Today’s post is about one of my favorite things: wine! I’ve loved drinking wine since I’ve been old enough to do so and have enjoyed learning a lot more about it the past few years. I truly miss the proximity to Napa & Sonoma from when I lived in San Francisco but I’m lucky enough to get back somewhat often and I’ve enjoyed visiting other wine regions in recent years.

All that being said, I still think wine can be very intimidating or overwhelming and finding a great, affordable bottle can be a challenge. Today I’m sharing some bottles that I love – all under $25. There’s a handy image below that you can pin or screenshot and pull up on your phone the next time you head to the wine store!

Ferrari-Carano 2015 Chardonnay, $23: I often pick up this wine when cooking a Spring meal because it is widely available and pairs well with seafood and chicken dishes. It also goes really well with a creamy pasta dish I love to make that features asparagus and prosciutto. It has an incredible aroma and is fruit forward and not overly buttery. (I don’t like “buttery” chardonnays personally).

Landmark Overlook Pinot Noir, $25: This is one of my favorite Pinot Noirs. I visited Landmark last year and have since finished multiple bottles of this as it goes with just about anything in my opinion. It’s also what I reach for on the cold nights where you just want to enjoy a nice glass of red on your couch in your pjs!

JUSTIN Rosé, $23: This was a favorite bottle of rosé that I had last summer. It’s made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and just as refreshing and light as you’d expect it to be. I can’t wait to get a bottle on a forthcoming warm weekend!

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, $13: When I still had roommates it was an ongoing joke that we always had this wine on hand. It is so lovely – particularly in summer – and such a great value. It hails from New Zealand and goes perfectly with everything from pad thai to fresh seafood or a good, summery salad.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, $18: If I’m not drinking Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc at home, I’m most likely drinking Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc when it comes to this varietal. Their version of this varietal is always fresh and juicy and is a perfect pick for most anything you’re cooking up during the summer.

Château de l’Engarran Rosé: This winery offers several rosés and I was lucky to try several of them while visiting Languedoc last Spring. Not only did I love the delightful winemaker, but each of her rosés were exactly what you want from the varietal: light, fresh and incredibly drinkable. This is one of the harder to find wines on the list but if you ever see this winery at your local shop, pick up whatever they have – you will not be disappointed!

The Pinot Project Pinot Noir, $10: This pinot noir is blended with pinot grapes from three different California plots of vines. It is a bright, fresh red that is extremely fruity and I find it easy to drink alone but it also goes well with dishes that have some spice to them.

Domaine de Nizas Languedoc Rouge, Under $10: A red blend whose makeup may vary slightly year over year, it smells so lovely (lots of fruit on the nose) and it is really full-bodied. You also can’t beat the price.

Artesa Pinot Noir, $25: This is an award-winning wine from my very favorite winery in all of Napa/Sonoma. I have been drinking it for years since I first discovered Artesa in 2007.

Domaine de Robert Fleurie, $20: Light and fruity, this beaujolais wine became a fast favorite upon tasting it. It is a great way to give your wine consumption some variety if you are like me and tend to steer towards Pinot Noirs. This wine is from a different grape (Gamay) but still very drinkable and not overly heavy.

Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rose, $20: This is a great, widely available rosé. It’s delicate and fresh and perfect for spring and summer days.

Valle dell’Acate Il Frappato, $15: Oh how I love this wine! Served slightly chilled it is quite heavenly. Serve it in warmer months with a fresh, summery pasta dish and you’ll be in a state of bliss. (If you decide to this, will you invite me over, too!? :)).

Mandrarossa Nero d’Avola, $10: Nero d’Avola may be my new favorite red wine varietal after Pinot Noir.  (Thanks in large part to this trip where the grape is widely available.) Not too heavy, it is very fruit forward (are you getting a theme here with my preferences!?) and goes really well with pizza or pasta in a red sauce.

Hope you guys find something you love & if you do…report back! I’d love to hear any of your favorite go-to wines, too.

p.s. Wine varietals to get to know and everything I learned about wine in France.

[Top image by Bekka Palmer; Pinterest-ready image via]