Don’t Overlook These Bottles

Not all good wine lives behind a specialty counter. Sometimes, it’s stacked six high on a concrete floor. Costco keeps a wide range of bottles, and many fly under the radar. Between crowd-pleasers and low-key standouts, there’s a lot to consider. This breakdown shares 20 wines you can buy at Costco. 

Koffermejia on Wikimedia

1. Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon

Crafted in partnership with top-tier Napa Valley vineyards, this Cabernet regularly surprises critics with its layered complexity at a sub-$20 price point. Costco’s in-house label often sources juice from respected producers, sometimes even surplus from premium lines. Expect dark cherry, vanilla, and tobacco notes with firm tannins. 

Sommelier Tries Every Costco Wine | World Of Wine | Bon Appétit by Bon Appétit

2. La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Wines from the Sonoma Coast AVA often benefit from coastal fog, which slows ripening and preserves acidity. La Crema’s Chardonnay leans into that to balance buttery texture with citrus brightness. Aged partially in French oak, it offers apple and light brioche. 

2016 La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay by Kerry Kirkham

3. Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut

Only wines produced in France’s Champagne region can legally wear that name, and this one checks all boxes. Made by Manuel Janisson, it’s a true méthode champenoise blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Crisp and elegantly bubbly at roughly half the typical price. 

Is it good? Kirkland Signature (Costco) Brut Champagne Wine Review by Wine On The Dime

4. Decoy Sonoma County Red Blend

Introduced by Duckhorn as a more accessible companion to their premium wines, Decoy’s Red Blend continues to win over casual and seasoned drinkers alike. It combines Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon for a fruit-forward profile with subtle oak spice.

Decoy by Duckhorn 2015 Red Blend, Sonoma by Wine Express

5. Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling

Washington’s Columbia Valley is a powerhouse for Riesling, and this label leads the charge. Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered modern Riesling in the U.S. and maintains remarkable consistency. Off-dry with zesty acidity, it’s loaded with peach and mineral tones. 

Chateau Ste. Michelle – Riesling, Columbia Valley by Chateau Ste. Michelle

6. Kirkland Signature Malbec

This Mendoza-born Malbec often flies under the radar, but it’s quietly dependable. Produced by one of Argentina’s long-established wineries, it reflects high-altitude fruit with bold plum and mocha flavors. Tannins are supple, which is good to go with grilled meats or earthy stews. 

Sommelier Tries Every Costco Wine | World Of Wine | Bon Appétit by Bon Appétit

7. Meiomi Pinot Noir

While not for Pinot purists, Meiomi has carved out a loyal following by embracing a fruit-driven style. Sourced from vineyards across California’s coastal regions, it’s predictably rich with cherry cola and spice. The wine’s consistent profile makes it popular at Costco and beyond. 

Meiomi Pinot Noir Review | 2021 Tasted & Rated [I've Got Issues...] by Wine Turtle

8. Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet

First bottled in the 1970s, Knights Valley is Beringer’s hidden gem, often overshadowed by Napa’s glitz. Grown in volcanic soils east of the Mayacamas Mountains, this Cabernet displays cassis and dried herbs with aging potential. It routinely scores in the 90s from Wine Spectator. 

2017 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet by Carhartts and Cabernets

9. Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva

Aged for 36 months (including 12 in oak), this Reserva-level Rioja punches well above its price bracket. Sourced from family-owned Spanish producers, it blends Tempranillo and Graciano for cherry-rich depth. Costco ensures authenticity by working directly with DOCA Rioja-certified houses. 

Kirkland 2017 Rioja Reserva: (An Honest) Wine & Cheese Pairing by Brian's Table

10. Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot

Duckhorn’s Merlot gained national attention in the 1980s. This bottle delivers black plum, cedar, and structured tannins. It’s partially sourced from Duckhorn’s estate vineyards, including Three Palms. Costco frequently stocks it below standard retail, a rare advantage for shoppers. 

