Picking the right wine for Christmas can be tricky. You want something festive that won’t break the bank. But don’t worry, there are many affordable options that can make your holiday meal special without spending a fortune.
You can find great Christmas wines for under $20 that will impress your guests. From sparkling wines to rich reds, budget-friendly bottles come in styles to suit any holiday menu or party. With some smart shopping, you can serve delicious wines that taste much more expensive than they are.
1) Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante
Looking for a sweet and fizzy wine to celebrate Christmas? Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante might be just what you need. This affordable sparkling wine offers a delightful blend of flavors.
You’ll notice hints of orange, apricot, and peach in every sip. The wine’s fruity profile makes it a great choice for those who prefer sweeter drinks.
Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante pairs well with spicy foods and desserts. Its smooth, refreshing finish can complement a variety of holiday dishes.
No need to worry about opening the bottle. This wine comes with a convenient twist and pop cork, so you won’t need a wine opener.
At 750 mL per bottle, you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family. The white Moscato champagne hails from California, bringing a taste of sunshine to your winter festivities.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this wine is often priced around $13.99. Its affordability makes it easy to stock up for holiday gatherings.
2) Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon
Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon is a budget-friendly wine option for your Christmas celebrations. This Australian red wine offers a mix of fruity flavors that can please many palates.
You’ll find notes of juicy blackcurrants, sweet mocha, and spice in each sip. The wine has a full-bodied taste with hints of raspberry, plum, and blackberry.
At 13.5% alcohol content, this Cabernet Sauvignon provides a decent punch for its price point. You can serve it at room temperature to best enjoy its flavors.
Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with hearty meals. Consider serving it with your Christmas roast for a festive combination.
While not the highest-rated wine, it’s affordable and approachable. You can find it easily at many stores, making last-minute shopping a breeze.
3) La Marca Prosecco
Looking for an affordable sparkling wine to celebrate Christmas? La Marca Prosecco is an excellent choice. This Italian bubbly offers great value without compromising on taste.
La Marca Prosecco has a light, refreshing flavor with hints of apple, white peach, and honeysuckle. Its crisp acidity makes it perfect for holiday toasts and parties.
You’ll find La Marca Prosecco widely available at wine shops and grocery stores. It’s usually priced around $15-20 per bottle, making it budget-friendly for larger gatherings.
This prosecco pairs well with many holiday foods. Try it with appetizers, seafood, or light desserts. It’s also great for making festive cocktails like mimosas or bellinis.
For a special touch, consider a La Marca Prosecco gift basket. These often include the wine along with treats like chocolates and snacks, making a lovely Christmas present.
Remember to serve La Marca Prosecco chilled for the best taste. Its elegant bottle with a pale blue label will look beautiful on your holiday table.
4) Dark Horse Chardonnay
Looking for an affordable yet delicious white wine for your Christmas celebrations? Dark Horse Chardonnay might be just what you need. This California wine offers great value for money.
You’ll find notes of buttercream and vanilla bean in this rich wine. Its full mouthfeel is complemented by hints of juicy pineapple and pear, leading to a crisp finish.
Dark Horse Chardonnay has a high alcohol content of 14.1% per bottle. This makes it a bolder choice among medium-bodied whites.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll be pleased to know that Dark Horse Chardonnay is a suitable dietary choice. It’s a great option for wine lovers who are mindful of their calorie consumption.
When tasting this wine, you might notice oaky flavors along with butter and vanilla. These characteristics make it a versatile wine that pairs well with many holiday dishes.
Consider adding Dark Horse Chardonnay to your Christmas wine list. It offers quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for your festive gatherings.
5) Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Grigio
Looking for an affordable wine that’s perfect for your Christmas gathering? Consider Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Grigio. This refreshing white wine offers great value without sacrificing taste.
Cupcake Vineyards sources its Pinot Grigio grapes from the foothills of the Italian Alps. This unique location gives the wine its distinctive flavor profile.
You’ll enjoy crisp notes of fresh pear, cantaloupe, apple, and pineapple. The wine finishes with subtle hints of honey and lemon zest. These flavors make it a versatile choice for your holiday menu.
