Delicious and Affordable Wines Under $20

This is my most popular blog post, so I try to update it regularly. You definitely can still get fantastic wines for under $20 (Canadian!).

Introduction

Wine lovers rejoice! Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your wine journey, finding a great bottle that doesn't break the bank is always a delight. This is a refreshed version of my original 2020 list, updated with the latest prices and availability. Let's dive into some fantastic wines you can enjoy for under $20.

Background

This was one of my original posts in 2020 when I started my blog. I updated it in 2022 and thought it was time to refresh the list again, delete any wines that are no longer available, and update the pricing.

Given the current position taken by the Ontario government not to stock products from the U.S. in the LCBO, I couldn't update any of the U.S. wines this time around. I’m leaving them on the list because many are favourites, and hopefully they’ll be available again soon. As a side note, I totally support the government's position on this, despite losing access to some of my go-to bottles.​

It’s amazing that after five years, the vast majority of these wines are still under $20!

Enjoying Wine

Enjoying wine with friends and family is one of life’s simple pleasures, whether at a family gathering, a celebration, or a casual dinner at home. I’m certainly not a wine expert, so this is not a “best of” list in any official sense—just wines that I (and our family and friends) have genuinely enjoyed.

Criteria for the List

Here’s how a wine earns its spot:

• The wine must be less than $20 at the LCBO (or close when on sale).

• We’ve actually tried and enjoyed it—no theoretical recommendations here.

A Few Handy Notes

Although there are some great wine apps out there, I just use the LCBO app to keep track of my favourites. You can search for a wine and mark it as a favourite, and the app shows:​

• Current LCBO price

• LCBO or Vintages product number

• Availability online or in nearby stores

When the LCBO refreshed their app, it removed the ability to organize favourites into categories, which is very annoying when you have a long list. The good news is that the app home page will highlight any of your favourite wines that are on sale—so you can sometimes snag these for even less than $20!​

I definitely have my own biases:

• I generally enjoy red more than white, so there are more reds on this list.

• California Cabs and Shiraz are long-time favourites.

• Recently, reds from southern Australia have blown me away.

• I love wines from Washington State and whites from New Zealand.

• After a visit to Puglia in southern Italy, we fell in love with the wines there; a short stop in Sicily introduced us to Nero d'Avola.

• Malbecs from Argentina and a few Spanish reds also make regular appearances.

You won’t find many French wines here—I find them overpriced and not that great at this price point. For bubbles, Prosecco from Italy gives fantastic taste and value (and you’re not finding French champagne under $20).

I don’t have enough Canadian wines on the list yet; one of my goals is to discover more good Canadian bottles that still fit my under-$20 rule. I’ve also found some really nice organic wines, so you’ll see a few of those.

For whites, I’m not a big Chardonnay fan, but I do enjoy Pinot Grigio from many countries and Sauvignon Blanc (especially from New Zealand).

Below is the list, divided by country or region (and by red/white where it makes sense). Organic wines have their own category. I’ve included the wine name, country/region, LCBO or Vintages product number, and price as of this writing. I’m not assigning ratings; if a wine is on this list, I think it’s worth buying.

You can pick and choose based on your taste and the occasion. I only add extra comments where something is especially notable. I’ll keep this list up to date, adding more great finds as I go. If you have suggestions that meet the criteria, send them in—I’ll happily taste-test them (tough job, but someone has to do it!).

Ok, with that as an intro, here goes.

California Reds

(Not updated due to products not being available at the LCBO)​

• Bar Dog Cabernet Sauvignon – California – LCBO 10882 – $17.95We picked this up just to try something different, and it was delicious. It has now become a regular, even if it’s not Teresa’s favourite—still list-worthy in my books.

• Sand Point Cabernet Sauvignon – California – LCBO 11193 – $13.15A tasty, easy-drinking California Cab you can enjoy anytime.

• Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon – California – Vintages 738823 – $24.95Above my $20 limit, but when it’s on sale at $20.95, it’s close enough. Rich, flavourful, and smooth—worth the extra 95 cents.

• Stave and Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon – California – LCBO 541946 – $17.95Not quite as good as Jacob's Creek Bourbon Barrel Shiraz, but still a very solid, bolder, heavier Cab that has become a regular for us.

• Carnivor Shiraz – California – LCBO 10717 – $18.05From the Carnivor family—we love the Cabernet Sauvignon, and this Shiraz is almost as good. Take whichever one is on sale; you can’t go wrong.

• Josh Cellars Legacy Red – California – LCBO 507467 – $19.95

• Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon – California – Vintages 342428 – $19.95One of my all-time favourite wines. Consistently good, and the price has even come down from $21.95. Great for special occasions but still priced for everyday drinking.

• Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon – California – LCBO 392647 – $18.45One of our original “cottage” wines and still a favourite.

• Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon – California – LCBO 68924 – $17.00

• Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel – California – LCBO 678698 – $18.55

• Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon – California – LCBO 55517 – $15.95Another original cottage favourite that has stood the test of time.

• Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel – California – LCBO 272393 – $15.95

Australian Reds

• Small Gully The Formula Robert's Shiraz – Australia – Vintages 142935 – $19.95Classic Aussie Shiraz: smooth, balanced, and really enjoyable.

• Don't Tell Gary – Australia – Vintages 632620 – $19.95 A guest favourite because of the name—and happily, it lives up to the hype in the glass too.

• Mitolo Jester Shiraz - Australia - Vintages 659607 - $22.95 Slightly over my $20 limit but well worth it. Often on sale for $20.95, so close to $20, it makes the list. We served this as our red wine at our 2025 annual friends' Christmas party, and judging by the volume consumed, everyone loved it!

• 3 Rings - Australia - Vintages 15495 -$17.95 Well under the $20 mark and delicious. Good to take as a gift but better to keep for yourself and enjoy.

• Wakefield Estate Label Shiraz – Australia – Vintages 943787 – $19.95 I haven’t tried all the Wakefield wines yet (I’m working on it), but this one is definitely a winner.

• Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz – Australia – LCBO 441543 – $13.05Hard to believe this is under $15. A fantastic, reliable dinner wine.

• McGuigan Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon – Australia – LCBO 524355 – $9.95Tried this after the Shiraz was sold out and was pleasantly surprised.

• McGuigan Black Label Shiraz – Australia – LCBO 325787 – $9.95This would be great value at $15, but it’s around $11. Smooth, flavourful, and easy to drink. Also available in a 1.5 L bottle—stock up.

• Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz – Australia – Vintages 660043 – $24.95Technically over my limit, but on sale at $21.95 it sneaks close. Big, bold, and quickly became one of my favourites.

• Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz – Australia – Vintages 167189 – $20.95Another one that slightly breaks the rule but is too good not to mention.

• Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz – Australia – LCBO 19986 – $19.95Delicious, and often on sale for less, which makes it an even better deal.

• Wits End Luna Shiraz – Australia – Vintages 921239 – $17.95Tastes like something you’d happily pay $30+ for.

• Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon – Australia – Vintages 606624 – $22.95We served this at my daughter’s wedding, so it’s a sentimental favourite as well. Over the $20 line, but totally worth it.

• Smoky Bay Cabernet Sauvignon – Australia – LCBO 553891 – $10.95Amazing value around the $10 mark, often less when on sale.

• Sisters' Run Old Testament Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – Southern Australia – Vintages 478271 – $18.95So good you can serve it at a special occasion, but affordable enough for any night.

• Sisters' Run Bethlehem Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – Southern Australia – Vintages 360636 – $19.95

• Sisters' Run Epiphany Shiraz 2017 – Southern Australia – Vintages 269464 – $17.95

• Sisters' Run Calvary Hill Shiraz 2017 – Southern Australia – Vintages 222018 – $19.95In general, if you see Sisters’ Run on sale, grab it.

Argentina Reds

• Luigi Bosca Malbec – Argentina – Vintages 452672 – $19.95Big, rich, bold Malbec with loads of flavour.

• Alamos Malbec – Argentina – LCBO 295139 – $18.00

• Pascual Toso Malbec – Argentina – LCBO 35170 – $14.95

• Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec – Argentina – LCBO 162610 – $16.95

• Santa Julia Reserva Malbec – Argentina – LCBO 429761 – $16.95

• Trapiche Malbec – Argentina – LCBO 501551 – $13.00A terrific Malbec for the price—great value.

Chilean Reds

• Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Carmenere – Chile – Vintages 30957 – $17.95

• PKNT Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – Chile – LCBO 191866 – $13.30Both of these offer great taste and great value.

Italian Reds

• Lupi Reali Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Organic – Italy – LCBO 486647 – $14.00Great value, and it’s organic.

• Fantini Farnese Sangiovese IGT – Italy – LCBO 512327 – $11.75

Organic Reds

• Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon – California – Vintages 342428 – around $21.95Over the strict $20 rule now, but still one of my favourite organic reds.

• Lupi Reali Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Organic – Italy – LCBO 486647 – $14.00

Puglia Reds

• Oggi Botter Primitivo IGT – Puglia – LCBO 86421 – $11.55We fell in love with Puglian wines while travelling, and this is a great, affordable example.

• The Wanted Zin Old Vines Zinfandel IGT – Puglia – LCBO 416487 – $15.60A totally delicious wine for the price, even better when on sale.

Spanish Reds

• El Goru Monastrell/Syrah/Petit Verdot – Spain – Vintages 443945 – $14.95With no California wines at the LCBO right now, we’ve expanded our horizons—this is a good one.

