Great-Tasting Red Wines Under $20

While expensive wine can be amazing, great wine does not have to cost a lot. Our roundup of the best value red wines under $20 is based on professional reviews and competition results, as well as insider knowledge, to ensure that every bottle offers a great deal. Most are widely distributed across the country, although prices and availability vary by state. (No vintages are specified, because these inexpensive wines, many of them red blends, are generally made in a consistent style year after year.) Weather and grape yields also play a role, and many of these great wines are cheaper than when Cheapism looked a year ago.

In search of an inexpensive chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, or another white wine? Be sure to check out 20 Good White Wines for $20 or Less.

Prices and availability are subject to change. 

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$11 from Wine.com

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Interested in trying a wine some consider one of the top 10 best wines for an inexpensive option? Situated along the Columbia River in Washington state's wine-rich Columbia Valley, Columbia Crest produces wines that have won awards (not unlike fellow statesman Charles Smith) from Wine Spectator, among others, and has a deserved reputation for excellence. This is a full red wine with plenty of spice and fruit.

Related: Great Wines Under $20 From Every State

$10 from Vivino

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This all-purpose, medium-bodied red is made with sustainably grown grapes from Chile. The flavors are light and typical of the variety, offering hints of cherries and red berries. It works especially well chilled, in warm weather or with spicy foods.

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$10 from Total Wine & More

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Cline Cellars has been making rich and indulgent wines in the family tradition from Sonoma County, California, since the 1990s and is responsible for some of the best, inexpensive red wines on the market. Its entry-level zinfandel offers plenty of ripe berry and spice flavor. It is smooth enough to enjoy on its own and powerful enough to pair with steak.

Looking for more tips on which wines to pick? Be sure to check out How to Spot a Good, Cheap Bottle of Wine.

$4 from Total Wine

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Some of the best inexpensive red wines can be bought for well under $10. Along with the wines of Chateau Souverain and the red blend Apothic Crush, this California line represents one of the best values in domestic wines. The cabernet is round and smooth, with supporting notes of raspberries, blackcurrants, and hints of earth. It is a cheerful wine and, at this price point, one of the best red wines for any occasion, be it casual or fancy.

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$13 from Wine.com

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While New Zealand, Rhone Valley, and Sonoma County get plenty of notice for their wines, don't overlook Spain as a source for some of the best inexpensive red wines. An organic wine from Jumilla, this all-purpose red has a medium body, flavors of spicy red fruit, and notes of earthy foliage, baking spices, and ripe red berries. Soft enough to be enjoyed without food, it also pairs well with grilled meats and hearty vegetables. It's certainly one of the best values and one of the best cheap red wines to look for the next time you're at the grocery store.

Casual wine drinkers focused on affordability and convenience will find a lot to like at Wine.com. The online seller boasts the largest selection of wines in the world, as well as a host of wine-related gifts and accessories for one-stop shopping.

$18 from BevMo!

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This is an elegant wine with deeply concentrated flavors of black cherry, red plums, and spice-laden cassis and one of the best red wines to pair with a stew or meat dish. The Central Coast of California is known for producing best value wines of considerable heft, and this full-bodied wine is typical of the bold style.

$19 from WineDeals

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Made from grapes sourced from different subregions within California's Central Coast, the entire Foxglove line is quick to sell out, thanks to its reputation for delicious, high-value wines. The cabernet sauvignon is typical of the region, with notes of currants and green bell pepper and one of the best wines to pick for a casual meal.

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$15 from Total Wine

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The best red wine is a matter of taste, but this one is worthy of consideration no matter what. Emilio Moro is a well-known producer from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, famous for powerful and luscious red wines that are best paired with hearty meals. This wine is in line with the traditional style, offering big flavors of chocolate, blackberries, and hot and sweet spices, with a long, velvety finish.

Love your reds and want to expand your palate? Choose from a wide selection of  top-rated local and international wines, along with educational wine guides and tasting tips at Wine Insiders. Join the Wine Insiders Club to have sampling cases shipped quarterly.

$14 from Wine.com

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From one of the most popular producers from South Africa, this cabernet sauvignon rosé has been a popular bottle since it was first released in 1999. It's a particularly full-flavored rosé with tons of berry and black cherry flavors.

