From sushi and seafood to pizza, curry and everything in between, these are the bottles to grab on the way.
Being entrusted with choosing a bottle of wine to BYO can feel like a quest worthy of Odysseus. First, there’s the voyage through the aisles. Then there’s the gathering of your crew, quarrels over varieties, temptations of shiny medals on labels and, finally, the triumphant return bearing a bottle that wins everyone over.
But forget a years-long voyage, we suggest taking the easy route: choosing from some of our favourite wines under $20. The following bottles are proof that you don’t need to spend big to drink well. These wines all deliver serious bang for buck without looking – or tasting – budget.
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Sparkling wine
If your BYO outing involves sushi, sashimi or anything fresh from the sea, prosecco is your trusty sidekick. Brown Brothers King Valley Prosecco brings crisp pear and apple flavours, plenty of freshness and the kind of easy-drinking energy that makes a Tuesday sushi run feel like an exciting adventure.
Here is another sparkling wine that punches well above its price, bringing ripe stone fruit, strawberry, a touch of nuttiness and a creamy, dry finish. Rich while still light and fresh, this is the kind of wine that works anywhere, from a potluck feast to a last-minute bottle for a housewarming. Just remember to chill it well before serving.
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White wine
Sometimes you just need a big curry hit. Grab some friends, cook up a giant pot, feast like royalty and freeze whatever survives. If that curry happens to involve white fish and a serious kick of spice, this Clare Valley riesling is the perfect plus-one. Light-bodied, crisp and refreshing, it brings bright citrus, freshness and enough zing to cut through the heat. An over-achiever of a riesling, this is exactly what curry night needs.
We’re on a Clare Valley roll here. This Tim Adams Pinot Gris is another regional standout that brings all the good stuff: juicy pear, crisp apple and a splash of tropical fruit, balanced by fresh acidity. It’s a natural match for some prawns on the barbie, but it’s just as happy alongside a little soft-cheese situation.
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5. Evans & Tate Classic Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh and crisp, this sem sauv is another over-achieving wine. Expect passionfruit, green apple and ripe stone fruit, with bright acidity that keeps everything lively. It drinks like you spent a lot more on it, and we think it’s crying out for a yum cha session. Har gow, siu mai, prawn toast... it'll happily tag along for the lot.
Rosé
Speaking of dumplings, Chapel Hill’s The Parson Sangiovese Rosé is a god-tier pairing. Dry, fresh and full of sour cherry, raspberry and pomegranate flavours, it's crisp and lightly textured. This is a rosé that tastes far more expensive than it is, and it will cosy up to any dumpling, wonton or dim sum you can throw at it.
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This is a classic bistro-style rosé with good hits of juicy strawberry and cranberry flavours, and a dash of spice. Its fresh, textured finish makes it a natural match for all kinds of food, but we reckon it’s made for Peking duck pancakes. Those big fruity flavours are going to sing next to some hoisin sauce and fatty pieces of roasted duck.
Red wine
The Maretti Italia Pinot Noir is everything you want from an easy weeknight red. Juicy cherry, raspberry, soft tannins and just enough earthy character to remind you it's Italian. Take it to your favourite BYO pizza joint and do yourself a favour: order the mushroom pizza. Trust us.
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Inspired by the beauty of Sorrento, this grenache is full of charm. Expect bright red fruit, soft spice and a silky finish, with layers of flavour that roll in like waves along the Italian coast. There’s really only one way to drink this – alongside a big bowl of gnocchi alla Sorrentina. We don’t make the rules.
Can’t go past an award-winner? This collected best value shiraz in the recent Best in Glass Wine Awards. It has juicy blueberry and blackcurrant flavours, hints of aniseed and a subtle earthy edge, all wrapped up in a rich, full-bodied style. Made from organic vineyards and shaped by the sea breeze that makes McLaren Vale so special, this wine is even good chilled. It’s a shoe-in for a Sunday roast, especially if lamb or even duck are on the menu.
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