• LAN Crianza – Spain – Vintages 166538 – $18.95A spontaneous LCBO pick that turned out to be excellent.

• Beronia Tempranillo Rioja – Spain – LCBO 243055 – $14.95

• Toro Bravo Tempranillo Merlot DO Valencia – Spain – LCBO 635755 – $10.95Hard to believe this comes in just over $10.

• Radio Boka Tempranillo VDT Castilla – Spain – LCBO 376145 – $12.95One of our original favourites, and still a star at this price. It also comes in a 3 L box (LCBO 491118). Boxed wine gets a bad rap, but because the bag collapses as you pour, less air gets in, and the wine stays tasting good longer.

Sparkling Wine

(No champagnes, but great choices to celebrate with)

• Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Prosecco DOC – Italy – LCBO 897702 – $18.95​Our go-to special occasion sparkling wine. We also served this at our daughter’s wedding, so it has sentimental value. Delicious on its own or in cocktails, and under $20.

• Brilla! Extra Dry Prosecco – Italy – LCBO 13836 – $19.95

• Josh Cellars Prosecco – Italy – LCBO 16947 – $21.95Now over the $20 limit, so given the price, I’d default to the Bottega above.

Washington State Wines

(Not updated due to LCBO restrictions on U.S. products)​

• Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon – Washington State – Vintages 419770 – $19.95Washington State wines are some of my favourites, and this is one of the best. Also Teresa’s favourite new wine.

• Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2016 – Washington State – Vintages 209874 – $20.95

• Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon – Washington State – Vintages 210047 – $19.95Our first Columbia Crest wine, and we loved it. The whole family of wines has impressed us.

• Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon – Washington State – Vintages 460154 – $18.95Our original find from this winery and still a favourite.

Rosé

For me, rosé wines are definitely summer wines: not so much with dinner, but perfect for lunch, afternoons, or early evenings at home or at the cottage.

• Folonari Pink Pinot Grigio Venezia IGT – Italy – LCBO 43588 – $14.95I love Pinot Grigio, so a pink version was an easy sell—and it’s really good.

• Bask Rosé – Ontario – LCBO 16778 – $13.95Rosé for us is a cottage or poolside wine, and this fits the bill nicely.

• Three of Hearts Rosé – Ontario – Vintages 552562 – $19.95Comes in a cool bottle, making it a great summer party gift, and it tastes as good as it looks.

• Toro Bravo Garnacha Shiraz Rosado – Spain – LCBO 14145 – $10.50At this price, it’s hard to go wrong—and it’s tasty.

• Malivoire Ladybug Rosé – Ontario – LCBO 559088 – $19.95

White Wines

I’m grouping all the whites here. They’re all good; you can pick based on your mood.

• Te Henga Sauvignon Blanc – Australia – LCBO 41817 – $15.95A newer find that has become our favourite white—light and crisp.

• Greasy Fingers Sauvignon Blanc – Australia – LCBO 40380 – $17.00Another new discovery and a delicious one.

• McGuigan Black Label Pinot Grigio – Australia – LCBO 441576 – $10.00Part of the McGuigan family—great value across the board.

• White Cliff Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – LCBO 610972 – $18.55New Zealand Sauv Blancs are at the top of our white list, and this one is crisp, clear, and light.

• Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – LCBO 424601 – $19.95

• Lindeman's Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc – Australia – LCBO 181388 – $14.00

• Susana Balbo Crios Torrontés – Argentina – Vintages 1834 – $16.95Discovered through an article on women winemakers—light, aromatic, and lovely.

• Citra Pinot Grigio Terre Di Chieti IGP – Italy – LCBO 17483 – $10.95

• Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough – New Zealand – LCBO 415745 – $20.00

• Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – Vintages 316570 – $20.95A classic New Zealand Sauv Blanc that’s often on sale for less.

• Smoking Loon Pinot Grigio – California – LCBO 483289 – $16.95

• Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc – California – LCBO 544114 – $14.95The Smoking Loon family rarely disappoints.

• Toro Bravo Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc DO La Mancha – Spain – LCBO 10711 – $10.95From the same producer as the Tempranillo above. Crisp, delicious, and very well-priced.

Wine in a Can

We’re not big wine-in-a-can people, but we bought some for Brendan and Candace's backyard wedding during the pandemic, and they were better than expected.

• Bodacious Pinot Grigio – Ontario, Canada – LCBO 10426 – $3.95 (250 ml can)

• Joiy Sparkling – Australia – LCBO 486456 – $5.50 (250 ml can)My new favourite wine-in-a-can—perfect for a casual toast.

Enjoy!

If you have favourite wines under $20 (Canadian), send them my way at thethirdperiod.ca@gmail.com.