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Affordable and Delicious: The Best Red Wines Under $20 to Try Now
Published: May 10, 2025
You don’t have to spend a lot to drink well. In fact, some of the most enjoyable red wines out there come with price tags under $20—and they’re anything but basic. Whether you're stocking up for everyday sipping, hosting a casual dinner, or just looking for a go-to bottle that doesn’t break the bank, there are plenty of affordable reds that deliver impressive flavor, balance, and complexity.
The beauty of red wine under $20 is that it covers a wide range of styles. Think plush Pinot Noirs from coastal California, bold and spicy Spanish Tempranillos, or velvety Merlots that are smooth and crowd-pleasing. You’ll even find some exciting blends that punch well above their weight—proving that “budget” and “boring” don’t have to go hand in hand.
This list is a curated lineup of reds that hit the sweet spot between quality and value. These are wines you’ll want to drink now and keep on rotation for just about any occasion. Because when the bottle’s good and the price is right, that’s a win-win.
Red Wine Quick Facts
• Grape Varieties: Red wine covers a wide spectrum, from light-bodied Pinot Noir and Gamay to bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec.
• Flavor Profiles: Expect everything from bright red cherry and earthy spice to dark plum, cocoa, black pepper, and leather, depending on the grape and region.
• Body and Tannin: Red wines range from silky and soft to rich and structured, often with noticeable tannins that give them texture and aging potential.
• Aging Styles: Some reds are made for immediate enjoyment, while others benefit from oak aging or bottle time to develop complexity and depth.
• Serving Tips: Slightly cool (around 60–65°F) is the ideal serving temp for most reds—it keeps the flavors fresh and the alcohol in check.
• Food Pairing: Red wine is incredibly versatile—pair lighter reds with grilled salmon or pasta, and bigger reds with steak, barbecue, or aged cheeses.
• Top Regions: Great red wines come from around the world—California, Oregon, Washington, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile, and beyond.
Our List of the Best Red Wines Under $20
We’ve curated ten delicious red wines that prove great taste doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Let's get into it.
1. Benvolio | Rosso Red Blend
What It Tastes Like: A fruit-forward, light-bodied blend with bright red fruit notes, a touch of spice, and a smooth, easygoing finish.
Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with creamy pastas, tomato-based sauces, or garlic-heavy Italian fare.
Why We Chose It for the List:
This Trevenezie red blend is the ultimate weeknight wine for lovers of Italian food. Its light body and red fruit flavors keep it fresh and versatile, while the subtle spice adds just enough intrigue to stand up to hearty, saucy dishes. Whether you're twirling spaghetti or dipping into lasagna, this bottle brings the perfect balance of lift, flavor, and value—all for under $20. It's a wallet-friendly crowd-pleaser that feels tailor-made for your next pasta night.
2. Murphy-Goode | California Pinot Noir
What It Tastes Like: Bright and juicy with layers of black cherry, subtle vanilla, and a touch of oak spice.
Food Pairings: Perfect with grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or herb-roasted chicken.
Why We Chose It for the List:
Sourced from coastal vineyards like Arroyo Seco, Santa Maria Valley, and Monterey, this Pinot Noir balances vibrant fruit with cool-climate elegance. You get the deep black cherry flavor Pinot lovers crave, plus complexity from aging in both French and American oak—think hints of vanilla and soft spice. It drinks like a bottle twice its price and is an easy favorite for casual sipping or dinner pairings alike.
3. Murphy-Goode | California Cabernet Sauvignon
What It Tastes Like: Bold black cherry, black licorice, chocolate, and a subtle toasted vanilla finish.
Food Pairings: Try it with grilled steaks, BBQ ribs, or a hearty beef stew.
Why We Chose It for the List:
This Cabernet Sauvignon delivers classic varietal flavors with a smooth, approachable profile. Rich black cherry flavors combine with a touch of black licorice and a smooth chocolate finish, making it an easy-drinking yet full-bodied red that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and hearty dishes. It's an ideal bottle for those who love big reds but don’t want to break the bank, offering incredible value for its price.
4. Carmel Road | California Monterey Cabernet Sauvignon
What It Tastes Like: Rich blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, and sweet vanilla bean aromas with a smooth, velvety finish.
Food Pairings: Enjoy with roasted lamb, grilled burgers, or a creamy mushroom risotto.
Why We Chose It for the List:
Carmel Road’s Cabernet Sauvignon brings together the best of Monterey’s cool-climate terroir, offering rich, vibrant fruit flavors and a velvety mouthfeel. The balance between ripe blackberry and black cherry notes, along with hints of vanilla bean, creates a wine that feels luxurious yet remains accessible. With its smooth finish and food-friendly profile, this is a versatile, affordable choice for those who love a bold, structured red.
