Valentine’s Day is basically synonymous with date night, which means there may be a bottle of wine (or two or three). When it comes to picking the best budget wines for Valentine’s Day, there’s plenty of varietals that fit the bill for romantic dinners or Galentine’s feasts, whether you prefer rich reds, crisp whites, or a fruity pink wine. Instead of breaking the bank when it comes to booze, you can stock up on cute gifts and check out these budget Valentine’s Day wines to pair with date night meals and girlie gatherings (or, with a nice rom-com and cozy sweats in bed). Here are 15 of the best budget wines for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day to try now.
Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023, $20
The 2023 rosé of pinot noir from the Russian River Valley opens up to aromas of tangerine, blood orange, wild strawberry, raspberry, and a light touch of watermelon and hibiscus flower. A crisp, refreshing mouthfeel accentuates the fresh fruit flavors of red berry fruit and a sea salt minerality that leads to a long, juicy and tangy finish that pairs well with poultry and seafood — perfect for Marry Me Chicken or Miso-Glazed Salmon.
Treveri Cellars Blanc de Noir Brut, $20
Share the love with a glass of sparkling with your Valentine, or your favorite girlies. favorite girlies. The Trevari Cellars Blanc de Noir Brut is perfect for celebrating any occasion big or small thanks to small bubbles that give way to a hint of strawberries and brioche on the nose, leaving rich acidity with a creamy finish.
2021 AVIVO Red Wine, $18
AVIVO Red Wine enriches any occasion, from romantic dinners to lively gatherings, providing a delightful and welcoming experience for wine connoisseurs and newcomers alike. A brilliant ruby red color, this wine features notes of cherries, thyme, oregano, and coriander on the nose, and the palate is nicely balanced with chalky tannin and bright acidity. Flavors of pomegranate seeds, red berries, rhubarb, and peppercorn meld together in a long, fresh finish that pairs well with a romantic date night.
J. Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié, $13
Crafted in the style of Beaujolais wines, this light-bodied red wine from Monterey is perfect when served chilled and can pair with a wide variety of foods. Best when served slightly chilled, this J. Lohr wine features fresh raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate aromas, with a bit of black pepper and hibiscus for mid-palate acidity that creates a juicy, mouthwatering finish. Plus, the floral bottle is just perfect for V-day.
Oliver Winery Cherry Moscato, $15
Cherry is in right now, and Oliver Winery Cherry Moscato’s luxurious sweetness and tropical character is balanced by the bright, fresh flavor of tart-yet-juicy, ripe Montmorency cherries in this easy-to-drink, semi-sweet pink wine. Made with real tart cherry juice and finishing with a hint of spritz, this Cherry Moscato pairs perfectly with to-go spicy sushi rolls; aged, salty cheeses; and chocolate desserts — which is, IMO, the perfect Valentine’s Day meal.
Juggernaut 2023 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, $16
This bright Sauvignon Blanc enters with bright, vibrant acidity showcasing the tenacious fruit of the New Zealand coast. Zesty grapefruit, lemon, and passionfruit notes complement gooseberry and fresh cut grass on the nose for an affordable Valentine’s Day wine that pairs perfectly with grilled seafood.
Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon, $8
Woodbridge, a Robert Mondavi-owned brand, delivers a delicious cabernet sauvignon with aromas of cherries, berries, cedar, brown sugar, and toast for less than $10. Flavors of berries, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker follow with a toasty caramel finish, which means this medium-bodied wine pairs deliciously with grilled meats and tomato-based pasta dishes. Plus, the price point makes it perfect for large Galentine’s gatherings, or casual weeknight drinking with your S.O.
Bread & Butter 2022 Rosé, California, $16
A “pick me” wine, but in the best possible way. This bold and expressive rosé is refreshing with generous notes of fresh strawberry, melon and rose petals, and its juicy red fruit flavors are complemented by bright acidity and a rich, lively finish. This pretty wine goes well with prosciutto and brie, pasta salad, and impromptu pizza picnics in the park.
Honey Moon Viognier, $12
The name of this wine alone makes it appropriate for Valentine’s Day. While viognier can be a heavy and dull white wine, this rich white has a freshness that shines through for a pairing that’s dinner-date friendly, no matter what the main course.
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon, $20
Joel Gott’s 2021 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar for a sweet and luxurious V-day wine. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid-palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.
Barefoot Moscato, $6
Tbh, this one is for the girlies. Barefoot Moscato is a sweet, lively white wine with a light, crisp acidity. Tropical aromas of pineapple and orange blossom meet highlights of juicy peach, honey and lemon zest for a perfectly refreshing finish at a steal of a price.
2019 Maison Barboulot Cabernet Syrah, $6
Luckily, I don’t gatekeep, because it simply does not get better than this four-star, $6 red wine from Trader Joe’s. This fruit-forward cab-syrah blend is not overtly bold or complex, but it is very well-balanced with notes of oaky vanilla mid-palate. It has a super smooth finish with a refreshing splash of tart cherry, making it a great table red wine that goes with almost any occasion.
Rosa Regale Sparkling Rosé (Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG), $20
This stunning bottle is a perfect addition to any holiday party and works especially well as a gift for your host. The subtly sparkling wine boasts fruity aromas of sweet grapefruit and orange blossom flowers, and a slightly sweet, well-balanced taste with a fresh acidity makes it an excellent pairing with semi-aged cheeses and charcuterie, or save it for the dessert course and enjoy with pastries.
La Marca Prosecco, $15
There’s a reason it’s America’s number one Italian Prosecco. This refreshing and aromatic wine features a delicate palate that’s stunningly contrasted with lively bubbles and a crisp, clean palate. Aromas of citrus and honeysuckle blossoms and notes of green apple, juicy peach and ripe lemon create a light and refreshing finish with a delectable hint of sweetness. Serve it solo, or try mixing it with Savoia (an aromatized wine that’s a perfect Aperitivo) for a fun pink spritzer.
Apothic Pinot Noir, $14
Apothic’s flavorful pinot noir features rich, smooth layers of ripe raspberry and black cherry, plus a touch of caramel and vanilla from the oak. Its smooth sipping experience makes it easy for new wine drinkers to enjoy and not feel overwhelmed, and this bright red’s long and lingering finish makes for extremely versatile wine that pairs with a variety of foods. Whether it be light salads, roasted meats, or richer desserts, Apothic is an ideal accompaniment for a feast with a variety of date night dishes.