Buying wine is challenging, whether you’re navigating unfamiliar grapes, regions, or producers. Then we factor in price, and it becomes overwhelming. Many people assume high-priced wines are automatically better wines, which is not always the case. Great wine doesn’t have to be expensive, in fact, there are plenty of high-quality wines under that $20 price point.
So how do you know if a wine is a “good” wine?
When deciding if a wine is a “good” wine or not, we look for a few factors. First, we consider all the aromas and flavors we picked up in the wine – cherry, raspberry, blackberry, tar, tobacco, vanilla, roses, etc. If we had a lot to talk about when discussing the wine, we could say the wine has complexity.
Next, we will want to taste the wine to assess the acid, alcohol, and sugar levels, the wine’s weight on the palate, and the tannins in red wine. If we find all of these elements in harmony, we can pleasantly say the wine is balanced.
Finally, we will ask ourselves how long the wine flavors linger on our palate. If the flavors stick around, the wine has a long finish. If we have a complex and balanced wine with a long finish, it’s safe to say it’s a “great” wine. While wine can have a pretentious reputation, in reality, you can find complex, balanced, and delicious bottles at just about any price point. And be sure to remember that the most important aspect to factor into your wine selection is how it aligns to your personal taste preferences.
Here are the Sippd team’s 2022 picks for best 20 wines under $20.
Sparkling Wines Under $20
Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco, Italy
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing sparkling wine that you can sip on all night long, Prosecco DOC is for you!
Food pairings: green veggies, appetizers, charcuterie, lobster, prawn, crab, squash
Average price: $14.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Puget Sound, United States
Crafted in the Champagne method, the Domain Ste. Michelle Brut is an excellent alternative for people looking for those complex layers and toasty notes of Champagne at an affordable price.
Food pairings: green veggies, pork chop and roast, poultry, tuna, salmon, bass, venison, sushi, squash
Average price: $12.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
New Mexico, United States
American-made, this New Mexico winery specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines.
Food pairings: green veggies, pork chop and roast, poultry, tuna, salmon, bass, venison, sushi, squash
Average price: $15.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Cava, Spain
Spain adopted the word “Cava,” which technically means ‘cellar’ in Catalan, to describe their sparkling wines made using the traditional method. A great, affordable replacement for Champagne, the well-balanced, versatile, and food-friendly.
Food pairings: appetizers, charcuterie, lobster, tuna, salmon, bass, crab, sushi, prawn
Average price: $11.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
White Wines Under $20
Marlborough, New Zealand
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect wine to sip on during those warmer months. Try it with a soft cheese or fruit for the perfect afternoon treat.
Food pairings: green veggies, salty and soft cheese, lobster, prawn, crab, squash
Average price: $14.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
California, United States
Richness, depth and a refreshing sense of acidity are just some of the reasons why people fall in love with California Chardonnay. The Jackson family has been making wine in California since 1974.
Food pairings: squash, poultry, green veggies, sushi, salmon, tuna, bass, pork chop and roast
Average price: $14.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
The wine is a clear, straw yellow. The nose expresses great personality with fresh aromas of white peach, citrus peel, wildflowers, and definite scents of sap, thyme, and toasted bread. We find a wine with a balanced, complex flavor, and a persistent finish of white pepper, avocado, and walnut in its structured body.
Food pairings: beans and peas, squash, lobster, prawn, green veggies, crab, mushrooms
Average price: $11.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Rías Baixas, Spain
If you like Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño is a must try! It is a delightfully crisp and refreshing coastal white wine that grows on the Iberian Peninsula.
Food pairings: pasta, potato, lobster, herbs, prawn, green veggies, sushi, salmon, rice, crab, tuna, bass
Average price: $15.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Clarksburg, United States
Chenin Blanc is originally from the Loire Valley, but California also produces high-quality expressions of this extremely versatile and food-friendly grape. Try it as an aperitif or with some fresh seafood.
Food pairings: creamy and mild cheese, lobster, prawn, mexican food, indian and asian food, sushi, salmon, crab, tuna, bass
Average price: $16.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Gavi, Italy
An indigenous grape found around the town of Gavi in the Southeast part of Piedmont. The best Gavi from these locations is delicately floral, with stone fruit and citrus characters and a crisp, mineral-laden finish.
Food pairings: pasta, potato, lobster, prawn, sushi, salmon, crab, tuna, bass, appetizers, antipasti
Average price: $17.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Mâcon-Villages, France
This white wine is an affordable option for any wine lover looking for an approachable taste of white Burgundy. Vineyards situated in the Mâcon-Villages area are located in the southern part of the Burgundy region and are made with 100% Chardonnay grapes.
Food pairings: pasta, squash, potato, herbs, green veggies, bread, rice, charcuterie
Average price: $14.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Niederösterreich, Austria
Grüner has a beautiful spicy minerality, vibrant aromatics, and bright acidity – a great wine to sip on with various foods.
Food pairings: squash, poultry, green veggies, sushi, salmon, charcuterie, tuna, bass, pork chop and roast
Average price: $16.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Red Wines Under $20
Sonoma Coast, United States
Aromas of tart cherry, rhubarb, and beets are followed by flavors of red plum, cranberry, and boysenberry.
Food pairings: poultry, venison, burgers, brisket, steak
Average price: $16.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Lodi, United States
Aromas of vanilla, cedar, and dried herbs will hit your nose with this medium-body red. Filled with herbaceous and earthy flavors, this Cabernet Franc pairs well with anything from meatballs in tomato sauce to roasted duck.
Food pairings: poultry, venison, burgers, brisket, steak, pork chop and roast
Average price: $16.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Mendoza, Argentina
Malbec wines tend to be dry, full-bodied, with juicy dark and red fruit flavors.
Food pairings: poultry, burgers, lamb, brisket, steak
Average price: $9.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy
Montepulciano is the second most planted red variety in Italy, known for its bold and rustic flavors.
Food pairings: pasta, potato, burgers, bread, brisket, steak, rice, pork chop and roast
Average price: $10.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Maipo Valley, Chile
The Maipo is one of Chile’s most famous winemaking regions. Chilean Merlot tends to be full-bodied yet gentle on the palate.
Food pairings: brisket, burgers, steak, lamb
Average price: $14.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
- Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington, United States
Columbia Valley wine is the most recognized of all of Washington’s wine-growing regions. One can expect Cabernet Sauvignon from this region to be rich in dark fruits and approachable.
Food pairings: brisket, burgers, steak, lamb
Average price: $9.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Toscana, Italy
The Antinori family is the oldest winemaking family globally, dating back to 1385. The Santa Cristina is a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, with typical Tuscan notes of red cherry fruits and dried Italian herbs.
Food pairings: poultry, burgers, lamb, brisket, steak, charcuterie
Average price: $10.99
Shop this wine on the Sippd app
Lake County, United States
From the Lake County AVA just north of Napa Valley, wines from this region are grown on high elevation, rich volcanic soils and produce several varietals bursting with flavor and elegant structures.
Food pairings: venison, burgers, lamb, brisket, steak
Average price: $14.99
