Monday, May 21, 2012

Guide to Buying Wine at Costco

I know that it has been a little while since my last post...this past month has been pretty crazy! Without taking too much time or boring you with excuses, some of the major highlights for me over the past month have been: completing two huge tests, attending my brother's first communion, and visiting fourteen missions while driving to San Diego for one of my closest friend's surprise engagement. Everything has been great, but I've missed writing and going to Napa! I can't wait to get back out in wine country next weekend!


Fortunately, I have had time to run to Costco several times to pick out some new wines to try. I have been asked many questions regarding where are the best places to buy wines if you want the lowest prices and are open to trying new things. Honestly, if you are not going to purchase wine online (Lot 18, WTSO, InVino, or Woot!), then Costco is the way to go! They typically have such a great selection and the best prices on the market, unless you go to the web.



Personally, every time I go to Costco I buy several bottles of wine. I am like a kid in a candy store in the wine aisle...always looking for something new and different to try! I love reading their descriptions and looking for wineries in Napa or Sonoma that I have not yet tried. This is a great way to find wineries that you would like to visit, if you enjoy their bottle of wine. Also, compared to Trader Joe's wines, I much prefer the Kirkland Signature wines at Costco. This past trip I purchased the Oakville Select Cabernet Sauvignon for less than $20, and I can't wait to try it!


Here are some tips for buying wine at Costco: Before you head to your nearest location, decide how much money you would like to spend and how many bottles you expect out of your budget. When you get there, look through the aisle and try to pick out several different varietals and different price points. I've found excellent bottles for under $15, and really amazing bottles in the $40-$60 range as well. Also, one great tip to note: you do not need to be a Costco member to purchase alcohol at Costco! Enjoy being adventurous, and let me know what your favorite finds are!


Some of my favorite Costco finds have been:
Groth, Sauvignon Blanc, Oakville, $13.99
Landmark, Overlook Chardonnay, Sonoma, $19.99
Curvare, Four Clone Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, $19.99
Stag's Leap, Petite Syrah, Napa Valley, $25.99
Stags' Leap Wine Cellar, Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $43.99
Joseph Phelps, Insignia, Napa Valley, $129.99