The Wine Advent Calendar is back for 2020. Actually, it’s back in two versions. That’s right, there are two of them this year, and I have the other one I’m working on writing up right now too.
This is one of the most popular Costco items we review every year, so we couldn’t wait to jump into it. Here's what we said about it last year.
For this first Wine Advent Calendar, we will be calling it the Wine Advent-ure calendar. It might look familiar as the packaging is similar, maybe the exact same, as last year. You again get 24, 375ml bottles (½ size of regular wine bottles) from around the world. It’s an assortment of rosé, white, red and bubbly.
Costco’s price is $99.99, so quick division gives you a price of about $8 per bottle (if it was divided that way), or $4 per half bottle. As we noted in our review last year, having these half bottles on hand is really nice when you just want to pour a couple of glasses. If you want more, open a second.
Right off the bat I noticed a couple familiar ones that we tasted from last year’s advent calendar. Also included is the Ciel Bleu d’Aquitane Sauvignon Blanc which we did a full review on earlier, and enjoyed.
New this year, you’ll see some wines from Bulgaria and Moldova, the latter of which I’m particularly fond of. I contributed a story about Moldovan wine to the HuffPost a few years back that points out some little known facts about the area. Another benefit of the calendar is that it helps you discover wines like these you might otherwise pass on.
The entire list of wines included is here in this photo, but it’s also worth checking out the slick website for the package that does a great job of listing each of the wines, along with detailed videos about their origin. It’s super compelling if you’re interested in this, so be forewarned that you are about to spend 20 minutes learning about these wines.
The key takeaway is that they sourced these bottles from some pretty respected vineyards. So let’s get into a few of them. The idea is to wait until Dec 1 and then open one each day, but my box likely won’t last that long, so I might as well dig in.
I put the numbered top back on to hide the wines so it would be completely random and picked 4 different bottles to taste and review.
#4 2019 Cielo d'Oro Sangiovese
This wine is 100% Sangiovese and pours a pale purple in the glass; a fairly light and straightforward Sangiovese; medium in body; cherry fruit with some pepper sprinkled in; a good pizza wine. (12.5% alc.)
#23 2019 Chateau Cap De Biolet Bordeaux
This wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot. It pours a deep ruby and is spicy and earthy on the nose; super dusty and dry throughout; combination of red and dark fruit flavor with a little bell pepper; we enjoyed this one as well. (14.5% alc.)
#17 2019 Cara a Cara White Blend
From Portugal, consists of 75% Fernão Pires, 20% Moscatel Graúdo and 5% Antão Vaz. These are some indigenous grapes you don’t taste every day, so thanks to the Calendar for bringing these to us. The wine pours a medium gold with honey and melon flavors, super fruity and crisp; this was a delicious wine. (12% alc.)
#12 2019 Carrete Viognier
This one is 100% Viognier with 13.5% alc. It pours a nice pale to medium gold in color; white peach, pineapple flavors; medium in body; a very nice Viognier
There’s a lot to like in this box, and it’s a straight up awesome wine value. I love the thoughtful selection, I love the fact it’s a bit different than last year, I enjoy the half bottle versatility, and it’s impossible not to love the 30 days of wine this box provides.
I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, and good luck holding back on these wines until the holidays. I look forward to sharing details about the second Wine Advent calendar that we are so lucky to have this year too.
Costco item number: 1357643
UPDATES FOLLOWING OUR INITIAL POST: If you are unable to locate this Wine Advent calendar, don't forget there's a second Costco Wine Advent calendar out there that is equally as good. More info here.
Also, we wrote up a detailed FAQ all about both Advent Calendars.
And don't forget to subscribe to the blog. We send out two emails a week with the latest Costco wine reviews. And we never share our lists or spam.
This wine was received as a sample for the purpose of writing this review. All reviews are written at the discretion of the individual reviewer. Opinions of the reviewer do not necessarily reflect those of CostcoWineBlog.com as a whole, and reviewers are not paid for their reviews by wineries or their affiliated distributors. We at CostcoWineBlog.com believe that wine preferences and opinions are often subjective and highly individualistic. Our scores are based on our individual perception of a wine and how well it reflects the area in which the grapes are grown, the expression of the grapes, and also the quality of the finished product. We remind readers that we are 100% independent of Costco Wholesale Corporation, and are simply of a group of Costco wine fans looking to try new wines and share our favorites with this community.
Paula Heckman, Ph.D. says
On what date will the Wine Advent-ure be available in Costco stores?
Editor says
Hi Paula, I have been told that the Wine Advent-ure calendar will be in most stores, except the Southeast, by Oct 1. The second advent calendar I have been told will be available nationwide and should be in stores by Oct 1 as well.
Kimberly says
Hi - Do you know if these cases are only available in the store or online as well?
Lind thiel says
Hello,Ann arbor Cisco sold out .where can I purchase the advent wine calendar
Desperate please help.is it sold under any other name?
