7 Best Wedding Wines Under $20 for a Perfect Celebration

Choosing the perfect wine for your wedding can be a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a tasty option, finding a good wine without breaking the bank is possible.

You’ll be delighted to know that many excellent wines are available for under $20. These wines can add a touch of elegance to your special day. This guide will help you find quality wines that your guests will love, all while keeping your wallet happy.

1) Bogle Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel

Bogle Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel is a great choice for your wedding. It’s a wine that many people like and it won’t break the bank. You can find it for under $20, making it budget-friendly.

This Zinfandel has aromas of cocoa and mocha. It also has notes of boysenberry, blackberry, and blueberry. These rich flavors make it perfect for a wedding celebration.

The vines used for this wine are between 60 to 80 years old. Older vines often produce more concentrated flavors, which makes this wine stand out. When you pour it, you’ll notice its deep color and pleasant aroma.

If you want a wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, this is a solid pick. It can go with grilled meats, pasta, and even some spicy dishes. The versatility makes it ideal for serving to a large group with different tastes.

Your guests will love the quality of this wine. Plus, it’s widely available, so you should have no trouble finding it at your local store.

2) Cline Cellars Cashmere Red Blend

Cline Cellars Cashmere Red Blend is an excellent choice for wedding celebrations. This wine comes from California and is known for its rich and smooth taste. It’s made from a blend of Shiraz/Syrah and Grenache grapes.

You’ll love its full-bodied flavor with notes of blackberry-strawberry jam, Red Vine licorice, and molten chocolate. These flavors make it a perfect partner for a variety of dishes.

Pair this wine with hearty meals like beef or lamb. It also goes well with flavorful dishes like mole. The smooth finish feels like luxury on your palate, sure to impress your guests.

Priced under $20, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality. Many wine enthusiasts recommend it for its great taste and value. Check out Cline Cellars Cashmere Red Blend on Wine Enthusiast to see why it’s a top-rated choice.

3) Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin

Looking for a bold and flavorful wine for your wedding that won’t break the bank? Try Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin. This wine is made from grapes sourced from 35-80 year old vines, giving it a rich, concentrated flavor.

It offers notes of dark fruit like blackberry and plum, with hints of spice and vanilla. The full-bodied taste pairs well with a variety of foods, from barbecue to pasta dishes.

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin is a great option for weddings. It’s budget-friendly, typically priced around $20 per bottle. You can impress your guests without overspending. The robust flavors appeal to both casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs.

If you want to check out more details or even buy it, you can visit their official page. This wine is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to make your special day even more memorable.

4) Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

You’re planning your wedding and want affordable yet delicious wines. Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc is a wonderful choice. It comes from the Marlborough region, known for its vibrant wine scene.

Expect a bright, crisp taste with notes of citrus and tropical fruits. This wine pairs well with light dishes like salads and seafood.

It’s priced under $20, making it budget-friendly. Many wine enthusiasts rate it highly, appreciating its refreshing qualities. If you want a reliable option that won’t break the bank, consider adding Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc to your wedding wine list.

You can check out more details about this wine here.

5) Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid choice for your wedding reception. This wine is made in California and offers balanced flavors. You’ll taste notes of dark fruits like blackberries and cherries.

This cabernet sauvignon is aged in 20% new French oak, which adds a subtle oakiness. It also has hints of vanilla and spices, making it rich and enjoyable.

Scoring around 90 points, this wine is praised for its flavor and value. You can find it for about $12.99 per bottle, making it budget-friendly.

This wine will work well with various dishes at your wedding, from grilled meats to pasta. Your guests are likely to enjoy this versatile and tasty choice.

For more details, you can check out the Vivino and Wine Enthusiast reviews.

6) Apothic Red Blend

Apothic Red Blend is a great choice for a wedding, especially if you’re on a budget. Priced at just around $10 to $12, it offers excellent value for money. This red blend combines multiple grape varieties, which give it a rich and complex flavor.

The aroma is filled with fruity and spicy notes. When you take a sip, you’ll taste a mix of dark berries, vanilla, and mocha. This blend is smooth and slightly sweet, making it enjoyable for many guests.

One of the best things about Apothic Red is its versatility. It pairs well with a variety of foods, from grilled meats to chocolate desserts. This makes it an ideal wine to serve at a wedding reception with diverse menu options.

To get more details and prices, check it out here. It’s a popular choice and is available at many retailers, so you won’t have trouble finding it.

7) Yellow Tail Shiraz

Yellow Tail Shiraz is a great choice if you’re looking for affordable wine for your wedding. This wine is popular across the United States and is known for its rich and fruity flavor.

You’ll find dark berries and a hint of spice in each sip. It pairs well with grilled meats, making it a hit for dinner receptions.

Look for the latest vintage to enjoy it at its best. Drinking younger vintages keeps the flavors fresh and enjoyable.

