These Are My 5 Favorite Wines Right Now—and They're All Under $20

Plus, what to pair with each of them for a stellar meal.

Two wine bottles on a pink background

We're navigating some pretty crazy times right now. Between divisive politics, preparing for coronavirus and daily stresses, there are some nights when I just want to curl up with a cozy meal and a glass of delicious wine. But, here's the thing: There are so many wine options at the grocery store that it can be stressful and overwhelming to pick one—and who wants to throw money down the drain on a bottle they hate? (Not me!)

Though you may have a few tried-and-true wines you love, it's always fun to try new ones! While I'm not a sommelier and I realize everyone has different taste preferences, I'm lucky that I get to try a lot of delicious wines at work and report back on what I like.

Whether you're entertaining for Easter or another holiday or party and need an easy-drinking wine, or just want to unwind with a glass while watching some trashy TV, I've got you covered. These picks are all under $20 and they're absolutely delicious.

Tussock Jumper Sauvignon Blanc

This wine is my favorite white wine of the moment. I wish I could reach through your computer screen and offer you a sample, because it tastes like spring in a glass. This sauvignon blanc is super juicy and fruit-forward. The bottle says it has notes of melon, but I taste bolder fruits like peach, mango and papaya. It'd be absolutely delicious with a salad, seafood, oysters or creamy cheese. (Buy now: Drizly, $13.)

Serve it with: Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp

Santa Margherita Prosecco

This half-bottle of Prosecco (375 mL) is the perfect size for spring picnics or a romantic dinner for two. It's crisp and easy to drink and has an understated apple flavor—perfect for pleasing a variety of palates. Though this wine would be delicious with appetizers or a light meal, I personally love it with dessert. (Buy it: Wine.com, $16.)

Serve it with: Almond Cookie Tart with Peaches & Berries

Corte Allodola Amarone della Valpolicella

Lidl, a German grocer and maker of our favorite Le Creuset dupe, just launched a bunch of affordable wines. This one is available in Lidl stores for just $20—but it tastes like it could easily be a $50 bottle. The grapes are dried for 120 days, resulting in an incredibly full-bodied, complex wine. This delicious red has notes of black cherry, brown sugar and chocolate, so you know it's going to be good. Break it out at your next dinner party and pair with rich dishes like red meat, pasta or a bold cheese plate.

Serve it with: Sheet-Pan Steak & Potatoes

Domane Wachau Grüner Veltliner

I recently tried a glass of this at a restaurant, and I had to go on the hunt for this bottle ASAP. To me, it's a perfect spring wine—it's got minerality with notes of pear and lemon, so it's super refreshing. This would be perfect for sipping outside with a light meal. (Buy it: $15, Wine.com.)

Serve it with: Lemony Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breast and Citrus-Arugula Salad

Bieler Pere et Fils Rosé

This wine is a blend of grenache and syrah with a little bit of cinsault, cabernet sauvignon and rolle. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet fruit and acidity—not an easy feat for a rosé, in my opinion. I love the fruit, herb and mineral flavors of this rosé; it's surprisingly complex for a pink wine! (Buy it: $12, Totalwine.com.)

Serve it with: Grilled Fish with Peperonata

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