Kirkland Signature products are a staple throughout Costco, and the wine section is no exception. In the wine department, you’ll find a variety of Kirkland-branded options, including classic 750-milliliter bottles, boxed wine, and even 1.5-liter selections.
Despite the popularity of Kirkland products, there can be a bit of hesitation around purchasing Costco’s private-label wines, especially since many are priced under $10. My testers and I admitted we’d feel cautious about bringing a bottle to a friend’s house or party, even if the quality was impressive.
Rumor has it that reputable producers are behind many Kirkland wines. If you’re curious, you can try to uncover the source by checking the "bottled by" section on the label, though it usually lists the distributor rather than the actual winemaker, so it can take some detective work.
For those willing to look past the label, Costco does stock some highly sought-after wines. Even chefs we’ve spoken to have praised certain Kirkland wines as solid choices. The blog Reverse Wine Snob also tracks which wines are released under the Kirkland Signature line and when, though these lists didn’t always match what I found in-store.
To figure out which Kirkland wines were worth picking up, I enlisted a few wine-loving friends to help taste-test 15 different varieties from Costco.
While I’m not a sommelier and recognize that wine preferences are subjective, here is our ranking, from our least favorite bottle to the top pick.
Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir 2022
I drink a lot of pinot noir, and while I’m typically drawn to the depth of Willamette Valley pinots, I didn’t expect to rank any pinot at the very bottom of this list—but here we are. Priced at $11.99, this California Russian River Valley pinot was actually on the higher end of the wines we tried, yet it fell short. Pinot noirs can sometimes lack complexity due to their lighter nature, but this one had almost none. According to Reverse Wine Snob, the 2022 vintage was produced by a different winemaker than previous years, though it stays true to past releases. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily a positive.
The Look: This wine presented a deep plum color, noticeably darker than a typical California pinot noir. When swirled, a visible ring of alcohol clung to the glass.
The Taste: Imagine the burn of bourbon or whiskey—the kind that lingers as it goes down. That sensation might work well for spirits, but in wine, it’s a definite no. This wine had a sweet, grape-juice-like taste up front but finished with a harsh, alcoholic aftertaste.
Kirkland Signature Chardonnay 2022
I don’t typically reach for chardonnay, but I can appreciate a good one every now and then. Unfortunately, this wasn’t it. Coming from California’s renowned Sonoma County, I expected a bit of that signature buttery richness, but I would have forgiven its lack of butteriness—if the flavor had delivered—especially at $7.99 a bottle.
The Look: The wine was lighter in color than most chardonnays, with a few bubbles visible at the top. It wasn’t sparkling, but there were noticeable bubbles in the pour.
The Taste: Unlike the usual buttery chardonnay, this one was more like a sauvignon blanc, with crisp and fruity notes. It might have ranked higher if it weren’t for the strange aftertaste left behind after each sip.
Kirkland Signature Sauvignon Blanc 2022
While shopping for wines, a friendly man in the wine department mentioned that the sauvignon blanc was the best-selling Kirkland Signature wine. After all, how many wines have their own nickname? Yes, I’m looking at you, “Savvy B.” I expected this $7.49 bestseller to place higher on the list.
The Look: The color was very pale, even lighter than you’d typically expect from a sauvignon blanc.
The Taste: I know New Zealand sauv blancs can be on the tart side, but this one was intensely tart and felt heavier than you’d want in an easy-sipping wine. It also left a strange aftertaste. I had hoped for the ultimate summer sipper, but I couldn’t get through more than a few sips. One of my tasters described it as having a “sour milk taste,” which is definitely not what you want in a wine.
Kirkland Signature Pinot Grigio 2022
A bottle of wine for $4.99? It seemed unlikely to be good, yet this pinot grigio held its own, ranking somewhere in the middle. While it didn’t have a standout flavor like some of the other options, it tasted more or less as expected—like a slightly watered-down wine.
The Look: A very pale yellow, almost colorless.
The Taste: It wasn’t unpleasant but lacked depth and had a flat finish. If you’re looking for a light option to serve guests—especially those who don’t drink wine often—it would work. However, it wouldn’t be my first choice.
Kirkland Signature Chardonnay 2022 1.5 Liter
I didn’t expect the larger $8.99 bottle of chardonnay to outshine the smaller one, but it did. While opinions were mixed among our tasters, I’m ranking it a bit higher because there was nothing technically wrong with it, even if it wasn’t quite our flavor preference. I could see regular chardonnay drinkers or a younger crowd enjoying this in bulk. The price is great, and it’s an easy drinker.
The Look: Classic chardonnay appearance, a pale yellow with a slightly deeper hue.
The Taste: True to the tasting notes, it had tropical flavors that I didn’t mind, though some tasters found them off-putting, as they aren’t the typical notes expected in chardonnay. While I wouldn’t necessarily pair it with a meal, I could see it as a “patio pounder” or a Spring Break staple—it’s easygoing for those who want a casual nightly glass.
Kirkland Signature Moscato D'Asti
Sweet wines aren’t my preference, so I had to shift my mindset to taste this one as someone who enjoys sweeter varieties. At $7.99, it’s well-priced too.
The Look: This bottle was the most attractive of the bunch, adorned with pink and purple flowers—perfect for gifting to someone who enjoys sweet wines. The wine itself was a pale yellow with a pleasant effervescence.
