When Trader Joe’s began expanding into Texas in 2012, we all (and I speak for the entire state) collectively lost our minds over this unique grocery store. My experienced TJ friend from California was quick to point out a few must-haves. Speculoos Cookies & Cream and frozen appetizers were big deals at the time, but the most tempting of them all was the “Two Buck Chuck.” Of course, now that I’m a TJ’s-savvy shopper myself, I understand that focusing solely on the notoriously priced Charles Shaw range (inflation has messed with that moniker) is missing out on some of the best wines.
How We Determine the Best Trader Joe’s Wines
There are many affordable, top-notch options, but there are even more Online articles attempt to parse them all out. To come up with a definitive ranking of the best wines at Trader Joe’s, I cross-referenced numerous online lists and narrowed down the top wines that are most often singled out. I gave my list to my new “Trader Joe’s Sommelier” and he helped me list the top sellers as well as some of his personal favorites. I then took them to several wine tasting gatherings with wine lovers. This may not be the most scientific way of doing research, but it’s very honest.
Ahead, you’ll find a collection of popular opinions and honest reviews that we’ve compiled and considered to narrow down the best wines at Trader Joe’s.
How We Rank Trader Joe’s Wines
In addition to getting their raw feedback, we asked each taster to share a personal ranking on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.
5: I would buy this bottle without hesitation.
4: I would order a drink at a restaurant or bar.
3: I’d happily drink it for free
2: I will give away a bottle.
1: I won’t drink this again even if it’s free.
After collecting everyone’s scores (and off-the-cuff thoughts), I tallied up the rankings, breaking down Trader Joe’s most recommended wines, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir and many blends. Several bottles were close, but a single red and white dominated.
Trader Joe’s Best Red Wine
Best Overall: Conte Di Bregonzo Amarone della Valpolicella
Immediately, a chorus of “This is good” rang out in the kitchen. Different statements include “This tastes expensive” and “It’s very elegant.” A fight almost broke out over who got to take the bottle home.
Technically cheap (it’s $18), this wine is by far the most popular of all Trader Joe’s wines (red or white), with a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the tangy cheese Or a perfect match for meat.
NOTE: The folks at TJ’s recommend either letting the bottles aerate for four hours or using a decanter.
Our ranking: 5
Best red wine under $10: Ruggero di Bardo Susumaniello
This aromatic beauty is fruity and dry in all the right ways. It doesn’t blow our minds like Amarone, but for $9.99, we’d happily “invest” in a bottle.
Our ranking: 4
Best Trader Joe’s Brand: Meritage Paso Robles (Trader Joe’s Reserve)
The slightly bitter finish doesn’t dampen our enthusiasm for this $9.99 beauty product, part of the Trader Joe’s Reserve line. This jammy, medium-bodied wine isn’t universally loved, but for a select few, it might be number one.
NOTE: Trader Joe’s Reserve wines are available in limited quantities, so be willing to try different wines based on availability.
Our ranking: 3
Best boxed wine variety: Porta 6
The lightest of all the red wines we tried, this fruity red has a lot more flavor than its $5.99 price tag would lead you to believe. It has a lovely sweet taste but no sugary taste. This is a great wine to buy by the box and take with you to parties.
Hot Tip: It’s also available in a box.
Our ranking: 4
Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon
This TJ exclusive content is… a lot of. Rich in aroma and dry as a bone. (Almost salty?) Based on reviews online, there seem to be quite a few fans, but I can’t say we found aficionados in our group. We still drink it for free, but we re-gift it every time.
Our ranking: 2
Best Pinot Noir: Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Pinot Noir
The earthy wine left us a little confused. That’s good, but we’re not entirely sure about it. It’s spicy, fruity, and cinnamon all at the same time. “If this was the last bottle of wine in my house, I would drink it,” summed up the overall feeling.
Our ranking: 3
Trader Joe’s Best White Wine
Best Pool Wine: Espiral
This Portuguese white wine is a favorite. It’s called “porch wine” or “pool wine,” and tastes more like adult soda with a hint of sparkle. Absolutely everyone raved about this. With an alcohol content of only 9%, it is ideal as an aperitif.
Our ranking: 5
Trader Joe’s Perfect Wine for Summer: Honey Moon Viognier
this broken At a pool party. Light, refreshing, lemony Viognier (most similar to Sauvignon Blanc) is considered “the perfect patio wine” and “the perfect hot tub wine.” An instant summer classic.
Our ranking: 5
Best wine for parties: Belles Vignes
If you like a dry wine that won’t wrinkle your tongue, you’ll love this sav blanc. My TJ sommelier friend described it as light and vibrant, and he was right. The lady next to me said “sold” and grabbed two. Smart move, my friend.
Our ranking: 4
Trader Joe’s Best Rosé Wines
The best sparkling rosé wine to celebrate: La Burgondie Crémant de Bourgogne
This Champagne-adjacent dry rosé is perfect with mimosas, but tastes equally light and celebratory on its own. Our staff was delighted and all would buy again or be happy to receive hosting gifts.
Our ranking: 4
Best Sparkling Wine: Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rosé
This light salmon stunner, half rosé, half Prosecco, is one of Trader Joe’s best-sellers. No charcuterie board would be complete without this bright, bubbly dessert.
Our ranking: 4
Best Italian Rosé: Freeda
“Everyone loves French rosé, but this Italian rosé is the best.” My Trader Joe’s sommelier has strong words for herself, and I’m partial to French myself, but Cecilia Beretta among Trader Joe’s lovers Known for their delicious rosé wine, so I had to try it.
Our ranking: 3
Best Easy Drink: Opaline Pinot Noir Brut Rosé
Opaline is a beautiful bottle of rosé that tastes better, is vibrant and easy to sip. However, for a sparkling wine, it’s a bit lacking in sparkling wine.
Our ranking: 3