$13 from Wine.com

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Need a tasty pinot noir wine recommendation? From Mendocino, California, this medium-bodied pinot noir wine is one of Castle Rock's top 10 sellers and widely recognized as a good value and one of the best pinot noirs. The flavors of this sweet red include bright cherry, hints of violet, and plenty of earthy herbs. Delicious on its own, it would also pair well with duck or turkey.

$14 from Wine.com

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From producer Bibi Graetz, this juicy wine from Tuscany, Italy, is an old standby for inexpensive, high-quality red table wine. Made from 100 percent sangiovese grapes, it has a tart and tangy profile full of red fruit and spice not unlike some wines by Chateau Soverain that is begging to be paired with red sauce, from pizza to lasagna to mushroom bolognese.

$5 from Total Wine

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Hailing from southeastern Australia, this cheap and cheerful wine is an all-purpose, easy-drinking red. Round and smooth, in true merlot fashion, it features ripe red berry flavors with some herbal notes underneath. Keeping a couple of these on hand for impromptu occasions is always a good idea.

$9 from Wine.com

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Ravenswood is known for its zinfandel, which gets its powerful kick from the old vines from Sonoma, California. In this yearly release, flavors of blueberry, black cherry, chocolate, and spice are all rolled up into a velvety-smooth, full body. Open it on a cozy night by the fire.

$16 from Wine.com

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A tried-and-true classic, Louis Jadot's Beaujolais-Villages is a standard among wine enthusiasts. The medium-bodied red is full of plum, berry, spice, and earth flavors that combine to make a balanced wine. Not unlike a vinho verde, it is smooth and light enough to stand alone and plenty flavorful enough to go with food, making it the best wine to take on a dinner date.

$16 from Wine.com

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From producer Tasca d'Almerita in Sicily, this wine is one of many bottles proving that the Italian island is home to some of the very best wine values worldwide. The bright juicy wine is medium-bodied with considerable cherry and raspberry flavors. A long finish highlights the silky texture.

$10 from Drizly
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Indaba is a consistently inexpensive and good-quality producer of red and white wines from South Africa. In this red blend, Bordeaux grape varieties create a supple, smooth, and rich wine with flavors of cranberry and baking spices.

$7 from Total Wine

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Packed in environmentally friendly Tetra Pak containers, this crisp and easy-drinking California wine comes in a liter size. That's 25 percent larger than a regular bottle, making the savings even more pronounced. The flavor profile is supple, round, and smooth.

$13 from Astor Wines & Spirits
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Chilean wine is becoming known for sophisticated flavors and low prices, and Chono cabernet is a good example why. This full-bodied red is laden with flavors of tobacco, cocoa, and black raspberries, with distinct green pepper notes coming through. This is the bottle for a steak dinner.

Looking for wines for pairing and special occasions? The Martha Stewart Wine Co. provides a variety of thoughtfully curated packs, from "Great Wines for Grilling" to a "Fireside Cabs Collection" meant to accompany fall feasts.

$13 from New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet
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Having a good go-to malbec is important, because it has become one of the most popular varieties in the United States. This example from an organic Argentinian producer delivers the full-body, dark fruit flavors, and silky tannins that people have come to love in malbec.

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$9 from Total Wine
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Petite sirah is a variety of grape that makes intense wines with a deep concentration of ripe plums and berry flavors along with considerable spice. This California version does not disappoint, offering all the typical flavors in an inexpensive bottle.

$12 from Total Wine
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Inexpensive pinot noir can be difficult to find from any country. This Oregon producer prides itself on upholding strict quality standards while creating an affordable, everyday wine. The pinot noir has flavors of cherries and flowers, a medium body, and a silky finish.

$15 from Wine.com
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When you've grown tired of sauvignon blanc, consider a wine recommendation for a Spanish red. This tried-and-true wine from the Rioja region of Spain is made from 100 percent tempranillo grapes. Oak aging gives the red berries and bramble fruit a smoky background note with hints of vanilla and coconut similar to those of Dreaming Tree wines. This is a top choice for serving alongside roasted lamb.

