10 Great Holiday Wines For $30 Or Less

Uncork awesomely affordable bottles chosen by the experts at Wine Spectator.

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Wine Spectator has unveiled its Top 100 Wines of 2020, the wine bible’s selection of the most exciting wines reviewed this past year. The top bottle is a classic Rioja, from Spain’s premier producing region, but the list spans a variety of fine wines from 15 countries. Here, 10 affordable holiday bottles–all except one are $30 or less–expertly selected from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2020.

Invivo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough X, Sarah Jessica Parker 2019

90 Points

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFmtYqBn-cQ

Yes, that SJP, star of Sex and the City, is making a crisp, lively white from New Zealand. From $20

Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli 2017 

91 Points

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFT2vOVn8UQ

If you enjoy the refreshing flavors of Pinot Grigio, take a step up in depth and complexity with this version from northeast Italy. From $30

Reata Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2018 

90 Points 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7luUWlHY5E

Chardonnay is America’s favorite white wine, and this California version shows why; it’s rich, spicy and balanced. From $20

Klinker Brick Grenache Blanc Lodi 2019 

90 Points

https://www.instagram.com/p/BygNhR2HPqP

The obscure grape, the undervalued region, the small, feisty winery – what’s not to like in this bold California white? From $15

El Cep Brut Cava Gelida Gran Reserva 2015 

90 points

Holidays demand sparkling wine, and this Spanish version is zesty and expressive. From $20

Marchese de’ Frescobaldi Chianti Classico Tenuta Perano 2015 

92 Points

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw9x9vqlQyX

The Frescobaldi family has been making wine in Tuscany for generations; their experience pays off in this savory red. From $24

Stoller Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 

90 Points

https://www.instagram.com/p/CI0nIzMB7NR

Oregon has earned a great reputation for its Pinot Noir, which is arguably the most food-friendly red. The 2018 vintage produced excellent wines. From $20

Domaine Bousquet Malbec Tupungato 2019 

90 Points 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFgOM6GnrNT

Argentina has found success with its bold, fruity reds from the Malbec grape. This one has textbook character at a great price. From $13

Bollinger Brut Champagne La Grande Annee 2012

97 Points

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Hj_enq0Kg

For a lucky few, 2020 was “a great year,” as this classic sparkler is called. So go ahead and indulge yourselves – you’ve earned it. From $175

Chateau Cambon La Pelouse Haut-Medoc 2017 

90 Points

This red Bordeaux is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, made from organic and sustainable vineyards, in a balanced, elegant style. From $20

To see the full list of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2020, go here. 

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