16 Best Budget Wine Finds Under $10

By
Stacy Slinkard
Stacy Slinkard
Freelance writer and wine expert, author of ""Idiots Guides: Wine""; as well as several magazine and online articles.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/19/20
Friends enjoying glass of wine at vineyard
PhotoAlto/Sigrid Olsson / Getty Images

The best value wines on the market are easy to drink, food-friendly, and readily available. Most wine lovers appreciate those three aspects and, when a bottle is priced right around the $10 mark, it's even better. These budget-friendly wines span the styles, from tempting whites to bold reds, and sweet to dry, as well as sparkling wines. There's something for every taste and the food pairing potential is equally diverse, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for any occasion.

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  • 01 of 16

    Broadbent Vinho Verde

    A Broadbent Vinho Verde

    Courtesy of Broadbent 

    Vinho verde is an extremely popular, everyday wine in Portugal. This particular offering from Broadbent showcases plenty of citrus fruits with ultra-zesty acidity and a fun, effervescence. It is light, refreshing, and a perfect pairing for seafood. 

  • 02 of 16

    Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling

    A label of Chateau Ste Michelle riesling

    Courtesy of Chateau Ste. Michelle

    Chateau Ste. Michelle produces one of America's most popular rieslings in the value wine market. This off-dry Washington wine brings an abundance of sweet peach and lemon-lime nuances to the glass. A favorite for taming the spiciness of Thai and other Asian foods, this well-priced riesling is equally refreshing on its own.  

  • 03 of 16

    Campo Viejo Rioja

    A Compo Viejo Rioja

    Courtesy of Campo Viejo

    Northern Spain's tempranillo is a go-to red wine for its food-friendly nature and cost-conscious pricing. Campo Viejo Rioja is a classic example of the Rioja region's famous red grape. Expect dark berry fruit on the nose wrapped with vanilla, clove spice, and a touch of smoke. The palate holds an easy-going fruit-driven core, with amiable tannin, remarkable balance, and an exceptional finish. It's a nice pairing for tapas, grilled veggies and meat, pasta with plenty of pork, and dry-cured regional ham.

  • 04 of 16

    Cupcake Vineyards Prosecco

    A Cupcake Vineyard Prosecco

    Courtesy of Cupcake Vineyards

    Cupcake Vineyard's Prosecco is a fun, sparkling addition to any dinner table or celebration. Offering Old World Italian charm in a light and airy format, this sparkler delivers peach and citrus to the forefront with solid acidity from start to finish. Add the fact that it's well-distributed and easy to find, and there's no wonder it's a favorite budget-friendly sparkling wine.

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  • 05 of 16

    Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

    A Robert Mondavi cabernet sauvignon label

    Courtesy of Robert Mondavi Winery

    Robert Mondavi offers a value-driven California Cab that brings plenty of dark cherries, plum, and blackberry fruit to the table. The Mondavi Private Selection tier focuses on fruit-forward, approachable wines that make their mark as "everyday" wines for dinner or impromptu gatherings. This one also happens to be a brilliant companion to milk chocolate.

  • 06 of 16

    Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc

    A Nobilo sauvignon blanc

    Courtesy of Nobilo

    The fresh factor jumps out of the glass with this delicious New Zealand sauvignon blanc from Nobilo. Expect grapefruit and gooseberry, earthy fresh-cut grass notes, and steely minerality. The palate reveals more zesty citrus fruit, bringing grapefruit juice into full focus. It has a delicate balance of acidity and minerality, with a classic dry, crisp finish. Try it with shellfish, roasted poultry, veggie-driven dishes, and soft cheese.

  • 07 of 16

    Clos du Bois Chardonnay

    A Close du Bois chardonnay

    Courtesy of Clos du Bois

    Clos du Bois is a terrific everyday white wine that's widely available. The California chardonnay offers a solid flavor and medium body. Its fruit structure leans heavily towards green apple and Bosc pear encased in a creamy texture and butter-based finish. For a value-driven chardonnay, this bottle can quickly become a staple in your wine cabinet.

