11 High-Quality Wines to Buy Mom Under $30
By Laura Fagan Published April 2023
It's the eternal question: what do you get the woman who gave you life for Mother's Day and, more impressively, put up with you during puberty?
The answer is simple: wine.
But not just any wine! Our expert and fellow mama’s boy, Nathan Dale, has hand-selected a list of 11 high quality wines that won't break the bank and will also solidify your place as the favorite kid. (If you’re an only child, the family dog is still your competition!) So go ahead, treat your leading lady to a bottle (or two) of these wines all under $30.
Höpler Grüner Veltliner
Drinks Like: Pinot Grigio
Our first wine is a great choice if your mom is a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc gal, but you want to surprise her with something different. Höpler Grüner Veltliner is the perfect label to shake up her evening pour. This crisp and refreshing wine is crafted by a family-owned winery with over 160 years of experience. With notes of pear, tangerine and lime, Höpler Grüner Veltliner is like a fruit basket in a glass. It's so versatile that you can pair it with just about anything - from fresh salads to oysters, sushi or pasta. And get this: it's one of the only wines that can stand up to the elusive asparagus pairing, Nathan adds. Who knew asparagus was such a diva?
Lone Birch Syrah
This next wine is the ultimate pick for wine-loving moms who need a break from the same ol’ cabernet or malbec. This Yakima Valley, Washington-made wine has aromatics of plum and blackberry jam interwoven with rich layers of black olive, mom can pair Lone Birch Syrah with savory foods and anything off the grill (which you should be manning on Mother’s Day– thank us later!).
Collalto Spumante Extra Dry Rosé
Collalto Spumante Extra Dry Rosé comes from a winemaking tradition that goes back all the way to the year 1001 – so you know it's legit. With a fragrant rose petal and lime blossom finish and delicately rising bubbles, this 91-point Vinous rated label looks as good as it tastes - it's crisp and elegant. Serve it up with some shellfish, mild cheese or charcuterie and Mom will feel like a princess.
Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc
With a name inspired by one of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc is sure to elevate any occasion. Bursting with aromas of cantaloupe, kiwi and jasmine, it's like a tropical vacation on the tongue. And with a score of 91 points from Wine Spectator, you know you're getting a wine that's right for mom.
Cuatro Rayas Verdejo
Drinks Like: Pinot Grigio
Forget about the typical, boring wine for tu madre and let us introduce you to a great gift for Mother's Day - Cuatro Rayas Verdejo! This wine from Castilla y León, Spain is like the cool, Spanish cousin of sauv blanc and pinot grigio. With notes of lime, green melon, grapefruit and white peach, it’s the ultimate pairing if your mom’s favorite dishes are fish tacos, pork loin, chicken, ricotta, Manchego or artichokes.
Fattoria La Gerla Birba Toscana IGT
Drinks Like: Pinot Noir
Fattoria La Gerla Birba Toscana IGT is a real game-changer. Birba, meaning ‘rascal’, is made from 100% sangiovese grapes by one of Tuscany's best brunello producers. After spending a year in small French oak Barriques, Birba emerges with a velvety smoothness. It's got a nose full of fine red fruits and strawberry with a hint of vanilla that's sure to wow mom. This 93-point (James Suckling) rated wine pairs beautifully with red meats, red sauces or charcuterie.
Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé
Moms deserve nothing but the best, and the Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé is the crème de la crème of pink wines. This beauty is made like a red wine in Tavel, and thanks to a 48- to 72-hour maceration, it's got a lovelier hue than a summer sunset. With a nose of cherry and woodland fruit and a spicy palate, it's the perfect way to say, "Thanks for putting up with me, Mom!" Not only that, but this wine has also earned a remarkable 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, making it a standout choice among other rosé wines. Enjoy it as an aperitif or pair it with spicy Asian food, paellas, Provencal dishes, white meats or dry goat cheese.
Château Carignan Prima
Drinks Like: Merlot
The next wine on our list comes all the way from a 15th century castle in the town of Carignan de Bordeaux. Today, Carignan produces many wines, but none as pretty as the 100% merlot known as Prima, Nathan shares. With a bouquet of ripe blackberries and spicy notes, this wine pairs famously with red meats, grilled portabella mushrooms, hearty stews or hard cheeses. This wine has also received hype from Wine Enthusiast, earning 92 points, and proving that it’s not just Nathan who thinks this wine is a winner.
Château de Beauregard-Ducourt Entre-Deux-Mers
Drinks Like: Sauvignon Blanc
Château Beauregard is a fun twist on sauvignon blanc with fresh aromas of sliced lime, soft melons, spring grasses and marigold. It's essentially spring in a bottle! In addition to its delicious taste and versatility, Château Beauregard has also received high praise from Decanter, earning a score of 90 points. This wine is also incredibly food-friendly, so it can easily pair with anything you plan to serve mom.
Trione Sauvignon Blanc
Trione Sauvignon Blanc has all the bright citrus notes mom might crave in a summer sipper and has earned 92 points from James Suckling. It's got key lime pie, lemon meringue and even a hint of salty ocean air, making it the perfect match for any seafood dish or savory soft cheese. Plus, at this price point, you can splurge and pair the bottle with some new white wine glasses for mom as well.
High Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Our final bottle is the perfect gift for any wine-loving, eco-friendly mama. High Valley is not only a high-quality wine, but the winery uses a unique farming practice called the OVIS cycle, which includes little lambs taking care of cover crop management in the vineyard. This sustainable approach helps reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. With a bold and complex profile including notes of cherry and leather and a bright, peppery finish, High Valley is a fantastic everyday drinking wine for mom. Want to learn more about Shannon Vineyards? Read our full article here.
Go ahead, impress Mom with your impeccable taste in wine by stopping by your local ABC store or checking out our full wine selection online.