Most of us indulge during the holidays. Waistlines expand and bank accounts shrink. So it helps to have less expensive, everyday wine options. That means ready-to-drink wines that deliver varietal accuracy, clean fruit and a sense of character for $25 or less.
With the following brands, you’ll swear the wines are worth more than you paid. Most are 2017, 2018 or 2019 vintage.
• Avalon. This Sonoma, Calif.-based winery produces solid appellation wines Lodi cabernet sauvignon, Flint & Steel Napa Valley sauvignon blanc, Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and California-designated chardonnay and pinot noir. ($10-$20)
• Bonterra. A pioneer in organics and biodynamics since 1987, look for chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier, rosé, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir and zinfandel with most of the grapes from Mendocino vineyards. ($14-$16)