It's here, and it's in stores earlier than ever...the Costco Wine Advent Calendar for 2021. And if you see it, buy it quick. These go fast so grab one (or two) and stash it for a few months if you want to follow along with the calendar.
Lots of big news for this one in 2021, starting with the fact that we heard there will only be one version of the Costco wine advent calendar this year. You might remember last year there were two different versions. Both were good, and it was fun to have all that interesting wine, but this year, there will be only one. So don't pass it up thinking another shipment is going to arrive later.
Next big news. The price stayed the same at $99.99. As we've mentioned in year's past, that's a flat-out insane price for all the wine you get. This box comes with twenty four 375ml bottles (½ size of regular wine bottles) from around the world (so each half bottle is around $4). We thought for certain the price would jump given how fast these moved last year.
And speaking of the "around the world part"...they did a really nice job with the selection this year. I'll list all the wines at the end of this story, because it's not super clear from just the side of the box what they are, but you'll get wines from France, South Africa, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain, Moldova, Portugal and Greece.
Don't read the end of this story if you want to keep them a surprise (that's the idea why they don't list them). One thing I will say is that there is not one bottle from either of last year's wine calendars that appears in the new 2021 box. So they're all brand new, which is awesome.
And on the topic of the box, what a great design this year. They do such a cool job on these boxes. Gotta hand it to the designer who impresses us every year. It also makes this a cool gift.
So the idea behind the advent calendar is to open one of the bottles every day in December leading up to Christmas. I'm going to have to get another box because I already screwed up that plan. I opened a couple because I wanted to get this review out to you as soon as possible.
These 375ml bottles are also so handy it's hard not to indulge early on a whim. I've mentioned before I love having them on hand, when you want to pour just a couple glasses, or have a little white and a little red without opening two full bottles of each.
So I couldn't wait; plus I always review a couple bottles in my review of these Advent Calendars. My wife chose two random bottles, which turned out to be numbers 19 and 23. You see in the photo above that you get a perforated circle around the day of the month so you can punch it open and grab a bottle without looking at the rest of the them.
So I'm going to ruin the surprise and give you some tasting notes on wines 19 and 23. I was impressed with the quality of both of them. And 19 was particularly interesting because it includes a varietal I frequently complain that Costco never carries (Gruner). How ironic that it appears in the Advent Calendar.
Day 19 - Pannonia Zenit-Gruner Veltliner (Hungary)
I know Gruner and am happy to see that, but wasn't familiar with the Hungarian white grape variety Zenit; turned out to be a nice and interesting combo though. This one pours a pale straw and gold in the glass, juicy citrus fruit on the nose; medium bodied, nice vibrant fruit and acidity, pleasant finish. All around very nice. 12% alc.
Day 23 - West Cape Gold Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa)
Pale to medium ruby in the glass, juicy nose of fresh cherry, medium in body, a lighter Cab; flavors of red licorice, black cherry, plum; easy finish. This is a light and easy going Cab; 13.7% alc.
I hope the rest of the bottles are of the same quality as these two as they are both very good, nice representations of the varietal and region, and remain an amazing value at these price points.
As I mentioned there is only going to be one Costco wine advent calendar this year, so you're going to want to reference the correct Costco item number.
If you call your store to ask if they carry this, mention Costco item number: 1357643. Do not use 1480467, which is the old number for the second wine calendar. I checked with my Costco and it is not in the system.
If you made it this far, you must be really into these calendars like we are. If so, you'll want to pop over to this fantastic website created by the producer with info on the wines and fun videos about each one.
Ok, so now we're going to list all the wines for those who want to know what's in the box. If you want to keep it a surprise, skip this part.
Of the 24 bottles, there are 11 reds, 11 whites, one rosé, and one bubbly.
