We've been running this site for several years now and it amazes us how it's grown over the years. The idea for this site originated from a simple blog post we made about buying wine at Costco for a now defunct website that we used to maintain with some friends.
That article generated 50X the traffic of the other stories we were writing (back then all the numbers were pretty small but it got us thinking). So we bought the domain name: www.CostcoWineBlog.com and starting reviewing the wines we were buying at our local Costco on a monthly basis. It took a year or so (like most websites do) but soon the site began to develop a following.
The site now sees 3,000 - 5,000 unique visitors a day (more around holidays). We've been featured in the Wall Street Journal, CBS Moneywatch, ABC News, Money Magazine, and other national news outlets. And we've reviewed over 1,000 Costco wines over the years.
Since we do this for fun, the site has remained 100% independent and is not affiliated with Costco in any way. We figured since we were buying olive oil, diapers and coffee at Costco on a regular basis, it was easy to toss a few bottles in the cart, and then we would just review them when we had a chance.
We're not classically trained wine experts but we've learned a lot over the years. Here are few of the most important ones that we hope helps you in your Costco wine journey.
Prices. Costco wine prices are usually 10-20% below other stores. From our experiences (most of the time), a $20 bottle at Costco on average will be $25 in other stores. We've bought over a thousand bottles at Costco, but we also frequent Total Wine and smaller wine shops and the price difference is certainly noticeable.
Fluid Inventory. Also remember that if you see a wine you want to buy, you better buy it right then and there. If you're fairly certain you will like it, buy more than one. We usually follow the advice someone told us once : if you like a wine buy three of them. One to drink now and enjoy. One to share later with friends. And one to hold on to for when a good time comes up down the line
Vintages. If you know that a particular vintage is better than another, look around the wines in the bins because sometimes there will be multiple vintages stashed all together. We also look under the wooden storage bins too, on the ground where they keep the inventory. You'd be surprised what might be lurking by your feet. By digging around in the bins, we've uncovered different vintages packed among others (in one case we found three different vintages of the same wine).
Kirkland Signature Wines. The Kirkland Signature brand is consistently a very good value in wine. We like some more than others, but on a whole you can't go wrong. If you're buying a Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Red Blend, it's going to be a good price on a nice Columbia Valley Red Blend. The degree to which it knocks your socks off is going to vary but the Kirkland line should be properly explored.
Wine returns. This is a touchy one that's caused quite a lot of debate online. We bought a $15 Super Tuscan a few years ago and the wine was clearly not right. We could tell the minute we pulled the cork , so gave it a quick taste, realized it tasted like wet cardboard, and we put the cork right back in. The next day we took the bottle to our local Georgia Costco figuring that a store with the greatest return policy of all time would happily take this wine back.
But they didn't take our bottle of wine back. We asked to speak to a manager who informed us that GA state law wouldn't allow them to accept a return. So we posted a story about the experience and received a note from a Costco corporate employee who informed us that it was in fact GA state law. But we've heard from readers in other states who have been able to return a bottle of opened wine. So this one depends on our location.
Neighborhood wine stores. Costco is great, but there's something to be said for your local wine merchants. We make it a point to support them as well. They will have a wider, more consistent selection, they will be able to special order wines you want, and they will add a personal touch, maybe even tastings, events or at the least some good recommendations.
Try New Things. This is just a general piece of advice. Try new wines. Buy something you aren't familiar with. Take a chance. Discover something new. You'll quickly learn that White Burgundy is awesome Chardonnay, that Brunellos go great with steak, that Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc at its best, and that Ribera del Duero is one of the best value priced regions in the world. Don't read labels. Don't read ratings. Go with your gut, and experiment. With Costco's great prices and what seems like a pre-screened inventory, most wines you buy will at least be worth their price. Some you will like better than others. But you don't know if you don't try them.
With that, thanks for supporting this site. We hope you find the content and our community valuable in your Costco wine journey. Cheers.
Andrew, Editor
If you like this story, also check out:
"The Definitive Guide To Costco's Kirkland Signature Wines"
"6 Mistakes To Avoid When Shopping for Costco Wine"
"A Few of Our Favorite (Non Costco) Wine Resources and Items"
Ray Lam says
Thank you for providing this free blog site for wine fans. I always pick-up a couple bottles when I shop at costco and can barely wait to try the wines when I get home. I am just starting my journey in Spanish wines and agree that it is one of the best value regions (in general) in the world. Keep up the great work and I will be visiting the site shortly.
