People buy more wine during the last three months of the year than any other time, and they buy more of that wine in December than any other month. That’s no real surprise — from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is a parade of holidays, family get-togethers, work parties, and more. Dry January? Sure. Dry December? Dream on.
While we are 100% certain that you, our readers, are more savvy, wine-invested, and all-around fun-loving than everyone else (not to mention better cooks), we’re pretty sure you’re in line with the rest of the country in terms of the most popular grape varieties to seek out. Not too surprisingly, the top searches for affordable wines during the holidays are for sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
So here’s a grab bag of the best values in those five categories for holiday drinking, none over $25 a bottle. And as always, when buying wine for parties, remember that many stores offer case discounts of 10% to 15% or so. Always good to ask. Here are 32 excellent celebratory wines all under $25 to buy this holiday season.
jennifer causey / food styling by margaret monroe dickey / prop styling by christina daley
Pinot Noir
It can be challenging to find Pinot Noir that’s both affordable and appealing and that also captures the grape’s unique gift for balancing intensity and weightlessness without going over the $25 threshold. And yet, after much hunting and tasting, we found a few Pinot unicorns: Here are four to look for. — Lucy Simon
2023 DeLoach Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir ($15)
It’s hard to find a better California Pinot at this price. DeLoach is known for their higher-end Russian River Valley Pinots, and the same care goes into its Heritage Reserve wines. This red is full of rich cherry-berry fruit with warm baking-spice aromas.
2024 Yering Station Paddock Rise Pinot Noir ($19)
The Yarra Valley, in the heart of Victoria, Australia’s southernmost state on the mainland, has cool-climate conditions that yield fascinating wines like this lightly herbal Pinot Noir; its flavors suggest green tea and first-of-the-season strawberries.
2023 Muri-Gries Alto Adige Pinot Nero ($20)
In Italy’s northernmost region, Alto Adige (also known as Südtirol), Pinot Noir (or Pinot Nero, as it’s known locally) has been grown since the early 1800s. At Muri-Gries, a historic winery located in a former monastery, Pinot Nero shows its autumnal side with notes of tea leaves and dried fruit.
2023 Acrobat Oregon Pinot Noir ($24)
With grapes from the Willamette Valley and, just south, the Rogue Valley, this red uses stainless steel fermentation and nine months in French oak barrels (only 20% new) to let its classic Oregon Pinot Noir flavors shine. Think red cherries, raspberry, and a hint of spice.
jennifer causey / food styling by margaret monroe dickey / prop styling by christina daley
Cabernet Sauvignon
A main-course roast deserves a red with some depth and power, and that’s what Cabernet Sauvignon delivers. While top versions from Napa Valley and Bordeaux can cost hundreds of dollars, there are still-impressive Cabernets from regions around the world that you can stock up on by the case, without wondering afterward why your wallet is so alarmingly empty. —Ray Isle
2024 Comtesse Marion Cabernet Sauvignon ($13)
France’s vast Pays d’Oc region is the source for this medium-bodied (and remarkably good for the price) Cabernet. The flavor recalls blueberries and blackberries, dusted with a little cracked black pepper.
Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Christina Daley
2022 Angels & Cowboys Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)
Winemaker Ondine Chattan pulls grapes from vineyards throughout California’s north coast region — Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake counties, specifically — for this full-bodied, boysenberry-scented red. It gets 24 months aging in oak barrels before release, softening its tannins to a mellow, velvety texture.
2023 Greenwing Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($22)
A touch of Syrah and Malbec (2% and 4%, respectively) give a dash of earthiness to this new Washington state Cabernet. It’s echoed by spice notes from aging in French oak barrels (30% new); both play well against the wine’s substantial core of juicy red fruit.
2022 Coppola Diamond Collection Claret ($23)
Though Francis Ford Coppola is no longer involved in his namesake winery, the wines haven’t suffered from it. This dark-fruited Cabernet blend is nicely balanced, its black currant notes lifted by crisp tannins and a hint of oak.
