The Best Wines in Australia Under $20: Budget Buys That Actually Taste Amazing
For a bottle that won’t break the bank, look no further than Australia’s best wines under $20.
Choosing the perfect bottle is an elite skill, and when it comes to wine, you don’t have to spend a fortune.
There are plenty of purse-friendly options out there that taste just as good—sometimes even better—than the expensive stuff.
From Cabernet Sauvignons to French Rosé and Chardonnay, these budget bottles offer plenty of different tasting notes to suit even the most complex of palates. Proving that price doesn’t compromise quality, these are the best wines in Australia under $20 that are punching well above their weight.
The Best White Wines in Australia Under $20
Elephant in the Room Pinot Gris
Price: $15.30
Region: South Australia
Alcohol Volume: 12.5%
Sitchu Says: A quality all-rounder that pairs with pretty much anything but is equally as enjoyable on its own. A Decoded Wine Awards 2022 finalist, on the nose, you’ll find ripe varietal fruit flavours of apple, grilled nuts and citrus with florals and spice.
Rewild Chardonnay Bagnum 1.5L
Price: $17.99
Region: Murray Darling
Alcohol Volume: 13%
Sitchu Says: These eco-conscious bagnums hold 1.5 litres of the good stuff. This equates to two 750ml bottles, and the unique packaging is 90% lighter than glass, making it perfect for BBQs and picnics. It also stays fresh for up to 30 days, so you can enjoy a little every night! As for flavours, expect a deliciously dry drop with hints of ripe melon and nectarine.
King of Clare Riesling
Price: $16.99
Region: Clare Valley
Alcohol Volume: 13.5%
Sitchu Says: Showcasing the finest of South Australia's Clare Valley, this Riesling dazzles with aromas of white flowers, lemon, and lime. Its vibrant acidity and delicate elegance make it the ideal pairing for spicy Asian dishes or fresh seafood.
Sit Stay Society Gewürztraminer Riesling
Price: $5.50
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Alcohol Volume: 13.5%
Sitchu Says: A tasty wine and a celebration of our furry friends? Yes, please. This Riesling shows aromas of lychee and white peach with a pinch of spice. Expect a crisp and cleansing palate.
The Best Red Wines in Australia Under $20
Old Fat Unicorn Golden Horn Shiraz
Price: $18.99
Region: Barossa Valley
Alcohol Volume: 13%
Sitchu Says: For something beyond the ordinary, Old Fat Unicorn's Golden Horn Shiraz is a top pick. Notes of rich fruit meet with delicate nuances from the oak of the whisky barrel finish. An elevated take on your go-to glass of red.
Mr. Riggs Three Corner Jack Shiraz Cabernet Merlot
Price: $18.99
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Alcohol Volume: 14.5%
Sitchu Says: You can always count on McLaren Vale to deliver delicious drops, and this lusty red blend is one of them. Ripe, dark berry fruits from the Merlot, spice elements from the Shiraz, and a firm but balanced structure from the Cabernet integrate seamlessly to create an award-winning wine that far exceeds its price tag.
Majella The Musician Cabernet Shiraz
Price: $19.99
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
Alcohol Volume: 14.5%
Sitchu Says: For a cheap, hearty red that will impress even the most particular wine drinkers, look no further. Winner of the best fuller red under $20 in 2022, this crimson-hued, medium-bodied drop was made for Sunday roasts. Sublimely smooth and suitable for every day, it offers deep, ripe berry flavours without the overlay of oak or other winemaker inputs.
Sit Stay Society Chester's Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $15.99
Region: Langhorne Creek, South Australia
Alcohol Volume: 14.0%
Sitchu Says: With delicious blueberry aromas and hints of herbal notes, this is the perfect match for smokey barbecued steak or chargrilled vegetables. Plus, Sit Stay Society donates $1 from every bottle sold from the Big Dogs range, so there's even more to love.
Minchinbury Pinot Noir
Price: $6.99
Region: Australia
Alcohol Volume: 13.5%
Sitchu Says: While a red under $10 typically lists pounding headaches as the primary ingredient, this award-winning drop from Minchinbury is here to prove that cheap can, in fact, be cheerful. Sourced from premium Australian wine regions, this pinot noir is a light-bodied, elegant wine highlighting ripe plum fruit on the finish.
The Best Rosé in Australia Under $20
Tread Softly
Price: $16.30
Region: Australia
Alcohol Volume: 10.9%
Sitchu Says: A wine that is good for the soul and the planet. Planting an Australian native tree for every six bottles sold, Tread Softly is a progressively eco-conscious brand committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Vegan and naturally lower in alcohol, this dry, light-bodied rose delivers a palate of red fruits, citrus, and florals with a creamy texture.
Saint Louis de Provence by Estandon Rosé
Price: $18.99
Region: Provence
Alcohol Volume: 12.50%
Sitchu Says: Dubbed as oily and rich, this Provençal Rosé offers a lush fusion of earthy redcurrants and aniseed spice. Its rich, silky texture is balanced by crunchy acidity and a long, refreshing finish, making it the perfect companion for summer days.
La Bohème Act Two Dry Rose
Price: $19.99
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol Volume: 12.7%
Sitchu Says: When the weather calls for a glass (or two) of crisp, dry rose, this delightfully delicate wine delivers in spades. Brilliantly balanced with soft peach and nectarine flavours, the La Bohème Act Two Dry Rose is fabulous for an aperitif or with light bites – think sushi and nibbles.
Marius Peyol Provence
Price: $18.99
Region: Provence
Alcohol Volume: 13%
Sitchu Says: Forget rose all day, this wine will have you sipping it every day. It's bright, flavoursome, and heavy on the aromas. Savour delicate notes of red berries, white peach, and citrus, along with a nice balance and a textured mouthfeel. A French rose for under $20, say less.
Jacob's Creek Le Petit Rosé
Price: $14
Region: South Australia
Alcohol Volume: 12.4%
Sitchu Says: With more than a couple of gold medals behind it, this quintessentially Aussie winery is putting its cheeky spin on French rosé, and we couldn’t be more here for it. Restrained and well-balanced, the dry palate is savoury and chalky, with vibrant fruit flavours, while the aromatic nose shows red currant and spice. Pair with light, savoury dishes like charcuterie and seafood.
The Best Sparkling Wines in Australia Under $20
Postcards from Italy Organic Prosecco DOC
Price: $15
Region: Veneto, Italy
Alcohol Volume: 11.00%
Sitchu Says: Classic Italian elegance in a glass, this Prosecco Spumante enchants with floral, citrus, and subtle mint aromas. A lively palate of savoury notes and zesty lemon finish. Perfectly versatile, it shines as an aperitif, a mixer, or paired with your favourite dishes or desserts.
Maschio Prosecco
Price: $15
Region: Treviso, Italy
Alcohol Volume: 11%
Sitchu Says: Repping that illustrious DOC sticker, this Italian-born bubbles is a tried-and-true favourite. As satisfying in a mimosa as it is on its own, expect a lively foam followed by a nose full of strong candied fruit and sweet flower hints.
The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz
Price: $26
Region: Multi-regional blend, Australia
Alcohol Volume: 13%
Sitchu Says: Proving that Shiraz is so much more than a winter wine, The Black Chook is a hit year-round. Smooth with a subtle sweetness, this seductive sparkling wine gives vibrant sun-ripened blackberries with liquorice and white pepper notes—a holiday favourite for sure.
Loving our pick of the best wines in Australia under $20 and looking for something to pair it with? Be sure to check our favourite food & wine pairings for the ultimate night in. While you’re at it, why not check out these easy cocktail recipes?
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