The Best Bargain Wines at Costco Right Now

Everything from a legit Champagne and a biodynamic red from Southern France to a Willamette Valley Pinot Gris.

With wine sales totaling about $2.5 billion a year, Costco is one of the largest wine retailers in the U.S. Though they are known for their Kirkland Signature brand, Costco’s private label that features a variety of products including wine, their selections include wide-ranging options from noteworthy winemakers. Their bottles are also priced competitively — often several dollars less than other top retailers.

You can easily pick up cheap and cheerful bottles that are perfectly suited for pool parties and casual nights in, but it’s not uncommon to stop by an outpost of the big-box giant and find seriously impressive bottles.

To note: Costco may be a national chain, but not all stores sell wine, or any alcohol, depending on the liquor laws in that particular state. And even with the Costco stores that do offer wines and spirits, you’re not likely to find the exact same selection in them all. Check what’s available at your local store. If they do offer a wines in your region you're likely to find winemakers or varieties you're familiar with. The chain typically has a remarkably deep selection of high-end bottles, too.

The following selections are bottles we've chosen that are great values. Brave the parking lot for those 50-pound bags of beans, then stay for the winning wine selections.

A Gulpable White Gem from Oregon: 2022 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris ($14)

King Estate was established in 1991, and since then has become a solid go-to for well-priced and expressive wines. This one is crafted from organic, biodynamic estate-grown grapes as well as sustainably farmed purchased ones. It’s a textured, aromatically complex wine that’s perfect for year-round sipping.

A Super Spanish Red for a Song: 2019 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero Crianza ($15)

Throughout their portfolio of excellent wines, Condado de Haza works to express the full range of what Tempranillo is capable of. They own 200 acres of vineyards, and their commitment to the environment – the land is sustainably farmed and all of their water is recycled – mean that even this modestly-priced Crianza mines the depths of what this renowned region is capable of.

More Than a Century of Zinfandel Expertise: 2021 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County ($18)

The Seghesio family planted their first grapevines way back in 1895. Since then, they’ve become a highly respected source for Zinfandel, from single-vineyard expressions to the Sonoma County bottling, which delivers way more than its sub-$20 price tag might imply. It’s mostly Zinfandel, with a bit of Petite Sirah and others blended in for added layers of character. It works: From casual sipping to pairing with barbecue, this is a delicious option.

A Peppery Red Blend from the Legend of the Languedoc: 2019 Gérard Bertrand 2019 Hérésie Corbières ($20)

Gérard Bertrand is one of the largest biodynamic growers of grapes in Southern France, and an increasingly important force in the world of French wine writ large. This dramatic gem brings together Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre in a wine of power, spice, and generous brambly berry fruit that works brilliantly alongside everything from cheese and charcuterie to grilled beef.

A Legit Champagne at Half the Usual Price: Kirkland Signature NV Brut Champagne ($20)

In a world where it’s not uncommon to spend serious money on Champagne, this Kirkland Signature bubbly has earned a reputation for proving that a solid bottle doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Will it shift your perspective on sparkling wine (and perhaps life in general) the way a great bottle of Krug might? No, it won’t. But at this price, it doesn’t have to. It takes drinking Champagne from the realm of the special occasion to the wildly approachable. And that’s worth toasting.

For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Food & Wine .