Top drops $25 or less

Since the Best of the Best awards started some 20 years ago, this column has offered its readers an annual round-up of the best-value-for-money wines in the country for $20 or less.

We’ve been tough in our selection, only choosing wines that have a recommended retail price at that price point. With the increased dominance of supermarkets in recent years, consumers have been able to pay less than the recommended retail price by shopping around. That is still very much the case.

We have decided to increase the price point to $25 because we feel this will give our readers a better range of wines to choose from. And even at $25 a bottle, many of these wines represent extraordinary value for money. It’s not cheap wines that you are looking for but wines that represent great value for your money.

Clever shoppers can keep prices down. Buying six packs or dozen lots (even if you share these with a friend) will invariably get you a better deal. If