These Are The 7 Best White Wines Under $20

Enjoying a tasty glass of wine is a great way to unwind after a long day. Wine is also great for hosting parties and pairing with your dinner. Whether you’re looking for an affordable bottle of wine to pair with your favorite meal or hosting friends and family for a get-together, it pays to know your options for the best white wines under $20. 

So, which affordable white wines are considered the best available on the market today? StudyFinds did some research, consulting nine wine and food review sites in an effort to bring you a consensus list of the best white wines under $20. Our list comprises seven of the most frequently listed wines from across these sites. Think the expert reviews omitted one of your favorite bottles of wine? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! 

The List: Best White Wines Under $20, According to Reviews

1. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 

The top spot on the list of the best white wines under $20 belongs to Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Kim Crawford comes to you out of New Zealand where the various altitudes and soil conditions give this Sauvignon Blanc a distinct flavor. 

The Marlborough region of New Zealand offers an ideal climate for growing the grapes to produce this sauvignon blanc. The grapes that Kim Crawford selects for its wines are grown across New Zealand and help shape the distinct flavors that wine lovers have come to know and cherish (Wikiliq). 

According to Best Wines Under 20, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with all sorts of foods like seafood and salads. The folks at Kim Crawford believe that the Marlborough region is the world’s best for growing sauvignon blanc grapes and that commitment shows in every bottle of its delicious wines. Enjoy this sauvignon blanc with meals or by itself – at any time of the day!

As far as flavor goes, Liquor Laboratory describes it as “a fresh and juicy white wine with tropical fruit flavors, like passion fruit and stone fruit. The hints of crushed herbs and lifted citrus make it a refreshing pour.” They also say this wine is perfect for any time of day due to its light acidity and freshness.

2. Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling

Kung Fu Girl is produced by Charles Smith out of Washington state and is nothing short of remarkable. Cheapism calls this bottle “an easy-to-love, slightly sweet riesling” with “an often misunderstood grape variety.” They also recommend pairing it with spicy food.

The story behind Kung Fu Girl Riesling is rather unique and extraordinary. As Charles Smith was watching a well-known kung fu movie starring a certain female heroine while enjoying his Chinese takeout, he set his sights on producing a Riesling that would pair well with Asian food. The result was Kung Fu Girl Riesling. Lidey Likes says it is not a dry wine with medium body and a fruit-forward flavor.

Whether you’re enjoying Kung Fu Girl Riesling with Thai takeout or all on its own, you can rest assured that every ounce is made with love and dedication. Be prepared, though, rieslings are traditionally sweet. And, although Kung Fu Girl isn’t as sweet as some of the rieslings out there, you’ll pick up on this riesling’s sweet notes right off the bat. Best Wines Under 20 adds that it has a “zippy acidity” with “plenty of peppy peach and lemon-lime citrus.”

3. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier

This delicious white wine from Pine Ridge is a blend of two grapes that will leave you wanting another glass. The Chenin grapes add characters of lime, orange blossom, and honeysuckle while the Viognier grapes are a little heavier and bring hints of floral characters. The result is a clean, crisp white wine that pairs well with seafood and spicy dishes, specifically shellfish and pasta with cream sauce, according to Best Wines Under 20.

According to Cheapism, “This California blend combines the smooth nuttiness of Chenin blanc grapes with the full, golden fruitiness of viognier grapes to create a delightfully smooth and supple white wine that pairs well with just about any main course, from surf to turf,” adds Cheapism. 

Pine Ridge is the only Chenin Blanc-Viognier to make this list and for good reason. Producing a quality, affordable white wine from this blend of grapes is a task for winemakers. Pine Ridge is based in the famed Napa region of California while its grapes are sourced from all over the world. Vivino says this bottle showcases a strong grapefruit acidity. If that sounds like it’s up your alley, give it a sip!

4. Josh Cellars Chardonnay

Josh Cellars has come into its own as of late and this delicious chardonnay is a big reason for the winemaker’s success. The company was founded by a son as a tribute to his father. Joseph Carr founded Josh Cellars to honor his late father, Josh, as a way to thank him for all he did. The result is a stellar lineup of award-winning wines including this classic chardonnay. Liquor Laboratory recommends it for its “honey and citrus” notes with hints of peach and oak, making it a versatile wine suitable for various meals. They also highlight its tropical fruit and citrus aromas with a lingering oak finish, describing it as “simply delicious.”

