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Article 3 Absolute Best Inexpensive Red Wine In Australia

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Unearthing a sensational bottle of red that doesn’t break the bank is one of life’s little wins – especially when the cost of everything continues to rise. In this article, we’ve done the digging for you and shortlisted the best inexpensive red wine varieties available right now in Australia.

Of course, ‘inexpensive’ is a relative term, but for this shopping guide, we’ve considered great drops that come in under $30 to fit the bill. But don’t worry, we’ve included some rippers well below that!

red-wine-STK

How to choose the best inexpensive red wine

We know that with SO much variety in Australia, it can feel like a lucky dip when it comes to selecting wines. It’s always disappointing when you spend money on something you don’t like, so here are some tips to help you choose something highly likely to please your palette.

  • Read reviews and ratings! – You’re in the right spot for that because Best Sips is the best place online to find genuine, everyday opinions on beverages from people just like yourself. If lots of people love it, you can be pretty certain you will too.
  • Awards mean something! – Unlike books, you are very much forgiven for judging a wine by its cover. The wine label is the place to observe awards and recognition from the industry and given these accomplishments don’t come easy, they’re definitely something to take notice of.
  • Stick to trusted regions – Just as some people love the Marlborough region for Sauvignon Blanc or the Barossa for Shiraz, you’ll likely have a region you love for a particular wine variety. If in doubt, look up the wines you’ve enjoyed in the past and see if there’s a common region among them.

3 Best Inexpensive Red Wine Available In Australia

The beauty of living in Australia is how accessible great wine is at a decent price – you don’t have to spend a fortune to find something you enjoy. On that note, let’s dive into our favourites!

These products are hand-picked by our editorial team because we’ve tried and loved them, or other Australians have!

Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon, $20

Riddoch red wine bottles.

Proudly known as one of the best-value red wines in Australia, Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is a must-try! It suits fans of a full-bodied drop and packs yummy flavours of spicy plum, blueberry and vanilla with an oaky finish. This is definitely one to stock up on when it’s on sale – cellaring will only make it better.

BUY NOW

Krondorf Barossa Shiraz, $20

Krondorf shiraz red wine bottles.

At less than $20, Krondord Shiraz is a firm favourite for affordable wines in Australia. Rich and full, it delivers lots of berry hints refined with subtle oak flavour. Perfect with pasta or roasts, this bottle is such great value that you’re excused for cellaring a few extra!

  • Region: Barossa Valley
  • Price range: $15 – $20
  • Where to buy it: Dan Murphy’s, BWS
BUY NOW

 Cat Amongst The Pigeons Barossa Shiraz, $15

Cat amongst the pigeons shiraz bottles.

Another gem from the Barossa, Cat Amongst The Pigeons is a deeply coloured and full-bodied red that’s near impossible to find fault with at around $15. It’s silky-smooth and easy to drink, an all-round winner for your backyard BBQs.

  • Region: Barossa Valley
  • Price range: $15 – $20
  • Where to buy it: Dan Murphy’s, BWS
BUY NOW

Know another fabulous red that doesn’t break the bank? Let us know in the comments below!

Prices are subject to change by stores. We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, please see our Terms & Conditions.

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  • My favourite red is the Earthworks Shiraz, from the Barooga region. I find it smooth and medium bodied. It’s very tasty!

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  • I definitely want to try the Cat Amongst the Pigeons Shiraz. I love a good Shiraz and this sounds perfect. Great price!

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  • I tend to go $20 bottles when I want something a little more nice and go about a $13-15 bottle usually. Will have to give the cat among the pigeons a go. And then try the other too when I’m wanting something a little nicer or when it’s on special!

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  • Thank you for these three recommendations of an inexpensive wines- they all look really amazing and in fact, expensive bye how it has been packaged in the bottle. Off to give cat among the pigeons a try.

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  • I think these might be a good choice for my husband for his December birthday. He loves red but I have no idea what to buy . It might be worth my while just going with it and hopefully surprising him with something he’ll love.

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  • I’m not big on red so it’s great to have a list of Christmas gift options for the inlaws.

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  • I’m not a big red wine drinker although I don’t mind a glass when drinking with some friends with a nice steak or pasta. I’ve had the Barossa Cat Amongst The Pigeons and true to the description it was very easy to drink, something that I would recommend.

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  • I picked up 6 ‘Cat amongst the Pigeons’ today as team manager gifts for the sporting teams the kids play in. Great price, they look elegant and my husband has recently given it the thumbs up on taste.

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  • Cat amounts the pigeons is a winner!
    I’ve gifted this on numerous occasions to red wine drinkers as it’s a nice bottle with a cool name and it has always been complimented on.

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  • My husband drinks red and after reading this article I picked up a bottle of the ‘cat amongst the pigeons’ from Dans. It looks great, good price point and my husband liked it. It went down well as he was cooking the BBQ. One that I will definitely purchase again for him.

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  • This is a great article. I am always so unsure when choosing a wine and it’s great to have a little guidance. We might put this to the test over Xmas with all out visitors and get-togethers.

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  • The cat amongst the pigeons bottle looks very elegant – great gift giving idea for Christmas. Affordable and looks luxe – and from the review drinks well too!

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  • I must admit that I only used red wine for cooking. My son in law loves a good red wine so when I am gifted one it always ends up going his way.

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  • To be honest with the price of everything at the moment I’ve started to buy the ALDIs small talk 1L Shiraz for $5.99. Now it won’t be to everyone’s cup of tea but I’ve had a lot worse that cost a lot more.

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  • This post was handy, thank you. I’m not a red wine drinker myself, but often buy it as gifts for friends who are. I’ll keep an eye out for these brands next time I’m shopping. And at this price point, you can’t go wrong!

    Reply

  • I’ve never liked red wines except making them into a spritz with lemonade. Some people think it’s a horror, but I enjoy them this way.

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  • My Mum is a red wine drinker, she always has a little glass with dinner. I need to get her onto these instead of the box wine that she buys. Mum deserves the best!

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  • A great review and good to know!

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  • My favourite red is Shiraz. So I’m keen to give both of the ones mentioned in this article a try. At those prices, they sound like a great option to me. Plus can’t go wrong when they are from the Barossa

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  • Cat amongst the Pigeons is so good!!! I’ve bought this one for gifts before because I thought the name was really cute.

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  • I’ve heard of Cat Amongst the Pigeons Shiraz but have not tried it yet. I thought it was going to be more expensive than it is.

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  • I love these recommendations. Will definitely try them.

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  • Um they are so affordable shut up and take my money

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  • Handy list. I’ve saved it!

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  • I always have red wine on hand for those nights to pair with a good steak or when guests come over. It can often be hard to find a smooth tasting one in a budget though! I’ll definitely be checking these out next time im in store. At the moment, pepperjack is my go to thats more budget friendly.

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  • Definitely on my list to try for the holidays!

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  • Excellent recommendations here! I have some real red wine snobs in my family and I’m always a little nervous bringing a bottle. I’ll have to test out the waters with these!

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  • Can you please do white wines next? I would love a guide to buying inexpensive wines, but am allergic to red!

    Reply
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