The winners are in. These are the best local wines under $50 for any and all occasions.
We love a wine bottle with a shiny medal on it as much as the next guy, but it’s not always clear what these awards are about. While these wines have obviously gotten a tick of approval from somewhere, this can be more about velvety tannins and lingering finishes than why we’d actually want to drink them. So, we’re thrilled to announce the results of our very own Dan Murphy’s Best in Glass Wine Awards – a celebration of great wines at friendly prices, perfect for every occasion. It’s not just about those big need-to-impress celebrations either (although there are brilliant picks for those moments, too). These are tried-and-tested foolproof wines for everything from takeaway in front of the TV to a special dinner with friends and everything in between.
Starting with a hefty 700 wines, our team of Dan Murphy’s Wine Merchants whittled down the contenders to just 46 worthy winners. The best bit? Every wine in this battle maxed out at $50. That means some of the big-name wines and producers aren’t in the mix, but the team has ensured every winner is approachable, accessible and, above all else, stupidly delicious. And because our Wine Merchants aren’t just experts in wine, but also in understanding how wine is best enjoyed, their stamp of approval reflects a whole swag of real-life factors. That’s also how they landed on three categories of winners for almost every wine variety – the best local winners from Australia and New Zealand, best value, and the best international wines – because, quite frankly, one winner just isn’t enough.
Get to know the newly crowned Best in Glass local winners across 18 sparkling, white and red wine styles, each with a My Dan’s member price for a limited time to help you discover some new verified favourites (offers available until 28 May).
Confirming several long-held beliefs about Australia’s sparkling wine scene, this is an impressive spread of Tasmanian stars, a pioneering prosecco that only gets better, and everybody’s favourite ready-to-go spritz.
- Best sparkling non-vintage: Clover Hill Tasmania Exceptionnelle
Crispy acidity balancing rich lemon curd and lime flavours alongside creamy, toasty complexity make this fizz an ideal aperitif that demands to start a night.
Non-member price: $45.99 | My Dan’s member price: $42
- Best sparkling vintage: Jansz Brut Vintage Cuvee
Celebrating? This zesty, nutty bubbly is more than worthy of any significant moment – weddings, milestone birthdays or, you know, making it to Friday.
Non-member price: $48.99 | My Dan’s member price: $42
- Best prosecco: Dal Zotto Prosecco Pucino
They were first to plant and make prosecco here in Aus, and for that, we thank them. In fact, we might just toast to them with this bright, fresh and floral prosecco.
Non-member price: $21.99 | My Dan’s member price: $19
- Best Spritz/sweet: Zonzo Estate Limoncello Spritz
This ‘It’ Spritz is a hot favourite for good reason – its bold lemon flavours and light, refreshing style made it the judges’ ideal sundown sip.
Non-member price: $21.99 | My Dan’s member price: $20
Some spectacular wines are among these winners – all premium producers who make benchmark expressions of these styles. It also reinforces, yet again, that certain regions – and wineries – are renowned for specific varieties because they really do nail them every time.
- Best chardonnay: Oakridge Valley Series
Oakridge is synonymous with chardonnay, and this wine proves, once again, how well they do it. Its citrus, salty and mineral notes are pitch-perfect with charcuterie.
Non-member price: $29.99 | My Dan’s member price: $27
- Best sauvignon blanc: Craggy Range Martinborough
If bright and flavourful, but classy and restrained sauvs are your thing, this wine’s pineapple, passionfruit and apple-tart flavours are right on the money. An easy choice for seafood feasts.
Non-member price: $34.99 ($35.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $30
- Best riesling: Rieslingfreak No. 34
The best rieslings are crisp, fresh and aromatic with precise acidity, and this Clare and Eden Valley star ticks all the boxes.
Non-member price: $23.99 ($24.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $21
- Best pinot gris/grigio: Tim Adams Pinot Gris
This is a best-seller for a reason. The judges couldn’t go past its perfect balance of fruit and acidity. An excellent introduction to grigio – and bang on for your next picnic.
Non-member price: $19.99 ($20.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $18
- Best white blend: Pierro LTC Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Bringing together the best of semillon (think lemon sherbet) and sauv (that traditional gooseberry), this wine also gets a little touch of chardonnay (that’s the ‘LTC’), creating an ideal-for-every-occasion kinda wine.
Non-member price: $39.99 ($40.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $36
- Best other white varietal: Longview Gruner Vetliner
Meet your new favourite BYO for dumplings. The judges loved it for its aromatics and elegance, but also said it would shine alongside Chinese food, especially xiao long bao and sweet and sour pork.
Non-member price: $26.99 | My Dan’s member price: $24
- Best sweet wine: Brown Brothers Moscato Strawberry & Cream
Sweet-tooths will love this balanced and creamy moscato, which has a bright and refreshing dose of strawberries and cream. Serve it up in place of dessert.
Non-member price: $14.99 | My Dan’s member price: $14
- Best rosé: Dominique Portet Rosé
Pale, dry and showcasing luscious red fruits, a touch of bitter orange and a creamy twist, this rosé was a clear standout for the judges as the ideal date-night drop.
Non-member price: $27.99 ($28.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $25
Regardless of whether you always go for a big red over a lighter style, or vice versa, these winning wines are an overwhelmingly crowd-pleasing lot. Put any of these reds up against your favourite meal and we think you’ll be in for a very good time.
- Best shiraz: Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz
Shiraz with steak might be a cliché, but this Barossa red will be right at home next to a quality piece of beef, thanks to its rich peppery, blackcurrant and plum flavours.
Non-member price: $31.99 | My Dan’s member price: $30 (and $29 in SA)
- Best pinot noir: Nanny Goat Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pinot is one of the most food-friendly reds, and this wine, with its dark fruits and violet notes, is the ultimate pick for your next Peking duck feast (or any sweet, sour, savoury dish, for that matter).
Non-member price: $40.99 ($41.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $37
- Best grenache: Teusner Joshua GMS
Fresh, lively and full of fruit, this is an incredibly easy-drinking blend of grenache, mourvedre and shiraz that will keep everyone happy at your next night in with mates.
Non-member price: $34.99 ($35.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $31
- Best cabernet sauvignon: Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon
Consistently excellent, this beautifully balanced Margaret River cab is as worthy of a major celebration as it is for casual catch-ups. Serious bang for buck.
Non-member price: $39.99 ($40.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $37
- Best red blend: Deep Woods Cabernet Merlot
It’s giving classic Bordeaux, but it’s actually another Margaret River champion. Polished with concentrated, dark fruit flavours and a touch of mint, it’s the perfect wine to give as a thank-you (and hope they open it with you).
Non-member price: $35.99 | My Dan’s member offer: $30
- Best other red varietal: Pizzini Pietra Rossa Sangiovese
Taking its cues from Chianti, this classic sangiovese is made for the dinner table – think pizza, pasta and lasagne, but also pretty much anything else you might serve up.
Non-member price: $29.99 ($30.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member offer: $27
