Winding down at the end of the day is my reward for a day of good work.
Kels here! Usually that wind-down consists of a glass of wine for my husband and I that we enjoy while cooking dinner and catching up about everyone’s day. Red wine specifically! I hate this phrase, but I have turned into a bit of a ‘wine snob’ over the years. My dad is in large part to blame – he’s been a HUGE wine enthusiast and collector throughout his life. So, I’ve been fortunate enough to have tasted some of the best wines in the world, which is fun. On the other hand, this has also turned me into a picky wine drinker! There’s just one problem: It’s not always affordable to stock the cellar with top end wines. So I’ve gotten really good at trial and error testing for the best inexpensive red wines that taste like they’re expensive.
5 Of The Best Inexpensive Red Wines (That Taste Like They’re Expensive!)
Over the last decade or so, my husband and I have found a handful of AMAZING quality red wines that we drink regularly and are within a reasonable budget. When we find these gems, they’re ones we return to again and again — we’ve found it’s not often you can find really good wines that priced below their actual quality!
A great tid-bit of knowledge: Sometimes wine makers know they have a great wine, but they want to maximize the public exposure, so they accept a temporary price hit in the name of “hooking” more people to their product. Which is why a lot of times you’ll see the price on these wines go up 10-20% after a few years. Other times, they never really raise the price, but the point is you CAN get a great wine at a great price.
Today, I’m excited to share our top 5 best inexpensive red wines that taste like they’re (way more!) expensive than they really are! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
A to Z Pinot Nior (Average price $15)
When I drink Pinot Noir, it’s generally because I’m looking for a lighter, more delicate red wine. A to Z Pinot Noir is not too light in color, which I like. The main taste cues are fruity, with a slight peppery hint. The big take aways of this wine are that it’s light, easy, and with ripe tannins. And at this cost, it proves to out-kick the price tag.
Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon (Average price $8.99)
Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely one you’ve likely seen or heard of! No need to get too poetic here, BUT it does have hints of some of the bigger cabs in Cali. At this price point, avoiding offensive wines is the main idea. Bogle more than meets that mark. It might not be the one you bring to a fancy dinner party, but it WORKS at home after a long Wednesday at work.
Angels & Cowboys Proprietary Red (Average price $16)
This Sonoma County red has a nice, clean color and is warm and fruity. I get apple and cherry flavors. It’s on the tart side, which is probably why I like it! But the main draw for me with Angels & Cowboys Proprietary Red is that with this wine you benefit from a trend in the market that is keeping prices lower on red blends. My theory is that the bulk of wine drinkers/buyers go into their shopping experience (be it at a store or off a menu at a restaurant) with a predisposed notion of what they want. “I feel safe with a Cabernet so that’s all I’m going to look at.” When in reality, a blend gives the wine making artist more flexibility to make their best artwork. In short, this wine drinks more expensive than it actually costs.
Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon (Average price $20)
Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon is silky-smooth and possesses some of the flavors that made Napa famous. Bigger tannins and a pleasant finish make this central coast cab resemble a more expensive wine. I wouldn’t be embarrassed serving this wine to anyone! Come on over.
Saldo Zinfandel Red (Average price $22)
I feel like these days, not many casual wine drinkers rush right to the Zinfandel section. But, I think its actually a very useful wine to know. It’s lighter in color than Cabernet, but when it comes to flavor, it holds it’s own even against bold foods like BBQ. Saldo Zinfandel Red has a smooth, rich flavor lasts in a nice way. If you are trapped in the world of Cabs, Pinots and the occasional Red Blend, Saldo is a great way to expand your horizons and get good value, too!
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I’m clearly not a master sommelier, but I do have a decent history with wine! It’s safe to say it’s a passion of mine, and I think there’s excellent value in these reds. Hopefully you agree! The world of wine is HUGE and ever-changing. Even pros in the industry can’t keep up with all the new options coming out all the time. So, please, if you find a diamond-in-the-rough that tastes way more expensive than they cost, please let us know!
PS – 20 Favorite Trader Joe’s Grocery Staples + 4 Family Friendly Recipes That All Ages Will Drool Over
