Food Drink

13 SA wines named best in Australia under $50

By Mikyla Gilbert

Posted on April 25, 2025

Thirteen South Australian wines have been named among Australia’s best under $50, proving that lucky 13 tastes pretty amazing.

A bunch of local wines, thirteen to be exact, have just been recognised as some of the best in the country, all priced under fifty bucks.

And while some might call thirteen unlucky, wine lovers across South Australia would strongly disagree. This is one list where number thirteen might just be the best news of the week.

What’s great is that this lineup shines a light on wines that are actually within reach. These aren’t the kind of bottles you need to save for a special event or hide from your housemates. They’re the ones you can crack open on a Friday night, pour for friends over a long lunch, or keep on standby for that midweek dinner without blowing the budget.

The Barossa, as you’d expect, features heavily. They go big and bold, and the Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz fits the brief perfectly. It’s rich and generous, with dark berry flavours, a whisper of oak, and that signature Barossa hug that’s like a cosy autumn scarf.

Not to be outdone, McLaren Vale throws its hat in the ring with the Shingleback Red Knot Shiraz. It’s one of those wines that makes you double-check the price tag. Smooth, vibrant and seriously good value. It’s the kind of wine that makes you wonder why you’d ever spend more. Seriously good value, it’s got no business being this affordable.

Grenache lovers aren’t left out as the Teusner’s Joshua blend brings warmth and depth, while The Ethereal One from McLaren Vale is bright and juicy, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

Cabernet lovers are covered too, with K by Krondorf delivering a drop that’s bold and smooth without going over the top. And if you’re more into red blends, the Chateau Tanunda Chorus brings something a little different to the table. It mixes in Tempranillo with shiraz and grenache, giving it a bit of flair. It’s the kind of wine that just begs for a proper dinner. Think roast chook with crispy potatoes, roasted veg, and plenty of gravy to soak it all up.

White wine fans won’t feel left out either. Clare Valley has always been a go-to for Riesling, and these two, Rieslingfreak No. 34 and Kirrihill, nail that fresh, zippy vibe that works with just about everything.

From the cooler temps have created three winners with the Tim Adams Pinot Gris from Clare and Longview’s Grüner Veltliner and Chapel Hill The Parson Pinot Grigio both from the Adelaide Hills, both bring plenty of flavour, proving the whites here can stand proudly next to the boldest reds.

And if pink is more your thing, Jacob’s Creek has delivered with Le Petit Rosé, a light, dry style that’s made for sunny, colourful autumn days and relaxed afternoons.

All up, this is a solid reminder that in South Australia you don’t need to spend a fortune or know a sommelier to enjoy something beautiful. Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the bottlo and a good excuse to pour a glass.

Turns out, lucky thirteen tastes pretty good after all.

Dan Murphy’s curated this list to spotlight exceptional wines that offer both quality and affordability.