Best Wines Under $20

How to Find Value

The secret to finding great cheap wine is to avoid the most famous names. Napa Cabernet and Burgundy Pinot Noir are in high demand, so you pay a premium for the region on the label. To save money without sacrificing quality, you need to go off the beaten path.

1. Portugal: The Value King

Portugal is arguably the best source for value wine in the world right now.

• Douro Reds: Made from the same grapes as Port but fermented dry. They are full-bodied, spicy, and incredibly complex for the price.
• Vinho Verde: Crisp, slightly fizzy white wines that are perfect for summer. Often under $12.
• Dão: Elegant reds that have been compared to Burgundy but cost a fraction of the price.

2. Spain: Beyond Rioja

While Rioja is famous, other Spanish regions offer massive flavor per dollar.

• Jumilla (Monastrell): Deep, dark, fruit-forward reds that are crowd-pleasers.
• Calatayud (Garnacha): Old vine Grenache growing in rocky soils producing intense, berry-rich wines.
• Cava: Champagne-method sparkling wine that is often half the price of Prosecco's higher-end bottlings.

3. France: Look South

Skip Bordeaux and Burgundy if you're on a budget. Head south to the warm Mediterranean coast.

• Languedoc-Roussillon: The world's largest wine region produces fantastic red blends (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre) that are spicy and rustic.
• Côtes du Rhône: The "Village" level wines are reliable, food-friendly bistro wines that rarely disappoint.

4. South America: Malbec & More

• Argentine Malbec: The ultimate crowd-pleaser. Juicy, smooth, and consistently affordable.
• Chilean Carmenère: A unique red with notes of green pepper and spice, similar to Merlot but more interesting.

3 Rules for the Bargain Aisle

1. Avoid "Critter Labels": Wines with cute animals on the label are often mass-produced and marketed to impulse buyers.
2. Check the Importer: Turn the bottle around. Importers like Kermit Lynch, Louis/Dressner, or Skurnik rarely import bad wine.
3. Look for "Estate Bottled": This means the winery grew the grapes and made the wine, ensuring better quality control than bulk brands.