Carms Sanchez says
What a shame! I would’ve loved this but I’m in Miami, Fl
Steve Hermann says
Have you seen the new Kirkland Gran Riserva Ribera del Duero? With the funky striped top? I would love to know your thoughts on a new (at least to me) bottle
Editor says
Hi Steve, I heard from readers that it was out there but haven’t found it near me yet. I’ll get something up as soon as I find it. Always a Kirkland wine I look forward to trying every year.
A Brian and Alice L Cain says
What is the release date on the Advent Wine Caledar? I went every few days and never saw any at my store. I'm not sure if they sold out or they never came in
Editor says
I’ve been told that both advent calendars will be in stores by Oct 1. This one is available nationwide, except the southeast.
Peter says
Hi,
I am a Wine Steward at a Costco here in the Midwest. I truly appreciate your evaluations of the wines that come into Costco. Unfortunately it does create problems. Members that subscribe to your newsletter, and I am one who does subscribe, think that your website/newsletter is related to Costco.
Members come into Costco and ask for a particular that your newsletter states, "coming to your Costco soon", or something to that effect. Last week a member state she received an email form Costco about Kirkland Signature Stags Leap Cab and that its at Costco now. I said that that wine has come and gone about 3 months ago.
When I asked to see what she called was a Costco news release, It was an email from this blog. I stated to her that Costco Wine Blog has nothing to do with Costco and that you are based in Atlanta. I also stated that Costco Stores across the country receive wines at different times and that all wines do not come to all stores. It was difficult to convince her. The Calendar is a great example, your Costco has received we here in the Midwest not yet.
I hope you can see the issue.
Please really explain to you followers that this wine blog is not associated with Costco and that all wines do not show up at the same time or to all stores.
Best regards
Peter
Editor says
Hi Peter, thanks for the note, and completely understand that the wines aren't available in every store, and that can be frustrating for customers. I'm frustrated I can't find wines when readers suggest them to me. We make every effort to mention we are independent of Costco and we do it everywhere. It's on the top of every page, and the bottom of every page. We list it prominently across all social media, in FAQs, in replies to comments and emails. I can't recall a time we stated that a particular bottle would be "available in your Costco." We usually say "we hope it shows up near you," or something to that degree. I appreciate what you're saying and will take steps in future posts to be even more clear in an effort to help.
Annette says
Hi Peter,
Any chance Costco will be selling wine and beer in a Pennsylvania any time soon?
Charlotte Horton-Davis says
Hi Brian and Alice
I picked up my Wine advent calendar today. this is the second palate of the advent wines and each time they sold out with in hours. I feel lucky that you put the word out to look for these. I will be on the look out for the second wine advent calendar here in Lee's Summit. Thanks again.
Matt from Costco Insider says
What's the difference between this one and the other box?
Editor says
Different wines. They are fairly similar with most wines originating from France, Italy and Spain. This box includes a bubbly. The other includes a couple more bottles of rose. I’m publishing a story on the second box on Saturday with its full list of wines. I am finding both boxes to be pretty good.
Matt from Costco Insider says
Thanks! My SF Bay Area Costco has 100 of this one on order arriving on Monday. What's the item number on the other one? It sounds like I'd prefer that one...
Editor says
I’ll be posting a full write up on Sat on the other box and will include all the wines. The item number for that one is 1480467
Mel says
So we in the Southeast won't be able to buy the Advent-ure calendar? **Sigh** Oh well, I guess I can try to buy the other set here in the ATL before it sells out.
Elsa Nystrom says
The Kennesaw Costco, north of Atlanta had the other one Thursday, which I bought. I was looking for the cute one that was just reviewed but they didn't have any. The other one is red and green - go figure. Since I am the only wine drinker at our house, I thought they would be great for my glass with dinner. First bottle was a red from Languedoc, not bad, on the dry side which is ok with me. Didn't buy this calendar for Advent.
Mel says
Elsa--Thank you for this. Kennesaw Costco is the closest one to my house, so I went there today and got two--one for us and one as a gift for my MIL.
Susan B says
I just went to Costco in South Orange Coubty, California. Both calendars are there for $97.99. Packaging looks different than what you showed. One had green on the sides, the other red. Asked a couple of employees what the differences were. The boxes have generally the same copy but are different in style, illustration , typeface Etc. I got the green one. No one could tell me the difference. Guess I should go back and get yhe other one too! A great adventure!
Editor says
Hi Susan, this box we featured today is only in one color. There is another, different Wine Advent Calendar that we are featuring on Sat. That box comes in two colors, a red and a green. I know, confusing this year, but fun to have more options. Let us know what you think if you get one.
Elsa Nystrom says
Since you are based in ATL, did you get yours there? They only had the red and green one at the Kennesaw location. Would like to snag the other one, as it is great if there is only one wine drinker at home.
Editor says
I received the other box (Wine Advent-ire) directly from the distributor who said it was not going to be available in the southeast. Unfortunately that one might not show up around our area which is a bummer. Good news is that both boxes are on point from our tasting of quite a few of the wines.
Elsa Nystrom says
Drat, too bad they can't send me one. LOL I do have a WP travel blog. Since I am not using the box during Advent, I opened Door #1 last night. It is a Languedoc which I had never heard of, tho I have been in Provence. Dry red, very little aroma, and I have keen sense of smell. Not bad, but not great...maybe it will improve when I have the second glass tonight.
