Costco is king for buying in bulk, and that absolutely includes wine. If you've ever wondered "Can it Kirkland?", rest assured that the wholesaler's wine section absolutely can. Hidden amongst their wines are some unexpected gems, familiar favorites, and name brand dupes, all at at steep discounts. As the country's largest wine retailer, Costco's selection has truly something for everyone and proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to have a truly excellent wine.
A few things to know before buying wine at Costco: Much like other large retailers like Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Aldi's, Costco's name brand (which includes Kirkland Signature and KVine) wines are often produced by big names in the wine industry. Why is that? Well, these larger winemakers and distributors often have excess grapes at the end of the season, and will offload their excess, unlabeled wine bottles (known in the biz as "shiners") to other retailers, like Costco.
What this means is that, especially if you love fancier varietals like French Chablis and Gigondas and Italian Barolos, it pays to go for the Kirkland-branded versions. So if you've been blessed (or cursed?) with expensive taste, Costco is about to save you a whole lot of money.
Another reason to love Costco's wine? In many states, you actually don't actually have to be a member to buy alcohol and they can even deliver bottles in some cases.
Of all the B-named regions of the wine world (like Burgundy and Bordeaux), Barolo is the one that probably gets me the most excited. This Northern Italian wine is an experience in itself, with both bracing acidity alongside a hint of berry and licorice notes. If you're making any type of Italian food (like risotto, osso buco, or a classic ragu alla bolognese), this "King of Wine" will complete your meal.
Another Rhône Valley favorite, the E. Guigal is made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes. Peppery and silky smooth with notes of chocolate and tobacco smoke, this full-bodied red is a favorite to drink alongside a charcuterie board.
Think you're not a chardonnay fan? Well, think again. A picture of the Daou Chardonnay is likely what you'll find in the dictionary under the term "easy-drinking." With a buttery bite reminiscent of a lemon square, this crisp Chardonnay is a perfect for pairing with a sunny day.
No matter if you're making mimosas or popping the cork at a wedding, this just-dry-enough sparkling wine is sure to become your next favorite repeat buy. Don't let the fact that it's not technically Champagne (it's produced in California so doesn't earn the Champagne moniker) deter you; it has a complexity that tastes way more premium than its price tag.
Chablis, a French wine made from Chardonnay grapes, is what I like to call liquid gold. With a medium body that's perfect if you're not typically into creamy, buttery Chardonnays, Chablis has a refreshing minerality and a brightness that makes it a perfect pick for summertime, as well when a recipe calls for white wine for cooking. Ina Garten is apparently a huge Chablis fan, and when has she ever been wrong?
This newer release from The Prisoner has a price that made me do a double-take (their signature red blend goes for $45). Supremely smooth with notes of cherry and vanilla, this lower-tannin Cab is ideal if you're new to the world of big, bold Cabernets and want to dip your toe in.
Ever wondered what wine to drink if you're not necessarily a "wine person"? Well, meet your new favorite moscato! With notes of tropical orange and peach, this lower-ABV wine is perfectly light and sweet with a Pop Rocks-adjacent tartness that'll tingle on your tongue, making it extremely fun to drink.
A blend of Grenache and Syrah, Gigondas is a French wine that definitely needs to be on your radar. One of the 17 crus of the world-famous Rhone Valley (which also includes Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Gigondas is a beautifully earthy, herbal red wine that's supremely woodsy and perfect for sipping on a crisp autumn night.
Is there anything better than a chilled glass of rosé on a hot day? Let's just say, this crowd-pleasing rosé is worth stocking up on. Crisp, light, with a delicate peachy sweetness that's not at all cloying, Whispering Angel goes down a little too smoothly.
While I typically steer clear of domestic red wines, this California cab is a definite exception to my unofficial rule. This price is easily the best deal you can find on this show-stopper from Michael David. If steak is what's for dinner, you can't beat this slightly tannic and beautifully jammy red.
Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is produced very similarly to its French cousin, Champagne, and it shows in its plentiful bubbles. While Cava typically isn't aged as long as Champagne, this reserve brut is aged 15 months at minimum so it has many of the bread-y, nutty notes of Champagne. If you're looking for a bubbly that's low in price but high in reward, Cava is for you.
This textbook-perfect New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is so classically good, we're basically on a first name basis. Kim, as I affectionately call it, is my ideal pairing for a lazy Sunday afternoon picnic. It's a slightly grassy sauvignon blanc that packs a punch of green apple and passionfruit brightness, and is perfect for sharing a cheese board with friends (okay, and likely a few ants).
Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine and if wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.