing. Especially for younger, dinner-party-ready wines that aren’t intended for aging, screw caps keep wines fresher more dependably than corks.
So if you pick up a bottle with a screw cap, you won’t seem cheap or uninformed — and if someone complains, tell them NPR has talked about it. ?
Explore the New World
When you buy a bottle labeled Bordeaux, you’re often paying for the name and heritage as much as, or more than, the actual production costs.
New World wines generally come from outside Europe, although the distinction is a bit more nuanced. They typically don’t carry the prestigious sticker price.
Additionally, winemakers in these regions began later and frequently employ more modern, efficient techniques to craft excellent wines with lower production expenses.
So instead of splurging on a pricey French Bordeaux, try a Bordeaux-style wine from South Africa or Argentina.
My go-to spot for this trick is Total Wine. If you approach an associate and ask for a New World Bordeaux or Burgundy under $15, they’ll usually point you to a good option.
Avoid Generic Blends
Before you object on behalf of your favorite red blend, hear me out.
Many blends are delightful — and indeed, many high-end European wines are blends.
But you’re less likely to find a true bargain when you pick a red or white blend that doesn’t list a varietal (the grape type).
These anonymous blends are often assembled from leftover varietals after the winemaker has bottled their labeled cabernets, merlots and syrahs.
While this kind of leftover blend can be enjoyable, it’s frequently marked up, because it’s inexpensive to produce — and lacks prestige appeal.
Advice for Shopping at Local Retailers
If you live near a Trader Joe’s, you’re fortunate: Many of its budget “exclusive” wines represent exceptional value, and the tasting notes they post in-store are useful.
I once picked up a pleasant New Zealand sauvignon blanc there. It displayed the grassy, mineral profile typical of the region — for just $7.99.
At ABC Liquors, aim for bottles with scores from Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast — surprisingly good wines sometimes see deep discounts!
I scored a 2010 Château Haut Pommarede Graves Rouge — a respectable imported Bordeaux — for only $12.99. It was originally nearly $20.
Publix, my preferred Southern chain, uses simple icons to indicate attributes like body and sweetness.
You can always consult the store’s wine specialist, though experiences vary. Some of these employees are just grocery staff without deep wine knowledge. They might still steer you to something delightful, though!
10 Best Wines Under $20 to Bring to Holiday Gatherings
Any of the following bottles would be a solid choice for a polished holiday event. Use this list as a guideline when shopping — availability will differ by retailer.
Prices fluctuate by region, but you can often order online if alcohol shipping is permitted between the states involved.
You’ll notice cabernet and chardonnay aren’t included here. They’re so ubiquitous that it’s very easy to buy a mediocre example — and tough to find standout deals.
If one of those is your favorite, go for it. But if you branch out a bit, you may discover something unexpectedly delightful.
1.Mionetto Brut Prosecco Veneto— $10.99
Sparkling wine is a classic aperitif and a welcome addition to a dinner party. But justseeingcheap champagne makes me wince — and good champagne rarely costs under $40.
If you haven’t sampled Italy’s sparkling option, Prosecco,give it a try this season.
It delivers the effervescence you expect, but it’s made using a shorter (and cheaper) fermentation process, producing a fruitier profile with less of the biscuity, toasty notes of French champagne.
It’s affordable — and far superior to that $8 magnum you might be eyeing. Your morning-self will appreciate it.
2.Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages Nouveau— $13
Beaujolais is a light, fruity red with minimal tannin — it’s approachable even for those who usually avoid red wines.
It’s had phases as a trendy target for critics, but it pairs particularly well with classic holiday dishes like turkey and cranberry. Plus, it’s an affordable French import —c’est bon!
The “Villages” designation on Duboeuf’s release indicates a notch above the standard $8 bottles found at drugstores. The extra term denotes wine from a smaller cluster of vineyards and suggests greater quality. It’ll make you seem more informed.
