If you’ve ever walked into a liquor store on the hunt for a great bottle of wine under $30 but ended up aimlessly browsing through the aisles like a deer in headlights—you’re going to want to keep this list handy.
Now I’ll preface these recommendations by saying that I’m by no means a sommelier, and I certainly will never claim to be. My wine knowledge comes as the result of, well, drinking a lot of it.
Plus, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with some of the world’s top winemakers over the years—and as a vino-enthusiast, you better believe I’ve always taken (mental) notes on their recommendations.
Below you’ll find a list of what would be considered—in my opinion—the best rosé wine under $30, the best red wine under $30, and the best white wines under $30. These are the wines that my husband and I find ourselves repurchasing regularly and ordering most often when we’re out to dinner.
I tried to focus on including bottles that are widely available (rather than obscure ones), so you should be able to find most of these in your local wine shop. Or, if you prefer to order online like I do, I highly recommend Drizly. (They deliver from local liquor stores and wine shops in under an hour—it’s amazing.)
Ultimately, though, wine preferences are incredibly personal. What I consider to be a fantastic bottle of wine might not be your thing. The good news is that all of these bottles are reasonably priced: all are under $30, and many are even under $15! The more of them you taste, the more you’ll get to know what’s worth repurchasing for next time.
Do you have any favorites that aren’t included in my list? Please drop them in the comments below!
Best Rosé Wine Under $30
We’ll start with my personal favorite category: rosé. If you’ve previously written off pink wine, you might reconsider after trying these fabulous suggestions.
I drink it year round, and I love that the wine is so versatile. Rosé can literally be paired with anything from seafood and sushi to a burger and fries.
My preferences typically veer more toward dry than sweet, and I’m drawn toward French rosés over other regions (though I’ve included a few non-French bottles here!)
The list below is arranged from lowest price to highest.
Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rosé
Region: Côtes De Provence, France
Tasting Notes: “The bouquet releases aromas of summer fruits, cassis and redcurrant. Floral notes of rose along with hints of grapefruit complete the picture. The finish is fresh, offering notes of candy. On the palate the impression is fresh and full, with great aromatic persistence and balance.”
Lindsay Notes: I call this my “hostess gift” rosé because it’s delicious and visually stunning. The bottle has a beautiful glass cork, and roses carved into the bottom, making for a gorgeous presentation!
Mateus Rosé
Region: Portugal
Tasting Notes: “Inside this stylish, gently curved bottle shape you will find lively flavors of red berry fruits on the palate, a bouquet of alluring floral notes and a chic pink hue borrowed from the most picturesque summer sunset.”
Lindsay Notes: I was introduced to this Portuguese rosé a few years ago and instantly loved it. The best part? It’s $13. I’ve heard from several winemakers & industry peeps that it’s well-respected in the rosé world, and that doesn’t surprise me one bit.
Rosé All Day
Region: Vin De Pays, France
Tasting Notes: “This Grenache rose has an elegant aromatic nose of red fruits and is crisp and fresh on the palate with a deliciously long, fruity finish. Perfect to enjoy with fish, chicken, prawns, sushi, Caesar salads and Mediterranean salads.”
The Palm Rosé by Whispering Angel
Region: Côtes De Provence, France
Tasting Notes: “Pale pink with green hues both of which are clear & very expressive. Great aromatic freshness on the nose followed by more subtle, fruity notes on the palate. The freshness is coupled with exceptional length and roundness. Crisp and suave finish.”
Lindsay Notes:A lower-priced version of my beloved Whispering Angel, The Palm is fabulous and fruity. It’s not as widely available as WA, but a really fun bottle if you can find it!
Fleur de Mer Rosé
Region: Côtes De Provence, France
Tasting Notes: “A brilliant coral pink color, Fleur de Mer evokes aromas and flavors of fresh watermelon, cherry, subtle citrus, peach, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. It is medium-bodied, fresh and elegant with a soft texture and mineral finish. Balanced and refreshing acidity.”
Meiomi Rosé
Region: Sonoma, California
Tasting Notes: “Meiomi Dry Rose Wine is a richly layered and expressive blush wine that opens to delicate aromas of watermelon, orange peel and subtle hints of rose petal. Each glass of wine offers mouthwatering flavors of strawberry, cranberry, watermelon and a touch of honey.”
