The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's party time! Whether it's family gatherings, dinner soirées with friends, or ringing in the New Year, there's plenty of festivity to enjoy. If you're the host, you're likely dealing with the challenges of food, drinks, and decorations. However, if you're simply attending these parties, your main concern might be selecting an affordable yet impressive bottle of wine.
If you're looking to break away from the usual choices like Barefoot or Sutter Home but are working with a tight budget this year, fear not. We've got your back. We've consulted with three expert sommeliers to bring you their personal recommendations for delightful, crowd-pleasing wines, all priced under $20. This selection includes options for white, red, sparkling, and even orange wines.
SPARKLING & ORANGE
1) Scheuermann Vin de Soda NV—$20
Our first sommelier is Georges Kalligeros, renowned for his expertise in French natural wines, having worked at esteemed Parisian wine bars and restaurants such as Liquiderie, La Quincave, and Le Rubis. Currently, he shares his knowledge at D-I Wine. Kalligeros' choice for an affordable sparkling wine for the holiday season is the Vin De Soda from Scheuermann Winery.
Kalligeros advocates straying from the typical mass-produced Proseccos and Cavas and instead exploring wines from less-frequented regions, such as this dry biodynamic Riesling from Pfalz, Germany. He characterizes the Scheuermann Vin de Soda as possessing "thirst-quenching qualities akin to a soda. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly the bottle disappears, almost like sipping just a glass. Expect refreshing fizzy fun with notes of Granny Smith apples, citrus peel, and a hint of brioche on the nose."
2) Grape Abduction Company Orange 2022—$18.99
While traditional wine bottles typically contain around 750 milliliters, Kalligeros suggests going bigger when you're heading to a party. The Grape Abduction Company Orange Wine, one of his recommendations, comes in a full liter size and is nothing short of delightful.
Originating from Štajerska, Slovakia, this wine is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling, with skin maceration resulting in a captivating amber hue. According to Kalligeros, "The nose is clean, with nuanced honeyed aromatics—imagine notes of mango, cinnamon apples, and cloves beautifully complementing a subtle smokiness on the palate."
Kalligeros also advises, "If you're on the lookout for affordable orange wines, explore selections from Central and Eastern European countries like Georgia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary."
3) Dignitat Cava Seleccio Brut—$14
Next, we had the pleasure of speaking with David Weitzenhoffer, a sommelier and the proprietor of Community Wine & Spirits located in Chelsea, New York. He enthusiastically recommends the Dignitat Cava Seleccio Brut as one of his top choices for affordable wines under $20.
Weitzenhoffer describes this selection as "refreshingly dry, yet it boasts enough fruitiness to be savored either on its own or paired with an array of hors d'oeuvres. Its lightness also makes it a superb companion for holiday brunches or for crafting delightful spritz cocktails."
4) Gruet Blanc de Blanc—$16.99
If you haven't already discovered our next sommelier on TikTok or Instagram, you're in for a treat. Audrey Wayne, a level III sommelier known as The Single Somm, has some expert recommendations for impressing a holiday crowd without breaking the bank this year.
Her first choice is the Gruet Blanc de Blancs, a sparkling wine typically priced between $13 and $17.
"It's crafted solely from Chardonnay grapes instead of the usual blend, and it's only $1 more than the regular Brut, which is also delightful," Wayne suggests.
WHITE
5) Chateau Simian Jeu De Rolle Blanc 2020—$16.99
If you're planning to bring a white wine to the party, Kalligeros advises avoiding heavily oaked varieties and instead opting for wines that offer a crisp and invigorating experience.
For a refreshing white wine choice, he recommends the Chateau Simian Jeu De Rolle Blanc 2020, which is crafted from Vermentino (also known as Rolle), an underrated grape variety that delivers more than you might expect.
"This wine is crafted by Chateau Simian, a biodynamic vineyard in the southern Rhone region. Jeu de Rolle (a clever play on words, meaning 'role-play' in French while revealing the grape varietal) reveals subtle aromas of pink grapefruit, zesty lime, and green almonds, intertwined with mineral hints of gun flint. The palate is lively, characterized by vibrant citrus notes, with zesty lemons and tangy grapefruits taking the spotlight, complemented by distinctive salty undertones," describes Kalligeros.
6) Domaine Labbe Abymes Vin de' Savoie 2021—$18
For a budget-friendly white wine option for your upcoming holiday party, Weitzenhoffer suggests grabbing a bottle of Domaine Labbe Abymes Vin de' Savoie 2021, priced at just $18.
Describing this wine, he says, "It's light-bodied, crisp, and emphasizes its mineral qualities. Whether served as a refreshing aperitif or paired with cheese boards, smoked fish, or charcuterie, it's a delightful choice for your celebration."
RED
7) Rémi Dufaitre Beaujolais Nouveau 2023—$19.99
When it comes to red wines, Kalligeros highly recommends the Rémi Dufaitre Beaujolais Nouveau. He emphasizes that this wine is meant to be enjoyed while it's still young due to its vibrant and delightful characteristics, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings.
Kalligeros shares his enthusiasm, saying, "Year in and year out, my favorite go-to Beaujolais Nouveau is the Rémi Dufaitre. Crafted in a carbonic maceration style that enhances its fruity profile, it bursts with the flavors of ripe cherries and strawberries, offering a lively and gracefully light experience. It's the perfect thirst-quencher, and you might find yourself considering bringing two bottles to the next gathering!"
8) Domaine Grande Bellane Cotes du Rhone 2021—$17
For a versatile red wine that falls somewhere between light and full-bodied, Weitzenhoffer recommends the Domaine Grande Bellane Cotes du Rhone, priced at approximately $17 per bottle.
According to Weitzenhoffer, "This medium-bodied red wine strikes a perfect balance, making it suitable for pairing with stews and hearty winter dishes. Its gentle tannins ensure it's a crowd-pleaser and an excellent choice for parties."
9) Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021—$13.99
For those seeking a red wine that pairs beautifully with a sumptuous holiday feast, Weitzenhoffer suggests selecting the Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.
Weitzenhoffer describes it as a "medium-bodied wine with traditional Cabernet characteristics, including hints of cedar and baking spices, complemented by refined tannins. This delightful red wine is an ideal match for dishes like steak or lamb."
10) Allegrini Pallazzo Della Torre—$17.99
Wayne recommends the Pallazzo Della Torre from Allegrini as the ideal red wine choice for a diverse group of wine enthusiasts.
She appreciates this selection because it "possesses the richness and boldness reminiscent of a Cabernet but maintains a touch of restraint, making it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of dishes and more intriguing for those who lean towards lighter reds."