Note: Because Beaujolais is typically the first wine released from a vintage — and because it lacks the tannic structure of bigger reds — it’s meant to be consumed young.
Check the vintage date. You wantthis year’s release, when possible.
3.Hahn Pinot Noir— $15
Pinot noir is a fickle grape with low yields, which makes good, inexpensive pinot rare — but very rewarding.
Well-crafted pinot noir is light yet layered and pairs with an array of dishes. Hahn produces one of the finest sub-$20 pinots I’ve encountered.
Honorable mention: Mayhall Tibbs, 2013 — $10.99 at Trader Joe’s. A bit less nuanced than Hahn, but if you crave cherry-forward wine, this one’s a blast. The cherry blast.
4.Warre’s Heritage Ruby Port— $11.99
Though it’s not meant for sipping all evening (unless you want to feel really dreadful the next day), a sweet wine likeport, sweet riesling or sweet sparklers such as Italy’s Asti can be delightful — even at bargain prices.
The pronounced flavor from the residual sugar helps mask the finer complexities you’d more easily detect in dry, premium bottles.
Also, some fortified wines remain enjoyable long after they’re opened. They contain added alcohol and are intended to be enjoyed in small, dessert-sized pours. Even if you don’t uncork the bottle right after dinner, it makes an excellent holiday present!
5.Aveleda Vinho Verde— $7.99
Yes — green wine!
Though the name sometimes reflects the hue, “green” here means “young” or “new.” So,Vinho Verdeis a youthful Portuguese wine meant to be consumed young, available as red, white or rosé.
It’s gently fizzy and can showcase lively fruit notes from lemon to fig. It’s not as intensely bubbly as champagne, but there’s a pleasant spritz.
It’s also an offbeat choice, so it’s unlikely to be embarrassing to bring.
6.Vega Sindoa Tempranillo— $7.99
Remember my point about Old World wines often being pricier for the value? Spain is a notable exception.
Tempranillo is one of my preferred grape varieties, offering rich red fruit flavors like berry and plum, balanced by smoky, spicy hints of tobacco and vanilla. It’s an excellent food-friendly wine — and it’s affordable.
7.Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier Blend— $15.99
If viognier is unfamiliar to you, be prepared to rethink your chardonnay loyalties. Viognier often provides the same weighty mouthfeel but, lacking heavy oak aging, preserves tropical fruit notes like peach and pear, plus floral touches of violet.
Combined with the more neutral chenin blanc in this blend, the result is a balanced wine without the overly sweet, heavy traits viognier can display alone.
8.Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc— $20
Sauvignon blanc is an excellent match for food thanks to its bright acidity, which slices through rich cheeses and fatty meats. Marlborough, New Zealand is a top region for this grape, and Kim Crawford’s bottleis often found on local shelves.
Like Beaujolais, sauvignon blanc is best enjoyed young — so seek the latest vintage when shopping.
9.Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo— $18.99
Italian wine is far more than the $3 chianti in a straw basket, so treat yourself.
This Italian label offers a full-bodied red with blackberry and earthy notes — plenty of tannin and relatively modest acidity. It’s a contemplative wine and a strong value for the price.
10.The Stump Jump Shiraz— $12.99
If you enjoy cabernet, consider shiraz (the Aussie pronunciation of “syrah”).
This is a pleasant, budget-friendly bottle. Since shiraz comes from a thick-skinned dark grape, you’ll notice many of the same dark and cooked fruit flavors associated with cabernet — but with the exotic addition of pepper or even chocolate.
Need More Wine Guidance?
Remember: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance! If you visit a dedicated wine shop — rather than a grocery store — you’ll generally find knowledgeable staff ready to help.
And if things go awry… bring some eggnog and a bottle of spiced rum to the gathering!
Alex Monroe has contributed to VinePair, SELF, Ms. Magazine, Roads & Kingdoms, The Write Life, Barclaycard’s Travel Blog, Santander Bank’s Prosper and Thrive and other publications. His writing centers on food, wine, travel and smart spending.
