From cheap and cheerful weeknight wines to the bottles that show you’re pulling out all the stops.

One of the true benefits of an at-home date night is avoiding the restaurant mark-ups. It means, by pouring it yourself, you can get a better wine for your budget. Sure, you have to cook yourself, or have a perfect order from a tried-and-trusted Uber Eats restaurant ready to go, but the wine is here to shine! It also means you don’t have to spend a bomb to get a perfect date-night wine, but if you want to spend a little more, there are some slam-dunk bottles out there. So whether the budget’s tight, or you’re looking to impress, we’re taking you through the most romantic bottles from bargain to swish.

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The great $12 grenache

The French rule at romance, and this grenache embodies the holiday chic of Southern France and has a pocket-pleasing price. Now that’s je no se qua. Lulu Le Francais Grenache, a true grenache pinot, tastes of plum and cherry and has refined tannins. Balanced and nicely structured, it's great value. Grenache is best paired with grilled meats, so stick with the theme and serve steak frites (even if it’s oven chips). Find a spot in the sinking sun, hit play on a French cafe album and your amorous scene is set.

Best-in-show pinot under $20

There is a strong consensus among those who know that there is no better pinot at this price-point than Six Foot Six Pinot Noir 750ml. It is, as the bottle declares itself, kind of a big deal. A pinot noir is a great date wine because it’s so drinkable: light and smooth. Like milk chocolate. Which, funnily enough, it’s excellently paired with. Think of this bottle like a bunch of peonies, or a Richard Curtis film: an easy romantic win.

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Palate pick from $30-$35

One of the most romantic acts is showing interest in your partner. Are they a white, red or something in-between drinker? Use your powers of deduction, and then select the corresponding bottle from this trio of fancies from the $30-$35 bracket. First up, Jean-Marc Brocard Petit Chablis a chardonnay, but Chablis must be from the French region by the same name. It’s normally a much higher price point, but this bottle makes a strong argument for the more affordable Chablis. It’s unoaked and has a real freshness that light, floral palates will find mouthwatering.

For the fiery red-lover, we have Fowles Ladies Shoot Lunch Shiraz 750ml, sourced from premium vineyards in the Strathbogie Ranges in Central Victoria. It’s a wine bursting with flavour, fruits, a hint of spice and destined to be matched with a delicious meal, like a roast dinner, ragù or middle eastern mezze platter. The name is memorable because it’s one you’ll want to buy again.

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Finally, if your lover is a rosé drinker, bring them a bottle of Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé and watch their eyes light up. Creamy, with raspberries and strawberries, it finishes fresh. It’s also the product of one of the greatest love stories of our time. Yep, this wine hails from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s magnificent château. The marriage may not have lasted, but their love story is forever.

The under-$60 Champagne worthy of The Bachelor

When you’re pulling out all the love cards: oysters, candles, a Taylor Swift soundtrack (no judgement), add a bottle of Duperrey Champagne Brut Vintage. A considered and delightful sip with all the hallmarks of a grand marque Vintage Champagne, it hits just under $60. An aperitif style wine, pop it and pour for the first sip of the evening. Pair it with a toast to love and your partner’s beauty, inside and out. Wowee. Let’s just call you Prince/Princess Charming. When it comes to romance, you’re nailing it. Even if the only part that goes to plan is the bubbles.