Looking for great value wines? Head to Trader Joe’s

Yes! You can find great value wines at Trader Joe’s!

If you’re a lot like me (and many others) you love a great deal. Even better than that is getting something of quality for a great deal. I have spent the last 20 years tasting, selecting wines and assessing value, quality for individuals and restaurants all around the globe. So I am always pleasantly surprised when I discover a gem or two at Trader Joe’s. The popular grocery store features some wines that even I as a Master Sommelier can drink or bring to someone’s house in a pinch. It’s possible to find something good without going to a fine wine store. What you might find there may vary from state to state, but here are a few good bottles that are very drinkable at a Naples Florida location I recently visited.

Vignobles Lacheteau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Loire Valley

$7!!! One of my favorite whites under $10. It is a crispy white that pairs well with food and goes down easy. Snappy  with pear, citrus and great salinity.

A Vinho Verde from Portugal!

Easy fresh white $5 great for spritzes or Sangria or just easy drinking.

Famille Perrin Cotes du Rhone

$10 Easy fruity , jammy, fresh red wine with great drinkability and pairing.

Chateau Roudier St Emilion Bordeaux

$12  Great big red that is Savory and delicious! 65% Merlot the rest is Cabernet and Cabernet Franc

Remember to never discount cheaper price wines as not being good or of quality. There are many factors that play into pricing of wine and what drives the market. I do not feel that high priced wines equate to a higher quality in all situations. Lastly be adventurous and constantly try new things. A great way to learn is to pick up the same grape varieties at different price points and regions to try and understand what is the true difference between them. This will also help you hone in your tasting ability of being able to recognize what grape type you are actually sampling. Make it fun and even have a party or dinner theme with your friends around this if you prefer. Check out Trader Joe’s in a pinch!

Also you can find my Top Red Wines Under $20.