Picking wines for dinner parties can be tricky. You want to impress your guests without breaking the bank. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to find great wines that everyone will enjoy.
Many tasty and affordable wines under $20 are perfect for dinner parties. With a little know-how, you can choose wines that pair well with food and please different tastes without spending too much. This guide will help you select wines that will make your next dinner party a hit.
1) La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Looking for a crowd-pleasing white wine for your next dinner party? La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is an excellent choice. This wine offers great value for its price point.
The 2022 vintage boasts aromas of Meyer lemon, pear, and white flowers. You’ll find flavors of crisp apple, peach, and pineapple on the palate.
La Crema’s Chardonnay is known for its balance and versatility. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it perfect for dinner parties.
The Sonoma Coast growing region gives this wine its unique character. The area’s strong maritime influence contributes to the wine’s crisp acidity and balanced ripeness.
You can expect high acidity, moderate alcohol, and balanced flavors in this wine. These qualities make it refreshing and easy to drink.
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay consistently scores over 90 points from wine critics. It’s a reliable choice that’s sure to impress your guests without breaking the bank.
2) Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
Looking for a crowd-pleasing wine that won’t break the bank? Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling is an excellent choice for your next dinner party. This Washington State winery produces high-quality Rieslings at affordable prices.
You’ll find Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling offers a range of styles to suit different tastes. Their standard Columbia Valley Riesling is often slightly sweet with crisp acidity, making it versatile for food pairings.
For a drier option, try the Eroica Riesling. This collaboration with German winemaker Ernst Loosen creates a more complex, mineral-driven wine. It’s perfect for impressing your wine-savvy friends.
Chateau Ste. Michelle also produces sweeter Rieslings like the Harvest Select. These work well with spicy dishes or as a dessert wine. Most bottles are priced between $8-$16, offering great value for your money.
When serving, chill your Riesling to around 45°F. This temperature helps highlight the wine’s refreshing acidity and fruit flavors. Pair it with Asian cuisine, roasted poultry, or seafood for a delightful dining experience.
3) Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice for your next dinner party. This wine offers bold flavors and excellent value for money.
You’ll find notes of cherry, coffee, and spice in this powerful Cabernet. It pairs well with grilled meats, making it perfect for casual gatherings.
The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5% ABV. You can buy it in a standard 750ml bottle or opt for a magnum size for larger parties.
Josh Cellars was created by Joseph Carr and named after his father. The brand focuses on making high-quality, well-balanced wines that are easy to enjoy.
You can often find this Cabernet Sauvignon at an affordable price point. It’s widely available at many retailers, including Target and Total Wine & More.
Consider serving this wine at your next gathering. Your guests will likely appreciate its rich taste and smooth finish.
4) Apothic Red Blend
Apothic Red Blend is a popular choice for dinner parties. This California wine offers great value for its price, typically under $10 per bottle.
The blend combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel grapes. This mix creates a smooth, medium-bodied red wine with a rich flavor profile.
You’ll notice intense fruit aromas when you open the bottle. The taste includes notes of black cherry, blackberry, and hints of mocha.
Apothic Red pairs well with various foods. Try it with tomato-based dishes, red meats, or sharp cheeses. Its versatility makes it a great option for dinner parties with different menu items.
Your guests will appreciate the wine’s velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish. These qualities make it easy to drink and enjoy throughout the evening.
You can find Apothic Red at many stores, including Target and Total Wine. Some Starbucks locations even offer it by the glass in their evening menu.
5) Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice for your next dinner party. This New Zealand wine offers excellent value for its price point.
You’ll find this wine easy to drink and vibrant. It has lively flavors of lemon grass, jalapeno, and tropical fruits that jump out of the glass.
The Kim Crawford brand is known for producing one of Marlborough’s benchmark Sauvignon Blancs. It has been named in the “Wine Spectator Top 100” four times.
You can typically find a bottle for around $11-13. This makes it an affordable option for serving to guests.
The wine pairs well with many dishes. Its bright acidity and crisp finish make it a versatile choice for your menu.
You can buy Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc at many wine stores or order it online for delivery or pickup.
Consider serving this wine chilled at your next gathering. Your guests will likely appreciate its fresh, lively character and approachable taste.
6) 14 Hands Merlot
Looking for a budget-friendly wine that doesn’t skimp on taste? 14 Hands Merlot might be your perfect pick. This wine offers a great balance of quality and affordability.
The 14 Hands Merlot is packed with rich flavors of blackberry, plum, cherry, and mocha. Its smooth texture and approachable taste make it a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties.
You’ll find this wine to be soft and food-friendly. It pairs well with various dishes, from BBQ ribs to spaghetti and meatballs. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for your next gathering.
The 14 Hands winery, established in 2005, is known for crafting exquisite wines. Their Merlot is considered one of the best American Merlots under $10. The wine’s bold fruit flavors come from grapes grown in gravel and loamy soils.
At its price point, this Merlot offers exceptional value. You can enjoy a top-tier wine experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a large party or having a cozy night in, 14 Hands Merlot is a reliable choice.
7) Barefoot Moscato
Barefoot Moscato is a sweet white wine that’s perfect for your dinner parties. It offers a light, crisp acidity that pairs well with various dishes.
This wine features tropical aromas of pineapple and orange blossom. You’ll also notice hints of juicy peach, honey, and lemon zest, creating a refreshing finish.
