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Best Buys: The Top-Rated Wines Under $20 for 2024

Best Buys: The Top-Rated Wines Under $20 for 2024
Photography By Marshall Troy, Prop Styling by Jessica Zindren Photography By Marshall Troy, Prop Styling by Jessica Zindren

After a thorough review of the more than 23,000 wines we blind tasted in the past year, Wine Enthusiast editors have identified a remarkable array of exceptional wines priced at $20 or less. Our annual Best Buys report is a compilation of the greatest hits—100 stunning wines that are incredible values.

Fun facts: 96 of these wines received scores of 90 points or higher in our blind tastings; 32 wines are priced under $15; and you’ll even find traditionally pricey regions like Burgundy making appearances (hello 2020 Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay from Louis Latour), rounding out the top 100.

American wines lead the list with 42 selections, reflecting the growing abundance of domestic options and producers’ efforts to keep prices accessible. Italy and France followed suit with 18 and 12 placements, respectively, and 3 spots each went to Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, Portugal and Spain, showing a veritable world atlas of refined, economical selections. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and assorted red blends tied for the varietals with the most representation, highlighting their broad appeal. This list is also a study in the versatility of wallet-friendly wine. With 100 outstanding bottles to choose from, let our Best Buy roundup inform your grocery list.

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.

Anna-Christina Cabrales: This wine greets the nose with subtle aromas of freshly cut red apple and lemon wedges. Bright acidity and distinct salinity bring life to notes of pear, vanilla and white... Full review

Michael Alberty: A sweet and tangy blood-orange aroma fills the air as wisps of petrol and coconut water stake their claim on the fringes. The wine's elevated acidity and lean, crisp mouthfeel... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine offers pink peppercorn, chocolate-covered Maraschino cherry, blackberry, brandied blueberry, orange marmalade, Kalamata olive, grilled rosemary and mocha latte.

Roger Voss: One of a range of wines celebrating Portuguese explorers to Asia, this has licorice aromas, rich tannins that are smoothly integrated into the black, spicy fruit. Drink now.

Jeff Porter: Aromas of Mandarin orange, ripe peach and wild flowers flow from the glass. Lemon and grapefruit flavors take center stage, creating a vibrant and refreshing palate with zippy acidity.

Tonya Pitts: This wine is lush, with aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers, vanilla and spice on the nose. Flavors of baked pear, white nectarine and grapefruit zest morph into lemon-vanilla cream,... Full review


What Is Blind Tasting?

All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide context—vintage, variety or appellation—but never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.

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About The Scores

*Products deemed unacceptable (receving a rating below 80 points) are not reviewed.

98-100

Classic
The Pinnacle of quality

94-97

Superb
A great achievement

90-93

Excellent
Highly recommended

87-89

Very Good
Often good value; well recommended

83-86

Good
Suitable for everyday consumption, often good value

80-82

Acceptable
Can be employed


Tonya Pitts: This wine is fresh, lively and supple. Aromas suggest canned peach and pear, candied apple and orange blossom water. Other notes waft through, including crystalized ginger, white tea, lemon honey,... Full review

Aleks Zecevic: Shows distinction and nuance, with a friendly, crunchy texture and expressive apple, white raspberry and orange-blossom accents that glide on a crisp finish.

Anna-Christina Cabrales: This wine presents juicy and ripe cherry and strawberry aromas framed by violets, rosehip and a touch of pomegranate and dried herbs. Mixed potpourri and sweet dry rub give depth... Full review

Jesica Vargas: This unoaked Chardonnay has a nose of lime and sweet peach, with a touch of salt. Citrus acidity injects energy into the lightweight palate that offers stone fruit flavors. Enjoy... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is lively with aromas of Bing cherry, strawberry and cream on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of strawberry coulis, mandarian orange, creamy mousse and pink grapefruit zest,... Full review

Christina Pickard: Heady aromas of Thai lime, passion fruit, snow pea and fresh garden herbs open, followed by a palate that shrieks with acidity. It's only (just) tempered by some creamy texture,... Full review

