The 27 Best Trader Joes Wines (That Won't Break The Bank)

Trader Joe’s has long had some of the best deals on wine in the country. If you are lucky enough to have a TJ’s in your town, you probably already know about some of their exclusive wine options. If you’re hosting a party and stuck on which to pick, don’t head to Trader Joe’s without scrolling through this comprehensive list of the best Trader Joes wines.

In this list are some excellent wines that are a crazy bargain there, as well as a few of my favorites that I think you should try. Remember that prices and availability may vary depending on your state and store. Now, let’s get to the good stuff!

image: Flickr / Mike Mozart

More Wines to Try:

Best Wines from Trader Joe's

Louise d’ Estrée Brut

Don't ask me how this gorgeous, dry sparkling wine is only $7.99. Using predominantly Chenin Blanc grapes, this brut has fine bubbles and a light, crisp taste.
TJ's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

This $10 red is characteristically light and fruity with a super smooth finish. Definitely a good one for your next dinner party.
Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Carneros Wines

Grand Reserve wines are at the top of the TJ's pyramid, so it's totally worth the $12.99 price tag. The Chardonnay is classically buttery with apple and pear notes, and I also love the Pinot Noir, which is a pretty complex blend of rich fruits and spices with a soft tannin finish.
VINTJS Syrah Paso Robles

This superb vintage Syrah is only $7.99 and comes from the Pacific Coast in the Paso Robles region. It's very bold, yet well balanced with notes of currant and plum with just a hint of vanilla coming through.
Charles Shaw Wines

Ah, the wine that started it all. Affectionately referred to at Three-Buck Chuck, Charles Shaw wines are a staple of the wine aisle at Trader Joe's. At only three dollars a bottle, they are an incredible bargain and will do an excellent job as the beverage of choice for large events.
Trader Joe's Coastal Wine Collection

At $4.49 a bottle, and with a variety of grapes, the Coastal line for Trader Joe's is a nice step up from the Three-Buck Chuck. All the grapes are sourced from California's central coast. My favorite red is the Merlot, with soft tannins and flavors of plum, red cherry, and blackberries. For white, I like the Chardonnay with ripe peach and apple flavors, and a buttery richness with hints of vanilla coming through.
Trader Moon Wines

I especially love the logo and bottling of the Trader Moon collection of wines. Each one has a clever name that gives you hint of what the wine's flavor will be, and the look of the colored moon on a solid black background will look great on the dining table. All are under six dollars a bottle, and I especially recommend the Viognier and the Cabernet.
Trader Joe's Blanc De Blancs

TJ's has a surprisingly excellent assortment of sparkling wines, and the Blanc De Blancs that they produce is a fine champagne substitute. At $5.99 a bottle, it has delicate and fruity characteristics, with a refined and lasting finish.
Wilson Creek Sparkling Almond Wine

One of my absolute favorite sparkling wines that you can get for a steal at Trader Joe's is the Wilson Creek Sparkling Almond Wine. It has a hint of pure almond added to it for a really interesting flavor. The first time you taste it, you are pleasantly surprised at the crisp and refreshing flavor. It is definitely sweet, so stick to a brut if you are looking for something dryer.
Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut

Speaking of brut, this is another one of my favorite sparkling wines. Sometimes known as the "Black Bottle Bubbly," this is a great wine to bring as a hostess gift. And at TJ's it is only $7.99, easily three dollars cheaper than anywhere else. It is crisp, clean, and well balanced. Pairs well with shrimp, bruschetta, or cheese.
Blue Fin Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Another Trader Joe's exclusive, these are fine table wines for only $3.99 a bottle. The chardonnay has flavors of fig, tropical fruit, and spice, with just a hint of vanilla. The Pinot is a vibrant, ruby-colored wine with rich, fresh berry and currant flavors and a velvety smooth finish. For a bonus, TJ's also sells Green Fin wines made from organic grapes.
Project Happiness Syrah & Chardonnay

Known for the fun smiley face on the bottle, these wines from Oreana Winery in California are a bit of a novelty. But at $5.99 a bottle, they are worth a taste to see if they fit your palate. The Syrah has a rich blueberry robustness that slides into a satin finish. The chardonnay is incredibly easy to drink and is perfect for a warm summer's day.
Pancake Cellars Big Day White Wine

