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Costco is a great place to buy wine. Not only are they the largest wine retailer in the U.S., but their prices are typically unbeatable. As a certified sommelier who has worked in the wine industry for over 10 years, I have tasted many wines from Costco and have found the 11 best ones that you should buy.
In this article, I will discuss each wine and tell you why it’s worth buying at Costco. I will also give you some food-pairing suggestions so that you can enjoy these wines to the fullest!
Editor’s Note: While not all these wines are available on Costco’s website right now, we encourage you to look for them at your local store. Alternatively, they can be found onWine.com or TotalWine.com.
14 Best Wines at Costco
1. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Best Premium Red Wine
I was thrilled when I found this Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon at Costco. If you’re looking for a world-renowned red wine from California, this is one of my favorites. They don’t last very long on shelves, so if you see them, buy them!
It has rich flavors of blackberry, dark plum, cherry, vanilla, and hints of mocha, with velvety tannins to finish.
And if you’re trying to find a red wine that will go well with steak or other red meat, look no further. The tannins in the wine will help bring out the juiciness in your steak, while the proteins in the meat make the wine smoother. It’s an incredible pairing!
2. Far Niente Chardonnay 2019
Best Premium White Wine
This is my go-to chardonnaywhen I want to impress guests with a white wine. It has beautiful aromas of ripe stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, with hints of vanilla and butter.
On the palate, it is rich and creamy with lovely notes of oak and tropical fruits. This delicious wine has a long, lingering, and smooth finish with a great balance of butter and citrus flavors.
This chardonnay is perfect for pairing with rich seafood dishes like lobster or crab. The buttery flavors in the wine will complement the seafood perfectly.
3. Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Best Gift For Red Wine Lovers
This wine is the ideal gift for your close friend who loves red wine. It’s a cabernet sauvignon from Joseph Phelps, one of the most well-respected wineries in Napa Valley.
The wine has intense flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, with hints of chocolate, leather, tobacco, and spice. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, making it a very enjoyable wine to drink.
This cabernet sauvignon is perfect for pairing with hearty meat dishes. The bold flavors in the wine will stand up to the rich flavors of these dishes.
Plus, I found this wine at Costco for $68, which is significantly lower than the retail value of $90 that is seen on their website!
4. Mauro Molino Barolo 2016
Best Italian Red
This is a beautiful Barolo that originates from the Piedmont region in Italy. It is made from the Nebbiolo grape, which is known for producing complex earthy aromas and a high tannin content. Those who savor the flavors of Italian or old-world wines will enjoy this Barolo.
This wine has aromas of red fruits like tart cherries and strawberries, with hints of tobacco and spice. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with strong tannins and earthy flavors of oak and smoke, along with dried red fruit flavors. The finish is long and elegant with velvety tannins.
This Barolo is perfect for pairing with Italian dishes, like pasta with red sauce or grilled gamey meats. The tannins in the wine will help cut through the richness of these dishes.
Other Recommendations: Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 (Best Value Italian)
5. El Enemigo Chardonnay 2018
Best For Chardonnay Lovers
This chardonnay is an excellent value and comes from a well-known winery in Argentina. It has beautiful aromas of ripe stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, with hints of vanilla and butter.
On the palate, it is well-balanced with acidity and buttery flavors. It has ripe fruit notes of pear, citrus, apple, and a hint of oak and vanilla. The wine is full-bodied with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish. This wine pairs well with roast chicken, salmon, and many other creamy seafood dishes. You can find this wine at Costco for less than $20, making it a great deal.
6. Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé Champagne
Best Sparkling Rosé
This is a beautiful and delicious sparkling roséfrom the well-known Veuve Clicquot Champagne house. It has lovely aromas of red fruits, flowers, and a hint of toast. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and cream. The finish is clean and refreshing with crisp acidity.
This wine is perfect for enjoying on its own or for pairing with light appetizers. It would also be a great choice for celebrating a special occasion. Another example of Costco having the best prices, this wine is available there for less than $60. You will typically find it elsewhere for around $75–80.
7. Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut N.V.
Best Champagne
This is a classic champagne from one of the most popular houses in France. And you will not find a better price for this bottle than at Costco (under $40).
It has aromas of apples and citrus fruits, with hints of brioche. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with crisp flavors of apples and pears, along with a yeasty finish. This wine’s delicate bubbles create a refreshing acidity and wonderful finish.
I love to drink this champagne with fast food, such as fried chicken, pizza, and cheeseburgers. The acidity in the wine will help cut through the greasiness and fat in those foods, while the bubbles of the wine will cleanse your palate after each bite.
8. Dom Perignon 2010
Best High-End Champagne
This is a luxurious and expensive champagnethat is only produced with the best grapes from outstanding years. This makes each vintage unique, with the 2010 version being one of them.
