Feb. 18 is National Drink Wine Day, and what better way to celebrate the annual holiday than with a bargain? Wine is the classiest drink of them all, but that doesn't mean you have to splurge. There are plenty of brands out there that offer delicious tasting wine that's affordable and will still get you very happily drunk.
The purpose of National Wine Day is to help spread the love of wine as well as the health benefits of the grape-filled beverage. "Wine has played an important role in history, religion and relationships," the official National Drink Wine Day website reads. "We embrace the positive benefits of wine such as new friends, reduced risk of heart disease and the enhancement of food and life."
Here are 10 wines for $10 or less that actually taste good and are easy to find at most supermarkets or local liquor stores.
La Granja 360 2013 Tempranillo-Cariñena ($5)
This red wine is from Northern Spain and is described as having scents of simple berry and flavors of saucy tomato and black plum. Wine Enthusiast Network gives it 84 out of 100 points and even has it labeled as a Best Buy on their website.
2012 Picton Bay-Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($7.99)
This wine is from New Zealand and is available at most Trader Joe's. While it's not as cheap as their famous Two Buck Chuck, it tastes a whole lot better and is worth the extra few bucks if taste is what you're going for.
Grooner Gruner Veltiner-Austria White ($7.99)
"If you like Savignon Blanc or Pino Grigio, you'll love Grooner," the winemaker says, according to Bacchus Wine Online. "Easy and refreshing. Hints of apple and citrus. Perfect for every occasion and every food-chicken, salads, seafood, pork, veggies, veal-you name it, it's great with Grooner."
2013 Apothic Winemakers Red Blend ($9)
"Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry, complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown, spice and vanilla," the winery says, according to Wine Library. "The plush, velvety mouthfeel and the smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend wine."
2010 Le Jaja De Jau Sauvignon Blanc ($8)
This fresh, clean and zesty white wine pairs perfectly with fish and seafood and gives off citrusy aromas like lemon, lime orange and grapefruit, according to Reverse Wine Snob. For such a good price, it packs in a whole lot of strong flavor.
Morse Code Shiraz 2009 ($10)
This Australian wine is popular for its unique name and bottle, but it's the blackberry, eucalyptus and spicy oak aromas that give it an even more unique scent. Considering how rich of a wine it is, it's still very smooth and packed with flavor since it's made with minimal oak to allow the fruit to be the main attraction.
2013 Vega Sindoa Tempranillo ($6.99)
This deep red wine from Navarra, Spain, has earthy and spicy flavors with notes of sweet licorice and blackberries that make it fresh and complex but still easy to drink.
Lindemans Bin 90 Moscato ($3.99)
As one of the cheapest of the bunch, this Australian wine is still tasty. It's light with fresh citrus aromas of white peaches, rose and lichee. It has the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness with even a touch of honeydew melon flavor.
2013 Quintay Clava Chardonnay ($9.99)
"A crisp and clean white with sliced pear and apple plus hints of kiwi," the winery says, according to Wine Library. "Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a bright finish. Chablis-like in its purity. Screw cab. Drink now."
Dark Horse 2014 Pinot Noir ($6.99)
This Pinot Noir is from California and is packed with fruit flavors like cherry and strawberry, as well as some flowery flavors like hints of rose and lavender, according to Gayot. It "boasts a velvety mouthfeel" and has a "subtle sweetness" thanks to the tiny notes of molasses.