Steven W says
Have followed the blog for several years and just recently have noticed several of the wines have been provided by the distributor or provided for the purpose of the review and sampling. In the past my impression was that the wines were purchased from Costco in the Atlanta, Ga. area (Kennisaw). Has there been a change in the procurement of the wines to be reviewed and does this (if there has been a change) change the ratings or independence of the reporting?
Editor says
Hi Steven, thanks for the comment and I think you bring up an important point. Almost all of the wine we review I procure myself at stores around the Atlanta area (probably 95%). Occasionally, I’ll be contacted by a distributor who might have bottles that aren’t available near me or can get them to me faster. When this is the case we put a disclaimer at the end of the review to be super clear. I don’t feel it affects the independence of the site. We still write about the wines with our true opinions. I guess it is up to the reader on how they feel and I want to make sure they have the full info and background for complete transparency.
Steven W says
OK, so this would allow review of wines not yet available at your local warehouse or that may not even be picked by the local warehouses but which may be available to others. I appreciate the openness and the discloser and just wondered about what I perceived to be a change. Thanks and I enjoy comparing my tasting experience with others and respect the independence of the reviews.
Crystle Garbade says
In the review of the second box you listed the wines, can you do that for this one as well? I prefer more whites or rose over reds. thanks!
Editor says
Hi Crystle, For the first Advent calendar, all of the wines were listed in a photo from the side of the box. But that is kind of hard to read, so I would recommend going to the website created for the box. It's a great site, with tons of videos and information on the wines. https://www.wineadvent-ure.com/
Giggity Giggity Goo says
Available at Costco- North Miami, also the German beer calendar
Catherine Stewart says
Hi, great article. I live in Canada. Do you know if Costco will make this available in the True North?
Editor says
Hi, I don’t know about availability in Canada. Sorry. Maybe another reader can respond if they’ve seen it
mona new says
I live in Edmonton Alberta. I bought mine today. They are selling quickly. You can phone ahead to the store and they will let you know if they have them. I was told there will be no further shipments once these are gone
Kim A says
Which Costco in Edmonton?
mona new says
I bought mine at new Southside Costco liquor. 91 St and 26 Ave
Linnea Corrin says
I just got mine but it’s only sparkling.. no red or white
Catherine Stewart says
Not available in Ontario..I am constantly checking!
Kim Anderson says
Thanks. St albert was sold out, they said maybe south Costco
ermine peters says
Hello . When is the advent calendar wine coming to the wholesale in new York
Teri says
Great Review! Can you tell me which calendar has the most Red Wines? Thank you!!
Editor says
Hi, I just tallied them all and it was pretty close.
The Wine Advent-ure Calendar has 13 reds, 9 White, 1 rose and 1 sparkling.
The second Wine advent calendar we reviewed had 14 reds, 7 whites, and 3 rose.
There have it. Your choice. I really enjoyed the wines I tasted from both boxes.
Sue Euper Britton says
Is there any chance they make a cheese advent that pairs with this years wine advent??
Editor says
That's a great idea. I have seen a huge Costco pack at my store that includes three different cheeses that could work. I can't remember what they were exactly. Given Costco's great selection of cheeses you could probably stitch something together. But it's always fun to have someone curate it for you too, like these Advent Calendars. Great suggestion
Elsa Nystrom says
Aldi's has a cheese Advent calendar. Haven't tried it but their wine and chocolate Advent calendars are great.
They go on sale Nov 3, usually and there is much competition to get them.
Linda Clarke says
When is this Advent Wine Calender coming to stores in NY State?
jack says
Yes, I am interested in that too. I am from nyc and was wondering when it will be available here
Earlene Millier says
Several family members in different cities bought the same Advent calendar and we're doing tastings every Friday via Zoom. Everyone opens the same two bottles each Friday evening, and we sit around and taste the wines and yak about them. The quality of the wines is impressive, and you can't beat the price. Also, the half-bottle format works well for us. It worked out that there are exactly the right number of half-bottles in the case to see us through the end of 2020 (we started two Fridays ago.)
Editor says
Awesome idea. Thanks for sharing.
Catherine Stewart says
I’m in Canada and have no idea if available here. No one will answer my question not even support at Costco!
Editor says
This just came in from a reader over on Facebook which is super interesting.
“ I am in Alberta Canada and just this past Thursday our Costco got their wine advent calendar in. They sold out fast (in a few hours). The calendar our Costco got in was different than either of the ones you reviewed and has 24 x 200ml bottles and it is all sparkling wines for $89.99 CAD.”
Edie Peterson says
Can you buy on line??
Elsa Nystrom says
Costco doesn't sell their wine online.
Marianne wharton says
How can someone in Utah participate in this..
Jeff says
Are all advent calendars the same layout?
i.e. will my girlfriend and I get to drink the same wine every night?
Sorry if it’s already been asked!
Editor says
Hi Jeff
As far as I’ve heard they are all the same so yes, should be the same wine on the same day. Enjoy