The 6 Best Wines to Buy at the Grocery Store for Entertaining, According to a Sommelier

Whether you are hosting a party or attending one, having a few bottles of wine on hand is always a good idea. But even as a sommelier who seeks out special bottles of wine, I often don’t have time to make another stop at my local wine shop. Instead, I grab tried-and-true favorites every time I’m grocery shopping so I always have a wide range of bottles to pull from depending on what event I’m attending or hosting. 

While I love to uncork a more expensive bottle for special occasions like birthdays or intimate dinner parties, for the most part I drink affordable bottles of wine, especially if I know we’ll dirty lots of wine glasses and go through a few bottles (ahem, when my girlfriends come over!). 

To help you limit the number of decisions you need to make during your busy day, I compiled a list of wines that will make anyone happy, whether you're hosting or bringing a bottle along to a party. Plus they’re affordable yet delicious wines, and you can find them at most grocery stores (or wherever you buy wine).    

Related: The 6 Best Wines to Buy at the Grocery Store, According to a Sommelier

Can’t find the exact bottle below? Here’s a pro tip: Look for the keywords at the end of each description on another bottle in the same price range, and it should be equally as delicious.

Mionetto Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut ($21.99)

While you can always grab a bottle of cheap sparkling wine, I highly recommend spending a little more for quality bubbles. Sparkling wines are meant to be celebratory, so don’t let the bubbles fall flat with a boring bottle! Valdobbiadene is a specific area in the foothills of the Alps that produces higher-quality prosecco known as Prosecco Superiore. These sparkling wines have more depth and flavor, with flavors of lilies, apple and ripe peach.  

Keywords: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

2022 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viogner, Clarksburg, California ($12.99)

Cantaloupe, citrus, peach and honey aromas waft from this crisp, dry white wine. Because of its medium body and lack of oak, it’s incredibly versatile. Pair it with everything from spicy Thai food to salty shellfish to Thanksgiving dinner. Since this is one of my go-to quaffable whites, I often buy it at a grocery store that offers a bulk discount, making this an even more affordable wine to serve at parties. 

Keywords: Chenin Blanc-Viogner 

2022 La Crema Chardonnay, Monterey County, California ($16.99)

Buttery, oaky chardonnay lovers, this entry-level white from La Crema is for you. Bright citrus and apple flavors balanced with a nutmeg undertone make for a delicious sip that pairs well with creamy chicken and pasta dishes, as well as soft cheeses. 

Keywords: Monterey County Chardonnay 

2022 Bieler Pere et Fils Sabine Rosé, Provence, France ($13.99)

Some people think that rosé is just for hot summer days, but I’m here to tell you that rosé is more than acceptable to enjoy year-round. It’s equally as delicious lightly chilled as it is ice-cold. On your way to a dinner party and don’t have a chilled bottle to bring? Grab a bottle and throw it into a cooler with ice and it’ll be the perfect temperature for enjoying with appetizers when you arrive. 

Keywords: Provence Rosé

2022 Tilia Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($13.99)

If you’re wondering what affordable red wine to get that everyone will enjoy, look no further than Argentinian malbec. Smooth, juicy and full-bodied with flavors of black currants and raspberries, malbecs are the golden retrievers of the wine world. This one from Tilia is sustainably harvested and pairs equally well with pizza as it does with beef tenderloin. 

Keywords: Malbec Argentina

2021 Famille Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France ($12.99)

This red blend made from 40% grenache, 40% mourvèdre and 20% syrah is a crowd-pleaser for those that prefer more refined French wines at an affordable price. Notes of red currants, sweet cherries, smoke, vanilla and clove all come through in this full-bodied wine. Grab this bottle for dinner parties where you know there will be at least one person there who is looking for a more complex pour.  

Keywords: Côtes du Rhône

All prices are from wine.com.