These are the kinds of wines you’ll want to buy by the case.

Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless

Due to the rising costs of labor and land in California, discovering exceptional wine values priced under $15 has become increasingly challenging — with emphasis on “exceptional.” While it’s certainly possible to locate less costly California wines, many of these tend to be mass-produced and lack appeal. They aren’t necessarily poor choices, just rather unremarkable.

However, once you consider spending between $15 and $20, the landscape shifts significantly, revealing a wealth of bottles that present not only immediate enjoyment but also distinct character. Here are 15 reliable selections to consider, year after year.

When it comes to a reliable choice for pairing with burgers, steaks, and sausages, Bogle’s rich and juicy Petite Sirah stands out as a top contender. Since its inception in 1968, when Warren Bogle first cultivated this variety, it has been known as a great value.

Arroyo Seco, located in Monterey County, provides the perfect balance of warmth and sunlight, resulting in a white wine that showcases a generous texture and flavors reminiscent of orchard fruits. The region’s cool winds contribute just the right amount of acidity, preventing it from becoming too heavy.

This initiative by wine importers Harmon and Michael Skurnik began in 2009 and quickly established itself as a favorite for those seeking Pinot Noir options under $20 that truly embody the essence of the varietal: bright, crisp, bursting with vibrant berry nuances and a subtle touch of spice.

Morgan Twain-Peterson showcases his talent with old-vine reds, whether through his premium selections at Bedrock Wine Co., which highlights California’s historic vineyards, or in this exceptionally delicious blend combining Zinfandel and a medley of other varietals, offering delightful blue fruit flavors.

The Varner brothers have established a reputation for their premium single-vineyard Pinot Noir. However, since the inception of their Foxglove brand in 1991, they have also excelled in offering some of the best value wines in California, including this refined and consistently delightful Cabernet Sauvignon.

Year after year, this Sauvignon Blanc stands as a dependable choice, showcasing California’s strengths with flavors of melon and citrus, balanced by fresh, yet mild acidity, and just a trace of the typical grassiness associated with the variety.

Since 1995, Napa Valley’s Pine Ridge Vineyards has been producing an intriguing and highly appealing white blend. Currently, this Chenin Blanc is sourced from Clarksburg in the Sacramento River delta, with 20% of Viognier coming from Lodi. It presents a juicy and aromatic profile, making it a wonderful pairing with dishes ranging from roast chicken to fresh green salads.

Clarksburg has emerged as a premier location for Chenin Blanc, which is experiencing a much-deserved revival in California. Long recognized for its merit, Dry Creek has been crafting this jasmine-scented, melon-flavored dry Chenin since 1972, proving its ongoing popularity.

The Mediterranean grape Malvasia is not widely cultivated in California; it is more commonly found in Italy, particularly in the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily, and in Spain, including the Canary Islands. However, Birichino, a producer from the Central Coast, discovered a source in Monterey County, and from this vineyard, they produce a lime-scented, bone-dry white wine that is excitingly refreshing.

Bonny Doon’s Le Cigare Blanc is a harmonious blend of southern French varieties Vermentino (Rolle) and Grenache Blanc, striking a balance between richness and brightness. Its flavor profile includes notes of tart quince and ripe pears, making it incredibly versatile—equally delightful with a fresh salad or a roast chicken.

It’s a common belief that many rosés taste quite similar—pale pink, somewhat fruity, and vaguely crisp; they are pleasant but often forgettable. This Grenache-based rosé from California breaks that mold, offering distinctive and refreshing strawberry-raspberry flavors, complemented by floral notes that add depth. It has enough body that its flavor remains intact even when paired with food.

This Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County features a hint of barrel fermentation (around 15% of the wine), which contributes a greater texture and a silkier mouthfeel than what is typically expected from the variety. This slight richness enhances the wine’s grapefruit and lemon flavors, adding an extra layer of complexity.

Wente holds the distinction of being among the earliest California wineries to cultivate Chardonnay, first planting it in 1908. Today, the “Wente clone” of Chardonnay is recognized as one of the most widely cultivated varieties in the state. This full-bodied, citrus-infused white wine is an excellent choice for those who appreciate Chardonnay and are looking to buy in bulk.

Chris Bilbro, the founder of Marietta in 1978, had a remarkable concept for this consistently affordable red wine, which continues to be produced by his son, Scot Bilbro, after Chris’s passing in 2019. He ingeniously blended the vibrant berry notes of new-vintage Zinfandel with the robust intensity of Petite Sirah, aged for about three years in barrels, and added a splash of two-year-old Syrah for an extra kick of spice (along with a few additional varietals as necessary). While the wine doesn’t carry a vintage label, it offers a complexity and richness that surpasses many others in its price range.

Olema’s reserve bottling represents a rare kind of Chardonnay that appeals to both fans of rich, full-bodied wines and those who prefer a brighter, crisper option. Its apple-pear fruit profile is complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted bread, derived from partial aging in new French oak barrels.