Maybe one day we'll quit whining. But quit wine-ing? Never. Especially when we know where to get our hands on award-winning wine at prices that will definitely make you double take. Not that we're Vue De Monde-level sommeliers, but we do know our Merlot from our Shiraz and can recognise gold metal status...when we see the label.
We’ve done the digging, and turns out you can get multiple cases of wine (pun intended) here in Melbourne that don't require you to whip out more much more than a tenner. And that’s what you want, right?
Red
One Road Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 2015
AKA Aldi's Wine Of The Year, a rich and soft wine with wild berry and plum flavours from South Australia. Best served with beef dishes and casseroles.
Price: $6.99
Award: Dry Red Meritage Wine of the Year and Gold at the 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
For more info, click here.
Claire Creek Merlot 2016
The perfect wine (under ten dollars) to accompany your red meats and cheese boards. In terms of flavour you'll be able to taste a combo of red berries, plum and blackberry with a subtle oak finish. From South Eastern Australia.
Price: $5.99
Award: Bronze at the 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
For more info, click here.
One Road South Australia & Heathcote Shiraz 2015
This Shiraz is a triple threat in the medallions department. A medium bodied wine with aromas of plum and spice from South Australia.
Price: $6.99
Award: Best Value Shiraz of the Year and Double Gold at the 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
For more info, click here.
Kaiora Bay Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015
Quit walking up and down the aisle at the bottle-o looking for the best wine to take to your BYO Peking duck restaurant. With aromas of spice, exotic dark fruits, dark cherries and red currants from Central Otago, New Zealand, this is the perfect accompaniment, and you'll even get change from your twenty.
Price: $14.99
Award: Bronze at the 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
For more info, click here.
Blackstone Paddock Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015
'Second the best', that's how the saying goes, right? Well it's on the money in this scenario because this Shiraz from Barossa Valley can definitely match it with the best. It's bright-fruited with flavours of blackberry, wild red fruits, plums, chocolate and a soft hint of spice.
Price: $17.99
Award: Silver at the 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
For more info, click here.
Shingleback Red Knot GSM 2016
Internationally renowned, this red carries dark fruit flavours and a soft earthy chocolate aroma. Talk about a sweet ending.
Price: $12.99
Award: Trophy Winner at Royal Queensland Wine Show 2017, Gold Medal at the 2017 China Wine and Spirit Awards Best Value
For more info, click here.
De Bortoli Show Liqueur Muscat
As well as winning multiple gold medals around the world, this esteemed Muscat from Riverina has even claimed its own trophy status. After you get a taste of its coffee and fig aromas with rich oak elements, you'll see why.
Price: $18.99
Award: Trophy Winner at the London International Wine Competition 2013, Gold at the London International Wine Competition 2013, Sydney Royal Wine Show 2012 and London International Wine Challenge 2011
For more info, click here.
Kirrihill Tullymore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
In terms of colour, the Kirrihill Tullymore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant purple, with intense fruit flavours of blackcurrant and plum, and a few cheeky floral notes.
Price: $18.99
Award: Trophy Winner at the NZ International Wine Show 2016, Gold Medal at the NZ International Wine Show 2016 and San Francisco Wine Competition 2016
For more info, click here.
White
Kaiora Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Looking for a savvy-b that's not too dry and bitter but also works with the budget? Look no further than the Kaiora Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. Embodying passionfruit and zesty lemon-lime flavours with a herb aftertaste, it's the perfect liquid gold for your barbequed seafood or salad.
Price: $8.99
Award: Gold at the 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
For more info, click here.
5171 McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Named after the postcode of the McLaren Vale, one of Australia's oldest wine regions. Despite its silver status, it has still beat wines priced at $100 and more in its categories. It's known as Milk Chocolate by the locals, for its complex dark berry and spiced aromas. Of course, you can pour it up right now, but it's recommended to mature for 4 - 6 years.
Price: $11.99
Award: Silver at the 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
For more info, click here.
Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling
One of Australia's finest vintage dessert Rieslings, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. It carries tropical and citrus aromas with a hint of lime zest and is the perfect accompaniment to your dessert or can even served on its own.
Price: $26.90
Award: Trophy Winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2012, London International Wine Challenge 2012 and Gold at the London International Wine Challenge 2012
For more info, click here.
Will all this cost cutting you can definitely afford to go all out on cheese. Luckily we know where you can buy the best cheese in Melbourne.
Image credit: Griffin Simm