Besides its taste, Yellow Tail Shiraz is easy to find. You can grab a bottle at most wine shops, ensuring your guests get a consistent taste.

For a budget-friendly yet delightful experience, Yellow Tail Shiraz won’t let you down.

Understanding Wine Types

Choosing the right wine for your wedding can make a big difference in your guests’ experience. Knowing the types of wine available and their unique characteristics will help you make an informed decision.

Red Wines

Red wines are rich and full-bodied, making them perfect for cooler weather or evening weddings. Zinfandel is a bold red wine with high alcohol content and intense flavors like black pepper or chocolate. It pairs wonderfully with barbeque, grilled meats, and spicy foods.

Pinot Noir is another popular choice. It’s lighter in tannins and has a softer taste, making it versatile and food-friendly. A good Pinot Noir can complement a variety of dishes, from roasted chicken to mushroom risotto.

Merlot offers a softer, fruitier profile with notes of plum and chocolate. It’s a crowd-pleaser and pairs excellently with beef, lamb, and hearty pastas.

White Wines

White wines are lighter and more refreshing, ideal for daytime weddings or warm weather. Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and zesty with hints of citrus and green apple. It pairs well with salads, seafood, and light appetizers.

Chardonnay is fuller-bodied with flavors ranging from apple and pear to tropical fruits. It’s versatile and excellent with chicken, creamy pastas, and seafood.

Pinot Grigio offers a light, crisp experience with flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple. Its clean taste makes it an easy match for various dishes, particularly Mediterranean cuisine or sushi.

Rosé Wines

Rosé wines bring a splash of color and a refreshing taste to any celebration. They’re often enjoyed chilled, making them perfect for summer weddings. Provence Rosé is light and dry with flavors of strawberry and citrus. It pairs well with light salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.

Sparkling Rosé adds effervescence and a festive touch. It combines the best of sparkling wine and rosé, making it a delightful choice for toasts and celebrations.

Sweet Rosé options, like White Zinfandel, bring more sweetness than their dry counterparts. They’re great with desserts or as an aperitif.

How To Choose The Best Wedding Wines

Selecting the best wines for your wedding can enhance your celebration and cater to your guests’ tastes. Pay attention to the season and wine labels for the best results.

Consider The Season

The time of year greatly influences the type of wine you should choose.

For summer weddings, light and refreshing wines like Sauvignon Blanc or rosé work well. These wines can be chilled and are great for warm weather.

In colder months, full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot can warm up your guests. They pair well with hearty meals typically served in winter.

Spring and fall allow for more flexibility. You can opt for versatile wines like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. These wines can complement various dishes and suit different palates.

Decoding Wine Labels

Understanding wine labels is crucial in making an informed choice. Labels typically include the type of wine, the region it comes from, and its vintage year.

Types of wine: Look for terms like “dry” or “sweet” to match the wine with your menu and guest preferences. For example, a dry white wine goes well with seafood and chicken, while a sweet wine pairs nicely with dessert.

Region: Wines from well-known regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux often have a guarantee of quality.

Vintage: The vintage year can tell you about the weather conditions during the growing season. Better years often result in higher quality wines. Aim for wines from highly rated years if possible.

Reviewing these labels carefully can help you select the best wines for your wedding that are both delicious and within budget.

Pairing Wines With Wedding Menus

Choosing the right wine to pair with your wedding menu can elevate the dining experience for your guests. It’s important to match the flavors and textures of your dishes with complementary wines.

Wine And Appetizer Pairings

Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with seafood appetizers. Its crisp acidity matches well with shrimp cocktails and oysters.

If you are serving cheeses, consider a Sauvignon Blanc to complement creamy options like goat cheese and feta.

Chardonnay also works well with appetizers that include richer ingredients, such as buttery scallops or crab cakes. For vegetarian options, Pinot Grigio can balance out the flavors of fresh vegetable platters and light, herb-based dips.

Wine And Main Course Pairings

For fish or seafood main courses, you can’t go wrong with a Sauvignon Blanc. Its refreshing notes enhance dishes like grilled salmon or seafood pasta. If chicken is on the menu, especially with a creamy sauce, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent match.

If your main courses include red meat, consider serving Pinot Noir. This light-bodied red wine complements roasted meats, such as lamb or pork. Another good option is Shiraz, which pairs wonderfully with more robust dishes like grilled steaks or barbecue.

Wine And Dessert Pairings

Pairing wine with desserts can be a challenge, but a little effort can yield wonderful results. For chocolate-based desserts, Port offers a rich, sweet profile that pairs well with dark chocolate. Rosé can also be a versatile choice, working well with fruit-based desserts like berry tarts.

Sparkling wines, such as Spumante or Prosecco, are great for lighter desserts. They bring a touch of elegance to your event and go beautifully with cream-based desserts like panna cotta or cheesecake.

You can find more tips for pairing wines at weddings by checking out this Weddingbee article on wine pairings.