2021 Ring•Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River ($24)
A light, appealing eucalyptus note leads into an abundance of black currant-huckleberry fruit in this Australian red. Margaret River, south of Perth, has long been a source for some of Australia’s best Cabernets.
2022 Catena High Mountain Vines Cabernet Sauvignon ($24)
Roast something big (prime rib, pork shoulder, side of water buffalo, you name it) to go with this powerful Argentinean red. Its cherry fruit has accents of tobacco and mocha from 11 to 13 months in French oak barrels.
2023 Cosentino The Cab Lodi ($25)
Fans of big, rich California reds should seek out this substantial Cabernet from Cosentino. The warm Lodi climate gives it plenty of ripe blackberry fruit, which is bolstered by toasty oak notes.
2020 The Paring Red ($25)
Matt Dees is one of the Central Coast of California’s best winemakers. His world-class Jonata wines are pricey, but this Bordeaux-style blend is a killer deal at $25. It’s bright and vibrant, its red and blue fruit character nuanced by warming notes of nutmeg and clove.
Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Christina Daley
Sauvignon Blanc
As people lean more toward lighter, brighter white wines, Sauvignon Blanc has seen a remarkable climb in popularity in recent years. Its vibrant citrus flavors, hints of (or sometimes full-on) herbaceousness, and brisk mouthfeel seem attuned to the moment — so, what better to pour at a holiday party? —Lucy Simon
2023 J. Lohr Estates Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc ($14)
If you love California Sauvignon Blanc, buy this wine by the case. Lemon-lime notes blend with ripe pineapple in a pleasantly juicy white. It’s aged in a blend of stainless steel and neutral French oak to lend some softness without sacrificing any of its vibrant acidity.
2023 Rapaura Springs Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($15)
There’s a reason Rapaura Springs calls this wine a “classic” Marlborough — it has all the hallmark flavors and aromas of the New Zealand region’s Sauvignon Blancs, in a balanced, finessed bottling. Expect pink grapefruit, lemon zest, integrated herbaceous notes, and a long finish.
2024 Grove Mill Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($18)
New Zealand’s Grove Mill employs an impressive range of sustainable practices, from wine labels made from spent sugarcane to powering their winery with solar energy. And their Sauvignon Blanc is great, too — pure passion fruit in the glass.
2024 Estival Horse Heaven Hills Sauvignon Blanc ($19)
This new wine from Washington stalwart Chateau Ste. Michelle captures the energy of the Horse Heaven Hills. The region sees 17 hours of daylight during the summer months, yet its cool nights preserve Sauvignon’s zippy acidity.
2024 Seven Hills Winery Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($20)
While Washington’s Columbia Valley is best known for Chardonnay and Riesling, this enticing Sauvignon Blanc is worth seeking out. The flavors recall ripe cantaloupe and mango, and it has a pleasing lemon-peel bitterness.
2024 Attems Sauvignon Blanc ($24)
Grown just a few miles from the Slovenian border, this Italian Sauvignon Blanc benefits from the complex soils, rolling hills, and warm days and cool nights of the Friuli region. It comes alive on the palate with crunchy green apple notes and aromas of apple blossom.
2023 Isabelle et Pierre Clément Menetou-Salon ($24)
Just west of Sancerre, the Menetou-Salon appellation makes distinctive Sauvignon Blancs from the same mineral-rich soils. The results are impressive wines like this one, with its pronounced wet-stone quality and sweet citrus aromas.
2024 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc ($25)
A perennial top performer from Marlborough, this minerally, organically grown Sauvignon Blanc tastes like a margarita with a salt rim, but without the sweetness. It balances lime zest with just enough pyrazine notes (think bell peppers) to remind you that this is New Zealand.
jennifer causey / food styling by margaret monroe dickey / prop styling by christina daley
Chardonnay
Lingering memories of hefty, oaky, butter-bomb Chardonnays have made some wine lovers wary of it. And yet, Chardonnay is unquestionably one of the great grapes of the world, capable of producing mind-blowing wines like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s legendary Montrachet (also mind-blowingly expensive, at $5,000+ a bottle) straight through to crisp, complex, and surprisingly affordable examples like these. — Ray Isle
2023 J. Moreau & Fils Le Sans Bois Chardonnay ($15)
This unoaked (“sans bois”) French Chardonnay is sourced from cool-climate vineyards in various parts of France, and while not as complex as, say, a top Chablis, it’s still entirely appealing: light, bright, and layered with green apple and citrus flavors.
