16 Wines for $10 or Less to Pour at Holiday Parties

Wine is widely appreciated at the holidays as a host gift, at the dinner table, or at a party, but finding an eminently drinkable one that won’t drain the wallet can be a challenge. Based on expert recommendations and tastings, Cheapism has rounded up 20 enjoyable wines — reds, whites, and more — for $10 or less (for a 750-milliliter bottle; prices and distribution vary). While they may not demonstrate remarkable complexity or depth, there are some delicious, easy-to-love wines that will satisfy a diverse gathering of friends and family.

INDABA CHARDONNAY

Price: $10 | Buy it at Wine.comThe flavors of holiday meals and parties tend to be big and robust. This full, fruity, and creamy chardonnay is the perfect complement to rich dishes such as ham, turkey, and mashed potatoes and gravy. The dry crispness of the finish makes the wine as refreshing as it is indulgent. Coming from South Africa, it is also an opportunity to introduce guests or a host to a lesser-known wine-producing region.

CRANE LAKE PINOT GRIGIO

Price: $5 | Buy it at Wine Deals Pinot grigio is a must-have for white wine drinkers. The most common white wine, it is a crowd pleaser with enjoyable flavors. This typical example from California offers crisp, white fruit flavors and a dry, mineral core that satisfies equally on its own or alongside nearly any food.

CONO SUR BICICLETA SAUVIGNON BLANC

Price: $10 | Buy it at Wine.comRefreshing, tart, and light, sauvignon blanc is a recognizable option for white wine drinkers. Ideal as an aperitif, this Chilean wine is ideal for cocktail hour but has enough fruitiness to enjoy alongside a full meal. The price is so good that you don’t have to feel guilty about using this white wine for spritzers.

SEGURA VIUDAS BRUT CAVA

Price: $8 | Buy it at Wine.comThe holidays offer many opportunities for celebrations, and a toast with sparkling wine is a festive addition to any gathering. Skip the expensive Champagne and go for this Spanish cava, which offers many of the same elements. Made using the same method as traditional Champagne, the small bubbles offer a piquant texture accompanied by a tart, citrusy tang.

GNARLY HEAD OLD VINE ZIN

Price: $10 | Buy it at Wine.comThis one perennially impresses wine critics, competition judges, and consumers. The bold flavors are dark: smoky plum, silky chocolate, and black fruit. Multiple vintages have been named Wine Enthusiast best buys and accumulated accolades.

LA VIEILLE FERME ROUGE

Price: $8 | Buy it at ShopWineDirect.com This very pretty French wine results from a blend of carignan, grenache, cinsault, and syrah. It has a light body, with delicate floral and mineral notes, and tastes of strawberries and red raspberries. It goes down very easy.

DARK HORSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Price: $8 | Buy it at Total Wine This domestic wine is a delicious, powerful red that tastes of blackberries, black cherries, and spicy tobacco. A firm tannic structure makes it an ideal match for grilled meats and perfectly cooked steaks.

LUZON JUMILLA VERDE

Price: $7 | Buy it at Get Wine Online This Spanish red is earthy, rich, and full of spicy red fruit that works in a variety of settings, from elaborate holiday dinners to casual happy hour drinks. The grapes are grown organically, using ladybugs in place of chemicals to control vine pests.

CORTIJO RIOJA

Price: $10 | Buy it at Wines AnywhereThis silky-smooth Spanish wine has undertones of hearty herbs and spice aromas through and through. Pair it with lamb, grilled meats, and dark green veggies to bring out the raspberry notes.

A3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Price: $7 | Buy it at Total Wine This is an easy-drinking red that’s ideal for a midweek meal of roast chicken, pasta with meatballs, or a hearty vegetable stew. Hints of cherry and vanilla give this a lighter mouthfeel than other cabs.

BOGLE MERLOT 2015

Price: $9 | Buy it at Wine.com From California, this merlot is a true expression of the grape — soft, fruity, and easy to enjoy. It delivers a lot of fruit with background notes of black pepper and hints of smoky tobacco.

BANDIT PINOT GRIGIO

Price: $7 | Buy it at Total Wine Non-vintage Bandit Pinot Grigio comes in Tetra Pak that give buyers more for the money. The simple wine is clean and crisp, with a hint of fruity tartness.

CASTILLO PERELADA BLANC PESCADOR

Price: $9 | Buy it at Empire WineA top-selling favorite in Spain, this white is made from the same grapes as cava, the country’s premier sparkling wine. Sporting a slight effervescence and a balanced and earthy flavor profile, it merges citrus flavors with fresh herbs to produce a perfect accompaniment to fish and other seafood.

DOMAINE L’ENCLOS COLOMBARD UGNI BLANC

Price: $8 | Buy it at Wine Made EasyThis wine from Gascony in southwest France blends two grapes (colombard and ugni blanc) not associated with single-variety wines. As a result they are sold for cheap, and the winemaker passes on the low cost to consumers. The wine is crisp, similar to sauvignon blanc, and tastes of green apple and citrus fruit.

FLIP FLOP RIESLING

Price: $5 | Buy it at Marketview Liquor With juicy flavors of peaches and lemony citrus that strike a balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing, it manages to be both tasty and cheap.

JELU MALBEC

Price: $10 | Buy it at Valley Fine WinesMalbec continues to be a darling of the wine world, beloved by generations of wine drinkers. The big, soft fruit, subtle spice, and full body of South American malbec make it easy to love. This food-friendly wine from Argentina is a good option for a holiday feast with a lot of different dishes.