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I Tasted the Popular Wine Advent Calendar That Sells Out Every Year -- and Each Bottle Is Less Than $4 Apiece

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/18 .. -year-and-each-bottle-is-less-than-4-apiece.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 20:57 GMT by People
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

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Uncorking the Experience: A Review of Total Wine’s Advent Calendar

Total Wine & More has become a familiar name for wine enthusiasts, and their annual advent calendar offering has steadily gained popularity as a festive way to explore diverse wines throughout December. People Magazine recently published a review ([ https://people.com/total-wine-advent-calendar-review-11832042 ]) detailing the 2023 iteration, providing a comprehensive look at its contents, value, and overall experience. This analysis summarizes that review, delving into the specifics of the calendar’s selection, pricing, and perceived strengths and weaknesses.

The Total Wine advent calendar isn't a single product but rather two distinct options: The International Collection and The U.S. Collection. Both calendars feature 24 miniature bottles (187ml), each representing a different wine. The key difference lies in the geographical focus – the International Collection showcases wines from around the globe, while the U.S. Collection highlights American wineries.

The People Magazine review focused primarily on the International Collection, which is generally considered the more adventurous and sought-after option. It’s presented in a beautifully designed box, intended to be visually appealing as part of holiday décor. Each day reveals a new bottle, accompanied by a small card providing information about the wine's origin, grape varietal, tasting notes, and suggested food pairings. This educational element is a significant draw for many consumers, particularly those looking to expand their wine knowledge.

The 2023 International Collection included wines from countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. Specific examples mentioned in the review include a French Beaujolais, an Italian Prosecco, a Spanish Rioja, and a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The selection aims for variety, encompassing sparkling wines, white wines, rosé wines, and red wines, ensuring that each day offers a different tasting experience. The U.S. Collection, while less internationally diverse, similarly provides a range of American-produced wines, from California Cabernet Sauvignon to Washington State Riesling.

A significant factor in the calendar’s appeal is its perceived value. The 2023 International Collection retails for $99.99, while the U.S. Collection is priced at $79.99. The People Magazine review calculated that the total retail value of the wines included in the International Collection exceeds $450. This suggests a substantial discount for consumers willing to purchase the calendar as a package. However, it’s important to note that these are miniature bottles, and while they offer a taste experience, they don't provide a full bottle's worth of wine.

The review highlighted both positive and negative aspects of the Total Wine advent calendar. On the positive side, the variety of wines is consistently praised. Consumers appreciate the opportunity to sample wines they might not otherwise purchase due to unfamiliarity or cost. The educational cards are also seen as a valuable addition, enhancing the overall experience. The attractive packaging contributes to the festive feel and makes it suitable for gifting.

However, the review also noted some drawbacks. While the value proposition appears strong on paper, the miniature bottle size is a common complaint. Consumers who enjoy wine often find that 187ml isn't enough to fully appreciate a particular selection, especially when sharing with others. Furthermore, the quality of the wines, while generally acceptable for the price point, isn’t always exceptional. Some reviewers have expressed disappointment with certain selections, finding them underwhelming or lacking complexity. The People Magazine review echoed this sentiment, noting that some wines were “fine” but not particularly memorable.

The selection process itself is also a potential source of frustration for some consumers. While the variety is appreciated, there's no guarantee that any individual will receive a calendar perfectly aligned with their personal preferences. It’s essentially a curated experience, and those with very specific tastes might find themselves less satisfied. The review suggested that Total Wine attempts to cater to a broad audience, which inevitably means some wines will resonate more than others.

Finally, the People Magazine article mentioned the increasing popularity of the calendars, leading to limited availability. Customers are advised to purchase early as they often sell out quickly, particularly the International Collection. This high demand underscores the calendar’s appeal and reinforces its position as a popular holiday tradition for wine lovers.

The review concludes that the Total Wine advent calendar is a worthwhile option for those seeking an accessible and festive way to explore different wines. While the miniature bottle size and occasional quality inconsistencies are drawbacks, the variety, educational component, attractive packaging, and perceived value make it a compelling offering, particularly for individuals new to wine or looking for a fun holiday activity.