Sip Like a Millionaire: 5 Shockingly Good Wine ‘Dupes’ That Taste Just Like the French Icons

Why spend over $50 on a name when a $12 alternative gives you the same thrill? We uncover the secrets to finding the ultimate wine bounty.

Picture this: It’s a warm evening. You’re standing in the wine aisle at Total Wine or Trader Joe’s, getting ready for a backyard barbecue or a relaxing night on the patio. Your eyes land on a bottle of Pomerol or a famous Champagne, its price tag making you hesitate. You want something special, but you also love a good deal.

What if I told you that you could get that same premium taste—that same elegance and complexity—for a fraction of the price?

Welcome to the world of wine “dupes.”

Just like in fashion or beauty, a “dupe” is a less-expensive product that delivers a remarkably similar experience to its high-end counterpart. In wine, it’s all about finding bottles from lesser-known areas that share the same grapes, climate, and soul as the icons. At Wine Bounty, this is our favourite kind of hunt.

Here are five of our favourite wine dupes that will have you drinking luxury on a supermarket budget.

1. If you love Sancerre… try a Sauvignon de Touraine.

• The Icon: Sancerre ($40 – $50+). The undisputed king of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. It’s famous for its sharp, flinty minerality, zesty citrus notes, and premium price tag.
• The Dupe: Sauvignon de Touraine ($10 – $15).
• Why it Works: Look at a map! The Touraine appellation is just down the Loire river from Sancerre. The vines grow in similar limestone-clay soils, producing a Sauvignon Blanc with that same vibrant, grassy, and grapefruit character. In a blind tasting, many people can’t tell the difference.
• The Bounty: You get that classic Loire Valley freshness while saving at least $20 per bottle. Perfect for seafood platters and goat cheese salads.

2. If you love the Rosé from Bandol… try a Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.

• The Icon: Bandol Rosé ($25 – $40+). A serious, structured, and powerful rosé from Provence that can even age. It’s the benchmark for high-end rosé.
• The Dupe: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence ($10 – $15).
• Why it Works: This neighbouring appellation uses the same key grapes (Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah) to produce that quintessential pale, dry, and aromatic Provençal rosé. You’ll find the same delicate notes of red berries, peach, and lavender, in a style that is made for sipping in the sun.
• The Bounty: You’re getting the true taste of Provence for the price of a simple table wine. It’s the ultimate summer apéro in a bottle.

3. If you love Pomerol… try a Lalande-de-Pomerol.

• The Icon: Pomerol ($80 – $500+). Home to some of the most expensive and revered Merlot-based wines in the world. Plush, velvety, and powerful.
• The Dupe: Lalande-de-Pomerol ($20 – $40).
• Why it Works: This is the ultimate “next-door neighbour” dupe. The Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation is separated from Pomerol itself by a tiny stream. The terroir is nearly identical, the winemakers have the same passion, and the wines offer a similar rich, plummy, and sophisticated profile.
• The Bounty: This is perhaps the best value in all of Bordeaux. You get a taste of that world-class Pomerol magic without having to remortgage your house. A fantastic choice for grilled steaks.

4. If you love Champagne… try a Crémant de Bourgogne.

• The Icon: Champagne ($40 – $100+). The one and only. The symbol of celebration worldwide.
• The Dupe: Crémant de Bourgogne ($15 – $20).
• Why it Works: Crémant is France’s best-kept bubbly secret. It’s made using the exact same expensive and labour-intensive méthode traditionnelle as Champagne. Crucially, Crémant de Bourgogne is made in Burgundy from the same primary grapes: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It delivers fine bubbles, toasty brioche notes, and crisp apple flavours that are astonishingly close to the real thing.
• The Bounty: You can have a top-quality traditional method fizz for any occasion—from a weekend brunch to a Tuesday night—without a moment’s hesitation.

5. If you love Red Burgundy… try a Pinot Noir from Alsace.

• The Icon: Red Burgundy (e.g., Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée) ($70 – $200+). The spiritual home of Pinot Noir. Ethereal, complex, and ruinously expensive.
• The Dupe: Alsace Pinot Noir ($15 – $20).
• Why it Works: While Alsace is famous for its white wines, its cool, dry climate is also perfect for growing fantastic Pinot Noir. These reds are bright, juicy, and packed with red cherry and raspberry flavours, often with a subtle earthy spice. They offer the elegance of Burgundy in a more direct, fruit-forward, and affordable style.
• The Bounty: You get to enjoy the delicate charm of Pinot Noir without paying for the Burgundy name. Try it slightly chilled on a warm evening—it’s a revelation.

Your Guide to Hunting Your Own Wine Bounty

Now that you know the secret, you can find your own dupes. Just follow these simple rules:

1. Look Next Door: Find a famous appellation on a map and check out its immediate neighbours (the “satellite” appellations).
2. Follow the Grape: If you love a grape, try it from a less-famous region known for producing it well.
3. Find the “Little Brother”: Look for the second wines from famous châteaux or the “Côtes du Rhône” from a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer.

Happy hunting!

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Now we want to hear from you! What’s the best wine dupe you’ve ever discovered? Share your secret tips and favourite bottles with us on Insta or by email and we might share it with our readers.

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