They say you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I do. Likewise, I assume you’re not supposed to judge a wine by its label: I definitely do. I find that sometimes the branding of something can capture its essence in the way that words or reviews can’t: the colors, the style, and the general mood that the imagery evokes is often indicative of the true nature of the product. Looks edgy and reminiscent of a graffiti painting? — it’s probably not a traditional tasting, bland wine. Decorated like the lid of a jam jar with a tongue-in-cheek print that resembles ugly picnic tablecloths? — it’s probably fun to drink and surprisingly sweet. …You get what I’m saying.
Here are five wines under $50 that will look excellent on your kitchen counter, cause guests to ask questions and beg for a sip, and won’t break the bank. I make NO promises about the taste, but I have a feeling that many of them will be winners.
A few selections from Monster Vineyards:
Monster Vineyards (image via Monster Vineyards)
A sweet twist on Shiraz from South Africa’s Cape Classics:
I spotted Jam Jar at World Market this week and couldn't resist it! (image via CherryFlava)
Lazarus Wine is truly unique in its design: the label is entirely written in braille! The concept and design was done by Madrid-based Baud Designs.
One of the neatest labels I've seen...on anything! (image via Core77)
I also spotted Petite Petit, a Syrah, by Michael David Winery at World Market, and though I resisted I do wonder what it tastes like…maybe next time!
In person, the bottle is much shorter and rounder -- kind of squat. (image via Vine Geek)
The label that I find the most visually appealing belongs to Zull Wines‘ Gruner Veltliner, Rose, and Blauer Portugieser varieties.
(image via Ffffound)
The best part about these Five Under $50! picks is that I didn’t even need to post the price. They are ALL under $20, and many of them are under $12. For that investment, you can get ALL of them if you know how to shop around! Happy weekend!
Design consultations for all styles and budgets: JGB Interiors.
Paint It What I Tell You 
I can personally tell you Jam Jar is good if you like a sweet wine- which I do.
It’s a red wine but it was nice and sweet with out being sickly sweet.
Definitely good!
I am very excited to try this but we have a bottle of Riesling to polish off first. Can you tell we like sweeter wines?
Nowadays, the possibilities seem endless. One reason, I submit, is that with little access to the classically great wines, yet with a public thirst for greatness that far exceeds that of 30 years ago, importers, distributors, sommeliers and consumers themselves have been compelled to seek out wines that nobody paid attention to 25 years ago, if they even existed.