Cheers,
Ray
admin says
Thanks so much for the nice note. I'm glad you enjoy the site. And of course, send us an email if you discover any Costco wine gems that we don't get around to trying.
Ray Lam says
October 18, 2014
I was at the Bellingham Costco this weekend looking for the latest gems from Spain. Unfortunately I was a step too late. However, I was able to find some good deals. One of them is Bodega Norton's Malbec Reservation 2011 for $11.99. WS rated this 92 points and I can't disagree. WS notes were accurate. Very livley on the first day and probably a not much for the tongue after a couple glasses. On the second day, the wine soften up, but still plenty of zip. I actually drank this over five days and stored in the fridge after each pour. There was a bit of decline on the 5th day, but plenty of fruit and zip left. Not off the beaten path, but a great PTQ ratio.
Ray Lam says
The second wine I purchased was Tomassi's Rompicollo from the Maremma region of Tuscany. WS also rated this one 92 points, which I think was worthy. This was selling for $12.99, which is a steal. 60% sangiovese and 40% cab sav. The Slovonian oak was quickly apparent as the oak was subtle and the wines sweetness came through. The oak and cab sav added to the complexity and structure of the wine. This was a easy sipper with smooth tannins. I am very happy I picked up 7 bottles to retaste and share with family and friends. I will revisit in the following weeks and confirm for consistency. Next on the list is a $9.99 Spanish red - Yaso 2012. Rated 93 points by RP. Fingers crossed, as I find uncle Bob over shot on the ratings on my last couple of Spanish reds.
admin says
Thanks for the notes on these wines. I'll have to keep an eye out for the Tomassi Rompicollo. I've tried and very much enjoyed the others you mention.
Ray Lam says
And the verdict...the Yaso 2012 from Toro, Spain was rated 93 points by Robert Parker. This is a well made wine, but no where close to the 93 rating. There was nothing wrong with the wine, but it had no complexity to it. I would rate it an 87-88 points at most. At $10 I have no complaints on how much I spent. In my humble opinion, this drank like a good $9.89 bottle.
Ray says
2nd tasting of the Tomassi Rompicollo consistent with the first tasting. Better on the second day as the tannins mellow a bit. Good integration of oak and well balanced wine. Sag a couple if you come across this one in your store. Too bad I did not buy the Monsanto Chianti when I had a chance.
admin says
Thanks for the notes. And yes, the Monsanto for under $20 was a score. It is no longer at my Costco stores either.
William 'Trader Bill' Darusmont says
Thank you for your honest comments on the blog. Like you, I have no problem buying wine from Costco but am not pleased with the failure to take back the 'corked or cooked' bottle. Any decent shop will do that as they can return it to the distributor...and I have had the same experiences on the plus side with returning everything else.
I am working on a book on wine and my blog with a theme of small owners and their passion, and avoiding large corporation produced wines. Also, huge supporter of smaller wine shops that carry less inventory but high quality especially if they favor organic, sustainable, or biodynamic wines. The industry is finally coming around to it...except the French who are over-treating vines with chemicals, some of them toxic and remaining in the wine.
Patricia says
Just discovered your blog. Love it! Thank you!
Doreen B. says
Found this blog by happy accident and will be following. I've gravitated to Cabernets over the last 5 years and find most of my wine buys to be at Costco since I shop there regularly. Unfortunately, the selections don't seem to vary frequently enough and I've supplemented with wines from Trader Joe's and Nugget markets. Ordering on-line was a great buy but someone needs to be home when a delivery is made. Thanks for the informed opinions. It will help with future wine selections.
David Williamson says
Guess it depends on where you are located. I had a sour bottle of Chablis and took it back in Arizona - no questions asked - full refund. I should have suspected a problem as there was a hint of mold on the outside of the foil. Found it on the next bottle that I was going to try in the hope that the first was just an isolated problem. Caught it just in time as the checkout and did not buy. Shame, as I really love Chablis.