The 9 Best Red Wines At Trader Joes In 2025

Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 12:41 GMT by Tasting Table
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Trader Joe's has an impressive selection of affordable and high-quality red wines. Here are some of the bottles you should be adding to your cart.

The 9 Best Red Wines to Buy at Trader Joe's Right Now

Trader Joe's has long been a go-to destination for budget-conscious wine lovers, offering an impressive selection of red wines that punch above their weight in terms of quality and value. With prices often under $10, these bottles provide accessible entry points into the world of reds, from bold cabernets to smooth pinot noirs, without sacrificing flavor or complexity. In a recent roundup, experts and enthusiasts highlighted nine standout red wines available at Trader Joe's, emphasizing their affordability, taste profiles, and versatility for everyday sipping or pairing with meals. These selections cater to a range of palates, whether you're a novice looking for something approachable or a seasoned drinker seeking hidden gems. What makes Trader Joe's wines particularly appealing is their private-label approach, often sourcing from reputable producers around the globe while keeping costs low. This list draws from customer favorites, expert tastings, and overall value, showcasing why these reds deserve a spot in your cart.

Starting with a crowd-pleaser, the Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon—affectionately known as "Two-Buck Chuck"—remains a staple at just $2.99 in many locations. This California cab offers surprising depth for its price, with notes of black cherry, vanilla, and a hint of oak from brief barrel aging. It's medium-bodied with soft tannins, making it ideal for casual gatherings or pairing with grilled meats like burgers or steak. While it might not rival high-end Napa cabs, its easy-drinking nature and consistent quality have made it a bestseller for years, proving that great wine doesn't have to break the bank. Many appreciate its straightforward profile, which avoids overwhelming complexity, allowing it to shine as an everyday red.

Next up is the La Finca Malbec from Argentina, priced around $5.99. This wine embodies the bold, fruit-forward style that Malbec is famous for, hailing from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Expect rich flavors of plum, blackberry, and a touch of spice, balanced by velvety tannins and a subtle mocha finish. It's a fantastic match for hearty dishes like barbecue ribs or empanadas, reflecting its South American roots. Reviewers often praise its smoothness and how it overdelivers on value, making it a smart choice for those exploring international varietals without venturing into pricier territory.

For something lighter and more elegant, the Villa Cerrina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from Italy comes in at about $5.99. This red is a testament to the robust yet approachable wines of central Italy, featuring bright cherry and raspberry notes with earthy undertones and a hint of licorice. Its medium body and lively acidity make it versatile for pairing with pasta dishes, pizza, or even charcuterie boards. The wine's rustic charm evokes the rolling hills of Abruzzo, and its affordability has earned it a loyal following among those who prefer Old World styles over New World boldness.

Shifting to a French classic, the Corvelia Bordeaux Supérieur at $6.99 offers a taste of Bordeaux without the hefty price tag. This blend, primarily Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, delivers flavors of dark fruit, cassis, and subtle herbal notes, with firm tannins that suggest it could age well for a year or two. It's an excellent introduction to the structured reds of France, pairing beautifully with roasted lamb or aged cheeses. Enthusiasts note its impressive balance and how it mimics more expensive Bordeaux blends, making it a steal for wine nights.

Another standout is the Trader Joe's Petit Reserve Pinot Noir from California, available for around $7.99. This pinot bursts with red berry flavors like strawberry and cranberry, accented by earthy mushroom notes and a silky texture. Its lighter body and bright acidity make it perfect for salmon, poultry, or even mushroom-based vegetarian dishes. Unlike some pinots that can be finicky and expensive, this one is reliably enjoyable, often compared favorably to entry-level offerings from Oregon or Burgundy.

For fans of Spanish wines, the Viña Borgia Garnacha at $4.99 is a must-try. Sourced from the Campo de Borja region, this Grenache-based red is vibrant and juicy, with ripe raspberry, black pepper, and a touch of floral aromatics. Its low tannins and high drinkability suit casual sipping or pairing with tapas, chorizo, or grilled vegetables. This wine highlights the value of Spanish varietals, which are often overlooked but deliver immense pleasure at budget prices.

The Epicuro Aglianico from southern Italy, priced at $6.99, brings a bit more intensity to the table. Known as the "Barolo of the South," Aglianico offers deep flavors of black fruit, leather, and volcanic minerality, with grippy tannins that benefit from decanting. It's a bold choice for red meat lovers, pairing well with osso buco or hearty stews. Its complexity surprises many, given the cost, and it's a great way to explore Italy's lesser-known grapes.

Venturing into blends, the Trader Joe's Grower's Reserve Red Blend from California, at about $4.99, combines Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet for a fruit-forward, easygoing wine. Notes of jammy berries, vanilla, and a hint of spice make it approachable and fun, ideal for barbecues or movie nights. Its crowd-pleasing style ensures it's a hit at parties.

Finally, the Corvelia Côtes du Rhône at $5.99 rounds out the list with a French blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This wine features spicy dark fruit, pepper, and herbal notes, with a medium body that's versatile for everything from cheese platters to roast chicken. It captures the essence of the Rhône Valley's rustic elegance, providing excellent value for those seeking authentic European flair.

These nine reds demonstrate Trader Joe's prowess in curating affordable yet delightful wines from around the world. Whether you're stocking up for a dinner party, experimenting with new varietals, or simply enjoying a glass after a long day, these bottles offer quality that belies their low prices. With options spanning light and fruity to bold and structured, there's something for every preference. As wine trends continue to favor value-driven selections, Trader Joe's remains a reliable source for discovering reds that impress without the splurge. If you're new to wine shopping there, don't hesitate to ask staff for recommendations—they often have insider tips on the latest arrivals. Ultimately, this lineup encourages exploration, proving that exceptional red wine is accessible to all. (Word count: 928)

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