Day 1 - King Strut Chardonnay (Italy)
Day 2 - Portrait of a Wallflower Pays d’Oc Merlot (France)
Day 3 - Stacks and Stones Sauvignon Blanc (France)
Day 4 - Volde Cabernet Sauvignon (Moldova)
Day 5 - Shadow Dance Chenin Blanc (South Africa)
Day 6 - Mendoza Nights Malbec (Argentina)
Day 7 - Pastello Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Day 8 - Even Steven Torrontes (Argentina)
Day 9 - Azzimato Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Italy)
Day 10 - Timok River Riesling (Bulgaria)
Day 11- Struggling Deep Roots Cotes de Gascogne (France)
Day 12 - Ode Couple Fernao Pires (Portugal)
Day 13 - 12 Generations Merlot (Bulgaria)
Day 14 - Octopada Macabeo (Spain)
Day 15 - Palloncini Rosato (Italy)
Day 16 - Blue Seirina Kotsifli-Syrah (Greece)
Day 17 - Venteux 22 Cotes de Gascogne (France)
Day 18 - Luna Brilliante Navarra (Spain)
Day 19 - Pannonia Zenit-Gruner Veltliner (Hungary)
Day 20 - Champs Anciens Grenache-Syrah (France)
Day 21 - Aragones Castelao Alicante Bouchet (Portugal)
Day 22 - Brillo Solar Chardonnay (Spain)
Day 23 - West Cape Gold Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa)
Day 24- Brilliant Brut (France)
There you have it. The 2021 Costco wine advent calendar.
If anyone else "cheats" and gets into these bottles early, post your tasting notes below. We're excited to try them and anxious to hear what you have to say. Cheers.
Fio Lopez says
Super! Love it
Tom Trigg says
On 9 September 2021, at Costco online,
https://www.costco.com/OrderByItemsDisplayView?catalogId=10701&storeId=10301&langId=-1&krypto=h7lEf3KW6bZf8DMD9%2BSuTaqJZaqmwQoHakvdKqRjyCSCwTBZrZiVmJtdfn0ky2kt%2FIHRgUYWR5Q%2BXapngP2DutvcY2fn5P5WUIjpVOEiGMyvK5texQgEa2HZpWrdqvywYdI%2FF7%2B0%2BBQr3lE0XsTFBA%3D%3D&ddkey=http%3AOrderByItemsAdd
"Invalid Item. Please re-enter item number."
I might be a bit early and will try again another time.
Tom says
“…already screwed up that plan” 😂
Thank you.
Nan says
@Tom, is it typically sold online as well?
Mel White says
Did you find this in a Costco already, or was it a sample sent to you? I finally found the Hello Summer box when I was at Costco Tuesday (September 7), but I didn't see any Advent boxes...
Editor says
I found it in a store in the Atlanta area. Heard from other readers that most Atlanta stores received them this week. It was in an odd spot, at the end of the promo wall when you first walk into the store. It was not in the wine section. So keep an eye out.
Mel White says
@Editor, thanks. I didn't see it Tuesday; maybe it's already sold out.
Shelly says
@Mel White, I found the advent box at my Costco in Seattle today.
William Weinheimer says
@Editor,
Do you have a way to contact Erin Reyes? I saw his article about Forward Kidd and he commented that he would buy a case of Foward Kidd if it was inexpensive enough. He can get the 2015 for $18.99 bottle or 16.99 per in a 12 bottle case through Vivino.com
Editor says
Cool. I’ll forward it to her.
Crys says
We missed it last years, already sold out. Much to our surprise we got one for a gift !!!! It was wonderful. Gives a new meaning to Happy Hour when you get to try a different wine each evening. So we have been holding our breath, and increasing our trips to COSTCO to make sure we don't miss it this year......still waiting.
Jennifer says
I happened upon it when I was in Costco (Woodinville, WA) this morning. They had it at the front door.
l McLaurin says
Today, I purchased my 2021 Wine Advent Box at Costco in Chesterfield, VA. still $99.99!
Comparing the wines from 2020 and 2021:
2020 -Day 8 Octopada Macabeo, Spain Day 24 - Brilliant Brut, Italy
2021 -Day 14 same wine Day 24 -Brilliant Brut, France
After reading your blog, I went to Costco and was pleasantly surprised to see the box this early.
Christine says
I picked mine up at the Costco Alpharetta GA yesterday. They were both right at the entrance of the store in the promo section as well as in the wine section.
Paula Smith says
I just got mine! They sell out fast.
Jamie says
We purchased today in Hillsboro, Oregon for $99.99. Very happy because we missed out last year!
C. Thompson says
I missed out last year and decided to stalk Costco starting in September. Lucked out on my first trip on Tuesday (Sept 9) in Crystal City, VA. I did not see the Advent Beer box.
Michelle Force says
I've called 3 stores near me
(Toledo, OH) and none have it. One said they heard the Midwest region isn't getting it this year!! I hope that's not true. I've never been able to get one for my fiance.
