Top Wine Recommendations 2026
Welcome to 2026! As we kick off a new year of wine discovery, we're excited to share our top recommendations across every category. Whether you're looking for everyday sippers, special occasion bottles, or wines that push boundaries, this curated list has something for every palate and budget.
These aren't just wines we sell—they're bottles we're genuinely excited about, from producers doing exceptional work and offering real value.
Best Everyday Whites Under $30
2024 Aslina Sauvignon Blanc - Stellenbosch, South Africa
Why we love it: From South Africa's first Black female winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela, this Sauvignon Blanc delivers crisp citrus, tropical fruit, and vibrant acidity at an incredible price point. It's proof that exceptional quality doesn't require a premium price tag.
Perfect for: Weeknight dinners, seafood, salads, or anytime you want refreshment
Price point: Under $20
2024 Monemvasia Assyrtiko - Peloponnese, Greece
Why we love it: Assyrtiko is Greece's answer to great white wine—mineral-driven, citrus-forward, with electric acidity and a saline finish. This is the wine that makes you rethink everything you know about Greek wine.
Perfect for: Grilled fish, Greek cuisine, summer sipping
Price point: Under $25
2023 Boundary #239 Dry Riesling - Finger Lakes, New York
Why we love it: The Finger Lakes continues to prove it's one of America's best Riesling regions. This dry version offers lime, green apple, and slate minerality with laser-like precision. Domestic Riesling at its finest.
Perfect for: Spicy cuisine, Asian food, pork dishes
Price point: Under $25
Best Everyday Reds Under $30
2023 Old Westminster "Pepper" Red - Carroll County, Maryland
Why we love it: Maryland wine is having a moment, and this peppery, medium-bodied red proves why. Juicy, approachable, and perfect for those who want something between light and heavy.
Perfect for: Pizza, burgers, casual gatherings
Price point: Under $25
2023 Silver Myn Argentum Red - Stellenbosch, South Africa
Why we love it: A sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend from South Africa's Banghoek Valley. Rich, structured, and age-worthy, yet approachable now. This is the kind of wine that makes you look like a genius at dinner parties.
Perfect for: Grilled meats, hearty stews, impressive weeknight dinners
Price point: Under $30
Shop Silver Myn Argentum Red →
Best Sparkling Wines
NV Gruet Cuvée 89 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why we love it: New Mexico sparkling wine? Absolutely. Gruet has been making world-class bubbles in the high desert for decades, and this cuvée delivers Champagne-quality at a fraction of the price. Toasty, elegant, and seriously delicious.
Perfect for: Celebrations, brunch, anytime you want bubbles
Price point: Under $30
NV Gran Passione Prosecco DOC - Veneto, Italy
Why we love it: Organic Prosecco that's fresh, fruity, and fun without being overly sweet. This is the Prosecco that converts Prosecco skeptics.
Perfect for: Aperitifs, light appetizers, casual celebrations
Price point: Under $20
Best Pinot Noir
2024 Alexana Terroir Series Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, Oregon
Why we love it: Oregon Pinot Noir continues to rival Burgundy, and Alexana's Terroir Series showcases why. Silky, elegant, with red fruit, earth, and beautiful balance. This is what Pinot Noir should taste like.
Perfect for: Roasted chicken, duck, mushroom dishes, salmon
Price point: $30-40
2023 MNW "In Sheep's Clothing" Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, Oregon
Why we love it: From the playful minds at MNW (Magnificent Wine Company), this Pinot Noir delivers serious quality with a sense of humor. Bright cherry, spice, and silky tannins make it dangerously drinkable.
Perfect for: Casual dinners, charcuterie, anytime Pinot
Price point: Under $30
Best Cabernet Sauvignon & Bordeaux Blends
2023 Brook & Bull Cabernet Franc - Columbia Valley, Washington
Why we love it: Cab Franc is having its moment, and this Washington expression shows why. Herbaceous, structured, with dark fruit and savory complexity. It's Cabernet's cooler, more interesting cousin.
Perfect for: Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, winter dinners
Price point: Under $30
2023 MNW "In Sheep's Clothing" Cabernet Sauvignon - Central Washington
Why we love it: Washington State Cabernet offers incredible value, and this bottle proves it. Bold, structured, with dark fruit and oak influence, yet balanced and food-friendly.
Perfect for: Steaks, aged cheeses, hearty meals
Price point: Under $35
Best Syrah/Shiraz
2023 Stolpman Estate Vineyard Syrah - Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County, California
Why we love it: Stolpman is a biodynamic pioneer in California, and this estate Syrah showcases what sustainable farming can achieve. Peppery, savory, with dark fruit and incredible depth. This is Syrah for serious wine lovers.
Perfect for: Grilled lamb, game meats, braised dishes
Price point: $35-45
2023 HER Shiraz - Stellenbosch, South Africa
Why we love it: Part of the HER Collection celebrating women in wine, this organic Shiraz is bold, spicy, and full of character. South African Shiraz at its best—powerful yet elegant.
Perfect for: BBQ, spicy cuisine, bold flavors
Price point: Under $25
Best Zinfandel
2023 Brown Estate Zinfandel - Napa Valley, California
Why we love it: From one of Napa's few Black-owned wineries, Brown Estate crafts Zinfandel that's bold, balanced, and distinctly Californian. Ripe fruit, spice, and structure make this a standout in a crowded category.
Perfect for: BBQ, grilled meats, hearty American cuisine
Price point: $40-50
Best White Blends
2020 Howard Park Miamup White Blend - Margaret River, Australia
Why we love it: Margaret River produces some of the world's most exciting white blends, and this Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon is textbook. Citrus, stone fruit, and beautiful texture with aging potential.