Jeff Porter: With a dense color, the wine immediately reveals intense sweet and savory spice aromas followed by dark and ripe black-fruited characteristics. Lush on the palate, it offers blackberry, spice and... Full review

Jesica Vargas: The nose of this Sauvignon is not superaromatic but is still inviting, showing lovely notes of fresh herbs. It's a lively and balanced wine that offers a blend of citrus... Full review

Christina Pickard: Kerosene, lime, white peach and apple blossom open on this appealingly aromatic Riesling. The palate is mostly dry with gentle sweetness and delicate fruit and floral flavors to the finish.

Jesica Vargas: This wine offers a spicy nose, providing aromas of aniseed and vanilla. Flavors of prune and dried cherry are lifted by optimal acidity. It's light-bodied and enjoyable, with delicate hints... Full review

Jesica Vargas: This is an expressive Albariño, with lively aromas of white flowers, lime, honeydew and sage. Good acidity lifts ripe lemon, peaches, and orange zest on the palate. It has a... Full review

Christina Pickard: Vibrant lemongrass, pear and kiwi fruit open. There's some slippery textural weight to the palate, with orchard fruit acidity and a saline edge to the finish. This Pinot Gris is... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Intense aromas of blackberries mixed with a dash of nutmeg on the nose of this structured Cabernet. Well-defined blackberry and cherry flavors meet light notes of bay leaf and dark... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Perfumed and flavorful, this Torrontés starts with delicate notes of lychee, white blossoms and orange zest. A palate shaped by herbal notes includes floral and tangerine flavors. Crisp acidity provides... Full review

Danielle Callegari: On the nose, tart fruit aromas of cherries, raspberries and blackberries are balanced by the cooling, metallic depth of topsoil and graphite. That balance continues on the palate, which is... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is lively, bright with aromas of sun-kissed Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, mandarin orange and honeysuckle. The palate has flavors of blood orange, guava, white peach, fresh ginger... Full review

Christina Pickard: Leaning on the green veg side of the fence, this is a bombastic-yet-harmonious combo of freshly sliced green bell pepper, string bean, seashell, lime granita and passion fruit aromas. There's... Full review

Matt Kettmann: This is a very compelling Merlot at a fair price. Aromas of turned earth and black cherry are spiced in cocoa and light mint on the nose. The palate is... Full review

Tonya Pitts: Opulent, concentrated blackberry jam, black currant, cardamom, dried florals on the nose. The massive blueberry, boysenberry compote, baked peaches, cinnamon, coats the palate falling into layers of dark chocolate, coffee,... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Aromas of black currant and sauteed portobello mushroom lead the way for cassis, blackberry, charcuterie, black-olive paste, smoke, dried thyme and caramel flavors. While the flavor profile leans towards savory... Full review

Roger Voss: This is a serious, dense, yet balanced wine. Its smoky flavors allied to the black-plum fruits give it a solidity and enhance the firm tannins. The wine is still developing;... Full review

Michael Alberty: After a few vintages, the quality of this wine is no surprise. The 2022 bottling launches a yin and yang aromatic set featuring orange creamsicle and lemon verbena tea. Bright... Full review

Jeff Porter: This Alpine Chardonnay shows the beauty of bright sun and cool nights opening with aromas of lemon curd and baked apple with subtle notes of crushed stone and pressed flowers.... Full review

Aleks Zecevic: Medium bodied, with notes of game and loam, there also plenty of spices and charming ripe berry aromas and flavors. It is a really nice wine, with great length and... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Clean, fresh and fruity aromas of ripe strawberry and French-toast spices are bombastic yet balanced on the nose of this bottling. Boisterous strawberry-soda flavors are cut by lemon peel and... Full review

Danielle Callegari: The nose recalls a rare herb garden, mixing lemongrass, oregano, thyme and basil above quieter elements of barely ripe stone fruit. Herbs also headline the palate, which has a pop... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is lively, rich, with aromas of Red currant, Red plums, cardamom, grilled orange, and vanilla cream on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Black cherry cream... Full review

Danielle Callegari: A delightful nose of citrus blossom and green-apple candy perfectly sets up a palate that leads with the same notes, then turns grassy and salty as acid tingles in your mouth.

