Trying to navigate your way through the world of wine can be intimidating. Not only are there an overwhelming number of wines to choose from, but there is sometimes a snobby vibe in the air when you dare to visit a tasting room or vineyard.
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When you are new to wine, it’s best to think about it in very simple terms–do you like it or not? Yes, there are aging processes that change the flavor, and some wines come from specific regions or pair well with certain foods. But when you are trying to find what works best for you, you just have to sample different kinds until you discover something that tastes good.
Another thing to remember is that great wine doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, you can find some tasty wines that cost just a few dollars per bottle.
Here are 17 of the best wines under $10:
1. Cupcake Prosecco ($8)
This pleasant, very drinkable prosecco is pale lemon in color and has a well-balanced citrus-and-grapefruit flavor with hints of golden apple, white peach, and lemon zest. The acidity is solid from the first drink to the last. This sparkling wine won’t break the bank, and it is easy to find in stores.
2. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($10)
This California cab is a white wine blended with syrah, carignan, malbec, petite syrah, and petit verdot. It has a complex fruit flavor with hints of cherry, plum, blackberry, toasty oak, and a little spice. It has a smooth texture and a dry finish and is a popular everyday wine from the consistently good Robert Mondavi Private Selection.
3. Roscato Rosso Dolce Sweet Red ($9)
This delicately sweet and fizzy red wine is from the Northern Italian region of Lombardy, and it makes a great aperitif. If you are new to red wine, this one is a great place to start because it is sweet and easy to drink. And it tastes even better chilled, which isn’t common for red wine.
4. Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling ($8)
From Washington’s Columbia Valley, this medium-to-dry riesling with hints of lime, apple, and peach goes well with a wide variety of dishes, from crab to cheeses to Indian curries. The acidity offsets some of the sweet flavor, and the wine has a pleasant, lively mouthfeel. Simply put, this riesling is a delight to drink.
5. Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon ($9)
Available exclusively at Costco, this merlot-cabernet blend offers great flavor at a low price. It has a deep red color, a dark and fruity flavor, and a dry, lasting finish. To get the best flavor from this wine, you should give it some time to breathe before drinking it.
6. Yellow Tail Shiraz ($5)
This Australian wine is easy to drink thanks to its smooth flavor of red berries, licorice, and spice. You will notice an aroma of berry, butterscotch, and vanilla, and the taste is a nice balance of sweet and earthy. Yellow Tail shiraz is a classic red wine that pairs perfectly with steak.
7. Ménage À Trois California Red ($10)
The flavors of ripe jam and red fruit in Ménage À Trois will please anyone’s palate. This fruit-forward wine from California is fun to drink, and it goes well with grilled meats and chicken. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or to enjoy at the end of a long day.
8. Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin ($10)
This Zinfandel is a bold wine with berry flavors and layers of vanilla, spice, plum, and pepper. Gnarly Head makes this wine with grapes from some of the oldest vines in California, and the fruit gives the wine an intense flavor. This wine pairs well with dark chocolate, chicken, and beef dishes.
9. 14 Hands Pinot Gris ($9)
This crisp and refreshing Washington wine features aromas of pear, cantaloupe, apple, and honeysuckle. Perfect for a seafood dinner, this is a dry white with a lot of depth and character.
10. Clos Du Bois Chardonnay ($10)
This medium-bodied white wine has a solid, fruity flavor with notes of green apple and pear, a silky texture, and a buttery finish. This is a refreshing chardonnay that goes well with fish, creamy pasta, and chicken dishes.
11. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon ($8)
This is a bold wine with a fruity aroma and notes of spice, chocolate, and vanilla. Full-bodied and dry, this wine goes well with spicy food and is one of the best cabs that you will find at this price point.
12. Apothic Red ($10)
This fruit-forward, full-bodied blend of zinfandel, syrah, and merlot pairs well with pizza, pasta, and red meat entrées. It tastes like rhubarb, black cherry, vanilla, and mocha. It’s the perfect sipping wine to try while you’re visiting with friends.
13. Aila Sauvignon Blanc ($10)
This wine from Chile smells of fresh herbs and grass. Its sweet, fruity flavor and juicy finish pair well with light dishes like salads, cheese, and fish. The screw cap on the bottle means you won’t need a wine key to open it, so you’ll have easy access.
14. Trinity Oaks Chardonnay ($9)
This Chardonnay is aromatic and fruity with notes of citrus, pineapple, and sweet oak. The medium-bodied and well-balanced white wine pairs well with fish and poultry, and the winery promises to plant a tree for every bottle purchased.
15. Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé ($9)
This South African rosé is bright pink and extremely flavorful. You will immediately notice the raspberry, strawberry, and rose aroma and the fruity flavor. This wine pairs well with a variety of foods and is a great affordable option.
16. Mirassou Moscato ($10)
If you are looking for summer in a bottle, try this affordable and popular Moscato. This tasty California wine is sweet and bubbly, with flavor notes of peach, tangerine, melon, and honeysuckle. The scent of orange blossoms and ripe citrus will fill the air when you open the bottle. The wine pairs well with cheese and steak.