The Wine Buying Guide echoes the recommendation for its “classic warm climate Chardonnay” style with a touch of oak. They describe the aroma as tropical fruit leading to a palate of yellow and stone fruits, again emphasizing the value for its price point.

Josh Cellars Chardonnay is produced in a way that all of the flavors balance out and no one flavor dominates the other. The result is a light, refreshing glass of chardonnay with hints of oak still lingering from the oak barrel fermentation process. Reds Whites and Greens delves deeper into the sensory experience. They note aromas of apple, pear, vanilla, and butter, followed by a balanced palate of citrus, honey, and tropical fruit flavors complemented by creamy butter and vanilla notes. They also recommend food pairings such as roasted chicken, shrimp, creamy pastas, fettuccine with clams, or grilled vegetables.

5. Decoy Sauvignon Blanc

Decoy implements a custom fermentation method that helps lend this sauvignon blanc a delicious flavor. It is fermented completely in stainless steel which results in “vibrant and juicy stone fruit and citrus flavors,” according to Liquor Laboratory. They also complement how refreshing this wine is.

Decoy is a division of Duckhorn Vineyards based in California. This sauvignon blanc comes to you straight out of California’s Napa Valley region. The result is a bright and lively sauvignon blanc with hints of gooseberry, mango, and passion fruit.  

Decoy was established in 1985 and produces a tasty lineup of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel just to name a few. Grapes for the Decoy lineup come from a mix of estate vineyards and top independent growers. As all wine enthusiasts know, a glass of wine is only as good as the grapes used to make it. 

To set the scene, Iowa Girl Eats writes, “Decoy Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to ‘I’ve had an insane day, haven’t sat down since 7 am, and need something to relax with while watching incredibly trashy television after the children are in bed’ wine. I don’t cook with this wine (and hate sharing!) because it’s just so good by the glass. It has just the right amount of finish and is very balanced – not too tart nor too thin – just, perfect.”

6. Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 

This sauvignon blanc is made in New Zealand and is a popular white wine to enjoy during the warm summer months. “Whitehaven is my favorite mid-range New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It’s very crisp, finishes super clean, is incredibly refreshing, and best enjoyed ice cold. Perfect to pair with sushi or serve at summer grill outs. Whitehaven is usually sold in the $16-$19 range around here, which is why we try and keep it for a clean hair/fully socked sort of occasion,” writes Iowa Girl Eats.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc is advertised as an elegant expression of the Marlborough region of New Zealand. This sauvignon blanc features intense flavors of passionfruit, lemongrass, and white peach just to name a few. Whitehaven was founded by the husband and wife team of Sue and Greg White in 1994. Although Greg has since passed, Sue still heads up the company and remains committed to offering delicious wine at an affordable price. This sauvignon blanc features characteristics of a typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. While many would describe Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc as “lemony,” others pick up on the mango, peach, and melon flavors that stand front and center in each glass (Vivino and Wikiliq).

7. 14 Hands Chardonnay

Rounding out the list of the top affordable white wines is 14 Hands Chardonnay. 14 Hands Chardonnay is made in the great state of Washington and is absolutely adored by wine lovers across the world. “Made in Washington state, this creamy chardonnay has notes of sweet oak and spice with a citrusy and peachy creaminess. A bit of woodsy depth is provided by its aging process, with 15% fermented in neutral oak. Serve this with a soft cheese plate,” suggests Cheapism. 

14 Hands Winery is inspired by the unbridled spirit of the wild horses that once freely roamed Eastern Washington and the Columbia River Valley. 14 Hands prides itself on crafting a chardonnay that’s crisp and refreshing while also being rich and buttery. You can find 14 Hands Chardonnay in most grocery stores around the country, and the good news is that it’s extremely affordable, so you won’t have to worry about feeling guilty for trying something new (The Wine Buying Guide). 

Sources: 

• Cheapism
• The Wine Buying Guide
• Best Wines Under 20
• Vivino
• Wikiliq
• Iowa Girl Eats
• Lidey Likes
• Liquor Laboratory
• Reds Whites and Greens

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.