Affordable Wines That Taste Expensive - Under $20

Table of Contents:

Budget-friendly wines don’t have to be disappointing. Whether you’re looking for quality red wine, white wine or Champagne, there are a few clever tricks to picking affordable wines that taste expensive.

Highlights:

●  Look for lesser-known regions rather than famous names like Napa Valley or Bordeaux.

●  Choose indigenous or underrated grapes over established classics.

●  Give unknown brands or simple, honest labels a chance rather than flashy marketing.

●  Do your wine shop online where you can read customer reviews and find exclusive deals.

How to Find Wines That Taste Expensive

1. Look for lesser-known wine regions

Wines from premium wine regions like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, or Burgundy come with hefty price-tags. There’s less demand for under-the-radar wine regions so you can pick up budget-friendly wines without compromising on quality or flavor. They often use the same grapes, winemaking techniques and comparable growing conditions as more expensive areas.

●  Red wines: Swap powerful Napa reds for Paso Robles, Lodi or the Douro Valley in Portugal where you can easily find quality wines under $20.

●      White wines: Exchange Napa Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blanc for whites from Monterey County, Columbia Valley and the Central Coast .

2.     Choose underrated grape varieties

Switch to lesser-known grapes for wines that taste expensive but deliver exceptional quality. Popular varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir come with a higher price-tag thanks to their reputation. Look for underrated grapes like Albariño, Picpoul de Pinet, and Chenin Blanc for whites and Mourvèdre, Carmenère, and Tannat for reds.

3. Avoid flashy labels and expensive brands

Big marketing campaigns and flashy label designs all add to the final cost of a bottle of wine. Look for new or unknown brands that use simple label designs for delicious yet affordable wines. These are often smaller, family-run wineries who prioritize quality winemaking over branding and design.

4. Shop online for the best wine deals

You’ll often find the best offers online since online wine retailers have fewer overheads and a bigger selection than many physical stores. Another big advantage of wine online shopping is you can read real customer reviews and figure out if you’ll like a particular bottle. The best online wine stores like Bottle Barn carefully curate their selection from great value producers they know and trust. So once you’ve found the best online wine store, you can be confident they’ll deliver delicious wines every time.

Recommended Wines Under $20

1) Red wine

This Rabble Paso Robles Zinfandel is a great place to start if you love big, hearty reds with a modest price-tag. Paso Robles also produces some incredible Cabernet like this punchy Austin Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. Or experience something new with a sip of this Garzon Reserva Tannat from Uruguay with a robust full body, firm tannins and lots of luscious dark fruit.

For affordable Pinots, look to the Bench Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir or Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir rather than pricey red Burgundy. You’ll also find plenty of quality wines under $20 in our Lodi collection, like this St. Amant Mohr-Fry Ranch Petite Sirah.

2) White wine

Sauvignon Blanc drinkers will love this affordable Robert Hall Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc which is bursting with classic green apple and zingy citrus notes. Fans of big oaky Chardonnay have to try this DAOU Paso Robles Chardonnay from an up-and-coming boutique winery specializing in Bordeaux-style winemaking at reasonable prices.

Or try out a new grape varietal with this Bonny Doon Central Coast Picpoul or this zingy La Cana Albarino from Spain’s Atlantic coast vineyards.

Insider Tips for Finding the Best Online Wine Store

Whether you’re looking for affordable red wine, white wine or Champagne, search for a reputable online wine store that offers plenty of variety for every budget. Look for retailers with good customer reviews, clear wine descriptions, and knowledgeable staff who can make tailored recommendations. And finally, if you’re based in Sonoma and wondering “where’s the best wine store near me?”, why not check out Bottle Barn’s extensive collections of local and international wines.