The Taste: Both the aroma and flavor were very floral and undeniably sugary, though the bubbles helped balance out some of the sweetness. While it’s not my ideal style, I can think of a few friends who would love this wine.
Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco
This prosecco is a solid choice, especially at a hard-to-beat price of $7.99. It’s perfect for brunch, ideal for mixing into mimosas or bellinis. While it wasn’t my top sparkling pick in this lineup, that’s only because the other options were slightly better. This one certainly holds its own.
The Look: A light color with lovely, mesmerizing bubbles filling the glass.
The Taste: Slightly on the sweeter side, this prosecco offers a fruity aroma and is easy to drink, with satisfying bubbles. There’s no acidity here; I’d happily add it to a brunch spread or pour it for a celebratory toast.
Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Boxed Wine 1 Liter
When it comes to wine, I’ll choose a bottle over a box every time. So, pairing the stigma of boxed wine with a Kirkland Signature label priced at $14.99 didn’t exactly pique my interest. Costco does carry other cabernet sauvignons, though they weren’t available when I bought this one. Surprisingly, it turned out to be a pleasant choice.
The Look: Pouring from a box lacks elegance, and the fast flow created a few bubbles on top. However, the wine itself was a deep purple, just as you’d expect from a cabernet sauvignon.
The Taste: I’d call this a solid house wine. It’s better than many bottled options (and certainly superior to typical boxed wines), though it doesn’t quite have the full body or depth you’d look for in a cab. It’s an easy drinker, perfect for a casual evening. It may not win awards, but it’s a fine choice for a laid-back Tuesday night.
Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva 2019
Reserve wines, particularly in Europe, must adhere to specific standards, even at a price point like $7.99. This wine is crafted from 100% tempranillo grapes and aged in oak barrels for 30 months, followed by an additional six months in the cellar.
The Look: It has a rich, deep ruby-red color, almost like a jewel tone.
The Taste: The aroma leans toward tobacco and leather, while the flavor is full-bodied and jammy without being overly sweet. This wine would develop further with some aging and would pair beautifully with a meal.
Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne
The brut champagne was the priciest bottle we sampled, yet at $19.99, it’s still affordable compared to other French champagnes. As someone who drinks champagne on special occasions, I’d say this is a great choice for starting a dinner party or raising a toast.
The Look: It has a lovely effervescence, filling the glass with a golden hue, almost a light caramel shade—just what you want to see in a flute.
The Taste: This champagne was enjoyable with a good mouthfeel, slightly on the drier side, and well-balanced. It pairs nicely with food but is also delightful on its own.
Kirkland Signature Prosecco Rosé
Rosé signals that summer is on the way, even if Costco’s still rosé won’t be in stock for another month. At $7.99, this sparkling prosecco rosé is an easy choice for al fresco dining—or simply enjoying outdoors.
The Look: A lovely pale pink with a fine scattering of bubbles.
The Taste: The finish is a bit sweeter than what you might expect from Provence rosés, but pairing it with food balances this nicely. Lightly fruity with a gentle carbonation, it offers a refreshing mouthfeel perfect for warm-weather sipping.
Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur 2021
This rich, bold wine, crafted from 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot, is aged in oak barrels for a year. At just $6.89, it’s a rare find outside of Costco.
The Look: A deep, dark purple hue fills the glass, giving the wine a nice weighty presence.
The Taste: This wine is full-bodied with layers of complexity, but it benefits from a few minutes to open up. Once decanted, the cabernet’s flavors come forward, offering a dry profile with good tannins and notes of blackberry and cherry.
Kirkland Signature Old Vine Zinfandel 2021
An "old vine" zinfandel typically uses fruit from vines over 50 years old, though it’s not a strictly enforced rule. Costco’s version comes from 45-year-old vines—close enough! The Kirkland zinfandel often ranks well, according to the online Costco Wine Blog.
The Look: A deep reddish-purple hue, just as you’d expect from a zinfandel.
The Taste: Jammy and full-bodied, with a hint of tartness and robust berry flavors, rounded off by a touch of spice on the finish—everything a good zinfandel should offer.
Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva 2021
Chianti was one of the first wine regions I visited, so I have a soft spot for it. I often find it challenging to choose a bottle I love here in the States. Chianti is best enjoyed as a food-pairing wine, like a good table wine, rather than sipped on its own. This version is a DOCG, a classification above the standard Italian DOC, which means it’s tasted by a panel to ensure quality before bottling. For $8.99, I’d happily pair this DOCG wine with pizza or pasta any night.
The Look: A lovely ruby red with a lighter body.
The Taste: True to form, this wine shines best with food, offering easy-drinking appeal that’s in line with Italian preferences. It has good acidity and balanced flavor, enhancing rather than overpowering the meal.
Kirkland Signature Malbec 2022
After a few disappointing picks on this journey, this malbec felt like a hidden gem. Initially, I was a bit put off by the 91-point James Suckling sticker on the bottle—I'm all for awards, but is a sticker necessary? That aside, this wine deserves some praise. At $6.99, it’s a fantastic option to stock up on for easy weeknight enjoyment.
The Look: A deep, rich purple.
The Taste: Full of flavor with a smooth, lingering finish—much softer than the harsher, more alcoholic finishes of some other options. It features lovely plum and blackberry notes with a touch of oaky vanilla. This malbec is versatile, enjoyable with or without food.