Duckhorn 2012 Merlot, Napa Valley by Wine Express

11. Ruffino Prosecco DOC

Northern Italy’s Veneto region is behind this crisp, easy-drinking Prosecco. Ruffino uses the Glera grape, traditionally fermented in stainless steel, for freshness. Its floral nose and notes of green apple make it ideal for aperitifs or brunch. Light-bodied and slightly off-dry, it’s a reliable sparkling option. 

Ruffino Prosecco Sparkling Wine by Rusty78609

12. Kirkland Signature Pinot Grigio

Harvested from Friuli-Venezia Giulia (a cool-climate Italian region), this Pinot Grigio is clean and citrus-driven. Unlike many mass-market Grigios, it avoids flatness by preserving acidity and avoiding overripe fruit. The balance of lemon zest and almond skin makes it a crowd-pleaser. 

Sommelier Tries Every Costco Wine | World Of Wine | Bon Appétit by Bon Appétit

13. The Prisoner Red Blend

Developed by winemaker Dave Phinney in the early 2000s, The Prisoner redefined modern California blends. Zinfandel-heavy, with Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet, it’s lush and unmistakably bold. Jammy, black fruit, and clove dominate. Though the brand has since changed hands, the wine remains a statement bottle. 

My Current Favorite Napa Valley Wine | The Prisoner by Gentleman's Club WHISKY

14. Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Superieur

Crafted in partnership with Bordeaux’s Union de Producteurs de Saint-Émilion, this bottle reflects the Left Bank structure at Right Bank pricing. It blends Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with subtle oak aging. Notes of red currant and pencil lead reveal its pedigree. 

Sommelier Tries Every Costco Wine | World Of Wine | Bon Appétit by Bon Appétit

15. Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend

Popular across U.S. shelves, this blend caters to modern palates seeking richness and smoothness. It includes Merlot, Zinfandel, and Syrah, showcasing ripe plum and sweet spice. Created by Joseph Carr in honor of his father, the brand balances sentiment with broad appeal. 

Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend | One Minute of Wine Episode #355 by Elma Wine & Liquor

16. Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages

Produced with 100% Gamay grapes, this Beaujolais-Villages shows the region’s strength beyond Nouveau. Louis Jadot (a Burgundy powerhouse) vinifies this with partial carbonic maceration for fruity vibrancy. Notes of raspberry and crushed violets give it charm. Serve it slightly chilled to highlight its freshness and juicy character. 

Wines Under $15 | Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages | Value Wines by DrinkinItIn

17. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand’s Marlborough region catapulted to global fame thanks to producers like Kim Crawford. Their Sauvignon Blanc is herbaceous and intensely aromatic of passionfruit and jalapeño. Stainless steel fermentation preserves the brightness. Costco’s access to large-volume imports makes this award-winning white surprisingly affordable. 

Wine Review: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2021 by Wine-Searcher.com

18. Kirkland Signature Barolo DOCG

True Barolo at under $25 is rare, yet this Nebbiolo-based stunner comes from Piedmont’s heartland. Aged for 38 months, it reveals tar and dried cherry with grippy tannins. Sourced from traditional estates, this wine reflects Costco’s quiet dedication to Old World value. 

2019 Kirkland Signature Barolo Wine Review | The King of Costco Wine? by Wine Turtle

19. Sterling Vintner’s Collection Merlot

Napa’s Sterling Vineyards expanded its reach with the Vintner’s Collection, using Central Coast fruit to create everyday wines with polish. This Merlot showcases blackberry and a hint of mint. Soft tannins make it highly drinkable. It may not be complex, but it over-delivers for the price. 

Tasting - Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot by Sterling Vineyards

20. Kirkland Signature Châteauneuf-Du-Pape

France’s Southern Rhône produces this GSM-based blend, known for power and spice. Kirkland’s version partners with respected négociants to deliver authenticity: garrigue, dried herbs, and ripe black fruit. It’s aged in oak and bottle before release, offering complexity rarely seen below $25. 

Master of Wine: COSTCO’S Latest for Under $20 by Bob Paulinski, Master of Wine