$8 from Total Wine
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A classic California producer, Gnarly Head has an entire line of wines made from old vines that provide depth of character and concentration. No matter what the vintage, this zinfandel is a full-bodied wine that leads with spicy blueberries and blackberries and notes of dark roasted coffee.

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$20 from Wine.com
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Washington has more outstanding wines than just Charles Smith. In production since 1987, this blend from Washington state's Columbia Valley is a standby for delicious red wine at a good price. It's a structured, balanced wine with black and red fruit flavors, bright acidity, and a smooth, medium body.

$9 from Wine.com

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Some of the best wines are surprisingly cheap. This medium-bodied, spicy, and fruity wine is an easy-drinking all-purpose red. Tasty on its own, it also pairs well with many types of food, from burgers to Thai. The blend of grapes from the Rhône region of France creates a smooth texture.

$9 from Wine.com
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Before you reach for a pricier Cabernet, consider this great wine that costs less than $10. This malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, retains all the bold and concentrated flavors of malbec, such as plum, chocolate, and coffee. The body is full and plush, making it an easy wine to pair with grocery store or Trader Joe's staples like steaks, mushrooms, and cheeses.

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$14 from Ship to Shore Wine Shop
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From the Italian wine region Abruzzo, this is an easy-drinking wine that suits most any occasion. It's a crowd-pleaser with a medium body, flavors of red fruit, and hints of spice.

$7 from Total Wine
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In this blend, five grapes from various regions in California come together to create a well-integrated and drinkable red wine. Flavors of red fruit and baking spices and a velvety finish characterize this anytime wine.

$14 from Total Wine

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This straightforward cabernet is spice forward, with elements of black peppercorn, menthol, and cinnamon all wrapped up in fine tannins that are satiny on the palate. This wine from Paso Robles, California, has been given high scores by Wine Spectator for its quality.

$15 from Wine.com
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Having made appearances on various lists for its quality and value, Geyser Peak sets a benchmark for inexpensive wines that taste good. The cabernet sauvignon is a blend of flavors that will be familiar to fans of Dreaming Tree wines, mixing blackberry preserves with herbs like rosemary and thyme and a hint of nuttiness on the back end.

$17 from The Wine Authority
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This is one of the few New York wines that sells for less than $20 and maintains a high level of quality. This great wine is a food-friendly red from a leading producer, and it's rich with smoky cedar notes that mingle with the intense red fruit and overall smooth and dry palate.

$19 from Wine.com
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Barbera is one of the premier grapes from the Piedmont region of Italy. While most of the wines from this area are quite expensive, this juicy, medium-bodied wine allows drinkers to savor the flavors of the region for less.

$13 from Wine.com
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When grown in Australia, the syrah grape is called shiraz and makes a richer, fuller wine than syrah from other areas of the world. This example is full-bodied and full of plush red and black fruit flavors, along with baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and mace.

$16 from Total Wine
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This traditional Italian wine still comes with a straw and twig decoration that people who have been drinking wine for 30 years will remember. With easygoing flavors of red raspberry, baked cherry, and herbal undertones, it's a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion.

$14 from Total Wine
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This sturdy wine from California can be a workhorse during any season. The full body encompasses traditional flavors of red and black currants, blackberries, and hints of green peppers that are classic and balanced.

$17 from Total Wine
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A fuller style of pinot noir from California, this wine is for those who love the delicate floral and cherry flavors of pinot but want a rich and bold wine. The silky body continues to develop and unveil flavors of mushroom and earth as the bottle breaths.

$13 from Wine Chateau
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A classic Argentinian malbec from producer Dante Robino, this red is full-bodied, with smooth flavors of blackberry, black cherries, and juicy plums. Undertones of cocoa powder and hints of cayenne pepper keep the overall profile dry and well-matched for rich meat dishes.

$11 from Total Wine
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This full and fruity red blend expresses an easy-drinking side of the infamous Bordeaux wine region of France. There are firm tannins to keep the overall finish dry while pairing well with rich foods like steak and hard cheeses (pick some up some next time you're at the grocery store or Trader Joe's for an elegant evening). Drink with a slight chill to mimic cellar temperature.

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