From salmon filets to value jeans to flat-screen televisions, Costco is known for its wide variety of incredible deals – and wine is no different. In fact, Costco is the largest wine retailer in the United States, most certainly in part because of its affordable prices on quality wines. While the markup on alcoholic beverages at many other retailers can be anywhere from 25 to 50 percent, Costco’s wine markups are generally around 14 percent, giving the wholesale club an edge over competitors in customer loyalty despite the smaller profit margins. (Other than wine, here are 32 cult favorite items from Costco.
Even with Costco’s signature Kirkland brand wines, lower prices don’t necessarily equate to a compromise in quality. To compile a list of the 25 best wines at Costco, 24/7 Tempo reviewed lists of recommended wines sold by the big-box retailer appearing on numerous websites and blogs. Among these were San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times, Reverse Wine Snob, Best Wine Reviews, The Wine Daily, Eat This Not That, Bob Cut Magazine, Good Cheap Vino, The Modest Cellar, WineO Mark, Wine Bounty, Costco Wine Blog, and Vinopointer.
Based on their reviews and recommendations, we chose 25 wines in varied categories from eight countries, ranging in price from $6.99 to $44.99 per bottle at Costco. Estimated average retail prices come from Wine.Com or Wine Searcher. Ratings are from Wine Enthusiast unless otherwise indicated. All wines chosen had a score of 85/100 or higher and are listed in order of price. Prices and vintages may vary.
It’s important to note that Costco only sells alcohol in a limited number of states, and the selection may vary by location. In some states, they will ship wine directly to consumers. While Costco membership is generally necessary, the condition is waived in around a dozen states, where laws prevent retailers from requiring membership to purchase alcohol. In some cases, non-members may order by paying a small surcharge.
Click here to see the 25 best wines for any budget at Costco
Although Costco doesn’t carry the immense variety of wines that a specialty shop might, they do have a well-catered selection of Old and New World varieties. The best on our list come from California, Italy, France, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina, and more, representing a spread of reds, whites, sparkling, and rosé. (For other recommended bottles, here are the best wines in the world according to the experts. )
Source: Courtesy of Legacy Wine and Spirits
Kirkland Sonoma County Chardonnay 2020
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: N/A
> Costco price: $6.99
> Rating: 86/100
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Source: Courtesy of Craft & Curd
Rose Family Estate Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2021
> Source: New Zealand
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: $20
> Costco price: $10.99
> Rating: 89/100
Source: Courtesy of Wine Anthology
Umani Ronchi CaSal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2019
> Source: Italy
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: $18.99
> Costco price: $11.99
> Rating: 91/100 (James Suckling)
Source: Courtesy of Avon Wine and Spirits
Clemente VII Chianti Classico 2018
> Source: Spain
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $35
> Costco price: $11.99
> Rating: 87/100
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Source: Courtesy of Drink Dispatch
Gruet Brut NV
> Source: USA (New Mexico)
> Type: Sparkling
> Estimated average retail price: $18
> Costco price: $11.99
> Rating: 86/100
Source: Courtesy of Craft & Curd
Bodega Garzón Reserva Tannat 2020
> Source: Uruguay
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $20
> Costco price: $11.99
> Rating: 90/100
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Source: Thomas De Wever / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Kirkland Signature Gran Reserva Ribera del Duero 2014
> Source: Spain
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: N/A
> Costco price: $13.99
> Rating: 90/100
Source: J. Michael Jones / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Kirkland Signature Gigondas 2018
> Source: France
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: N/A
> Costco price: $14.99
> Rating: 90/100
Source: Courtesy of Vivino
Mumm Napa Brut Rosé NV
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: Sparkling
> Estimated average retail price: $24
> Costco price: $14.99
> Rating: 91/100
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Source: Courtesy of Vine Base
McKahn Family Cellars Rosé of Grenache 2020
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: Rosé
> Estimated average retail price: $26.99
> Costco price: $14.99
> Rating: 91/100
Source: Courtesy of Wired for Wine
Carpe Diem Anderson Valley Chardonnay 2018
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: $22.99
> Costco price: $15.99
> Rating: 93/100
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Source: Courtesy of Craft & Curd
McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé NV
> Source: New Zealand
> Type: Sparkling
> Estimated average retail price: $24.99
> Costco price: $15.99
> Rating: 91/100
Source: Courtesy of Westport Whiskey and Wine
Dry Creek Vineyards Heritage Zinfandel 2019
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $21.99
> Costco price: $15.99
> Rating: 92/100
Source: Courtesy of Wired for Wine
Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec 2019
> Source: Argentina
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $24
> Costco price: $15.99
> Rating: 90/100
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Source: Courtesy of Wine Anthology
Stags’ Leap Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: $26
> Costco price: $16.99
> Rating: 92/100
Source: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé 2021
> Source: France
> Type: Rosé
> Estimated average retail price: $24.99
> Costco price: $16.99
> Rating: 88/100
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Source: Courtesy of Craft & Curd
Böen Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2018
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $35
> Costco price: $17.99
> Rating: 92/100
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Source: Courtesy of Wine Chateau
Patient Cottat Sancerre Anciennes Vignes 2020
> Source: France
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: $33
> Costco price: $18.99
> Rating: 91/100
Source: Courtesy of Craft & Curd
Daou Vineyards Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $30
> Costco price: $19.89
> Rating: 92/100
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Source: SweetBabeeJay / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Kirkland Signature Barolo 2017
> Source: Italy
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: N/A
> Costco price: $19.99
> Rating: 91/100
Source: Courtesy of Heritage Wine and Liquor
Schug Carneros Pinot Noir 2019
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $29
> Costco price: $19.99
> Rating: 88/100
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Source: Courtesy of Bounty Hunter
Gamble Family Vineyards Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2021
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: $28
> Costco price: $19.99
> Rating: 93/100 (James Suckling)
Source: Courtesy of Vivino
Hanzell Sebella Sonoma County Pinot Noir
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $35
> Costco price: $24.99
> Rating: 94/100
Source: Courtesy of Keg n Bottle
Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2019
> Source: USA (California)
> Type: White
> Estimated average retail price: $34
> Costco price: $26.99
> Rating: 91/100 (James Suckling)
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Source: Courtesy of Vivino
Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2018
> Source: France
> Type: Red
> Estimated average retail price: $75
> Costco price: $44.99
> Rating: 97/100 (James Suckling)
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