Pair this Pinot Grigio with light appetizers or seafood dishes. It goes especially well with Caesar salad or chicken fettuccine alfredo. You can even sip it poolside if you’re celebrating Christmas in a warmer climate.
For those watching their calorie intake during the holidays, Cupcake offers a Lighthearted version of their Pinot Grigio. This option has only 80 calories per 5-ounce serving.
Choose Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Grigio for an affordable yet flavorful addition to your Christmas wine selection. Your guests will appreciate its crisp, fruity taste and easy drinkability.
6) Apothic Red Blend
Looking for a crowd-pleasing wine this Christmas? Apothic Red Blend might be your answer. This affordable wine offers a smooth and flavorful experience that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Apothic Red Blend is known for its rich, dark fruit flavors. You’ll taste notes of blackberry and cherry, complemented by enticing aromas of vanilla and mocha.
The wine’s deep color hints at its robust depth. When you pour it, you’ll notice slow-falling legs that suggest its richness. This visual appeal adds to the festive atmosphere of your Christmas celebrations.
At just $8.99 per bottle, Apothic Red Blend offers great value. You can even save more when you buy in bulk, making it an excellent choice for larger holiday parties.
This wine pairs well with a variety of foods, making it versatile for your Christmas menu. Its smooth texture and balanced flavors complement both savory and sweet dishes.
Remember to serve Apothic Red Blend at room temperature to fully enjoy its flavors. Open the bottle about 30 minutes before serving to let it breathe and enhance its taste.
7) 19 Crimes Red Wine
Looking for an affordable wine with a unique backstory? 19 Crimes Red Blend might be your perfect Christmas pick. This Australian wine brand has gained popularity for its intriguing concept and tasty offerings.
The name “19 Crimes” refers to the offenses that could get British convicts sent to Australia in the 18th century. Each bottle features a different criminal’s face, adding a fun conversation starter to your holiday gathering.
But what about the taste? The 19 Crimes Red Blend offers a smooth, fruity flavor that’s easy to enjoy. You’ll notice hints of vanilla, dark fruits, and a touch of oak.
This wine pairs well with various holiday dishes. Try it with roasted meats, cheese platters, or even chocolate desserts. Its versatility makes it a great choice for different palates at your Christmas dinner.
At around $10-$15 per bottle, 19 Crimes Red Blend provides good value for your money. You can impress your guests without breaking the bank. Consider picking up a few bottles to have on hand for impromptu holiday gatherings.
8) Bogle Vineyards Essential Red
Looking for a crowd-pleasing red wine that won’t break the bank this Christmas? Bogle Vineyards Essential Red might be just what you need.
This rich and juicy blend combines some of California’s finest red varietals. You’ll find Petite Sirah, Syrah, Teroldego, and Cabernet Sauvignon in this flavorful mix.
The 2021 vintage offers a deep purple hue that catches the eye. As you sip, you’ll notice flavors of blueberry and other blue fruits. The wine’s smooth mouthfeel makes it easy to enjoy.
Bogle ages their Essential Red in American oak barrels for 12 months. This process adds subtle spice and toasty notes to the wine’s profile.
You can pair this versatile red with a variety of holiday dishes. It works well with roasted meats, hearty stews, or even as a sipping wine by the fireplace.
At around $7 per bottle, Bogle Essential Red offers excellent value for your holiday gatherings. Its approachable style makes it a hit with both wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
9) Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot
Looking for a smooth, affordable wine for your Christmas dinner? The Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot might be just what you need. This Washington state wine offers a pleasant, easy-drinking experience at a budget-friendly price.
You’ll notice bright aromas of herbs and red currants when you first open the bottle. The fruit flavors are light and pure, making it an approachable choice for various palates.
The 2021 vintage is surprisingly nimble. It features tart red fruit and pie crust aromas, reminiscent of a cherry turnover. You’ll taste a mix of blueberries, maple candy, and a hint of applewood smoked bacon.
Many wine enthusiasts appreciate the oak and tobacco notes in this Merlot. You might also detect hints of chocolate, adding depth to its flavor profile.
