The highlight of a weeknight dinner is the hope of a glass of wine, and the complete focus is on the glass. There is no fight for the remote control at the dinner table. Enjoying a good wine does not require a hole in the wallet. Banks go on a spending spree in the month of September, and it is perfect for us to empty racks and fill them with good-quality wine. A good quality wine goes perfectly with chicken and delightful pastas.

Great wine goes hand in hand with good food. It doesn’t, and a single cent is not a loss. It’s a lifestyle now. Add a bit of value for your money and choose My Town Liquor for your next wine run in Lakeland. My Town Liquor is the foremost township liquor vendor, and for a good reason. It stands out from the competition and does not compromise on quality or flavor, no matter the price. We put together a collection of five wines that July begs for at a table. Each is less than $20.

1. A zesty sauvignon blanc pairs best with light meals, and its zest and richness are a treat.

A good intention and a full heart go a long way, even on September evenings. A glass of chilled Sauvignon and a decent meal does the trick. While chicken is the preferred choice, subtle shrimps or a citrusy cold salad garnished with lemon is just as delightful. We do not pocket and forget to squeeze two bonds of lemons.

Why It Does: The Sauvignon’s rich and zesty aroma, rich rests in fine wines in the more delicate and spicy ends. The wine that is most versatile and pairs best with the tiniest of lemony notes to full-bodied chicken is Sauvignon.

Pro Tip: Serve these wines chilled for an even crisper, refreshing experience. It works great for casual weeknight tipples when it’s nice enough to eat out on the patio.  

2. A Balanced Chardonnay for Comfort Dishes

If the weeknight meals you have planned for the family consist of creamy pasta, roasted vegetables, or pan-seared salmon, well-balanced chardonnay is a great addition. Chardonnay, unoaked or lightly oaked, that cost under $20, are perfect to elevate the delightful experience.  

Why it works: Chardonnay is rich enough in taste to complement most heavier meals, yet somehow maintains a refreshing quality to it, making it a perfect dinner choice. 

3. A Fruity Pinot Noir for Versatility

The versatile Pinot Noir is perfect for weeknight meals; its lightweight body offers a plethora of pairing options, such as with a roast chicken or mushroom risotto.  

Why it works: The gentle earthiness and fresh berry notes work effortlessly with the umami and savory rich foods. 

4. A Bold Cabernet Sauvignon for Hearty Nights

If you plan on serving steak, burgers, or even a slow-cooked stew, the rich Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect partner. Even a bottle under $20, which is offered at a budget, still carries marvelous taste with its hint of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice.

Why It Works: The wine’s tannins complement the richness of the red meat, enhancing the pleasure of every bite.

Pro Tip: Give it 15 minutes of aeration prior to serving to soften the tannins and unlock its spectrum of flavors.

5. A Rosé For Any Day

And no, it’s not just for summer. A dry, crisp Rosé is ideal for the heat of September in Florida and goes with just about everything from cheese boards to grilled fish tacos.

Why It Works: Rosés are refreshing and adaptable, which makes them the ideal choice when you just can’t figure out if you want red or white.

Integrating Budget-Friendly Wine Into Your Routine

Wednesday night wine doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards. If you keep your home bar stocked with a few essential bottles, you will always have the ideal wine for any dinner in case a quick one is needed.

To keep it simple:

Plan: Grab a mix of red, white, and rosé over your regular grocery shopping for the week.

Store: Whites and rosés should be kept cold, but reds should be kept in a cool, dark area.

Explore: Discover new favorite wine and food pairings by trying unfamiliar wine with familiar dishes.

Moreover, if you’d like to explore a bit more, they can assist you with wines that match your cooking style and taste preferences.

Why is My Town Liquor Lakeland’s Favorite Spot For a Wine

My Town Liquor has been Lakeland’s Wine and Spirit Boutique since 2001. Place at 2332 Griffin Road, and with over 65 years of combined experience, we offer outstanding personal service that makes every visit a joy and an essential part of our customers’ lifestyle, not just a stop.

We also have a great collection of weeknight wines, ready to buy Gin in Lakeland for your cocktail pursuits, and offer specialty items at our Brandy store in Lakeland, FL. There is a super collection of quality wines and spirits at a great value.

Bonus Tips For Pairing Wine with Weeknight Meals

Keep it simple: You don’t need to have a gourmet dish to have a great pairing — even pizza goes with a Chianti or a light red blend.

Temperature: Whites and rosés need to be at least 2 hours in the fridge, and reds should be just under room temperature for best flavor.

Mix and Match: Go for it, don’t be scared of trying new things, that’s part of the fun of uncharted territories in wines.

Closing Reflections

With the right ingredients, weeknight meals can be just as exciting as the weekends. You can turn any dinner into a small celebration, all because of the right bottle of wine. You can also find a few wines under $20 that can provide enough variety, flavor, and quality to liven up any dinner for the month of September.

Visit My Town Liquor, the liquor store located in Lakeland, and you will find quality wines as well as expert advice to choose the right wines for your weekday dinners. Spend wisely, drink smart, and remember that fine wines can be purchased without a hefty financial commitment.