15 Cheap White Wines That Truly Taste Like Expensive Ones

There's a common misconception that quality and price always go hand-in-hand when it comes to wine.

While an expensive bottle can no doubt deliver unparalleled flavor, it's far from the only path to a sublime wine experience.

After sifting through reviews from sommeliers and aficionados, we're confident these 15 cheap white wines are just as worthy as their uber-pricey counterparts.

So grab your corkscrew and your best cash back credit cards as we reveal the details.

Price: $14

The aroma of Barton & Guestier 2021 Bistro Chardonnay is floral and citrusy.

Once you take a sip, fruity, herbaceous flavors hit, with a slight brush of tannin flavor akin to fresh white tea. The result is a balanced, medium-bodied sip with just the right amount of acidity.

No wonder Wine Enthusiast rated this chardonnay with a 92, though the meager price tag is only $14.

Price: $18.99

It’s not surprising that fifth-generation winemakers in a small town in Germany would perfect organic winemaking, and their 2023 Dry Riesling proves they have.

It makes no effort to hide its acidity, with a floral aroma with hints of green apple and lime.

What is surprising is that a 1-liter bottle of this punchy riesling, perfect for an aperitif, is only $18.99.

Price: $16.49

Camp Chardonnay is a departure from standard California chardonnays, which tend to be oakier.

That’s thanks to the French wood used in the winemaking process, which includes fermenting the wine naturally in stainless steel to highlight the character of its sustainably farmed grapes.

With its just-right acidity and delicate sweetness, wine enthusiasts recommend enjoying this on your porch or at a party with friends. The best part? It’s only $16.49.

Price: $19.99

The 2023 vintage of Elena Walch Pinot Grigio ranks high on several lists, including Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling, who both gave the Italian wine a score of 90 out of 100.

With notes of summer fruit like nectarines, pears, and lemons joined by earthy almond notes, the balance is perfect.

For $19.99, you get a bottle that complements your hearty appetizer course with gusto.

Price: $11.95

Hailing from the Rhône Valley in France, Famille Perrin 2021 Réserve White earned a 92 out of 100 score from Wine Enthusiast.

It’s highly recommended thanks to its fruity bouquet, which combines pomelo, yuzu, peaches, and more with mushroom and vanilla. The finish is long.

One bottle costs $11.95, quite an affordable offering from the Famille Perrin family of wineries, a fifth-generation organic operation.

Price: $21.33

Some sauvignon blancs can be less than exciting, but that’s not the case for François Chidaine Sauvignon Touraine.

The French wine sings with flavors of gooseberries and citrus contrasted with earthy pebble energy. It pairs perfectly with oysters, clams, or goat cheese.

One reviewer noted that her spouse thought the bottle cost $100, but it’s only $21.33 on Vivino. That says it all!

Price: $10.49

Good bubbly doesn’t have to be expensive, as is evidenced by Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava Brut.

It’s one of the most popular sparkling wines out there, thanks to its bold citrus flavors, earthy backbone, and smooth finish.

Ideal for a soiree or before dinner bites, a bottle of this brut will only set you back $10.49. No wonder everyone’s a fan.

Price: $19.99

Grass Stains Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in the South of France close to the sea, an acidic homage to the Golfe Du Lion.

Notes of passionfruit and guava combine harmoniously with the sea’s minerality and the kiss of volcanic rock, making for a bright, earthy white wine.

Pick up a bottle for $19.99, grill some white fish, kiss it with lime, and serve together on the patio.

Price: $12.99

Chances are you’ve seen Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc at your wine shop and wondered if it was good, sporting a $12.99 price tag.

Over 72,000 wine fans gave it a 4.0 on Vivino, so there’s something to it. Take it from one who praised its citrus-lychee flavor and “mouthwatering acidity.”

Another shared it’s a go-to for enjoying with a scrumptious seafood tower. Sign us up for this classic budget-friendly option.

Price: $22.04

Another favorite for acid lovers is Leitz Eins Zwei Dry Riesling.

While dry might not be the first thing you think of in a riesling, that’s what makes this one stand out. That, combined with its sour citrus and apple finish, lands it high on our list.

Over 11,000 reviewers give this German wine 3.8 stars on Vivino, where you can score a bottle for $22.04.

Price: $16.96

Arguably, the best wine on this list is Muscadet Sèvre et Maine "Sélection," Dom. des Cognettes, 2023 vintage.

Hailing from the famed coastal Loire Valley in France, this wine is heavily influenced by the flavors of the ocean and volcanic rock in the region.

Apples and honeysuckle notes balance with the salt of the earth, making for a wine that tastes much more expensive than $16.96 per bottle.

Sweet white wine lovers, we haven’t forgotten you; Saracco Moscato d’Asti is our pick thanks to its incredibly high score of 93 out of 100 from Wine Enthusiast.

Apricots and honey blend beautifully with crisp citrus and summer fruit for a delicious sip worthy of dessert.

It’s Moscato at its finest for just $13.07 for the 2022 vintage. If you can find a bottle from 2019, even better.

Price: $18

Ethically produced, both by environmental and labor standards, Sommariva Prosecco Superiore Brut is our second sparkling pick.

Bright fruit and floral flavors are tempered by a yeasty, biscuity taste, striking a great balance perfect for unwinding after a long day at the office.

You can also enjoy a glass of this brut during Saturday brunch. At $18 per bottle, no one can argue that it’s not a fair price.

Price: $19.99

Pinot grigio may have a reputation for being bland, but it doesn’t have to be. Enter Vigneti La Monde Pinot Grigio, an Italian wine with notes of summer fruit that elevate its flavor.

Contrast that with its subtle almond finish, and you have an elegant sip that’s anything but boring.

Made with sustainably farmed grapes, you can snag a bottle of this classic pinot grigio for $19.99.

Price: $13

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a Spanish white wine, and Vinos del Atlantico 2021 Zestos Malvar Old Vines Malvar is definitely worth mentioning.

With a score of 93 out of 100 from Wine Enthusiast, you can’t go wrong.

This wine skews Turkish in flavor, with tropical, orange blossom, and apricot notes complementing chalky flint undertones. It’s all yours for $13 a bottle.

These white wines are so delicious, complex, and balanced that you’ll swear they cost more than their price tag.

Of course, it’s perfectly OK to splurge on a wine that’s truly outstanding, especially on special occasions. But for your everyday sommelier needs, you should avoid wasting money by choosing a budget-friendly option that might turn out to be a top-quality choice.