Clare Armbruster says
@Michelle Force,
Costco Toledo told me yesterday that neither they nor Costco Perrysburg will be getting the wine advent calendars. She said to try Ann Arbor. Of course not as convenient for us Toledo folks!
Heather says
@Clare Armbruster, @Michelle Force we found ours at the Madison Heights (MI) Costco today. Hopefully a little closer than Ann Arbor.
John R Hill says
A pallet or so at Warrenton, Oregon as of 9/14.
Lacy says
Anybody found them in DFW area? I'm in OK and they can't sell them here because of our stupid wine rules! So I'm going to try and grab one this weekend when I'm in texas! Thanks
Blazephantom says
@Lacy,
I’ve called one of the Costco’s every other day and not yet. One said that by the end of the month.
Suzanne says
@Lacy, They are in the southlake store.
Jess says
@Lacy, they are also at the Frisco store!
Anthony Kazwell says
Wait in Roseville CA and have not seen as of today's date
Anthony Kazwell says
Did anyone see Wine Advent Calendar at Costco in Roseville CA???
Anthony Kazwell says
Advent Wine Calendar in Roseville CA???? Any one know if they have had their delivery
Scott says
@Anthony Kazwell, It may be too late, but I picked up a case in Roseville last week. They were in the front of the store as you enter.
Tim says
I do not get all the fuss. 24 unknown, mediocre splits of wine for $4 each. If you were to find one you really like, you will never find that wine in any store as almost every brand name in the box was created for this cute gift. Very few even identify the varietal(s), so it's not as if you will discover a new favorite or blend. There are so many very good <$10 bottles of wines at Costco that you can return and purchase again. As for a gift, purchase two very special $50 bottles that will be memorable and findable in the future.
brandi says
@Tim, way to poopoo the party
Ida Leung says
@Tim,for me, the fun is in enjoying a small bottle of different wines in the season. It's the adventure.
Di says
@Tim, you completely miss the point of being surprised. That’s the “advent-ure.”
Rod says
@Tim, totally agree. This box of wine is the cheapest/mediocre wine I've ever had. Save your money and get some better wine. Damn near everything in the box was dry and poor tasting.
Rita says
@Tim,
For me it is just the experience. How fun to relax in December and enjoy a glass everyday with out opening a full bottle. I’ll just pour me some cheer and you can be a Grinch!
Paige says
@Tim, Yes!! I legitimately think they filled every bottle with the same bottle of wine. I could barely taste the difference and I've had about six bottles from the case. I would never encourage anybody to feel sad about not getting it. And I would rather spend money on a bottle of wine I enjoy.
evilpete says
@Tim, You have no idea how right you are.
My friends and I, six of us total, decide to have a wine tasting with the wine Advent calendar
All of us agreed not one bottle was drinkable, we gave up at the 12th bottle.
Tom says
I bought a box on Tuesday at Southwest Miami (Kendall) Costco and still available yesterday.
Lauren Purvis says
When will it be at the Colorado Springs Costco???
Marly says
Got ours today in Lone Tree Colorado!
Jane Nichole says
Picked up my box at the Harrisonburg,VA. store today!
How the heck to I restrain myself until unti Dec. 1st?!
Editor says
You don’t. Might need to buy another one.
J.NICHOLE WISDOM says
Beer calendar arrived at my store yesterday....in case anyone likes beer too!
Crissy says
@Editor, I haven't found it in the Houston-Galveston area, yet. Somebody please let me know when you find it.
Ida Leung says
I called the Yonkers store last week and they didn't have any. Yonkers also said they didn't get any last year. Today I called the Brookfield,CT store and they said yes. Picked up 2 cases - one for me and one as a gift. Heavy suckers. They are expecting the beer calendar soon. A gift for a beer drinking friend.
Karin says
I have not been able to find the advent wine boxes in MN. Will any MN stores be carrying them? And when?
Cory says
@Karin, I'm in a suburb north of Mpls and I've been checking too! Got the Beer advent on Monday, they told me no Wine advent yet? Fingers crossed they get it. Have to remember to keep checking.
Sandy says
@Cory, Costco in Rochester, MN had some in today. They were going fast!
Renee Ladd says
@Karin, got mine at the Woodbury store today.