The result is a beautiful wine with intense aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and toast. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and creamy with flavors of lemon, ripe stone fruits, honey, and vanilla. The bubbles are fine and delicate, making this a very dry but smooth and elegant wine to drink.
This champagne is perfect for enjoying on its own or for pairing with caviar or other luxurious seafood dishes.
9. Prisoner Red Blend 2019
Best California Red Blend
The Prisoner is a popular and well-made California red blend that comes at an excellent price point, especially at Costco. It has intense aromas of dark fruits like blackberries and cherries with hints of spice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied with flavors of dark fruits, vanilla, and oak. The finish is very smooth with silky tannins. Overall, it’s just a great example of a California red blend wine.
This wine pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, as well as rich pasta dishes. It is also a great wine to enjoy on its own. Another excellent value, you will find this wine at Costco for around $35. Normally, it’s around $50–55 at other wine stores.
10. Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Most Affordable
This is a delicious and affordable Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It has intense aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, and tropical fruits. On the palate, it is light-bodied with flavors of citrus fruits, gooseberries, and a hint of grassiness. The finish is crisp and refreshing with high acidity.
You can purchase this wine for less than $10 at Costco, which makes it ideal for a hot summer picnic or a day out at the beach.
11. Chateau Montelena Zinfandel 2018
Best Zinfandel
This zinfandel has great flavor and value. It comes from an iconic Napa Valley winery known for producing award-winning chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons.
This wine has beautiful aromas of dark fruits and spices, with hints of oak. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with flavors of blackberry jam, plum, and vanilla. The finish is smooth, with a balance of acidity and tannins, and a touch of sweetness from the ripe fruits.
The wine’s spice pairs nicely with heartier cuisine such as barbeque and smoked cheeses, as well as dishes that pack a spicy punch.
12. Kirkland Signature Saint Julien Bordeaux
Best Bordeaux
For $17.99 Saint Julien Bordeaux remains a steal. There is just no other way to get a wine from the famed Bordeaux area for any less. The 2020 blend is 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting notes are very similar to the inaugural 2019 vintage of this Kirkland Signature wine. With signature Bordeaux on the nose and earthy, barnyard aromas, it has a nice depth and structure.
13. Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages
Best Value in the Kirkland Signature
Available exclusively at Costco, Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages sells for only $7.49. It’s a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre and has very similar tasting notes to the wine’s great past vintages.
Tasting reveals red cherry and ripe peach, light earthy and vanilla notes from French oak barrels, while Licorice rounds things out. It ends dry and a bit grippy on the finish.
14. Kirkland Signature Ti Point Sauvignon Blanc
Best For Everything Chicken
Crafted by Tracy Haslam of Ti Point Vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand, this Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon shows plenty of mouthwatering acidity. It’s bright on the mouth, with green apple, lime zest, and shades of wet rock all combining on the palate.
Pro Tips For Buying Wine At Costco
Whether you are looking for Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, or California Chardonnay – from Columbia Valley to Sonoma County, Costco is a shop offering a good selection and even better deals.
- Don’t limit yourself to only buying cheap wines or Kirkland Signature (Costco brand) wines. They have a great selection of both affordable and premium wines for great prices. For example, popular champagnes such as Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and Dom Perignon are usually cheaper at Costco.
- If the bottle’s price ends in something other than .99, then it has most likely been further marked down and is an even better deal than normal. To get the best deals, always look for prices that don’t end in .99 (ex. $20.79).
- To assist with your wine decisions, some Costco’s have a wine steward/advisor near or around the wine section.
FAQs
Is Costco a Good Deal for Wine?
Yes, there’s a good chance you will find great deals at Costco on both big-name wines and niche bottles, especially with Costco’s Kirkland Signature range of wines. Costco’s size and appeal allow it to purchase and sell all kinds of wine at an affordable price.
What Are Costco’s Kirkland Signature Wines?
Kirkland Signature wines are the product of cut-rate contracts with established winemakers and importers. Kirkland Signature range offers everything, from sparkling wine, California chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and sauvignon blanc, to pinot meunier, pinot grigio, pinot noir, and much more.
Where Do Costco Wines Come From?
Costco buys wine from numerous regions, such as Bordeaux, Champagne region, Napa Valley, Columbia Valley, Sonoma County, Friuli Grave, and Toscana. A slew of its wines are imported by Ethica Wines and E&J Gallo Winery.
Is Costco the Biggest Wine Retailer in the US?
Yes, Costco is the largest wine retailer in the US and is famous for great wine selections and unbeatable prices. They can undercut most liquor retailers due to the large volume of wine they sell which has provided customers with a product that they can rely on at low prices.
What Wine Sells the Best at Costco?
Cabernet Sauvignon has consistently been one of the best-selling wine varieties in the United States for many years. Other popular red wine varieties are Merlot and Pinot Noir. The most popular white wines are Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.
