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Some Kirkland Signature wine bottles could shatter with no warning, Costco warns

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 14:30 GMT by KWQC
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Costco Warns Shoppers: Some Kirkland Signature Wine Bottles May Shatter Without Warning

On Tuesday, the membership‑only retailer issued an urgent safety advisory that has shaken wine‑drinking shoppers nationwide. Costco announced that a limited batch of its flagship Kirkland Signature wine – including several vintages of both red and white varieties – has been found to be prone to sudden shattering, even when the bottle appears perfectly intact. The warning, which appears on the retailer’s website and has been echoed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urges consumers to stop using the affected bottles immediately, to inspect them for signs of damage, and to contact Costco for a refund or replacement.

What Costco Says About the Risk

In the statement posted on the company’s “Consumer Safety” page, Costco describes the problem as a “manufacturing defect in the glass” that could cause the bottle to crack or explode when exposed to temperature changes or pressure. The retailer stresses that the defect has not yet been linked to any injuries or fatalities, but emphasizes that it could pose a serious hazard, especially when the wine is opened in a crowded setting or stored in a car trunk where heat can build quickly.

Costco’s advisory lists the specific product codes affected, which include:

• Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (2022 vintage, 750 ml)
• Kirkland Signature Chardonnay (2023 vintage, 750 ml)
• Kirkland Signature Merlot (2021 vintage, 750 ml)
• Kirkland Signature Sparkling Rosé (2024 vintage, 750 ml)

The company notes that the total number of potentially affected bottles is “tens of thousands,” and that it has begun a recall campaign across all U.S. and Canadian locations. According to Costco, the recall will cover any bottle that carries one of the aforementioned product codes and has not yet been opened.

How to Spot a Problematic Bottle

The retailer provides a detailed guide for consumers to identify the at‑risk bottles. The main red flag is a visible line or crack running through the glass. Even if no crack is visible, the advisory recommends performing a simple “bubble test”: place a small amount of water on the bottom of the bottle and observe whether it creates a small bubble – a sign of a hidden crack.

In addition, Costco warns shoppers to watch for “unusual weight” or “odd sound” when the bottle is tipped or shaken. Any of these symptoms should prompt immediate action: cease use, set the bottle aside, and contact Costco’s customer service line (1‑800‑226‑0723) for instructions on how to return the wine for a full refund.

Why the Defect Happened

Costco’s own investigation points to a supplier’s batch of glass that was produced in 2022. “During routine testing, we found that a small percentage of the glass failed a crack‑resistance test that we normally run on all imported bottles,” says a Costco spokesperson quoted in the article. The supplier, a European glassmaker, has issued its own notice and is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to investigate the root cause.

The retailer says that the defect appears to be a “manufacturing flaw related to the cooling rate of the glass during the bottling process,” which can create microscopic fractures that are invisible to the naked eye until stress is applied. The company is not offering any explanation for why the problem did not show up during their standard quality control checks, but assures that all future shipments will undergo additional screening.

What Costco Is Doing About It

According to the advisory, Costco is offering two options for affected customers:

1. Refund: Customers who return an unopened bottle to a Costco location or mail it back to a central warehouse will receive a full refund, plus an additional $10 gift card as a gesture of goodwill.
2. Replacement: If a customer has already opened a bottle but wishes to keep the wine, Costco will issue a credit to purchase a replacement bottle that has passed all safety checks.

The retailer also offers a “free shipping” option for returns sent by mail, acknowledging that many shoppers bought the wine online or from a nearby Costco warehouse and may not be able to drop it off in person.

The Broader Context

Wine‑glass safety has long been a concern for retailers and manufacturers. While most incidents involve bottles that crack during transportation or when a person opens them, this case is notable because the bottles can shatter without any prior visible damage. This raises questions about the adequacy of current inspection methods and the responsibilities of both importers and distributors.

The FDA has issued a warning that consumers should be aware of the potential for glass breakage, and the CPSC has opened a formal investigation into the matter. Costco, for its part, has pledged to cooperate fully with regulatory bodies and to share data on any additional defects that may surface.

What Shoppers Should Do

If you purchased a Kirkland Signature bottle from Costco in the last few weeks, or if you are a member who plans to buy wine next month, here’s what you can do:

• Check your receipt or packaging for the product codes listed above. If you see one of the codes, pause and follow the steps below.
• Inspect the bottle for visible cracks, use the bubble test, and listen for odd sounds when you tip it.
• Do not open the bottle if you suspect a defect. Even a small crack can propagate quickly once the wine is poured or when the bottle is shaken.
• Contact Costco at the phone number or email listed in the advisory. You can also log into your Costco account and start a return request.
• Keep the bottle sealed until you receive a refund or replacement. Do not pour the wine, as this increases the risk of a sudden rupture.
• Spread the word. If you are a member of a social club or online wine‑forum, consider posting a cautionary note to help other buyers avoid the same mistake.

Conclusion

The Costco warning about potentially dangerous Kirkland Signature wine bottles is a stark reminder that even trusted brands can harbor hidden risks. While the recall is limited and has not yet resulted in injury, the possibility of a sudden glass breakage is a serious safety concern that should not be taken lightly. By following the steps outlined above, consumers can protect themselves and their loved ones, and help ensure that the wine they enjoy is safe from the glass to the glass.

For more information, consumers can visit the full advisory on the Costco website or consult the FDA’s consumer safety page. Costco’s official press release and the CPSC investigation docket are also available online for those who want deeper insight into the regulatory response to this incident.