While we always remain firm supporters ofindependent bottle shopsand the fantastic wealth of dedicated wine retailers and boutique producers across the globe, we’re also realists. And the reality is that big box grocery stores and supermarkets make up the largest share of wine sales in the U.S. Most consumers make their regular, “Tuesday-night wine” purchases from stores like Costco, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Publix, Whole Foods and the like.
Across these stores, many of the same high-volume, highly marketed labels take up center space on the shelves. But, of these mega-popular wine brands, which are actually worth your time and money?
We’ve combed through sales figures of some of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S. to find the bottles (and boxes) Americans are buying the most of, and compared to our tasting panels’ scores and reviews. Here, 11 supermarket wines that got good marks inblind tastings.
Barefoot NV Sauvignon Blanc (California); $6. Find at Vivino.This elegant wine is an amazing value, offering great refreshment along with an array of subtle mineral, fig and citrus…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Beringer 2018 Q Red (Napa Valley); $60. Find at Vivino.Leading with 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine also has small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Black Box 2019 Merlot (California); $20. Find at Total Wine & More.Chocolate and cherry flavors give this medium-bodied wine a sense of sweetness…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Bota Box NV Old Vine Zinfandel (California); $23. Find at Total Wine & More.Good, direct berry flavors and a medium to full body make this a hearty, fruity wine…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Horse Heaven Hills); $15. Find at Vivino.This is always a standout bottling from this producer. The aromas offer subdued notes of grass, lemon zest, candle wax and herb…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Josh Cellars 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (California); $17. Find at Vivino.Both concentrated and well-balanced, this full-bodied wine shows a purity of black-fruit flavors that aren’t disrupted by over-oaking…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Kendall-Jackson 2020 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley); $26. Find at Vivino.A spicy, warm layer of oaky vanilla and cinnamon wraps the ripe black-cherry and blackberry flavors in this expansive, full-bodied wine…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Kim Crawford 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough); $18. Find at Drizly.Following on from a strong 2019 vintage, the 2020 bottling from this well-known label also hits the mark…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Ruffino 2017 Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico); $39. Find at Vivino.Made with 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Colorino, this opens with intense aromas of violet, black-skinned berry and leather…SEE SCORE AND REVIEW
Sutter Home NV Pinot Grigio (California); $8. Find at Total Wine & More.This sleek and fruity, medium-bodied wine offers generous Bosc pear and Pippin apple…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi NV Cabernet Sauvignon (California); $8; Find at Total Wine & More.Friendly, fruity and well-balanced, this is a fresh-tasting, medium-bodied wine that emphasizes…SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW