Best cheap red wine in 2024? Get the secret list here.

Whatever you earn every month or your economic situation, everyone loves discovering bargains, especially in today’s tough economic times where inflation seems unstoppable, especially for wines.

Red wine prices have risen significantly in the past three years, but some hidden gems remain to be found, tasted, and enjoyed.

Helping You Find Good Cheap Red Wine

As the expert Mark Oldman wrote last year, “finding a good cheap red wine when you’re on a budget is certainly possible, but it takes plenty of research and wine knowledge.”

The Wine Experts at Bevinars

For a second year, Oldman, founder of Bevinars and author of multiple wine books, has done the hard work for his readers, compiling an extensive list for 2024 of the best good, cheap red wines that are priced under $20.

If you’ve attended an entertaining and informational Bevinars wine class, you’ll know how much Oldman delights in finding a $17 bottle of red wine that tastes like a $50 one. This year Oldman and features writer Charlie Leary have reviewed and updated the cheap wine list, which will be an annual event. Leary is the author of Leary’s Global Wineology and writes for Decanter, among other wine publications.

The Red Wine Selection

The red wines on the 2024 list definitely punch above their weight and price point, delivering on taste and complexity while saving money. Some start at $13 a bottle, while the average price is around $16 or $17. There are even $9 wines amongst this invaluable list of good, cheap red wines from around the globe.

It’s an extensive red wine list that includes lighter red wine styles full of fruit flavors that are ideal for summer drinking, as well as heavier (medium to full-bodied) red wines (think black cherry and ripe fruit), perfect with steak, burgers, or roast pork. Oldman and Leary focus on fine wine at a great price.

Some pointers for finding great value in red wine include shopping locally (it’s always good to develop a relationship with the local wine store) but also keep an eye out on specialized wine outlets that ship nationwide; know your desired price point and stick with it (there’s no shame in buying wine for $15 or less); avoid getting sucked into wine trends (you figure out what you like); and explore the world—a huge amount of excellent wine is made in places like South America, Portugal, lesser know regions of Italy, and South Africa!

Good Red Wine is Subjective, So Tasting is Important

Oldman and Leary says that it is important to remember that the definition of a “good” wine is very subjective, and everyone’s taste preferences differ. They suggest taking the time to explore various options and trust your palate to find the cheap red wines that you truly enjoy. Some people like red wine with lively acidity; others may opt for dark plum and savory spices This list provides a great place to start.

Shopping for Red Wine at a Great Price

Keep in mind that prices and availability can vary depending on your location and also the vintage.

For added savings, check for discounts and promo codes on online wine websites. Local stores might also offer discounts or promotions, such as a 10% discount on the purchase of six bottles. Case discounts are common. There are some great stores in California and New York with amazing websites that will ship across the USA.

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And now… here is Oldman’s 2024 list of good, cheap red wines, brought to you by Bevinars!

Oldman’s Best Cheap Red Wines Under $20 – 2024 List

Light-to-medium-bodied red wines – Priced under $20

Italy

La Carraia Sangiovese (now as low as $10)

Podere Il Palazzino Rosso del Palazzino (about $10!)

Ceretto Dolcetto d’Alba Rossana

Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico (around $18)

Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti

Bibi Graetz Casamatta Rosso (still to be found under $20)

France

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages (we found it for about $12)

Georges Duboeuf “Flower Label” Moulin-à-Vent

La Vieille Ferme Rouge

Spain and Elsewhere

Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza

Altovinum Evodia Garnacha

Más Que Vinos Garnacha de la Madre

Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Crianza

El Coto de Rioja Crianza

Brigaldara Valpolicella

Fairvalley Pinotage Western Cape

Simonsig Stellenbosch Pinotage

 

Pinot Noir (light to medium-bodied red wine) – under $20

Domaine Roland Schmitt Alsace Pinot Noir

Devil’s Corner Tasmania Pinot Noir

Ron Rubin Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($17)

Fowles Wine Farm to Table Pinot Noir

Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses Pinot Noir

Banshee Sonoma County Pinot Noir (about $19)

The Pinot Project California Pinot Noir

The Seeker Pinot Noir

Tenute Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva

Union Wine Co. Underwood Pinot Noir

Matua Pinot Noir Marlborough

Casas del Bosque Reserva Pinot Noir

Cline Pinot Noir

 

Medium to heavy-bodied red wines – under $20

Merlot

Rancho Sisquoc Flood Family Vineyards Merlot

Lohr Los Osos Merlot Paso Robles

Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot

Malbec

Bodega Norton Reserva Lujan de Cuyo Malbec

Alamos Mendoza Malbec

Trivento Malbec Mendoza Reserve

D.V. Catena Tinto Historico Red Blend

Zinfandel and Others

Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Sonoma County Zinfandel

Ravenswood Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel

Cline Zinfandel Lodi Old Vine

Cline Ancient Vines Contra Costa County Mourvedre

Cabernet Sauvignon

Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (yes, $12)

Grounded by Josh Phelps California Cabernet Sauvignon

Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Cabernet Sauvignon

Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon

Beringer Founder’s Estate California Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon

Smith & Hook Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon (about $19)

Black Cabra Cabernet Sauvignon (that’s less than $10)

Shiraz

Qupé Syrah Central Coast

Andrew Murray Tous les Jours Syrah (full of fruit flavors)

d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz

Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah

 

Other Medium to heavy-bodied red wines – under $20

Côtes-du-Rhône

Guigal Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge

Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Parallèle 45 Côtes-du-Rhône

Spanish Wine

2017 Bodegas Lan Rioja Reserva (as low as $19)

Bodegas Luzón Monastrell Jumilla

Telmo Rodríguez Toro Gago

Borsao Berola

Italy and Elsewhere

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera

Global Wines Dão Grilos Reserva

Lavradores de Feitoria Douro Tinto

Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana

Domaine de Pallus Messanges Rouge Chinon

Adega de Penalva Dão

Argiano Non Confunditur (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese)

Sud Vini Primitivo

Tormaresca Neprica

Càntele Salice Salentino Riserva

Capezzana Barco Reale

South America

Veramonte Carmenère Colchagua Valley

Garzon Uruguay Reserva Tannat