Wines that impress don’t have to break the bank. Here are five that prove it.

“Just bring a wine.” It’s so often said and sounds easy enough, but that’s not always the case, especially if you don’t know who’s coming, what food will be served or what everyone likes to drink. Then there’s the issue of price. How high do you shoot? Or, perhaps more importantly, how low can you go without being that person?

The good news is that your wallet doesn’t have to take a big hit when choosing a solid wine to share, even when you want it to win everyone over. Our hot take? You can do it all for less than $20. At this price point, you’ll find so many gems that are bound to impress and also slot right in with so many different dishes, preferences and occasions.

For the best wines to take to your next dinner party or barbie, the Dan Murphy’s wine panel has done the hard yards for you. Below, we bring you five of their top recommendations that each cost less than $20.

Picnic setting with a cheese board and cans of Liberty Coast Raspberry

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1. Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz

Shiraz is one of the most likeable wine varieties and pairs brilliantly with a slew of dishes, making it a top contender for almost any event. If you’re into wines that pack a punch, this shiraz from the Barossa Valley’s Grant Burge is a must-buy. Big, jammy and full of dark fruits, its “explosion of ripe berry flavour” gives this wine its edge, according to the wine panel. And at less than $17 (and sometimes as low as $14 for My Dan’s members), you can’t go wrong. It’s an excellent choice for dinner parties, particularly alongside heavier or meaty meals.

2. Cat Amongst The Pigeons GSM

Wine styles are as supple and food-friendly as GSM, with its blend of grenache, shiraz and mataro (AKA mourvèdre) creating this much-loved combo. The GSM is also one of the truly great matches for grilled meats and veg, so it’s a barbecue essential. For a lovely introduction to the style, this wine has aromas of plum and dark berry fruits, with hints of spice and earthiness, bright red-fruit flavours and savoury notes. Described by the panel as over-delivering on sophistication and flavour, people will never guess you only spent around $16 on this wine.

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3. Santa Margherita Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Italy

You can never do wrong by taking a bottle of bubbles along to a catch-up. And when choosing between sparkling styles, prosecco is one of the greatest picks, thanks to its trademark bright, fresh and lively style. This example, from the home of prosecco in Italy, is a classy take, with a fine, persistent bead, flavours of ripe stone fruit, and a touch of melon and orange. At less than $20, and with a striking bottle shape and packaging, it’s bound to be a hit. As the wine panel says, this is “prosecco at its absolute best”.

4. Evans & Tate Expressions Butterball Chardonnay

Yes, we know that big, buttery chardonnay had its day, but then we got much leaner, higher-acid styles. And whattaya know? People missed chardy with flavour and texture. Here, you can enjoy just that in Butterball Chardonnay, which the wine panel rates for its complexity and structure, which are usually found in more expensive wines (this one sits at around $16). It’s rich and ripe, with textbook stone fruit, melon and pear flavours, a creamy palate and long finish. This wine comes alive with creamy dishes, cheeses and seafood, so even if people are hesitant to revisit this style, they’re very likely to change their tune mid-meal.

evans and tate expressions butterball chardonnay

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5. Knappstein Hand Picked Riesling

Go on. Be that person who bangs on about how riesling isn’t a sweet wine, pour everyone a glass and convert them to this underrated variety – it could do with some more people to spread the word. If you’re yet to discover riesling’s deliciousness for yourself, the Hand Picked Riesling is an ideal place to start, especially as it’s around $18 – and even cheaper with My Dan’s discounts. It’s a classic Clare Valley riesling, showing the region’s distinctive lemon, lime and floral notes, citrus flavours and crisp acidity. The Dan’s wine panel reckons you won’t find a better example at this price.