When serving Barefoot Moscato, consider pairing it with appetizers and light entrees. It’s also great after dinner with fruit and cheese.
For a budget-friendly option, you can find Barefoot Moscato in a convenient 750ml bottle. The screw-top makes it easy to open and store securely.
If you’re serving spicy Asian cuisine at your dinner party, Barefoot Moscato is an excellent choice. Its sweetness helps balance out the heat in spicy dishes.
You can also pair this wine with artisanal cheeses or light desserts. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser for your guests with different taste preferences.
8) Bogle Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel
Looking for a tasty and affordable wine for your next dinner party? Bogle Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel might be just what you need. This wine offers great value at around $8 per bottle.
You’ll find this Zinfandel packed with flavor. It boasts notes of cranberries, raspberries, and marionberry pie. The wine also has hints of spices like black pepper and nutmeg.
Bogle sources grapes from vineyards across California. These include areas like Clarksburg, Amador, and Russian River. The old vines used for this wine range from 60 to 80 years old.
These ancient vines produce small, concentrated clusters of fruit. This results in a wine with intense flavors. You might even prefer it to pricier Zinfandels from Napa or Sonoma.
When serving this wine at your gathering, pair it with bold, flavorful dishes. It goes well with grilled meats, spicy foods, or rich pasta dishes. Your guests will likely be impressed by the quality of this affordable wine.
9) Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Grigio
Cupcake Vineyards offers a budget-friendly Pinot Grigio that’s worth considering for your next dinner party. This white wine comes from grapes grown in the foothills of the Italian Alps, giving it a unique flavor profile.
You’ll notice refreshing fruit flavors in this Pinot Grigio. It features notes of fresh pear, cantaloupe, apple, and pineapple. The crisp finish has subtle hints of honey and lemon zest.
When planning your menu, keep in mind that this wine pairs well with lighter dishes. Try serving it alongside Caesar salad or chicken fettuccine alfredo. It’s also a great choice for casual outdoor gatherings.
The price point is attractive at around $9 per bottle. This makes it easy to stock up for larger parties without breaking the bank.
Be aware that opinions on this wine vary. Some find it enjoyable, while others consider it less appealing. Your guests’ tastes will ultimately determine how well it’s received.
10) Yellow Tail Shiraz
Yellow Tail Shiraz is a popular choice for dinner parties. This Australian red wine offers great value for its price.
You’ll find it has a rich, smooth flavor with notes of red berries, vanilla, and spice. Its full body makes it a good match for hearty dishes.
Yellow Tail Shiraz pairs well with steak and barbecue. You can also enjoy it with pasta in tomato sauce.
This wine is meant to be drunk young. For the best experience, choose a bottle from the current year or the year before.
Yellow Tail Shiraz is the 5th most popular wine in the United States. Its growing popularity worldwide makes it an easy crowd-pleaser for your dinner party.
At 13.5% alcohol content, it’s a standard strength for red wine. You can serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Remember to open the bottle about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the wine to breathe and enhances its flavors.
Understanding Affordable Wines
Affordable wines offer great value without breaking the bank. They can be tasty and enjoyable for dinner parties without costing a lot.
What Makes a Wine Affordable?
Affordable wines typically cost under $20 per bottle. Several factors affect price:
• Production scale – Larger wineries can make wine more cheaply
• Grape variety – Some grapes are less expensive to grow
• Region – Wine from less famous areas often costs less
• Aging – Wines aged for shorter times are usually cheaper
Prosecco is a good affordable option for sparkling wine. For still wines, look for lesser-known regions like Portugal or Chile. These can offer great value.
Quality versus Price
Price doesn’t always match quality. Many affordable wines taste great. You can find good wines at low prices by:
• Trying wines from up-and-coming regions
• Looking for sales at wine shops
• Buying by the case for discounts
• Exploring different grape varieties
Some affordable yet high-quality options include:
• Spanish Rioja wines
• New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
• Argentine Malbec
Vinho Verde from Portugal is another tasty, low-cost choice. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might find a new favorite without spending a lot.
Pairing Wines with Dinner Party Dishes
Choosing the right wines can make your dinner party a hit. Good pairings enhance flavors and create a memorable experience for your guests.
Matching Wines with Appetizers
Start your party with light, crisp wines that don’t overpower appetizers. White wines work well with many starters. Try a Pinot Grigio with cheese plates or vegetable dishes.
For seafood appetizers, a Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. Its zesty flavor complements shrimp or crab cakes nicely.
If you’re serving richer appetizers like pâté, go for a light red like Beaujolais. Its fruity notes pair well with meaty starters.
Choosing Wines for Main Courses
For main dishes, match the wine’s body to the food’s richness. Pinot Noir is versatile and pairs well with salmon or mushroom dishes.
Serving beef? A bold Cabernet Sauvignon stands up to red meat flavors. For chicken or pork, try a medium-bodied Chardonnay or Merlot.
Pasta dishes pair nicely with Italian reds like Chianti. For spicy foods, choose a slightly sweet Riesling to balance the heat.
Dessert Wine Suggestions
End your dinner party on a sweet note with dessert wines. Port is a classic choice that pairs well with chocolate desserts.
For fruit-based desserts, try a Moscato d’Asti. Its light, sweet bubbles complement fruit flavors perfectly.
If you’re serving cheese for dessert, a Sauternes works wonderfully. Its honey notes pair well with blue cheeses.
Dessert wines should be sweeter than the dessert itself for the best taste experience.
