The difference between a disappointing bottle and a delicious one isn’t always price. Some of the best wines we’ve tasted cost less than a takeaway pizza, while plenty of expensive bottles are trading on a famous name. Here’s how to spot real value and drink better without spending more.
1. Look beyond the famous names
Famous regions like Champagne, Burgundy, Sancerre and Barolo are expensive because demand is huge. Their neighbours often make similar wines for much less.
- Instead of Champagne, try Crémant from Alsace, Burgundy or the Loire.
- Instead of Sancerre, try Touraine Sauvignon Blanc or Picpoul de Pinet.
- Instead of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, try a Côtes du Rhône Villages.
- Instead of Barolo, try Barbera d’Asti or Langhe Nebbiolo.
2. Head south in France
The Languedoc-Roussillon is France’s best-value region. Its sunny vineyards produce generous, characterful wines at very fair prices. La Baume Corbières, La Baume Fitou and Félines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet are all great examples.
3. Explore Spain and Portugal
Spain and Portugal offer some of the best quality-for-price in Europe. A Rioja Crianza like Cune Crianza gives you oak-aged smoothness for a very fair price. From Portugal, Douro reds like Altano Douro are rich, characterful and great value.
4. Go South American and South African
Argentina, Chile and South Africa all deliver excellent wine at friendly prices, thanks to reliable sunshine and lower costs. Our Selection Mendoza Malbec, Errázuriz Estate Reserva Cabernet and Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc are all brilliant bargains.
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by Amazon Our Selection Mendoza Malbec, Red Wine, 75cl | Argentinian Red | Smooth & Full-Bodied with Violet & Berry Fruit Notes | Perfect with Steak
£8.49 -
Errazuriz Estate Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Chile Red Wine 75 cl
£9.21 -
Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve The Cape Garden Chenin Blanc, 75cl | Chenin Blanc White Wine
Original price was: £16.17.£10.11Current price is: £10.11.
5. Trust good own-label wines
Retailers’ own-label wines are often made by respected producers. Amazon’s “Our Selection” range, for example, includes an award-winning Côtes du Rhône Villages and a crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
6. Buy by the case
Many wines are cheaper per bottle when bought in a case of six or twelve. If you’ve found a wine you love, a case is often the best value. Mixed cases are a great way to try new wines at a discount. Browse our wine cases.
7. Don’t be fooled by “half price” offers
A wine that’s permanently “half price” was probably never worth the full price. Judge a wine on what it’s selling for now, not on a crossed-out number. Our deals page shows bottles that are currently cheaper than their usual price.
8. Consider bag-in-box
Modern bag-in-box wine is a world away from the boxed wine of old. Wine in a box stays fresh for weeks after opening, and the price per glass is often lower. by Amazon Spanish Tempranillo 3L and Hans Baer Riesling bag-in-box are both good options.
Our favourite great-value bottles
- Red: Cune Crianza
- White: Familia Torres Viña Sol
- Rosé: Mirabeau Belle Année
- Fizz: Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava
FAQs
Does more expensive wine taste better?
Up to a point. Above around £15–£20, you’re often paying for reputation and rarity rather than extra flavour.
What’s the best cheap red wine?
Rioja Crianza, Côtes du Rhône and Argentinian Malbec all offer brilliant value.
Read our guides to the best red wine and the best white wine for more ideas.