Jesica Vargas: A nose of violets includes aromas of cranberry, cherry and light notes of chalk. Vigorous acidity adds energy to concentrated fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry. Hints of rosemary and... Full review

Aleks Zecevic: This shows wonderful tension between the fruit, floral and spice details, with concentrated acidity and pinpoint focus. It is a wine that will please most people without too much fuss,... Full review

Michael Alberty: This is an aromatic trip to Grandma's house at the holidays, with aromas of a roast in the oven flanked by sweet red cherries, orange peel and cinnamon. This is... Full review

Jim Gordon: This flavorful, relaxed and deep wine is rich in blueberries, dried blackberries, cedar and mint aromas followed by a luxurious, velvety palate echoing dried fruits and oak spices. It's a... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is rich, with aromas of ripe Yellow apple, pear, toasty vanilla, and orange zest on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Golden Delicious apple, White nectarine,... Full review

Mike DeSimone: This light yellow-colored wine has aromas of Golden Delicious apple, tangerine and herbs de Provence. It offers a sophisticated mélange of apricot, bergamot, dried thyme and lemongrass flavors set into... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is bright, lifted with aromas of raspberry, cherry, strawberry pie and potpourri on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of pomegranate, blood orange and cantaloupe wafting into mineral... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is rich and concentrated, with notes of blackberry, cassis, violet, smoky paprika and bittersweet chocolate. Layers of earth and minerality bring everything together for a dry, smooth finish.... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is fresh, lively with aromas of candied lime, green papaya, vanilla and white flowers on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of citrus blossom, jalapeño, lime zest, dried... Full review

Emily Saladino: Expect cranberries, raspberries and sage on the nose of this elegant dry red wine made primarily from Agiorgitiko, the signature grape from Greece's Nemea region. The beautifully tart palate has... Full review

Stacy Briscoe: This juicy wine has a little extra spritz in conjunction with generous acidity that brings flavors to life. Notes of vibrant capsicum, cut grass, just-ripe pineapple, lime leaf, lemongrass and... Full review

Christina Pickard: A bright perfume of lemon and lime blossom—with a little pineapple juice—flows to a palate that shows weight and concentration countered by beautifully racy acidity that slices down the middle... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This vibrant wine is zesty with aromas of lemon curd, papaya, citrus blossoms, and green bell pepper on the nose. The flavors on the palate are white grapefruit, guava and... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is bright, lush with aromas of green papaya, apricot, apple, citrus blossom and cinnamon on the nose. Flavors of baked apple and pineapple are interwoven with orange-vanilla cream,... Full review

Jeff Porter: The wine starts with a whisper of fragrant herbs, salted lemons and crushed seashells asking you to be patient and watch the wine evolve. Mouthwatering on the palate with medium... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is blossoming with aromas of fresh red berries, concentrated red and dark fruits. Creamy in texture and light bodied the palate has repeated flavors of fresh strawberry, black... Full review

Jeff Porter: Lime and lemon essence spill out of the glass as jasmine and apricot notes quickly follow. Tart lemon candy flavors pop on the energetic palate that screams zesty citrus, finishing... Full review

Jeff Porter: This Lambrusco is a pretty expression of the Amabile (sweet) style, with inviting aromas of mixed red and blueberries that are both wild and fresh. A touch of green herbs... Full review

Mike DeSimone: This enchanting white blend from Eger has aromas of white peach and orange blossom. Pineapple, nectarine and jasmine flavors mingle with vivid acidity and palpable minerality that lingers into a... Full review

Christina Pickard: 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... Full review