The Velvet Devil Merlot is known for its consistency across vintages. You can expect a reliable quality that won’t break the bank, making it an excellent choice for your holiday gatherings.
10) Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice for your Christmas dinner. This full-bodied red wine offers rich flavors that pair well with holiday meals.
You’ll notice aromas of dark fruits, cinnamon, and clove when you open the bottle. The taste includes notes of blackberry, toasted hazelnut, and cinnamon.
This California wine is known for its quality and affordability. You can find it at many retailers, making it easy to pick up for your festive gatherings.
The Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon goes well with grilled meats. It’s perfect for your holiday barbecue or roast dinner.
You can buy this wine by the bottle or in cases. Getting a case can be a good option if you’re hosting a large Christmas party.
Remember to serve this Cabernet Sauvignon at room temperature. This will help bring out its best flavors and aromas for your guests to enjoy.
Understanding Wine Varieties
Choosing the right wine for Christmas can be tricky. Red and white wines offer different flavors and pairings for your holiday meals.
Red Wines
Red wines are popular choices for Christmas dinner. Merlot is a good option, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. It pairs well with many holiday dishes due to its low tannins and high acidity.
Pinot Noir is another versatile red. It’s light-bodied and goes well with turkey or ham.
For bolder flavors, try a Cabernet Sauvignon. It pairs nicely with red meats and rich sauces.
White Wines
White wines can be refreshing choices for Christmas. Chardonnay is a classic option. It has a buttery flavor that complements creamy dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc offers crisp, citrusy notes. It’s great with seafood or as an aperitif.
For something sweeter, try a Moscato d’Asti. It has aromas of white peach and lemon zest, perfect for dessert pairings.
Riesling is another sweet option. Its fruity flavors work well with spicy foods or as a dessert wine.
Pairing Wines with Christmas Dishes
Choosing the right wine can make your Christmas meal even more enjoyable. The perfect pairing enhances both the food and the drink.
Traditional Roast Pairings
For a classic roast turkey, try a full-bodied white Burgundy. Its rich texture complements the meat well. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works great too.
With roast beef, go for a bold red. Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec stand up nicely to the strong flavors. These wines cut through the fat and enhance the meat’s taste.
For roast duck, pick a fruity red like Zinfandel or Syrah. Their intense flavors match the richness of the duck.
Don’t forget about sides! Champagne pairs wonderfully with many appetizers. It’s especially good with smoked salmon blinis.
Vegetarian Dish Pairings
Vegetarian Christmas dishes need careful wine pairings too. For mushroom-based dishes, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. Its earthy notes complement the mushrooms perfectly.
With nut roasts, try a medium-bodied red like Merlot. It won’t overpower the delicate flavors.
For cheese-based dishes, white wines often work best. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through rich, creamy textures.
Roasted root vegetables pair well with Chardonnay. Its buttery notes enhance the sweetness of the veggies.
Tips for Buying Affordable Wines
Finding tasty wines on a budget takes some know-how. Here are some key strategies to help you shop smarter and understand wine labels better.
Shopping Strategies
Look for wines from lesser-known regions to get good value. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Chile often offer great wines at lower prices.
Try different grape varieties. Lesser-known grapes can provide excellent quality at a fraction of the cost of popular varieties.
Shop at wine-focused stores. Their staff are usually knowledgeable and can recommend affordable gems.
Buy wine in bulk. Many stores offer discounts when you purchase 6 or 12 bottles at a time.
Look for online deals. Wine clubs and flash sale sites frequently offer discounts on quality wines.
Understanding Wine Labels
Pay attention to the vintage year. Newer vintages are often cheaper but can still be delicious.
Look for the alcohol content. Wines with 12-13.5% alcohol are often more balanced and food-friendly.
Check for quality designations. Terms like “Reserve” or “Grand Vin” can indicate higher quality, but may also mean a higher price.
Research the producer. Small, family-owned wineries often provide great value compared to big brands.
Don’t judge by the label design. Fancy labels don’t always mean better wine. Focus on the information provided instead.