A white table wine from Paso Robles, California, the Big Day White is a blend of chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Muscat Canelli. It is crisp and easy to drink and pairs really well with spicy foods. Serve with thai green curry and anything pesto.
Black Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - Fat Cat

Another Trader Joe's exclusive, this is a huge Cab with a small price tag. At only $5.99 a bottle, you get a robust flavor that is easy to drink. It tastes of ripe black cherry, tart strawberry, and a touch of unsweetened cola. A perfect wine for sipping on the patio before dinner.
Hogue Riesling

This is one of my favorite Rieslings that is cheaper at TJ's than everywhere else at $6.99 a bottle. It has a balanced acidity with a touch of sweetness featuring apricot, tangerine, and peach flavors.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling

This one's my other favorite Riesling, and again at only $6.99 a bottle. How does Trader Joe's get it so cheap? This one comes from Columbia Valley in Washington state. It tastes of ripe peach and juicy pear with a racy acidity.
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages

If you found me with a glass of red wine in my hand, chances are it would be this one. A little pricier than the rest of the wines on this list, but at $9.99 a bottle, it is still cheaper than you will find elsewhere and an amazing red wine for under ten bucks. Sweet berry flavors are offset by lively, peppery notes. I like to pair this wine with any hearty meal featuring beef or lamb as the main course.
Seccola Frizzante

This is an Italian wine being produced in Germany. At $4.99 a bottle, this is a similar wine to Prosecco, but a little dryer. Semi-sparkling, it is not as bubbly as you might expect, but has a refreshing texture to liven up any summer evening.
Prosecco Cecilia Beretta

If you want a fuller Prosecco, this is the one to try at $7.99 a bottle. Sparkling and frothy, this Italian wine will help you celebrate any occasion. Even if it is just your average Tuesday night.
Joseph Handler Sweet Red Rheinhessen

Another Trader Joe's exclusive, this sweet red wine from Germany is a very unique wine. For $4.99 a bottle, it is an excellent foray into more adventuresome reds. It features flavors of raspberry and plum with silky tannins and a delicate sweetness.
Dr. Beckermann Liebfraumilch

Another sweet German wine found only at TJ's, this white wine made from Riesling grapes sells for $3.99 a bottle. Sweet and fruity, it has a floral aroma with notes of honey and apple. A balance between sweetness and acidity will make this a refreshing wine to take with you to the pool this summer.
Oreana Red Wine

The Oreana winery loves a clever label, and this is no exception. It's billed as an accidental blending of Syrah and Cabernet, and they didn't let that stop them from bottling up the results. For $5.99 a bottle, this wine is smooth and zesty with layers of chocolate and spices. Plus, you can offer it up as a mystery to your dinner guests.
Grifone Sangiovese

Sangioveses tend to be very big, very complex, and very tannic wines, and this is all of those things but without the "very." For only $4 a bottle, it has a complex yet smooth finish. Intense raspberry and cherry notes with floral and balsamic flavors make this a bold wine that can pair well with a hearty meal or serve as an appetizer all by itself.
Laurent Dublanc Cotes du Rhone

This is one of those red wines that doesn't get enough attention. Everyone should be drinking more Cotes Du Rhone. Wine from this specific area of France is absolutely delicious. This is a steal at $5.99 a bottle. A mix of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, this wine tastes of strawberry and black currant noted with subtle spice undertones.
Contadino Pinot Grigio

This is a perfect wine for your everyday dining. Only $4.99 a bottle, this is a crisp and citrus-y Pinot Grigio.
Cellar No. 8 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cellar No. 8 is another large Cabernet for not a lot of money. At $3.99 a bottle, it has flavors of ripe berry, cinnamon, and creamy caramel. It is well balanced with smooth tannins. This wine pairs well with beef, lamb, spicy food, and poultry.
Bogle Chardonnay

A fine Chardonnay for under ten bucks, this wine from Monterrey, California is paired well with just about anything. It has flavors of green apple and pear with creamy and buttery notes. This is one of my go-to wines for my mom, who won't drink anything but Chardonnay.