Chateau Minuty ‘M’ Cotes de Provence Rosé
Region: Côtes De Provence, France Côtes De Provence
Tasting Notes: “The Grenache and Cinsault blend form an aromatic harmony offering notes of peach and candied orange. The flavor is crisp and round on the palate.”
Lindsay Notes: One of my all-around favorites in terms of taste and value for the price. You’ll also find Minuty on most wine lists at resorts and restaurants in warm locations, so it’s a bottle we almost always end up ordering wherever we are in the world.
AIX Provence Rosé
Region: Côtes De Provence, France
Tasting Notes: “The nose is fresh and fragrant, delicate yet youthful and offers classy notes of watermelon, strawberries and flowers. Attractively peppery Grenache brings out the richness of this fruity wine. Raspberry flavors and ripe acidity are full and generous. The finish is deliciously refreshing.”
Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé
Region: Côtes De Provence, France
Tasting Notes: “This wine shows attractive and authentic aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries and savory spices with salmon sashimi handrolls, unagi, or just by itself as an aperitif.”
Lindsay Notes: One of the very first rosés I ever fell in love with!
Diving Into Hampton Water Rosé
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Tasting Notes: “Clean and fresh, with bursts of bright red fruit flavors (cherries, strawberries, and watermelon), balanced acidity, a touch of minerality and a long, dry and refreshing finish.”
Lindsay Notes: This is a fairly new brand started by Jon Bon Jovi and his son. Despite the name, the wine is actually made in Provence, and it’s delicious.
Miraval Provence Rosé
Region: Côtes De Provence, France
Tasting Notes: “A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle, it boasts floral and melon aromas, while on the palate, it’s medium-bodied, plump and fleshy, with a zesty, tangerine-tinged finish.”
Lindsay Notes: The wine brand famously started by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. If you prefer medium-bodied wines, it’s a great option.
Domaines Ott BY.OTT Rosé
Region: Côtes De Provence, France
Tasting Notes: “Pale and pretty in crystal-clear pink with orange undertones. The nose is delicate and fruity with notes of white peach and apricot mixed with passion fruit and mango. The taste is full, fresh and crisp with echoes of the fruity aroma amplified by citrus zest and sweet spices (cinnamon and cardamom).”
Wolffer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rosé
Region: New York
Tasting Notes: “A complex and balanced rosé with flavors and aromas of in-season local fruit, like cantaloupe, pear, and stone fruits.”
JNSQ Rosé Cru
Region: Central Coast, California
Tasting Notes: “Not too sweet, but never bitter, this grenache-forward Rosé is clean and aromatic with a touch of strawberry and hints of Bing cherry. The dynamic flavors are accented with savory herbal and white floral notes that make it crisp and elegant, perfect for sipping by the pool, serving at a barbecue, or toasting over a candlelit dinner.”
Best White Wines Under $30
As you’ll likely be able to tell from my list below, I lean more toward light and crisp white wines (particularly Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand)—and if I’m drinking a Chardonnay, I’m personally not a fan of anything super oaky.
The list below is arranged from lowest price to highest.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
Region: Washington, United States
Tasting Notes: “The Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling is a dry, refreshing style of Riesling with beautiful fruit flavors, crisp acidity and an elegant finish. It offers inviting sweet citrus aromas and flavors. This is an incredibly versatile food wine and my favorite with oysters.”
Matua Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting Notes: “This classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is deliciously pure, bursting with citrus notes with a hint of grapefruit and basil. The palate is fresh and vibrant with concentrated blackcurrant leaf and a hint of nettle and green melon.”
Lindsay Notes: One of top go-to sauvignon blancs. Such a great bottle for the price.
Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting Notes: “Enticing citrus notes and tropical flavors – youthful, elegant and fresh with a lingering, zesty finish.”
Lindsay Notes: This is another one of go-to sauvignon blancs. You’ll find it at almost every wine or liquor store, so if you’re in the market for a reliable bottle, Oyster Bay is it.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
Region: California, United States
Tasting Notes: “Handcrafted in small vineyard lots throughout the entire winemaking process, our grapes are from California’s cool, coastal growing regions. Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is fruit-forward, divinely complex, approachable and exceptionally food-friendly.”
Lindsay Notes: As I mentioned, I’m not really a fan of overly oak-y chardonnay. This one is perfect in my opinion and pairs really well with salmon. This honey-glazed salmon recipe is a favorite!
