When you buy something through our link, we may earn a small commission from our affiliate partners. Wine Enthusiast maintains complete editorial independence and all wines are blind tasted. Read more about our policy.
We all have our special-occasion wines, but for a casual dinner or a large gathering when you want something that’s equally satisfying on the palate and the wallet, value is the keyword. Often, the best place to look for these bottles is from U.S.–based producers.
Right now, white wines from coast-to-coast are surprisingly excellent at lower price points, from Mendocino Chardonnays to Finger Lakes Rieslings. “The trend is high-elevation white wine varietals grown in unique sites nationwide,” says Tonya Pitts, a Wine Enthusiast writer at large who reviews wines across the country.
That’s not to say reds aren’t in on the affordable fun. Budget-friendly Cabernet Sauvignons from California’s Lake County and Lodi regions caught the attention of our expert tasters, as well.
“How is this even possible, you ask? The reasoning is that we are fortunate enough to live in an age of sustainability, accountability and producers wanting to create the best possible products,” says Pitts. “It is evident when you meet the people behind the brands. There is pride in wanting to create the best possible products for the shoppers’ drinking pleasure, not to mention the issue of more raw materials available—grapes on the vine for wine production. There is a ton of quality fruit from smaller grape growers for larger companies to purchase for their product selections. This situation has created a unique opportunity for value-driven wines to be produced in California and other wine-growing regions worldwide.”
From New York and Washington State to California, our experts share their top 10 picks for the best U.S. wines for $25 or less.
Amalie Robert 2022 Book Club White Wine White (Willamette Valley)
What a stunning wine for such a reasonable price. Its sweet floral note suggests sweet pea flowers, honeysuckle and white clover, with additional aromas of lemon tea and wet stones. The flavors suggest bergamot and lemonade, with a hint of mint. Blazing acidity lights the path to white wine satori. 93 points. Best Buy. — Michael Alberty
$22 Vino Shipper
Buck Shack 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County)
This wine is opulent, inky with aromas of black and blue fruits, wild florals, cinnamon, toasty vanilla spice, and star anise on the nose. The flavors on the palate are confiture black currant, blueberry, black peppercorn, blood orange zest mingled with crushed mineral, creamy milk chocolate, a dry finish, and silky tannins. Decant for an hour and enjoy with your Peppered Steak. 93 points. — Tonya Pitts
$22 Wine.com
Bonterra 2022 Estate Collection Chardonnay (Mendocino)
Brassfield 2023 High Serenity Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (High Valley)
This wine is fresh, with aromas of pineapple, citrus, green apple and mineral. The palate offers pink grapefruit, red apple and lemon zest, interwoven with cucumber, sedimentary rock and a long, mouthwatering finish. Pair with a seafood tower. 93 points.— T.P.
$22 Brassfield Estate Winery
Long Shadows 2023 Poet's Leap Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
Every year I marvel at how such a marvelous Riesling can be $20. The Poet’s Leap opens with an aromatic ode to lychee fruit, honeysuckle, almond butter and a wisp of petrol. Lemony acidity curls itself around flavors like green honeydew melon, rose water and the sweetness of a slice of peach pie. The 2023 is as good as any in recent memory. Mercy. 93 points. Best Buy. — M.A.
$20 K&L Wines
Klinker Brick 2023 Albariño (Lodi)
This wine is fresh, with aromas of citrus, yellow apple, white peach, dried herbs and white flowers on the nose. The flavors on the palate are white nectarine, Meyer lemon and orange-blossom honey interlaced with sedimentary rock, spice and a dry, long finish. Pair with salted codfish. 93 points. Best Buy. — T.P.
$17 Klinker Brick
1924 2022 Double Black Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi)
This wine offers bold, full-bodied aromas of baked black plum, red currant, creamy vanilla and cardamom spice. The palate conveys bright raspberry, boysenberry, orange zest and brown sugar. The finish is juicy, dry and mouthwatering. Pair with grilled hanger steak. 92 points.— T.P.
$14 Wine.com
Tribute 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (California)
This wine is fresh, bright with aromas of white peach, lemon zest, tangerine, jalapeño, green papaya and dried herbs on the nose. Flavors of Meyer lemon, white grapefruit and white pepper slide into green apple, spearmint and a dry finish. Pair with steamed green lip mussels with aioli and grilled baguette. 92 points.— T.P.
$17 Wine.com
East Side Crossing 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi)
This wine is focused, with aromas of dried blackberry, red currant compote, violet and dried herbs on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry confiture, grilled yellow plum, cardamom and maple syrup interlaced with black coffee, dried chicory, grippy tannins and a dry finish. Decant and enjoy with hanger steak. 92 points. — T.P.
$17 Market View Liquor
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2022 Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes)
A vibrant perfume of honeyed apple, citrus blossom and peach leap from the glass. Dry but with richness and oodles of fruit and floral flavor, this is an unmistakably Finger Lakes expression that finds balance and tangy freshness right to the end. 92 points. Best Buy. — Christina Pickard
$13 Total WineMore Affordable Wine Coverage
- These Best Buys are the top-rated wines of 2024, all under $20.
- The best American white wine under $20.
- California is the source of the year’s best affordable Sauvignon Blanc.
- Yes, affordable wines can be aged. Here are bottles from Italy that are worth the wait.
- Great Champagne doesn’t need to cost more than $100.
From the Shop
The Best Wine Coolers
A refrigerated wine cooler is the best way to ensure your wine is stored properly, and these attractive units allow you to show off your collection in style.
Last Updated: January 10, 2025
