The Road Linds Travels

My palate for the best affordable wines has certainly come a long way since the days of “Two-Buck Chuck” and the local grocery store’s $4 pinot grigio. In those days, my palate was so unrefined; I’d order the “house wine” at a Mexican restaurant, only to pay for it later. And by pay for it, I’m not talking about dollars.

In my twenties, I used to mix alcohol and often proclaimed my naïve love for tequila, more like “To Kill Ya.” Love is blind. I was tired of the liquor headaches at some stage, the bloating I’d experienced from beer was zero fun, and I stopped ordering wine at Mexican restaurants.

THE SMART SWITCH TO VINO

I cannot pinpoint the exact moment that my love for wine, or the Beverage of The Gods as I like to call it, was instilled. In fact, I think it was more gradual than it was precise. However, my first adventure to California’s central coast for wine tasting was definitely a defining moment. I fell in love with the scenery, the history, the process, and of course, the wine. I’d never heard people talk about a beverage the way they talked about vino. It was undeniably romantic, and believe it or not, I’m a hard-ass romantic. I say “hard ass” because I’m no longer hopeless.

*This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission should a purchase result from a click. This, in no way, affects you/your cost. I have personally tried and enjoyed every single wine on this list.*

Anyhow, I digress. Where were we? Ah, yes, wine! Food & Wine recently reshared its comprehensive list of the Best Affordable Red Wines under $15. I thought to myself, “Well, I can certainly do that.” In addition, a few of you have been asking me to share a list of some of my favorites. I came close to doing that with my Time to Wine Down post from late March 2021, but I thought I’d create a more curated list for the season change.

TOP TEN BEST AFFORDABLE WINES JUST IN TIME FOR FALL

With the arrival of fall and its festivities, you’re probably wondering what affordable wines to serve or to bring to your next dinner party, autumnal affair, or cozy night in. On the other hand, maybe you’re not much of a wine drinker and need to know what kind to bring to that Halloween party you were invited to last week. Whatever the case may be, look no further than below for the best affordable wines, in no particular order.

Please note, that you can find just about every wine on this list at numerous outlets, not just the ones I specifically call out. I shop primarily at Trader Joe’s and Total Wine for my vino when I’m not receiving it from the various wine clubs I’m a member of. If you have any questions regarding any of the below, please do not hesitate to reach out.

2019 Spiral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, $10.99

This bold, dark-blood red Cab packs all the punch one is looking for from the inside. If you’re one to judge a book by its cover, you’d probably pass this one on the shelves. But, if you don’t give a shit about labels, then you’ll be happy you brought this earthy and oaky red home.

2018 Domaine Rütz Sonoma Cuvée Pinot Noir, $14.99 – $25

This smooth, California Pinot Noir is high in alcohol content at 14.1% but can comfortably be enjoyed with or without food. With notes of black fruits and cedar, I won’t be surprised if it becomes everyone’s new favorite Pinot Noir as it did for my auntie when I gifted it to her a few months back. Unfortunately, it’s currently out of stock on The California Wine Club‘s website (that’s how good it is), but you can sign up to be notified of its next arrival or go directly to the source.

2018 Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel, $8.49

This delicious Zin is great for sharing at a picnic, especially with the cooler weather. That’s exactly what I was doing the last time I had this wine, and it was definitely a breezy early evening. This full-bodied red wine begins with brambleberries and a bit of spice on the nose, with a long finish that’ll leave you salivating for more. This great bottle can be found at Total Wine and Trader Joe’s.

2016 Gnekow Family Winery Campus Oaks Winemaker’s Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel, $14.99

Vintage after vintage, this wine is known to sell out, and I can certainly taste why. This is the second Zinfandel on this list and one of the best I’ve ever had. Baking spices on the nose and the palate are quintessential fall, while cherry, plum, and heavy vanilla are all noticeable and welcomed additions.

I had the pleasure of trying this wine through my California Wine Club membership. Had I not been a member, I wouldn’t have even known about this Lodi, California family winery and its tasty, affordable wines.

2018 Kono Sauvignon Blanc, $8.99

If white is more up your alley or you’re in a warmer climate (like myself over here in Southern California), then Trader Joe’s’ Kono Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is sure to be a hit. Not only is this crisp, citrusy vino one of the best affordable wines, but it pairs perfectly with sunshine and seafood. And if you’re like me, you enjoy gettin’ a little fancy and drinking wines out of their proper glassware.

2019 Val Do Sosego Albariño Rias Baixas, $14.99

This Spanish wine and second white on the list is exquisite. Albariño happens to be one of my favorite varietals after trying it in a Chicago wine bar for the first time. Floral on the nose, it finishes fruity with some delectable citrus and mineral undertones.

Val Do Sosego is Portuguese for “Quiet Valley,” perhaps named after Spain’s cool, damp region where this varietal grows best. It pairs well with salty and/or seafood. You can find this gem at Total Wine.

Cocobon Roasted Oak Blend, $6.99

Cocobon Roasted Oak is a dark red wine blended with Merlot, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah grapes. Oak and vanilla dominate the nose as this wine was aged in an espresso-toasted French oak barrel. It’s well-balanced with a rich, silky finish and strong hints of chocolate, espresso, and spice – my favorite part!

This was my go-to for a long while. Then, my allergies protested that mass-produced wines are going to uncomfortably congest me with their high levels of *sulfites. For $6.99 at Trader Joe’s, though, it was hard to stay away from.

*not everyone has adverse physical reactions to sulfites.

2017 MOONX Cabernet Sauvignon, $6.99

My mother used to gush about how well darker beers went with chocolate. I’m here to gush about how well Trader Joe’s’ bold MOONX cab pairs with chocolate, specifically dark chocolate. With smooth and spicy notes of berries and caramel, this is sure to be a favorite for the person not quite sure what their flavor profile preference is. Is it sweet, earthy, fruity, or floral? MOONX delivers something for every palate.

2019, Mollydooker Shiraz, $27.99

While this is the most expensive on the list, it’s easily one of the most interesting and best affordable wines. This Australian full-bodied and bold shiraz is nearly 16% alcohol content. Thus, it’s best enjoyed with dinner and shared with others.

Mollydooker is actually Aussie slang for “left-handed boxer,” hence the wine label. Coffee, licorice, and vanilla meet spicy and fruit-forward. I’ve seen this one at Total Wine and on the top shelf at Trader Joe’s for roughly the same price. The Mollydooker website is entertaining, too!

The Best Affordable Wines from California Wine Club

If you’re just getting into wine and/or want to learn more, The California Wine Club is a great place to start. Maybe this is a bit of a cheat to add to the list since it isn’t one specific wine, but I have discovered some of the most delicious wines through this wine club. The best part is that it’s affordable, too!

With their most popular premier membership, you can choose from two reds, two whites, or one each, and how often you receive a shipment. Along with your wine, you’ll receive the Uncorked magazine. This publication is full of so much interesting and useful information, including notes about the wines you receive. Trust me when I say you’ll be making your own top ten list of best affordable wines in no time.

California Wine Club‘s membership makes for a fantastic gift, as well, for that special wine lover in our lives! Who am I kidding? I am that special wine lover in my life!