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting Notes: “The nose has hints of tropical fruits of pineapple and mango with intense citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit and a zesty concentration. Underlying herbal notes show as wet stone minerality. A fresh, juicy wine with vibrant acidity and plenty of weight and length on the palate.”
La Crema Monterey Chardonnay
Region: California, United States
Tasting Notes: “Aromas of Meyer lemon, grilled pineapple, and guava are followed by flavors of nectarine, papaya, and lemon-tangerine, with touches of spice and minerality. The balanced acidity lingers on a long finish.”
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting Notes: “A vibrant, perfumed Sauvignon Blanc characterized by freshly squeezed citrus and dried herbs. The wines juicy palate and fresh acidity upfront is followed by a soft, round texture. Pair with fresh, simple seafood dishes especially oysters. Also compliments goat’s cheese well.”
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio DOC
Region: Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige
Tasting Notes: “With its straw yellow color, clean intense aroma, and dry golden apple taste, this Italian signature Pinot Grigio is full of authentic, flavorful personality. It goes wonderfully with fresh cheeses, seafood, pasta, and rice dishes, as well as white meats and soufflés.”
Lindsay Notes: Lives up to the hype. A great bottle of wine to bring to a party when you’re not sure what everyone else likes to drink, because it’s a universal favorite. Pairs well with a rich bolognese.
Jermann Pinot Grigio
Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Tasting Notes: “Beautifully pure, elegant, floral Pinot Grigio. The bouquet is full and fruity. A touch of almonds and vanilla, a hint of fruit and spice on the palate, a smooth and dry full-bodied white which is particularly harmonious and accessible.”
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre
Region: Loire, France
Tasting Notes: “Pale and vibrant in color. Pascal Jolivet Sancerre is fresh, clean and screaming with racy acidity. On the palate it is fresh and tightly wound; acidity is tempered by very subtle residual sugar; very clean; alive, racy, youthful. Overall, a dry and elegant wine.”
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting Notes: “Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is immediately expressive in the glass, with notes of bright, ripe citrus, kaffir lime, passion fruit and white peach. The palate is vibrant and mouthwatering, with concentrated, juicy tropical notes melding with zesty citrus, stone fruits and subtle notes of orchard blossom.”
Lindsay Notes: I hate that Cloudy Bay is so heavily marked up at restaurants, but I always find myself ordering it anyway. It’s so damn good.
Best Red Wine Under $30
I’m admittedly less well-versed in red wine than I am with rosés and whites, but these are bottles I personally enjoy—and they’re also recommendations that other people regularly mention to me as favorites.
What’s nice is that a lot of these bottles are under $15…so buy two while you’re at it!
The list below is arranged from lowest price to highest.
Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: North Coast, Sonoma County, California
Tasting Notes: “Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon showcases dark jammy fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry and a hint of nutmeg. A big, full-bodied wine, this Cab has firm tannins and a smooth mouthfeel that lead the way to a dark chocolate mocha finish.”
Bogle Merlot
Region: Central Coast, California
Tasting Notes: “Gorgeous in the glass with rich hues of garnet, the first impressions entice with aromas of sandalwood, vanilla and black cherry. The mouthwatering entry is full of red plums and cherries, while the middle palate of the wine softens with touches of cola and a smooth and silky mouthfeel.”
Menage A Trois Red
Region: California, United States
Tasting Notes: “Ménage à Trois exposes the fresh, ripe, jam like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Forward, silky and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats and chicken.”
19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: South Australia, Australia
Tasting Notes: “19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon conjures up red currants, dark berries and sweet vanilla oak in a passing smell. Caramel lurks in the back. Firm cabernet tannins and red fruits let the flavor linger after each nip.”
Apothic Red
Region: California, United States
Tasting Notes: “Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.”
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
Tasting Notes: “Round and juicy, this Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of blackberry, toasted hazelnut and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.”
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Sonoma County, California
Tasting Notes: “On the palate, the lush fruit flavors are framed by rich tannins and hints of sweet oak and spice.”
Adelsheim Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Tasting Notes: “This wine displays red aromas (candied cherry, pomegranate and raspberry) on the nose and the palate. In addition, one finds a light touch of brown spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, all-spice).”
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
Tasting Notes: “Balanced oak, vanilla spice and brioche notes mixed with classic savory cabernet varietal cues mingle on the mid-palate. The finish is moderately long and fresh with sustained rounded fruit and lingering baking spice balanced nicely by firm, smooth tannins.”
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