I Tried 15 Bottles of Costco Wine—These 5 Will Blow You Away
Some are so good, even employees hide them for later.
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Costco’s wine section is a treasure hunt. Behind the bulk snacks and bags of rotisserie chickens, you’ll find bottles from Italy, Argentina, and Oregon—some with name-brand cred, others hiding behind the Kirkland Signature label. These house-brand wines are often sourced from well-known producers who stay unnamed, making them one of the best-kept secrets in the wine aisle (think: Napa Cab for under $20, made by someone you'd usually pay twice as much for).
To separate the winners from the just-OKs, I brought together a tasting panel (a.k.a. very honest GH editors with years of wine drinking experience) and sampled over 15 bottles, all under $20. These weren’t random grabs—each one came recommended by sommeliers, wine blogs, or in-the-know Costco shoppers. Some are so beloved, we’ve heard employees hide them in the store to snag at the end of their shift. After a series of spirited tasting sessions in the office, filled with sipping, swirling, and note-taking, we discussed which bargain bottles actually delivered. These five came out on top—some as low as $8.
Oregon knows its way around a Pinot Gris, and this bottle proves it. Ripe pear, a hint of citrus, and a whisper of spice make it feel plush but still refreshing. The finish is long, smooth, and just the right amount of polished. It’s classy without being fussy. While you can find this bottle outside Costco, you probably won’t want to: it’s nearly 25% less than most retailers.
Tasting Panel Comments
- “I could just lean on the kitchen counter and sip on this.”
- “I would 100% buy this wine!”
Best For: Dinner parties, roast chicken, or showing up to a potluck with something very solid.
RELATED: 13 Kirkland Signature Products at Costco That Are Just as Good as Expensive Name Brands
This zippy Spanish white brings big citrus energy—think lemon-lime and just a hint of sea breeze. It’s crisp and minerally, with a touch of peach to keep things interesting. Our panel loved how fresh and food-friendly it was. If you want something to sip with shrimp, this one’s calling.
Tasting Panel Comments
- “This tastes like summer by the ocean.”
- “I want this with grilled seafood, cheese, or literally anything with lemon.”
Best For: Patio hangs, seafood nights, breaking out of your Sauvignon Blanc
So many wines under $10 are disappointing, but this one punches way above its price. It’s medium-bodied with dark berry flavor, soft tannins, and just enough oak and spice to round out the juicy fruit. Our tasters were floored when they found out it was only $8. This is exactly the kind of bottle Costco’s private label is known for: not flashy, but wildly overdelivering for less than a latte and a muffin.
Tasting Panel Comments
- “Are you sure you’re not missing a digit from the price?”
- “There’s enough going on that it makes me want another sip.”
Best For: Backyard grilling, steak night, or stocking up for the season.
RELATED: The Genius Costco Kitchen Product Shoppers Are Obsessed With
This crisp bubbly from Asolo, one of Italy’s top Prosecco regions, impressed with its lovely aromas of lemon peel, green apple, and white flowers. It feels fresh but not overly fruity, with a dry finish and tiny, persistent bubbles that scream “I’m classier than my price tag.”
Tasting Panel Comments
- “Bright and refreshing—this is better than most Prosecco that’s twice the price.”
- “Would definitely serve this at a party and not tell anyone it’s from Costco.”
Best For: Brunch, bridal showers, pairing with a charcuterie and cheese board.
This pink bubbly is a total charmer—juicy with notes of strawberry and peach, and just floral enough to make you lean in for another whiff. It’s light, a little flirty, and refreshingly unpretentious. Perfect for anyone who likes their wine fun, not fussy, and not too dry.
Tasting Panel Comments
- “Goes down very easy.”
- “Great wine for people who say they don’t like wine.”
Best For: Day drinking, Galentine’s Day, pairing with pizza.
RELATED: The Best Costco Snacks
The Bottom Line
Out of all the Costco wines we tasted, these five earned real praise from a picky tasting crew. The Pinot Gris was the all-around favorite, and the Albariño practically transported us to a seaside tapas bar. If you’re shopping the warehouse wine aisle, consider this your cheat sheet—and don’t sleep on that Malbec.
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