Christina Pickard: This is a bright and bouncy wine with crowd-pleasing aromas of primary red fruit, spice, vanilla and florals. It's silky in the mouth with tangy acidity, nice length and drive,... Full review

Jeff Porter: Every year Pieropan captures the soul of Soave, Garganega and the vintage in such a pristine way that it keeps us in awe. This vintage shines with aromas of Fuji... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: Fresh citrus intertwines with notes of white mushroom, apples, white peach, acacia and subtle hints of kelp. A vibrant palate of citrus is elevated by its lively acidity and savory... Full review

Christina Pickard: This is delicately aromatic bottling demonstrates England's ability to make Chardonnay that's as stellar in still form as in sparkling. A perfumed of green apple, pear, cantaloupe and orchard blossom—with... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Offering a persistent column of bubbles and a bouquet of lemon, honeydew melon and rising pizza dough, this wine opens on the palate with bright citrus-fruit flavors. Notes of brioche,... Full review

Refreshing acidity and delicious, lively aromas of rose petals open this elegant wine. Vanilla, raspberries, strawberries and garrigue flavors carry the palate, while medium tannins balance it all out.

Anna-Christina Cabrales: This wine is a blend of 50% Syrah, 43% Grenache and 7% Mourvèdre, boasting a delectable nose of ripe wild strawberry, blackberry, wild thyme and black peppercorn. The palate is... Full review

Danielle Callegari: The dense, almost chewy dark fruit flavors of dried figs, dried cherries and plums with earth tones of soil and rocks and then savory aromas of old leather and bitter... Full review

Jeff Porter: A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Raboso and Corvina from multiple vintages, this wine wafts out of the glass with a depth that shows the passion and dedication of the... Full review

Tonya Pitts: The wine is deep violet-hued with aromas of huckleberry-laced bourbon, black molasses, aromatic florals on the nose. The midpalate is maple syrup-enriched blackberry, black currants, cardamom-scented blueberry wafting into espresso... Full review

Tom Capo: The nose of this wine is an absolute bomb of bright cherry liqueur, caramel and vanilla cola. The palate shows plenty of those decadent flavors, but on a more nimble... Full review

Christina Pickard: Australia's answer to Northern Rhône Syrah? Like sniffing the innards of a pepper grinder, this aromatic, highly spicy Shiraz also comes with a good dose of blue- and red-berry fruit,... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: This wine presents a rose bouquet gently framed by Bing cherry, orange zest, white peach and beech mushrooms. The palate offers good depth of flavor, with bright acidity accentuating soft... Full review

Jeff Porter: Delicate and ethereal, the nose of this Timorasso is a wafting sensation of white peach and magnolia, that lifts effortlessly from the glass. The palate, however, takes a leaner, more... Full review

Roger Voss: In the tallest bottle, this wine reflects its origins in the town of Melgaço in the north of Vinho Verde. It is rich, full of citrus and textured acidity. Fermented... Full review

Elegant floral and vanilla aromas open this red wine. On the palate, juicy strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate flavors meet baking spice and dried herbs. Nicely structured, with supple tannins and... Full review

Michael Alberty: This traditional method blend of at least Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir really surprised me. It has brisk acidity, some body and fresh aromas of Meyer lemon, tangerine and... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: A core of concentrated licorice is balanced by aromas of juicy blueberries and blackberries in this wine. Fresh and mineral laiden, this wine demonstrates purity and balance. A wave of... Full review

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Aleks Zecevic: Slightly cloudy in appearance, with an interesting profile, sporting candied white raspberry and quince blossom on round and balanced palate. Slight crunch marks the midpalate and persists on the long,... Full review

Mike DeSimone: This deep violet-colored wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, caramel and dried thyme. Luscious blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice and violet flavors are encased in a sheath of opulent... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is bright, lush with aromas of green apple, cantaloupe, lemon zest and dried herbs on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Meyer lemon honey, grapefruit rind... Full review

Tonya Pitts: 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... Full review