Jessica Nelson says
@Karin, got one at Burnsville today
marina says
costco in my city almost never carried bottles you reviewed...never
Anick says
I would like to have in Canada Québec. Please
Stacy says
Called our two area Cosco clubs today. Ohio clubs will not be stocking the wine advent calendar due to an issue with Ohio wine sales. WTF?!
Lynn says
@Stacy, are you in the Cincinnati area by any chance? If so, there's a Costco in Florence, KY - can't say for sure, but at least they don't have to deal with Ohio's wonky state minimum pricing laws. They may carry it this year - haven't checked. Good hunting!
Shellbowen says
Birmingham, AL has them in stock right now.
Robert Broach says
Advent sold out in Orange Park, FL, approx. 2 weeks ago. Does COSTCO ever replenish this item?
David Curry says
I never heard of this before, but I had to try it.
Just bought 2 boxes today at the Costco in Warrenton OR.
They had a Ton Left.
George says
Excellent column but sadly will unsubscribe after more than two years. These wines, available in the Atlanta area, seldom if ever appear in SW Florida stores. I’d rather not be tempted by unattainable goodies…
Blazephantom says
DFW, rockwall just got it and I was able to buy it. Plano Costco off 75 told me it’s scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
Ben says
Just picked one up in Chula Vista, CA
Wendy says
I picked one up yesterday at the Costco in Durham, NC.
Crissy says
Found it outside the wine dept. at the Baybrook location- Webster, Tx
Mary Gideon says
I’m in Maine and would love a couple of these for gifts. How can I get them
Catherine Beylon says
Costco nearest me that carries wine is far and a mad house. I would love to buy the wine advent calendar. Could you please start mailing them. My daughter has been trying to get one for years.
Thank you
Catherine Beylon
MaryAnn Hooper says
I immediately got two cases for gifts and have decided to buy another for myself!
jobo says
I checked Timnath (Ft Collins Colorado) on Monday and Friday this week and didn't find it. Strangely they had almost no Xmas stuff out yet either. I got the summer sampler there so i was hoping they'd get the advent one. They had the Grand Vins Bordeaux, 6 Sparkling wines sampler and the beer advent.
The frustrating thing is only certain Costco's in Colorado have wine/liquor (kirkland). Timnath does but Broomfield, Superior, and Westminster don't.
Mafty says
Can you order the advent wine online and ship it?
Pam says
I missed out last year, got one today. They had about 50 left . This was the 3rd pallet, with no more coming in. It’s hiding in the cellar .
Ssunshine says
Just picked mine up today at Costco St. Charles, Missouri. Excited to try for 1st time.
Kevin says
5 pallets available yesterday in Middleton, Wisconsin.
Martin says
just saw it in foster city, CA , yesterday. Suprise surprise! right when you walk into the store.
Kathleen says
Couldn’t wait and chose bottle by what I was cooking. Venteux22 white from Southern France. Tart and crisp with granny smith apples and tropical fruits. I liked it and it went well with my shrimp in capers.
Shallan Hiatt says
I really would like to do this but I am more a sweet wine drinker. I like reisling and fruit forward wines. Before I spend $100 bucks could you tell me if most of them are on the dry side?? If only a handful are dry u can still get this an just give those away. Thanks for your info your story was really informative and a good read. I am interested in getting your reviews of the wines you try as long as you say the level of sweetness in them so I know if I could buy it an like it. Thanks again.
Editor says
Hi Shallan, I’m not sure on all the wines in the box. I’ve tasted a few and would say most I’ve sampled are on the dry side.
We try to include sweetness in the reviews. I tend to favor the more dry side so you might find more of those on the blog.
I’m glad you enjoy the site and I hope you find the reviews helpful.
Rod says
@Shallan Hiatt, I have a similar taste for wines and this box has been a major disappointment. Almost all the wines have been on the dry side and even the few sweet wines don't have an appealing taste at all. Would not recommend what so ever.
Jeri says
Can I have the wine advent calendar sent to Vancouver, British Columbia?
Dan says
We have them in France but not the same box. We got one this and last year!
Gwen says
Can we buy this in Canada?
Megan says
With it being a mix of reds and whites, what would you recommend as far as chilling the wines? Keep them all in the fridge? Just pull out the whites??
Editor says
Great question and one that I’ve thought about.
I think if you want to follow the calendar and have whites chilled when it’s time to drink, you would pull that days wine out of the box in the morning everyday and if it’s a white pop it in the fridge so it’s chilled for that night.