  • 08 of 16

    Apothic Red

    An Apothic Red winemaker's blend

    Courtesy of Apothic Red/EJ Gallo

    Apothic Red stands out with its alluring black bottle and artfully designed crimson label. The California wine inside is equally captivating, a blend of zinfandel, syrah, and merlot with ample fruit and plenty of food-pairing versatility. It's an easy wine to like on several fronts: the price, fruit-forward appeal, and its ability to partner with everything from pizza to pasta.

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  • 09 of 16

    Mark West Pinot Noir

    A Mark West pinot noir label

    Courtesy of Mark West

    Mark West Pinot Noir is consistently a favorite in the value red wine category. The fruit components of juicy strawberry and ripe raspberry are the first to hit the nose. The palate reveals more red fruit, subtle vanilla tones, and an easy-going, food-friendly structure. It's a medium-bodied, uncomplicated, lighter-styled California red that will appeal to almost any palate.

  • 10 of 16

    Segura Viudas Brut Rosé

    A Segura Viudas brut rose label

    Courtesy of Segura Viudas

    If you are looking to shake things up, consider this bright pink sparkler from Spain. Segura Viudas Brut Rosé has a good dose of citrus on the nose with strawberry and raspberry mingling on the effervescent palate. Decent acidity, a surprising finish, and a great price make this dry rosé a perfect wine pick for any occasion.

  • 11 of 16

    Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé

    Mulderbosch Rosé

     Courtesy of Mulderbosch Vineyard

    Vivid pink and wildly flavorful, this engaging South African rosé from Mulderbosch brings intense aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and roses to the nose. The palate busts out some significant red fruit, followed by delicious acidity and a bright, balanced profile. A top pick wine for pairing with a wide assortment of foods, this rosé is a go-to wine when looking for value and versatility.

  • 12 of 16

    Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull Zinfandel

    Dancing Bull Zinfandel

    Courtesy of Dancing Bull

    Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull is a friendly zinfandel that's ready to rock. The taste features cherry, raspberry, and blackberry components with a dash of pepper. The wine's medium body makes it approachable to a variety of palates. That's great news because this California red is designed with a backyard barbecue in mind. Pair it with burgers, ribs, or your favorite grill fare.

    Continue to 13 of 16 below.
  • 13 of 16

    Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel

    A Ravenswood zinfandel

    Courtesy of Ravenswood

    Ravenswood has been making extraordinary zinfandel for decades, and the Vintners Blend is their entry-level zin. The wine packs fresh raspberry and cherry aromas with solid fruit, yummy spice, and a nice finish. It's also a top pick for grilled favorites, making it an excellent red for summer gatherings.

  • 14 of 16

    Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red (CA) $10

    Menage a trois red blend wine

    Courtesy of Menage a Trois 

    The Ménage à Trois California Red from Folie a Deaux is one of the favorite cheap reds around. It's a palate pleaser through and through, and everyone likes this wine, with its ripe jam-driven red fruit and soft, silky tannins. The blend of zinfandel, merlot, and cab sav grapes is not a complicated red to over-analyze. Instead, it's simply a fruit-forward wine that's fun from start to finish.

  • 15 of 16

    Mirassou Moscato

    A bottle of Mirassou Moscato

    Courtesy of Mirassou Winery

    Moscato tends to be a category filled with value wines. Navigating the selection is tricky, though Mirassou Moscato is a well-priced and reliable bottle that is exceptionally well-distributed. For those looking for a tasty white wine that offers a sweet, bubbly treat, the search stops here. Enjoy this California white with a cheese platter, dessert, or spicy Asian dishes.

  • 16 of 16

    Alamos Malbec

    Alamos Malbec

    Courtesy of Alamos 

    South America produces some amazing wines that are worth exploring. A brilliant and affordable introduction to the continent is Alamos Malbec. The red is a classic Argentinian malbec, with a solid berry and plum fruit structure and a healthy dose of spice. Savor this high altitude red with hearty dishes like lamb, roast, stew, and even chili.