Is that $5 Trader Joe’s Chianti too good to be true? As long-time Trader Joe’s shoppers, we’ve had plenty of wines that punched well above their price — and quite a few disappointing bottles as well. Avoid wine aisle angst with this list of the best Trader Joe’s wines, all of which we’ve confirmed are in stores as of 2024.
To decide which wines would make the cut, we turned to the largest wine review site, Vivino. Here, thousands of customers have posted ratings for Trader Joe’s wines. We’ve also included photos of the actual wines on Trader Joe’s store shelves, to help save time while shopping.
To note: While we have consistently found these wines in our local store, your local store’s selection may be different.
Chateau Miraval Rosé – Provence, France ($11.99)
Deal alert: $11.99 is the lowest price we’ve ever seen on Chateau Miraval’s rosé. Usually, you’ll find this classic Provence rosé for a significantly higher cost — anywhere from $15-$21. Miraval offers incredible quality rosé for the value. It strikes a beautiful balance between delicate aromatics, crisp, refreshing acidity, and textured minerality. Elegant aromatics of peach, nectarine, strawberry, tangerine, and citrus zest greet the nose. On the palate, fresh summer fruits are carried on a silky body, moving to the light, dry finish that is so emblematic of the region.
The Pass Sauvignon Blanc – Martinborough, New Zealand ($9.99)
This classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the cool Wairau and Awatere Valleys. For just $9.99, it delivers all of the the brilliant tropical aromatics and refreshing profile that one would expect from this region. Drinkers enjoyed its pineapple, passionfruit, grapefruit, and citrus flavors, crisp acidity and a touch of minerality on the finish.
Clos de los Siete Red Blend – Valle del Uco, Argentina ($16.99)
$16.99 is the lowest price we’ve seen for the Clos de los Siete wine. The high altitude of their Valle del Uco, Argentina estates yields wines with intense tannins and concentrated fruit. Drinkers loved its earthy, leathery notes of black plum, black berry, and vanilla, along with plenty of oak and chocolate aromas as well. This is a blend of 55% Malbec, 16% Merlat, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Conte di Bregonzo Amarone di Valpolicella – Veneto, Italy ($16.99)
The specific production process for Amarone, made from grapes picked in whole bunches and then raisinated, always yields rich, concentrated wines. If you like fruit-forward wines with depth and smooth tannins, Amarone is one of the few red wines that combines both. Wine enthusiasts loved the depth of flavors in the Conte di Bregonzo, including vanilla, chocolate, plum, and black cherry, as well as its rich tannins and smooth finish. At $16.99, the Conte di Bregonzo offers excellent value.
DAOU Pessimist Red Blend – Paso Robles, California ($19.99)
With its lush dark fruit and smooth tannins, The Pessimist earns high marks for many drinkers. Its layered aromatics of ripe black cherry and blueberry are underscored by smoky tobacco, vanilla, and cocoa notes. This is a blend of 64% Petit Sirah, 23% Syrah, 10% Zinfandel, 2% Lagrein, and 1% Tannat.
Patroferno Appassimento Primitivo – Puglia, Italy ($12.99)
Trader Joe’s has really nailed it on the Puglian wines. This region currently offers excellent value, approachable, and easy-to-drink red wines. Primitivo is the Italian name for Zinfandel. The Patroferno has a jammy dark fruit profile similar to California Zinfandel, but with more leather, licorice, and spice notes, moving into a mineral-driven finish.
Raeburn Russian River Valley Chardonnay – Russian River Valley, California ($15.99)
While this Chardonnay is sold at other retailers, Trader Joe’s has one of the best prices on Raeburn around. It deftly balances creamy, oaky aromatics with bright natural acidity. Drinkers love that the wine is rich without being overbearing. Expect lush apple, pear, and apricot notes. Raeburn is also a Certified California Sustainable Winery.
Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon – Paso Robles, California ($9.99)
The Corvelia is one of the most affordable wine labels we could find at Trader Joe’s that is still approachable and delicious. Fans consistently felt both the Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon and Corvelia Zinfandel overdelivered for its price tag. The Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon appears to be the most popular, with rich aromatics of dark fruit, cocoa, and earth, rounded out by smooth tannins.
Cecilia Beretta Spumante Rosé – Veneto, Italy ($7.99)
This sparkling rosé has a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect aperitif or companion to fruit-based desserts. Drinkers loved its crisp, light profile and strawberry, raspberry, and citrus notes.
Ruggero di Bardo Susumaniello – Puglia, Italy ($9.99)
Don’t be intimidated by the name. This rare varietal hailing from the south of Italy is a steal at $9.99. Drinkers love its rich, dark fruit, vanilla, and oaky notes, which are balanced by good acidity and tannins. Many even went so far as to say this was their favorite wine from Trader Joe’s.
The selection of wines at Trader Joe’s is always evolving. We’ll continue to put update this list as the wines change. Wine shopping in multiple stores? Check out our other wine buying guides for Costco and Whole Foods.