A Few Affordable Wines to Share with Your Girls on Galentine’s Day

Two disclaimers here: I don’t know much about wine, or Valentine’s Day. Seriously. I love the intention behind  Valentine’s Day and personally, think it serves as a time to show anyone you love how much they mean to you. While I’ve pretty much always been single, I love gifting small presents to my nieces and spending the evening with girlfriends. And I’m not sure if you’ve too noticed, by sometime during the past year or two, the world of social media has created a new twist on the holiday – Galentine’s Day.

As silly as it may sound when you say it, “Galentine’s” represents the impact female friendships have women and the important roles they play in our lives – often times more important than romantic ones. As they should be. Hence the reason why I was pleasantly surprised when cyber space – or whomever – decided to included these relationships on a day that’s usually about romance and roses. And while the holiday falls on a Tuesday and don’t have any specific plans, I’ll never say no to a night in with friends on a couch  and a glass of wine. I’ve listed out my favorite bottles to crack open with your  girlfriends – or significant other – that won’t set you back a ton. And final disclaimer: If you consider yourself a “wine snob” I’d suggest ignoring my advice. As I mentioned, I don’t know anything, really. Just going off what my wallet and tongue say – haha.

Sandara Sangria – $14

I’d never heard of Sandara before, but they were sweet enough to ship me a box of their fun and fizzy wines to try. Anyone who knows me knows I’m guilty of adding ice to any glass of wine to keep to extra chilled – I know, it’s wrong but whatever. This win is perfect for that! I chilled it, and added ice cubes and if I had some fruit would’ve added a slice of lime and some strawberries. It’s fruity and fizzy and light, everything you’d want in a red sangria.  How fun is their Mojito Wine Cocktail bottle?!

Cooper’s Hawk Rasberry Sparkling– $16

I loveee Cooper’s Hawk and their sparkling wines. While I think their Blanc de Blanc  is just as good, this raspberry option gives off just the slightest berry flavor and is so fun for a special occasion. It’s fruity and light and bubbly. I haven’t had it in a couple years and this alone is making me want to grab a bottle the next time I’m in the burbs.

La Vielle Ferme Rosé – $6

It’s safe to say I’m rosé obsessed, so FYI this is one of 3 listed and probably the easiest one to get. During the summer, Binny’s – Chicago’s favorite liquor store – has an entire part of the store sectioned off specifically for rosé. Impressively, they have quite a bit of it in the winter, too. This was one of my favorites that I found last summer, and that they still have in-stock. It’s a whopping $6 and it tastes as great as it looks. I tried a lot of Binny’s selection last summer and plan to this year, too. Starting at the cheapest bottles first, of course.

Emiliana Natura Rosé – $11

I hate to put this on the list – considering it’s extremely hard to find – but it’s my all time favorite rosé. I first discovered it at a post-intramural volleyball happy hour, then again at another restaurant in the city. I haven’t caved and ordered it by the case yet, but I’m considering it. It’s light and easy to drink.

ALDI’s Exquisite Collection Cotes de Provence Rosé – $9

I’m sorry, another rosé thats hard to find. I remember be so excited to hear that one of my favorite, and I believe most underrated places to shop – Aldi – was being awarded for having a $9 rose that ranked as one of the best in the world. When I heard they had some in my hometown in Indiana, my brother-in-law kindly stopped and bought me 6 bottles, a little more dry and tart than the Natura included above. Also, it was in such high demand, even Celine Dion couldn’t get any for her yacht. No big deal.

ALDI’s Winking Owl Pinot Grigio – $3

I buy this over and over again any time I’m at ALDI. For $3, I think it’s better than just a “drinkable” wine. It’s great! It’s light and crisp and you don’t feel guilty about opening the entire bottle even you’ll only drink one glass. The best option for having a couple bottles lying around.

Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling – $9

Another great wine I found during a Binny’s sale! It’s just a. perfect apple-y Riesling that’s simple and not too sweet. I remember making a mental note to snap a photo of the wine table before pitching the bottle. Which was shared over chicken I roasted last spring. Love when you buy a bottle on sale and are unexpectedly surprised with how good it turns out to be.

Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon – $20

Don’t let that high (lol) price fool ya! That’s $20 for a box that’s equivalent to 4 bottles of wine. I’ll be the first to admit that I really know nothing about red wine. Up until about a year ago I never found a red wine I ever liked. Now I like it on occasion and definitely in cold weather. I first, and only, had this at Thanksgiving. My aunt had a box in the fridge and I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it. So good!

Any favorite affordable wines out there I missed? I’d love to know which ones are your go-to. And happy Gal/Valentine’s Day to you and yours – no matter who they are! Much love! x