Napa Valley is the leading region in California, but the prices of those wines have been skyrocketing. As a result, sorting through Napa wines that deliver high quality and value has been our mission. In addition, savvy consumers have been seeking out other regions in the Golden State to find value. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the best quality and value red wines we’ve tasted recently.
Lortum Riche Vineyards Row 48 Cask 9 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
This is a unique blend unlike any other. Lortum Riche masterfully combines grapes from the prestigious Napa Valley across four exceptional vintages (2019, 2021, and a splash of 2022). This innovative approach allows the genious winemaker to create a complex and layered flavor profile, ensuring a truly unforgettable drinking experience.
2019 Sei Querce Coyote Ridge Cabernet Franc Alexander Valley
Cabernet Franc might not always get the limelight it deserves, but it’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after varietals for serious wine lovers. The 2019 Sei Querce Coyote Ridge Cabernet Franc is a stunning example of what makes this grape so special. Hailing from the prestigious Alexander Valley, this wine offers a perfect balance of power and elegance. It’s bold yet refined, with layers of dark fruit, peppery spice, and a subtle herbaceous note that make it an absolute standout. Did I mention that Jesse Katz, the winemaker behind this gem, is a 100-point winemaker? His precision and attention to detail are evident in every sip. This Cabernet Franc is quickly becoming a fan favorite and is one you won't want to miss. With the same high-quality fruit that goes into Silver Oak, this wine is destined to be a classic.
2022 Jean Hoefliger Collide Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Jean Hoefliger may not be a name you recognize, but you most likely have heard of Alpha Omega which is a winery he helped put on the map with his opulent and precise style of winemaking. Jean is from Switzerland and trained at none other than Chateau Lynch Bages. This brand was originally launched by Mark Herold and now Jean carries on its legacy. For those in the know, Alexander Valley is an excellent alternative and the place to find excellent value given the ever-escalating price of Napa Cabs.
2021 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Where does one find Cabernet Sauvignon value? Napa adjacent vineyards like this estate wine from Alexander Valley would easily cost $80-120/bottle if it had a Napa AVA label on it. This wine is fresh, pure, and just delicious. Stunning aromas of black currant, tobacco leaf, black cherry, olive, white sage, blackberry liqueur and sweet French oak. Though lush and soft on the palate, drink now or age for 5-8 years.
2022 The Beau Vigne Collection ICON Proprietary Red Napa Valley
The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley is already shaping up to follow in the footsteps of the stellar 2021 harvest—and Beau Vigne is delivering the goods. The 2022 ICON Proprietary Red is a powerhouse blend from one of Napa’s most revered small producers, known for bold, high-scoring wines.
2020 M by Martellotto Grenache Santa Barbara County
Disclaimer: This wine is made by BHW founder, Greg Martellotto and we love this wine. It’s an epic third bottle or that red wine that pairs well with most any food including white fish or salmon. Why? There’s not much oak influence here and the focus is on the fruit. Raspberry bursts and a bright acid tension make this very crushable. Serve after chilling for 20 minutes in the refrigerator and now you’ll understand why Santa Barbara is such an exciting region for Rhone varietals.
2022 Turley Wine Cellars Old Vines Zinfandel
A famed single vineyard for old vine Zinfandel from a warmer part of the relatively cool Russian River Valley makes this wine a joy to drink. Plus, it’s already 8 years young and it’s really in a sweet drinking window. Plus it’s 50% off the winery price, so either way, you’re going to be laughing to friends about how you scored this deal.
2017 Shannon Ridge Ovis Petite Sirah
If you’re having people over or a holiday party, or if you just like no fuss wines that offer bright fruit and pair perfectly with an impromptu BBQ, this is your jam. Petite Sirah has its own dedicated fandom and once you taste this wine, you’ll understand why. We don’t carry a lot of Petite Sirah, but this is a recurring winner. Every time this wine comes in stock, it sells out quickly.
2021 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Cabby Napa Valley
Beau Vigne is one of Napa Valley’s best-kept secrets—a small, boutique winery producing only a few thousand cases a year, yet consistently delivering wines that punch above their weight. The 2021 Beau Vigne "Cabby" Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception, offering a perfect expression of Napa's terroir. Fans and critics alike are drawn to the winery for its remarkable wines and warm, welcoming atmosphere, with renowned critic Robert Parker even calling Beau Vigne “one of my favorite wineries.” This Cabby is a crowd-pleaser, with its rich, dark fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and just the right touch of oak. It’s a must-try for any Napa Cabernet lover who appreciates top-tier craftsmanship in a hidden gem.
2021 Acumen Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
A rising star from Atlas Peak, this 94-point Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted by Phillip Titus, the legendary winemaker behind Chappellet. Grown in high-elevation vineyards with volcanic soils, it delivers bold structure, fine-tuned elegance, and remarkable depth.
2021 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Amber Block Starr Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
From Alexander Valley’s historic Stuhlmuller Vineyards, which supplies top wineries like Silver Oak & Aperture, this estate-crafted Pinot Noir is made by Zac Childers (Torbreck, J Vineyards). Whole cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, and 16 months in French oak create a pure, terroir-driven expression—elegant, vibrant, and unfiltered.
2021 Clay Shannon Winemaker Series Red Blend
Crafted with 33% whole clusters from Pommard vines and hand-sorted for precision, this Pinot underwent indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel, followed by gentle 17-day maceration. Pressed with a traditional oak stave basket press, it aged 16 months in French oak before being bottled unfiltered and unfined—preserving its pure, elegant character.
Want to Try A Bottle of Each of the Top 12 California Wines under $50?
Buy them in a 12-bottle case here. Plus, we will throw in 2 more bottles of California Reds under $50. Grab this collection of 12 handpicked bottles, curated by BHW’s Founder, now!
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