19 Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $25 | Under $50 | from California

California cabernet sauvignon

Where is the Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Region?

Well, Cabernet Sauvignon is California’s most widely planted red wine grape. And it’s the signature wine varietal of the Napa Valley. And I believe, along with many others, they can compete with any, if not all, Cabernet Sauvignon wine regions throughout the world!

But California doesn’t just produce quality Cabs in Napa Valley and Northern California. As you will see in our list of top 10 California Cabernets under $25, Napa Valley is not the only region where we choose our wines. In fact, ONLY 3 of the wines that were chosen are from Napa Valley. 

The two other regions we choose from are Paso Robles and Alexander Valley (both circled in red on the map below).

  • Paso Robles is one of the best wine regions in California. And is located between Northern and Southern California. If you want the best value Cabernet Sauvignon at great prices, there may be no better region.
  • Alexander Valley is the warm, northeastern part of Sonoma (normally known for Pinot Noir) and their Cabernet Sauvignon is giving nearby Napa Valley a run for its money.

Let’s also list some of the best Cabernets Under $50!

What are the Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $25 from California?

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black stallion cabernet sauvignon

If I see this wine on a restaurant’s wine list, I’m getting it. And this is NOT meant to be a selfish move on my part. Because I actually know with almost absolute certainty, that it will be well-received by everyone.

I’m really batting 100% with this one. Whenever I drink this wine with others, I always ask for their review. I mean I really try to find an objection because NO WINE bats 100%.

But so far this ONE does!

Tasting Notes: Smooth, dark fruit, blackberry, hints of oak, medium-full body

starmont cabernet sauvignon

The winery is near the overpass located once you enter Napa Valley from the South. This winery kind of hidden from the rest makes a solid Cabernet that is reasonably priced. Retail prices on their website show $35 for their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. However, you can find this wine for $22 – $24 in Total Wine and More.

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cherry, oak, and some vanilla

conn creek cabernet

Visited this winery and was pleasantly surprised by the price and taste of their Cabernet. They are not the most well-known winery, and they don’t stand out in any way. That might be a good thing because they just concentrate on making good Napa cabs.

This wine is not always found under $30, but we were able to get this bottle under $25.  So it may be unfair to have on this list, but if you find the same deal we did… GET IT!

Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, tobacco, plum, black fruits, and smooth finish

Treana Cabernet Sauvignon

So I’m a big fan of the Hope Family Wines. They make of the best wines in Paso Robles called Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon that, in my opinion, can compete with any Napa Valley Cabernet.

And not only does Treana Cab make this list, but they have another wine that we simply couldn’t pass up. Treana is an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, without even mentioning the price. And at ~$25 this definitely makes the LIST.

Tasting Notes: Chocolate, dark fruits, blackberry, oak, vanilla, and leather

True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon

Another wine from Paso Robles, True Myth is a delicious and affordable Cabernet from California. At ~$15, this is a very approachable Cab that has a lot of flavors. One of the best Cabernets at this price range.

Tasting Notes: Smooth red cherries, blackberry, blueberry, and vanilla

Quest Proprietary Red

Yet another wine from Hope Family Wines. NOT a true Cabernet Sauvignon, this is actually a Proprietary Red Blend. But it is made up of 57% Cabernet grapes (must have at least 75% Cabernet grapes to be classified as a Cabernet Sauvignon).

Just too good and at such a great price, I couldn’t keep this wine off this list.

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, plum, coffee, oak, vanilla, and a little pepper

roth cabernet sauvignon

When someone says Alexander Valley (AVA) I think of warm to hot climates in Napa. Therefore, they’re able to make some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines. 

And I also don’t think of this region as Sonoma or Napa for that matter. The region itself is so close to Napa Valley, I’d almost say its in between Sonoma and Napa. And Roth makes one of the better Cabs under $20 around this region.

Tasting Notes: Oak, tobacco, chocolate, cherry, and dark fruits

Another great valued Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley. Being officially a Sonoma region, this wine is able to be priced around $18 – $19. Maybe not the most accessible wine, but if you can find it, enjoy it!

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackberry, oak, and chocolate

On my many trips to Trader Joe’s, I often add this wine to the grocery basket. And it perfectly pairs with my food, or for just a cold rainy day on its own. So next time you’re at Trader Joe’s pick it up!

Tasting Notes: Fruit forward, dark berries, blueberries, caramel, vanilla, medium-full body

bonanza-cabernet-sauvignon best wine at walmart

So far on this list, I’ve given Hope Family Wines a lot of credit for their magnificent wines. Another family that has a great lineup of wines, probably my favorite, is Chuck Wagner and the Wagner Family of Wines.

Their wineries include Caymus and Conundrum to name a few. Caymus Cabernet is one of the best Cabs in Napa Valley. And Conundrum probably one of my favorite affordable red wines. So Bonanza is their affordable California Cabernet, that’s only ~$18.

Also, try their Conundrum Red if you haven’t already, might be more accessible.

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, and toast

What are the Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $50?

best cabernet sauvignon

One of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Paso Robles wine region in California. In another post, I have this as wine to bring to impress your guests.

Aged in French oak barrels, this wine is simply one of the best wines from California. This Cabernet Sauvignon is the standout and best red wine from the Hope Family Wines collection. 

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, oak, leather

A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that exceeds expectations. A true representation of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from a top rated winery. So if you enjoy California red wines, you will surely enjoy this bottle. 

Tasting Notes: Cherry, blackberry, plum, sweet vanilla, hint of strawberry

A fantastic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for an affordable price.  It drinks like a $60-80 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, but its half the price. This wine is a rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with velvety smooth tannins to enjoy every last drop!

My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed this with my home cooked steak and potatoes. Pairs well with food. Great Value! 

Tasting Notes: Oak, vanilla, blackberry, plum, cherry, chocolage

From a Napa Valley winery known for their red blends. This blend, mainly of Cabernet, is one of the most hearty and full-bodied top rated wines from their selection of wines. 

Tasting Notes:  Black cassis, leather, chocolate, oak

frank family cabernet sauvignon

I visited their winery in the northern part of Napa Valley. And enjoyed this wonderful Cabernet with its dark fruit and cocoa flavors. This is the ultimate meat wine for your next steak. 

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, chocolate, toasted oak, hazelnut, blackberry

Some of my favorite wines come from Far Niente Vineyards. And this bottle is no different and very affordable relative to their other high cost wines. I was pleasantly surprised by their Post & Beam Cabernet. Its just a solid Napa Valley Cabernet. 

Tasting Notes: Raspberry, leather, plum, oak, cherry

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Fantastic price for what you get. This is a smooth red wine with power packed flavors. 

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, plum, leather, blueberry, vanilla

Stuhlmuller Vineyards Cabernet

From Sonoma, this is another great value Cabernet priced under $30. And their estate Cabernet Sauvignon tastings are only $20. This wine may not be easy to find but if you do its worth it to try.

Tasting Notes: Black currant, cherry, sage, blackberry

stags leap cabernet sauvignon

Stags’ Leap is a world renowned winery that makes some of the best wines in Napa. And this Cabernet is a good representation of the quality wines that this winery produces. 

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, leather, plum, vanilla, tobacco, earthy

*prices subject to change by vendor/seller

If white wines is more your thing, no problem! Check out our list for best white wines

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