The truth is, most of us probably don’t know an expensive wine from an inexpensive one. Here’s a big hack for the wine world: Buy what you like, skip what you don’t. It’s that simple. Why pass up your favorite wine just because it costs $14? The Sam’s Club wine department is a terrific place to stock up for cheap. Here are 20 wines under $20, all well-reviewed on Vivino.
Prices and availability are subject to change. Estimated prices are based on membership pricing.
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Related: Great-Tasting Red Wines Under $20
JaM Cellars Butter Chardonnay
Estimated Price: $13
A nice, buttery, oaky chardonnay is a classic. Drinkers have called this one a “lovely expression of warmer climate chardonnay.”
Related: Here’s How to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew
Tropical Moscato Mango
Estimated Price: $10
Something this sweet doesn’t appeal to everyone, but if you’re looking for a slightly carbonated, syrupy, and tropical drink to kick back with in a beach chair, this might be the one.
Related: Affordable Wine Clubs That Will Satisfy Even the Snobs
J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated Price: $13
This rich, dark cab has been described as “fairly dry, but with strong fruit flavors. Concentrated—a bit jammy—, but with nice palate cleansing tannins.” Pair this bad boy with beef or lamb.
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La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Estimated Price: $14
A classic California chardonnay that doesn’t even top $15 is always nice. “Great buttery, creamy quality. Very smooth. Oak backing. Tropical fruit on the finish,” one reviewer says.
Stella Rosa Stella Rosso
Estimated Price: $11
Gotta love any wine that sounds like you’re casting a spell when you say it out loud. This northern Italian red pairs nicely with beef, pasta, and game.
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La Marca Prosecco
Estimated Price: $13
Some cured meats and cheese will be welcome accompaniments to this bottle of sparkling wine. One reviewer pointed out notes of “citrus apple, floral honeysuckle with a mild dry finish. Crisp wine that’s easy drinking.”
The Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel
Estimated Price: $11
Look, you may not feel like the fanciest person in town while drinking an $11 bottle of wine whose name contains a pun, but the fact is that people love this zinfandel. Bold, semi-smooth, and not too acidic, you’ll probably taste chocolate and black fruits.
Stella Rosa Stella Peach
Estimated Price: $10
If low-alcohol, peachy wines are for you, then we don’t understand each other very well. There are plenty who do though, including one reviewer who says, “Talk about an absolutely gorgeous wine! I can really taste peach and almond in every single sip. Goes exceptionally well with chilled shrimp &/or warm scallops.”
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Cook’s California Champagne Brut
Estimated Price: $13
That’s right — the Cheapism staff isn’t too good for Cook’s. This stuff gets the job done, and for any sort of mimosa situation, you can’t top the value.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Estimated Price: $13
A dry, acidic New Zealand white, you’ll get notes of citrus and green apple. Throw some goat cheese and crackers on the table for snacking.
Stella Rosa Blueberry Wine
Estimated Price: $10
A $10 blueberry wine with over 100 positive reviews on the Sam’s website is quite a thing. This is what makes America great. Nobody tell Ben Wyatt.
Kendall-Jackson Avant Unoaked Chardonnay
Estimated Price: $12
For only $12, this bold chardonnay is an excellent grab. “Clean, fresh, and not oaky,” says one reviewer.
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated Price: $12
There is almost nothing funnier to me than a bottle of wine with a beautiful script font that simply reads: “Josh.” A California cab of this quality isn’t easy to come by at this price point.
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rye Barrel-Aged Red Blend
Estimated Price: $12
Here’s an extra bold rye barrel-aged blend from the legendary Robert Mondavi, which drinkers have pointed out contains notes of dark chocolate, plum, and cherry.
Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated Price: $14
Let’s not pretend like we haven’t all been at a point in our lives when we were ready to throw down on some boxed wine. Pour this guy into a glass and nobody will have any idea. Our little secret.
Black Box Chardonnay
Estimated Price: $15Shop Now
While you’re in the practice of tricking your red wine drinkers into enjoying boxed wine, don’t forget that you also have the opportunity to trick your white wine drinkers. Not interested in deception? Take the thing to the beach and slap the bag.
Michael David Winery Petite Petit
Estimated Price: $13
Sure, maybe this Petite Sirah is bold, dry, and smoky, but the cover art depicts two elephants sitting in thrones, for Pete’s sake. What other reasons could you possibly need to pick this bottle up?
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated Price: $13
As one reviewer asks, “Why can’t all cabs at this price point have this flavor and complexity? Some cocoa notes and black currant with toast. Always enjoyable.”
Cooper and Thief Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Blend
Estimated Price: $19
The Sam’s Club wine aisle might be one of the only places you can nab this barrel-aged blend for under $20, as it generally retails closer to $30. Pour this alongside a beautiful cut of steak or lamb.
Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated Price: $15
Michael David Winery isn’t done with its circus antics yet, as is on display with Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon. Another steal for the price, one wine drinker says, “A good wine for under $20. This delivered nicely. Good fruit and very balanced. Would buy again.”
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