Perfect for: Seafood, poultry, creamy pasta
Price point: $30-40
2022 LaShellé Roussanne - Columbia Valley, Washington
Why we love it: Roussanne is an underappreciated Rhône variety, and LaShellé's version is stunning. Rich, honeyed, with stone fruit and floral notes. This is the wine that makes you fall in love with Roussanne.
Perfect for: Roasted chicken, rich fish, creamy dishes
Price point: Under $30
Best Chardonnay
2024 Aslina Chardonnay - Stellenbosch, South Africa
Why we love it: Another winner from Ntsiki Biyela, this Chardonnay balances fruit, oak, and acidity beautifully. It's Chardonnay for people who think they don't like Chardonnay.
Perfect for: Roasted chicken, lobster, creamy pasta
Price point: Under $25
2023 Barnard Griffin Estate Chardonnay - Columbia Valley, Washington
Why we love it: Washington Chardonnay offers incredible value, and Barnard Griffin's estate bottling is proof. Crisp, balanced, with just enough oak to add complexity without overwhelming.
Perfect for: Versatile food pairing, weeknight dinners
Price point: Under $25
Shop Barnard Griffin Chardonnay →
Best Sancerre & Loire Valley Wines
2024 Domaine Raffaitin Planchon Sancerre - Loire Valley, France
Why we love it: Classic Sancerre—crisp, mineral-driven, with citrus and herbaceous notes. This is the benchmark for what Sauvignon Blanc can achieve in the Loire Valley.
Perfect for: Goat cheese, seafood, spring vegetables
Price point: $30-40
Shop Domaine Raffaitin Sancerre →
Best Portuguese Wines
2020 Quinta da Devesa Touriga Nacional Superior - Douro Valley, Portugal
Why we love it: Touriga Nacional is Portugal's noble grape, and this expression from the Douro Valley is exceptional. Dark fruit, floral notes, and structured tannins make it a wine to cellar or enjoy now.
Perfect for: Grilled meats, stews, aged cheeses
Price point: $25-35
Shop Quinta da Devesa Touriga Nacional →
Importer's Corner Devesa 10 Year Tawny Porto - Douro Valley, Portugal
Why we love it: Aged Tawny Port is one of wine's great pleasures, and this 10-year expression offers nutty, caramel complexity at an accessible price. Perfect for dessert or contemplative sipping.
Perfect for: Desserts, cheese, after-dinner sipping
Price point: $35-45
Best Wines from Diverse Producers
2022 LaShellé Sangiovese - Rattlesnake Hills, Washington
Why we love it: LaShellé, a Black woman-owned winery in Washington, is crafting exceptional wines that deserve national attention. This Sangiovese is bright, food-friendly, and distinctly Pacific Northwest.
Perfect for: Italian cuisine, tomato-based dishes, pizza
Price point: Under $30
2021 Wachira Black Label Buffalo Chardonnay - Lodi, California
Why we love it: From Kenya-born winemaker Wachira Mburu, this Chardonnay showcases Lodi's potential for world-class wine. Rich, balanced, and beautifully crafted.
Perfect for: Special occasions, impressive dinners
Price point: $30-40
Best Value Wines (Under $20)
2024 Kaapzicht Chenin Blanc - Stellenbosch, South Africa
Why we love it: South African Chenin Blanc offers some of the best value in wine. This bottle delivers stone fruit, honey, and bright acidity at an unbeatable price.
Perfect for: Everyday drinking, seafood, salads
Price point: Under $15
Best Wines for Special Occasions
2024 Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert - Napa Valley, California
Why we love it: Orin Swift makes bold, unapologetic wines, and this Napa blend is no exception. Rich, powerful, and impressive—perfect for celebrations or gifting.
Perfect for: Anniversaries, special dinners, impressive gifts
Price point: $50+
Shop Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert →
Wine Trends to Watch in 2026
1. Domestic wine renaissance: American wines from Maryland, Virginia, New York, and Washington are gaining serious recognition
2. South African surge: Exceptional quality and value from Stellenbosch and beyond
3. Diverse voices: More wines from BIPOC and women winemakers entering the mainstream
4. Sustainable focus: Organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming becoming the norm
5. Alternative varieties: Beyond Cab and Chardonnay—Roussanne, Assyrtiko, Touriga Nacional gaining traction
6. Regional exploration: Greece, Portugal, and lesser-known regions offering incredible value
How to Use This Guide
Building a diverse cellar: Choose 2-3 bottles from different categories to explore variety
Hosting a dinner party: Select wines that pair with your menu from our food pairing suggestions
Gift giving: Special occasion bottles make impressive, thoughtful gifts
Everyday drinking: Stock up on under-$30 options for weeknight enjoyment
Expanding your palate: Try regions and varieties you've never experienced
The Bottom Line
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for wine lovers. From domestic discoveries to international gems, sustainable pioneers to diverse voices, there's never been a better time to explore.
These recommendations represent wines we're genuinely passionate about—bottles that offer exceptional quality, real value, and compelling stories. Whether you're building a collection, planning a dinner party, or simply looking for your next favorite wine, this list has you covered.
At The Wine Concierge, we're committed to curating wines that reflect quality, diversity, and sustainability. Every bottle on this list has been carefully selected to deliver an exceptional experience.
Here's to a year of great wine, new discoveries, and memorable moments. Cheers to 2026!
Leave a comment
Please note, comments must be approved before they are published