If you love wine, you likely know about the endless number of varieties that are being celebrated worldwide. While it can be overwhelming, it’s also exciting to try all of the wine options while determining which you like best. Plus, there’s nothing like tasting and smelling a wine while trying to determine the notes and aromas of fruit, wood, and more. Knowing that there’s only so much time and money available to spend on wine, we have made the selection easy for you with this list of the 12 wine brands to try, in no particular order.
We know there are many different tastes out there, so we wanted to find a variety of wines that fit every palette. There are many wines on this list that offer a very fruity taste, with unique notes of stone fruit, blackberries, and more. There are also wines from many countries around the globe, including those from New Zealand (Cloudy Bay), Argentina (Bodega Catena Zapata), and, of course, many from Napa Valley, California. In addition to mentioning the brands that we think you should know, we’ve also mentioned specific wines that each one makes that you should try if you ever get the chance.
To determine the best wine brands to try, 24/7 Tempo reviewed many different sources in addition to the personal experience of our staff. Our online sources included wine and food publications, such as Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and Vinography, among others. We also checked out wine blogs like Tasting Table and Gimme the Good Stuff. We believe this is a good list, and we hope you enjoy it and the wines mentioned. If you’d like to learn more about other classic beverages, check out this piece about the 15 things you should know about the iconic martini.
Ramey Wine
- Location: Healdsburg, California
- Year Company Founded: 1996
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Best Wine to Try: 2016 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay
Why You Should Try Ramey Wine
Ripe Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
This wine brand is unique because the founders, Carla and David Ramey, elevated the winemaking style by mixing the premier fruit of Napa and Sonoma with the proven techniques that have been around for years. The result is tasty wine that hits all the right spots. Their 2016 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay brings forth many aromas and flavors with notes of citrus, orchard fruits, and white flowers. The wine is aged by maturing in French oak for 20 months, which provides a subtle but noticeable oak flavor that’s a game changer. Make sure you sip at least one of their offerings.
Wayfarer
Sherry barrels in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
- Location: Healdsburg, California
- Year Company Founded: 1986
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rose
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2014 Golden Mean Pinot Noir
Why You Should Try Wayfarer
Pale pink rosé.
You should try many of the wines from Wayfarer because they really care about the art of wine, and they value the planet that helps to produce it. They have an organic farm and Russian River vineyards that are instrumental in creating the tastiest products. If you get a chance, check out their 2014 Golden Mean Pinot Noir. It is a tasty drink that provides perfume and fruity notes with hints of peach, violet, raspberry, and more. There are also some spicy notes that give it a flavor all of its own.
Screaming Eagle
- Location: Napa Valley, California
- Year Company Founded: 1992
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Why You Should Try Screaming Eagle
Screaming Eagle tries to separate itself from the pack by making only around 500 cases of wine every year and using meticulous care in the process. With the help of winemaker Heidi Barrett, this company makes some of the most amazing wines, and though they can be expensive, you should try them at least once. If you choose any, start with the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, which dazzles with its blush-purple hue and notes of licorice, creme de cassis, and floral scents. Their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is another great option that shines with its high acidity and citrus notes.
Grgich Hills
Wine aging in oak barrels.
- Location: Napa Valley, California
- Year Company Founded: 1977
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, among others.
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2016 Chardonnay
Why You Should Try Grgich Hills
Grgich Hills winemakers take enormous pride in their work and the staff shows that dedication with each of their vineyards. They’re all positioned in the perfect climates and environments to produce great wine. Their brand is world famous, as it has been served at the White House dinner for King Juan Carlos of Spain, at a meal for Queen Elizabeth II, and more, and it’s no surprise why. Their 2016 Chardonnay is flavorful and creamy and it has a full-bodied taste you won’t get just anywhere. It also has a delightful profusion of fruity notes, so you can really appreciate the flavor.
Cloudy Bay
- Location: New Zealand
- Year Company Founded: 1985
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pelorus méthode traditionnelle, Pinot Noir
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Why You Should Try Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay is another of the wine brands to try because it’s a company that believes that mixing old-school methods with current technology is the guaranteed way to make the best product. They take longer to select the grapes and make the best product, so while it may take longer and they may produce less wine overall, it’s all worth it. The recommended wine, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, combines acidity with tropical fruits and amazing aromas. It’s the perfect wine for summer gatherings, and it will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it leaves a wonderful aftertaste you won’t forget.