Christina Pickard: An expressive wine from the get-go, layers of aromas float from the glass, from fresh red currant, bay leaf and savory spice to dark chocolate, coffee bean and warm tarmac.... Full review

Michael Alberty: I was impressed by this humble Merlot-driven red blend's quality and price. It is lithe and nimble, with crisp acidity and a clean mouthfeel. Mulberries and lavender dominate an aromatic... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This dark-purple-hued wine is opulent, with aromas of boysenberries, blue fruits, frankincense, violets and spiced toasty oak on the nose. The flavors on the palate are blackberry compote, white nectarine,... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Though the production level of this wine is rather massive, the quality does not suffer. Aromas of lemon chiffon cake and wet stone are engaging on the nose. The palate... Full review

Jeff Porter: Aromas of white peach, magnolia, sage and wild mint waft from the glass of this Moscato d'Asti. The palate is a study in balance, as the sweetness bends to the... Full review

Jeff Porter: 100% Chardonnay from the Italian Alps, the wine enchants with aromas of crisp green apples, juicy pears, a hint of freshly baked bread on the nose and crushed stones. The... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is fresh, zesty with aromas of strawberry, red plum, florals and sandalwood. The midpalate has flavors of pomegranate, watermelon, raspberry and guava interlaced with star anise to finish.... Full review

Tonya Pitts: Fresh with black plum, blueberry, mulled spices, dried rose petals, black tea, black licorice, sweet cigar on the nose. Dried red currants, red plums, raspberry, dried eucalyptus, chicory root, black... Full review

Tonya Pitts: Dried red plums, red currants, orange marmalade, savory herbs, chicory greens on the nose. Fresh raspberry, cranberry-pomegranate, dried peach, apricot, fresh herbs, silky juicy tannins to finish. Pair with grilled... Full review

Jeff Porter: Dark cherry, plum and violet aromas jump out of the glass and do not let go. The robust palate pops with flavors of blackberry and a hint of earth that... Full review

Jeff Porter: Concentrated aromas of black plum, fig, blackberry, white pepper, allspice and tea leaf roll out of the glass. Gamy on the palate with a lush and generous offering of black... Full review

Reggie Solomon: Dried red cherry, rhubarb and red currant play with hibiscus and rosehip on the nose of this old-vine Grenache. Cherry cola and a dash of thyme open on the attack,... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: This rosé offers fresh aromas of peaches, orange blossom, watermelon, Anjou pear and wildflowers kissed by an ocean breeze. Light on its feet, yet with enough body, this wine pleases... Full review

Michael Alberty: 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.... Full review

Danielle Callegari: The nose features a nuanced, slightly astringent sweetness, with aromas of strawberry fruit leather, cherry, roses and hibiscus, and a stony undertone providing balance. On the palate, oranges emphasize the... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is youthful with sweet yellow plums, blackberry, brulleed orange rind, tangerine, green olives. There is this buoyancy in the mid-palate while the finish is dry and lingers. Perfect... Full review

Tonya Pitts: 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... Full review

Mike DeSimone: This dark ruby-colored wine offers aromas of Luxardo cherry and toasted baking spices. It is very spicy at first sip as flavors of clove and mint leaf with a touch... Full review

Well-balanced and bright, this elegant and medium-bodied Chardonnay boasts floral notes on the nose. The palate is rich with vanilla, lemon and peach notes, offers medium tannins and a generous... Full review

Tonya Pitts: 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... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: This wine presents a captivating nose of fresh orange blossom, white peach, acacia and almonds. The palate is textured with stony minerality that meets a nuanced lemon-saline finish. Its vibrant... Full review

Jeff Porter: The nose of this stunning frizzante reveals a distinct interplay between fresh bay leaf, thyme, and crushed cherries, delicately sprinkled with rose petals. On the palate, it offers a mouthwatering... Full review

Michael Alberty: What an aromatic roller-coaster ride. The first sniff of the glass yields bright red cherries and orange zest. Then you get a burst of roasted red peppers, followed by a... Full review