2023 Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Chardonnay Dolomiti ($17)
There’s a surprisingly rich texture to this white, given its zesty, lime-inflected character and bright acidity. (There’s also a pretty hint of springtime flowers in the aroma.) It comes from Italy’s Alto Adige region and is made entirely from organic grapes.
2022 Trénel Beaujolais Blanc ($21)
Most people associate Beaujolais with red wine, but this French region also makes some very lovely — and very affordable — white wines from the Chardonnay grape. Case in point: this bottle from Trénel, with its lingering hints of honeysuckle and citrus peel flavors.
2023 Seghesio Sonoma/San Luis Obispo/Monterey Chardonnay ($24)
Winemaker Andy Robinson sources grapes from three separate regions in California to produce this peachy-citrusy Chardonnay. It’s crisp and lively, with a little mineral bite in the finish (in a very appealing way).
2024 Kumeu Village Chardonnay ($24)
Kumeu River makes world-class single-vineyard Chardonnays from sites on New Zealand’s north island (mostly near Auckland). They’re a bit pricey for everyday drinking, but this multivineyard blend is a great introduction to the polished, elegant Kumeu style.
2023 J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay ($25)
If you’ve got lovers of old-school California Chardonnay coming to dinner, seek out this reliable Central Coast bottling from longtime producer J. Lohr. It’s big and luscious, with ripe apricot and tropical fruit flavors accented by vanilla oak notes, but balanced as well.
Food & Wine / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Cristina Daley
Sparkling Wines
A bottle of actual Champagne (i.e., from the Champagne region in France) will set you back substantially more than $25 a bottle these days. But bubbles overall are eternally popular, so be thankful that more and more wineries in regions around the world are adding sparkling wines to their portfolios. And don’t sleep on sparklers from Prosecco, which continues to produce some of the world’s best value options. — Lucy Simon
NV Le Colture Fagher Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut ($16)
This skillfully executed Prosecco from a family-owned winery offers complex flavor and finesse at a surprisingly low price. Its flavor recalls tart green apples and lime peels, with pleasingly yeasty aromas. Gift it to a friend — and buy yourself a bottle, while you’re at it.
NV Mongarda Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut ($22)
This salty-citrusy sparkler is made from a blend of Glera (the primary grape of Prosecco) and lesser-known Verdiso and Bianchetta — winemaker Martino Tormena is committed to using and protecting the local grapes of Valdobbiadene.
NV Bisol Jeio Prosecco Brut Rosé ($23)
The Glera and Pinot Nero grapes for this bright, fresh sparkling wine are grown in the village of Follina, located within the hills of Prosecco Superiore, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Expect pink grapefruit, red berries, and sweet herbs.
NV Wildly Brut Cuvée ($24)
Made with certified organic Chardonnay grapes, this delightful sparkling wine from South Australia would be a welcome addition to any holiday party. Appealing aromas of ripe Bartlett pear and roasted pineapple rise from the glass and continue mingling on the palate.
2024 Mas de Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizant ($25)
Taste Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre’s softer side in this strawberry-inflected sparkling rosé from one of the greatest wineries in France’s Languedoc region. It’s a great bottle to open with hors d’oeuvres, and it makes the perfect match for a ripe Camembert.
NV Szigeti Grüner Veltliner Brut ($25)
Made from grapes grown in Austria’s easternmost Burgenland region, this Österreichischer Sekt (Austrian sparkling wine) showcases Grüner Veltiner’s appley characteristics. A second fermentation in the bottle plus 12 months spent aging on the lees impart a lovely bready quality to the wine.
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