If you’re a day drinker, need a lunch time pick me up, or forget to pull the bottle in the morning, a trick I use is to wrap the bottle in a wet paper towel and put in the freezer. It will be pretty chilled in around 15 minutes. Just don’t forget about it obviously. Set an Alexa reminder.
Hope that helps. And cheers.
Marv says
Could not wait. Opened the box and currently on day 6. Have not been disappointed yet. Went back today and picked up another box to enjoy again. Great wines and looking forward to the rest of the days. Gives us something to look forward to each day !!!
Wendy says
I’m not a huge fan of Chardonnay but,
The day 1 : King Strut Chardonnay was DELICIOUS!!!
Michael Rodriguez says
Is there any thought about a quarterly club for this case? I would totally buy into that. Just love the half bottles, perfect for two of us.
D Owens says
Couldn't wait for December 1st to get started. I've sampled a few whites and reds - enjoying the journey! My wish for next year is a box of all reds 🤞
KeyPal says
In stock in Louisville KY as of this past weekend (10/17/21) FYI
jobo says
I was finally able to pick up one today in Timnath (Ft Collins) Colorado. They were going pretty fast.
Fran Mackert says
My Costco is out of this wine advent calendar Will they be getting anymore? (Issaquah WA)?
Mark Brigham says
First timer with the Wine Advent-ure. It’s a cute marketing idea, but my impressions are that it’s not really for wine lovers. It’s decent table wine—drinkable, but not remarkable, and not a substantial bump in quality compared to boxed wine. Decent price point, but The Total Wine has a similar Wine Advent-ure box for $79 (vs. $99 @ The Costco). Not sure if there is a difference in the contents.
IMO, if you and your sweetheart are content with one glass of wine each night and aren’t looking for anything special, then this nifty little gift box Is a fun idea, but unremarkable.
Mickey says
@Mark Brigham, Just read that the Total Wine advent wines are packaged in 187ml plastic bottles. No personal experience though.
David Devere says
Because of this blog, this post, and our new Costco in Duluth MN, where I live, I've decided to take my Wine Education classes in a slightly different direction this year ~ I'm doing 24 mini wine lessons on YouTube using this Advent-ure Wine Box.
If you've got this box and you'd like to learn more than you ever wanted to know about these wines consider following along here: https://youtu.be/fXraV4dP50w
Daily lessons will be uploaded on Youtube for us to enjoy the gift of opening a wine each day during Advent. Cheers.
Thanks Costco Wine Blog for the great info!
Editor says
Hi David, your intro video looks great. Should be fun to follow along. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
David Devere says
@Editor, Thank you! Hope to see you when the first review / class is posted on the 1st.
Cindy says
@David Devere, I'm excited to learn from you and anxious to try the wines in the box! thank you for doing this.
Ida says
Ok, I admit it, I cheated. I opened the 1st one, King Strut Chardonnay. Didn't get excited but was happily reminded of the many delicious house wines served at farmers tables in Provence and the like. Curious since I am not able to find any info/availability outside of the packagers comments. Are these all private label wines?
SPD says
Sorry folks. This year's wine advent is ridiculous (4 bottles in). Anyone who enjoyed last year's (real) wines and online explanations/video knows this year is a commercial joke. This advent is for the "I'll have a red or a white crowd". Enjoy! But I am out!!
Celeste Lamosse says
The wine in this year's calendar is absolute swill.
Dave says
where can you purchase a full bottle of one of the wines in the advent box?
Marty says
My box was packed completely wrong! I thought it was interesting (and fun) to start day one with bubbles. Then I started to read other peoples comments on Facebook, checked the advent-ture website and quickly discovered my box was a complete mess.
I could have just continued with the mis-adventure. But, I figured that I should probably have the same experience as everybody else.
Blythe Patterson says
Your site is really informative. I found it trying to find out more about the Adven ture Wine Calendar. My daughter is doing a day-to-day in-depth opening and tasting of each wine @noseypeoplesociety on Instagram. She is a trained perfumist and has recently completed the wset 3 level training in wine from the napa valley wine academy.
CLee says
Last year's Costco wine advent calendar wa decent, but have to say that we are half way through this one and it's pretty much a bust so far. Save your $100 and spend it on some wines you love instead. Cheers!
Carla says
Received this as a birthday gift. It is wonderful and fun to explore. Just got it and have opened only one so far. What a delightful gift.