Harlan Estate
- Location: Napa Valley, California
- Year Company Founded: 1984
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2010 Harlan Estate
Why You Should Try Harlan Estate
Glasses of Sancerre near the village of the same name.
Harlan Estate is one of the best wine brands to try because they produce some of the best Bordeaux style blends in the world. While the wines are often pricey, they’re worth it if you’re a true connoisseur. One of their go-to wines is their 2010 Harlan Estate. It’s full-bodied and rich, and it has many layered tastes in every sip. There are notes of black and red fruit, plus menthol, cloves, and leather. A close second is their 2005 Harlan Estate, which has notes of violets, spring flowers, and blackberries.
Heitz Cellar
- Location: Napa Valley, California
- Year Company Founded: 1961
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2014 Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Why You Should Try Heitz Cellar
Heitz Cellar makes our list of wine brands to try because they have the background and long history that’s often necessary to make a great wine. They have vineyards in six different Napa Valley sub-appellations, and 100% of their vineyards are organic. The wine we’ve selected is the 2014 Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine spends three years aging in French oak barrels and then spends one year in neutral oak. The result is a rich flavor with hints of black fruit, warm vanilla, red plum, and others. This wine is very crisp and is great on summer days.
Bodega Catena Zapata
- Location:: Argentina
- Year Company Founded: 1902
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2016 Malbec
Why You Should Try Bodega Catena Zapata
It’s no surprise that this winery won the top award during the World’s Best Vineyards ceremony in 2023. This winery has been around since the early 1900s when the founder, Nicolás Catena Zapata learned that the 5,000 feet elevation where he lived was perfect for growing the grapes that would become this wine. One of the best wines is their 2016 Malbec, which has unique aromas and notes of pine needles and roses. There are also subtle hints of tobacco and just enough spice. It’s a unique wine that isn’t like all the rest, and it’s worth a try.
Terlato Family
- Location: Sonoma County, California
- Year Company Founded: 1946
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Merlot, Pinot Grigio, among others
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2018 Friuli Pinot Grigio
Why You Should Try Terlato Family Wines
This expansive company technically started way back in 1938 with the opening of a retail store, and through the years, they’ve become one of the largest wine companies that specializes in producing and marketing great wines. One of their best products to this day is the 2018 Friuli Pinot Grigio. It is a great white wine that’s full of floral surprises, including flavors of pear and peach. There are also hints of honeysuckle. This wine tastes like it should be one of the most expensive options on the market, but it’s very accessible and worth a try.
Barefoot Cellars
- Location:Modesto, California
- Year Company Founded: 1965
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Recommended Wine to Try: NV Barefoot Pink Moscato
Why You Should Try Barefoot Cellars
If you’re looking for great wine on a budget, try Barefoot Cellars. You may have noticed the friendly price point and iconic footprint label while walking through the supermarket, but it’s so much more than that. They produce many tasty flavors, including their NV Barefoot Pink Moscato, which has amazing aromas of jasmine, mandarin orange, and red fruit. It’s very sweet, making it a great pairing with desserts. Another wine worth trying is their Barefoot Sangria that has juicy berry and citrus flavors. Most of their wines are under $10, so it’s worth a taste.
Robert Mondavi Winery
- Location: Napa Valley, California
- Year Company Founded: 1966
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2008 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Why You Should Try Robert Mondavi Winery
This wine brand makes the list because it’s one of the most well-known of all the wineries in Napa Valley. They claim that they make such high-quality flavors because of the quality of the land on which they grow their grapes. The winery is so well renowned that it’s rated amongst the very best in the whole country. If you can only try one wine, then go for the 2008 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which has flavors of black currants, blackberries, and it has a spicy aftertaste that hits just right.
Yellow Tail
- Location: New South Wales, Australia
- Year Company Founded: 2000
- Wine Varieties They Produce: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and others.
- Recommended Wine to Try: 2017 Yellow Tail Merlot
Why You Should Try Yellow Tail
Our final entry on this list of wine brands to try is Yellow Tail, named after the yellow-footed wallaby. This is one of the highest-selling wine brands in the world because their wines pack a lot of flavor and are affordable. The one we recommend is their 2017 Yellow Tail Merlot, which has a nice acidity and flavors of oak, red berry, mint, and dried herbs. If you need more ideas for what to drink when it’s time to let loose, then check out this list of the most iconic drinks from each state that everyone should try.