The Best Pinot Noir Wines Under $20

Finding a home-run Pinot Noir under $20 is no small feat, but the good news is that it’s far from impossible.

It is often referred to as the “heartbreak grape” for its finicky nature, needing just the right conditions to thrive and express its elegant, nuanced character. That reputation has often meant higher price points, making affordable bottles feel like hidden gems.

However, thanks to increasingly abundant fruit sources, innovative winemaking and changing growing conditions, there’s never been a better time to be a budget-conscious Pinot lover.

Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Tonya Pitts, who reviews wines from California and other parts of the U.S., highlights a key reason for this exciting moment with the notoriously fickle grape. “Producers are creating several labels to offer consumers different price points, so they can enjoy wine anytime,” she says.
But that affordability doesn’t necessarily mean cutting corners. With climates changing and yielding more expressive fruit, even entry-level wines are gaining depth and complexity, elevating both the sense of terroir and the drinking experience without inflating costs.

One of a Kind Aromatics

What makes Pinot Noir so captivating, regardless of its price point, is its signature aromatic and flavor profile. Red fruits—like cherry, raspberry and strawberry—are often layered with earthy undertones of mushroom, truffle and forest floor. Depending on the region, you might also find hints of herbs, spice or minerality.

Old World Pinots, such as those esteemed bottles from Burgundy, are typically more restrained, emphasizing elegance, acidity and terroir-driven complexity.

In contrast, New World expressions—including those from California and Oregon—tend to showcase riper fruit and a more fruit-forward character overall, making them especially appealing to modern palates.

Though lesser-known, the cool climate Pinot Noirs from Australia, also fall into this category, with ripe berry flavors upfront thanks to abundant sunshine. These wines are increasingly being crafted in lighter, more delicately framed styles, says Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast’s Australia, New Zealand, England and New York reviewer—and deserve a much closer look.

“Relatively little Australian Pinot makes it Stateside, which is a shame considering how good it is from a number of cool climate regions—and how seriously the Aussies take this variety,” she says of these wines. “But the Pinots that do make it to our shores are top notch.”

Affordable Bottles From Across the Globe

One of those Aussie gems made it to our selection below, which leans heavily on New World renditions. This is due in part to the more favorable conditions for producing high-quality wines at lower price points. But, rest assured, we did find one incredibly affordable bottle of Burgundy to highlight, too.

These fantastic Pinot Noirs, which all ring in under $20 a bottle, is proof that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a stellar glass of wine. From Australia’s sunny vineyards to the juicy fruit of California, these bottles are a testament to what’s possible when winemakers embrace creativity and care at every price point.

Explore the options and raise a glass to wines that deliver more than their price tag might suggest.

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Best Budget Oregon Pinot Noirs

Erath 2022 Resplendent Pinot Noir (Oregon)

This is an aromatic trip to Grandma’s house at the holidays, with aromas of a roast in the oven flanked by sweet red cherries, orange peel and cinnamon. This is nicely balanced, with flavors of dried cherries, plums and a hint of bacon fat. Resplendent, indeed. Best Buy. 91 Points — Michael Alberty

$19
Ed’s Fine Wines

King Estate 2022 Inscription Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

What an aromatic roller-coaster ride. The first sniff of the glass yields bright red cherries and orange zest. Then you get a burst of roasted red peppers, followed by a shot of espresso. Restrained acidity and velvety tannins accompany raspberry, smoked cherry and earthy oregano flavors. Great value here. Best Buy. 90 Points — M.A.

$20
Wine.com

Best Budget Australian Pinot Noir

The Hare & The Tortoise 2022 Pinot Noir (Yarra Valley)

This is a bright and bouncy wine with crowd-pleasing aromas of primary red fruit, spice, vanilla and florals. It’s silky in the mouth with tangy acidity, nice length and drive, and a frame of spicy, chalky tannins. For the price, this should be a weeknight staple. Best Buy. 93 Points — Christina Pickard

$20
Viscount Wines

Best Budget Red Burgundy

Damien Martin 2020 Pinot Noir (Bourgogne)

Ripe strawberries and raspberries dominate the inviting note, delighting the senses. The palate offers more raspberries, along with notes of violets and white peppercorn. Tannins grip the front of the mouth, leaving traces of black tea on the finish. Simple and straightforward, perfect for enjoying now. Best Buy. 91 Points — Anna-Christina Cabrales

$20
Schaefer’s

Best Budget North Coast Pinot

Nine North Wine Company 2022 Chasing Lions Pinot Noir (North Coast)

This wine is lively, with aromas of Bing cherry, plum, sandalwood, dried florals and molasses, opening further on the palate to ripe strawberry, raspberry and orange blossom, interlaced with spearmint, grapefruit, vanilla cream and ending with a supple finish. Pair with grilled chicken breast. Best Buy. 92 Points — Tonya Pitts

$16
Saratoga Wine

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Best Budget California Pinot Noirs

Barrelstone 2022 Pinot Noir (California)

This wine is blossoming with aromas of fresh red berries, concentrated red and dark fruits. Creamy in texture and light bodied the palate has repeated flavors of fresh strawberry, black cherries, vanilla cream, wrapping up with dried herbs and dried red fruits. This producer continues to offer a snapshot of the bounty from across California. Pair with your favorite fish or baked chicken dish. Best Buy. 92 Points — T.P.

$12
Instacart

The Pinot Project 2021 Pinot Noir (California)

This wine is youthful with sweet yellow plums, blackberry, brulleed orange rind, tangerine, green olives. There is this buoyancy in the mid-palate while the finish is dry and lingers. Perfect with Tombo Tuna or Nicoise Salad. Best Buy. 91 Points— T.P.

$13
Wine.com

Murphy-Goode 2022 Pinot Noir (California)

This wine is fresh, zesty with aromas of strawberry, red plum, florals and sandalwood. The midpalate has flavors of pomegranate, watermelon, raspberry and guava interlaced with star anise to finish. Pair with roast duck breast. Best Buy. 90 Points — T.P.

$18
Murphy Goode

Line 39 2021 Pinot Noir (California)

This wine is rich, lively, with aromas of dark berries, cola, and dried flowers on the nose. The flavors on the palate are strawberry, pomegranate, mid palate is blood orange zest with clove, dried bayleaf, and a long dry finish. Pair with roasted duck breast, parsnip and grilled apple. Best Buy. 93 Points — T.P.

$10
PJ Wine

Kenwood 2022 Discoveries Pinot Noir (California)

This wine is bright, lifted, with aromas of raspberry, plum, and vanilla spice on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Red plum, orange zest, dried chicory, and a longn mouth watering finish. Pair with grilled fish or pasta with creamy sauces. Best Buy. 93 Points — T.P.

$17
Wine.com

Bogle 2022 Pinot Noir (California)

Fresh and lively this wine boasts aromas of dark raspberry, plum, coriander and dried potpourri followed by notes of toasted vanilla. Strawberry and cranberry coulis lead on the palate and are accented by subtler flavors of blood orange peel, dried sage and chocolate, leading to a dry supple finish. Pair with roasted duck breast. Best Buy. 93 Points — T.P.

$11
Bogle Family Vineyards