The best wine is the one you enjoy. That said, wine can feel complex. Not just in its flavors, the way the rich scents bloom under your nose, or the smooth, silky texture of a savored sip. When there are 12 Pinot Grigios, and they cost anywhere from $7.99 to $70.99, how do you know which wine is the best, or the best for you? Wine is timeless, with history and stories as dense as tangled grapevines themselves. So, we decided to craft a wine guide designed to help you pick great bottles under $30, with a wide variety that caters to a spectrum of tastes, foods, and occasions. We also made sure these are some of the best wines you can find at your local store, including Cox's and Evergreen.
So whether you’re an oenophile or an “Eh, this looks good” wine shopper, uncork your next adventure with our list of affordable wines…each handpicked with an eye to factors like value, sustainability efforts, and of course, taste.
*As of publishing (July 2023), these prices were all accurate.
Lush and balanced, with a soft fruitiness, Meomi Pinot Noir pairs well with a wide variety of foods. Delicious with cheeses and pasta dishes, it can even dance along smoothly with grilled and roasted meats, including bacon. A perfect pick for a dinner party, or keep it on hand to elevate pizza night.
While Meomi is a newer kid on the block (the brand was created in 2006), it has won over casual sippers and critics alike thanks to its dedicated focus on high-quality fruit and thoughtful blends. We also like Meomi because they know that, in all seriousness, if California can’t prevent the recent increase and severity of its wildfires, there is no future in the wine business. We give Meomi serious credit for donating more than $200k between the National Forest Foundation, the Red Cross, and Napa Valley Community Foundation + Sonoma County Resilience Fund.
Love a powerful red wine? Apothic Red doesn't shy away from feeling bold on the tounge, thanks to oak again, and a solid, broad-shouldered blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fun fact: it's this blend that makes Apothic Red such an intriguing, easy-to-drink wine... Zinfandel for a touch of smoke and spice, Merlot for earthy softness, syrah for rich fruits and vanilla, and Cabernet for a bright foundation and a kiss of plum and dark berry. Blended by a female winemaker and her team, Apothic Red is a winner. Try it with dark chocolate desserts and for burger night. Yup, it works with both, and plenty more.
Why is rosé so popular? Sure, it has an Instagram-worthy blush hue, but don’t think for a moment that it’s just a recent trend. In fact, the ancient Greeks drank rosé in 600 B.C. Whispering Angel Rosé, a Provence-made bottle from Château d’Esclans, has long been considered an elegant, refreshing option for summer sipping. Need more proof It’s not just for influencers? Crisp, citrusy, with a whisper of grapefruit, peach, and strawberry…a chilled glass is perfect for an evening on your balcony…set out a shrimp cocktail or a dozen oysters, and you’ll feel like you’re in France on a Friday evening, for less than $30.
You can’t fake authenticity. That’s where DOCG comes in…it’s the highest classification given to Italian wines, and Martini & Rossi Asti proudly bears the mark. Try this sparkling, effervescent wine with your next Thai takeout or swap it into your next batch of mimosas — the crisp bubbles and light acidity are a treat on the tongue. Made in the Piedmont region of Italy with Moscato Bianco grapes, this is technically a spumante, a sparkling wine similar to champagne but without the stark dryness of its French cousin.