5. Murphy-Goode | California Merlot
What It Tastes Like: Black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, and a touch of toasty vanilla on the palate.
Food Pairings: Pair with grilled steak, a juicy burger, or a rich pasta dish.
Why We Chose It for the List:
Murphy-Goode’s Merlot offers a bold yet smooth expression of the varietal, with its ripe fruit flavors and a soft kiss of toasty vanilla. This wine is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a Merlot with depth and personality without going over budget. It’s a great introduction to the world of Merlot, offering a harmonious blend of dark fruit and subtle oak, perfect for pairing with your favorite grilled meats or hearty dishes.
6. Murphy-Goode | California Red Blend
What It Tastes Like: Dark black cherries, blueberries, raspberry, and Bing cherry with a plush mouthfeel.
Food Pairings: Ideal with roast chicken, pot roast, or your favorite burger.
Why We Chose It for the List:
This red blend from Murphy-Goode delivers rich, dark fruit flavors with a plush mouthfeel that’s both comforting and complex. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy an easy-drinking, balanced wine with a bit more depth—whether you’re unwinding after a long day or sharing a meal with friends. Its versatility in pairing with a variety of dishes makes it a great go-to for any occasion.
7. Nielson | Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
What It Tastes Like: Brambly red fruit, cherry, rose petal, tea leaf, and a touch of caramel.
Food Pairings: Perfect with grilled salmon, duck, or a mushroom risotto.
Why We Chose It for the List:
Nielson’s Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir captures the essence of this coastal region with a balance of vibrant fruit and savory notes. Its smooth texture and layered flavors, including a hint of caramel and spice, make it a standout that provides fantastic value for Pinot Noir lovers. This wine showcases the quality that’s often found in Santa Barbara wines without breaking the bank, making it a must-try.
8. Silver Palm | North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
What It Tastes Like: Blackberries, cherries, dark chocolate, tobacco, and a touch of toasty oak.
Food Pairings: Ideal with grilled steaks, BBQ ribs, or a charcuterie board.
Why We Chose It for the List:
Crafted from vineyards across Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino, Silver Palm’s Cabernet Sauvignon offers bold structure and depth that’s rare at this price. Rich fruit flavors are complemented by savory notes like tobacco and cocoa, all wrapped in smooth tannins that make each sip feel indulgent. It’s a silky, crowd-pleasing red with serious North Coast pedigree.
9. Kendall-Jackson | Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir
What It Tastes Like: Bright cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cola, and gentle spice with a soft, toasty finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect with roast chicken, cedar plank salmon, or mushroom risotto.
Why We Chose It for the List:
Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir brings coastal California character to your glass—without the coastal price tag. Sourced from cool-climate vineyards on benchlands and hillsides, it’s crafted from small, flavor-packed grapes and aged with care. The result is a well-structured, vibrant wine layered with red fruit, baking spice, and just the right kiss of oak.
10. Edmeades | Mendocino County Zinfandel
What It Tastes Like: Bold and expressive with dark berry fruit, spice, and earthy complexity.
Food Pairings: BBQ ribs, pepperoni pizza, or a hearty chili.
Why We Chose It for the List:
Edmeades Zinfandel is a true reflection of Mendocino’s rugged coastal mountains, where top-tier fruit is hand-selected from longtime grower partners. This Zin balances power and finesse, delivering rich, concentrated flavor without overpowering the palate. It’s a standout for fans of big reds who still want nuance—and at under $20, it’s a seriously smart buy.
Your New Favorite Red Wines Are Here
From smooth Pinot Noirs to bold California Cabernets, these affordable reds prove you don’t have to splurge to sip something delicious. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, stocking up for the season, or just need an easy weeknight pour, every bottle on this list delivers standout flavor, personality, and value.
Looking to buy wine online? Every wine featured here is available at YourWineStore.com—your trusted online wine store for top-quality bottles from wineries you already love (plus a few new names to discover).
So go ahead and grab a few—your next favorite red is just a click away.
FAQs
Can cheaper red wine still be good?
Yes! Many red wines under $20 offer excellent quality, especially from value-focused regions or lesser-known producers.
Should I let affordable red wine breathe?
A few minutes of air can help most reds, even budget ones, open up and taste smoother.
What temperature should I serve red wine at?
Slightly cooler than room temp—about 60–65°F—is ideal.
How long does an open bottle of red wine last?
About 3–5 days if stored with a cork in the fridge.
What red wine is best for beginners?
Pinot Noir and Merlot are approachable and smooth—great starting points.
What are some other good wines to try?
Check out our other best wine at any price point series below: