Costco Launches Pennsylvania-Made Cranberry Beer & Wine

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 13:37 GMT by WTAE-TV

Costco’s New Pennsylvania‑Made Cranberry Beer and Wine Hit the Shelves

West Virginia’s own WTAE was quick to cover the latest buzz in the world of craft beverages: Costco has begun stocking two brand‑new Pennsylvania‑made products that are turning heads among beer and wine lovers alike. The retailer’s newest offerings – a crisp cranberry‑infused beer and a fruit‑forward wine – are both crafted by local breweries and wineries that have built reputations for quality and innovation. Below is a detailed rundown of what’s on offer, why it matters to regional drinkers, and how the two products stack up against each other.

1. The Beer: “Cranberry Hops” (Pittsburgh‑Based Brew)

Origin and Craftsmanship
The beer is a collaboration between the famed Pennsylvania Brewing Co. (PBC) and Cranberry Creek Brewery, both of which are headquartered in the greater Pittsburgh area. PBC is a family‑owned, micro‑brewery that has been brewing since 2005 and is known for its classic American lagers and experimental ales. Cranberry Creek Brewery, on the other hand, specializes in fruit‑infused brews and has been experimenting with local berries for the past three years.

Flavor Profile
Cranberry Hops is a pale ale that has been “blessed” with a generous dose of wild‑crafted cranberries. According to the brew‑master, the fruit is added in the latter stages of fermentation to preserve the natural tartness. The result is a balanced beer that combines the malty backbone of a traditional pale ale with bright, citrusy notes and a subtle cranberry bite that lingers on the palate. The finish is slightly dry, giving the beer a refreshing aftertaste that makes it perfect for late‑afternoon sipping.

Packaging and Availability
The beer is sold in 24‑pack cases of 12‑oz cans, each can featuring a minimalist label that emphasizes the “Pittsburgh Roots” and “Cranberry Harvest” motifs. Costco’s regional distribution center in Pennsylvania receives the beer at the end of the first week of November, and the items are available at all West Virginia and Pennsylvania Costco locations until the end of the holiday season. According to a WTAE interview with a Costco merchandiser, the case price is $27.99, which is a $2.50 discount from the regular retail price at the breweries’ own taprooms.

What the Breweries Say
PBC’s CEO, Marcus Lentz, said the partnership was “a natural fit.” “We have been looking to celebrate Pennsylvania’s diverse fruit basket, and Cranberry Creek’s expertise in berry infusions made this collaboration a no‑brainer,” Lentz told WTAE. Meanwhile, Cranberry Creek’s head brewer, Sarah Gomez, added that “the Pennsylvania climate gives us the best cranberries year after year, and we’re excited to bring that taste to a wider audience.”

2. The Wine: “Cranberry Crush” (Western Pennsylvania Winery)

Origin and Craftsmanship
“Cranberry Crush” comes from the Western Pennsylvania Wine Co. (WPWC), located in the Laurel Highlands region. WPWC has been producing award‑winning wines since 2010, and the new cranberry blend is a fresh addition to its line‑up. The wine is a blend of traditional grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) with 15% cranberry juice, which provides both a subtle tartness and a slightly sweet finish.

Flavor Profile
When WTAE tasted the wine, they found a balanced structure: a light, fruity aroma with notes of red berry and a hint of the cranberry’s distinct sharpness. The palate delivers an elegant mix of tannins and fruit, ending with a lingering, naturally sweet finish that makes it a good pairing with cheeses or light pasta dishes.

Packaging and Availability
WPWC bottles “Cranberry Crush” in a classic 750‑ml glass bottle, featuring a simple label that highlights the 15% cranberry content. The wine is available in both 12‑pack and 24‑pack cases at Costco. As with the beer, the first shipment was received in late October, and the bottles are expected to stay on the shelves through the holiday period. The cost per case is $41.49, representing a $5 discount compared to the local retail price.

What the Winery Says
WPWC’s founder, Emily Hartman, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “Cranberry is a staple of Pennsylvania’s fall harvest, and we’ve always been intrigued by its potential as a wine ingredient,” Hartman said. She added that the wine’s “unusual profile is a testament to the craftsmanship of both our winemakers and the cranberry growers we partner with.”

3. The Big Picture: Why It Matters

Local Pride
Both products highlight Pennsylvania’s strong agricultural and brewing traditions, showcasing how local ingredients can be creatively repurposed. Costco’s decision to feature them is a nod to the state’s vibrant craft scene, giving regional products national visibility.

Seasonal Appeal
Cranberries have a clear seasonal association—fall and winter—and the beverages are positioned as perfect companions for holiday parties, Thanksgiving meals, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. The packaging cues and the timing of the launch (mid‑October) align well with consumer demand for warm, fruity drinks.

Price Sensitivity
Costco’s discounts are a major draw for budget‑conscious shoppers. By offering lower prices than local taprooms and wineries, Costco allows a wider audience to experience these specialty beverages without the higher price tag normally associated with craft items.

Community Engagement
The article also touched on community outreach initiatives. Both breweries are participating in a “Cranberry Harvest Day” event at a local farmers’ market in Pittsburgh. The event will feature free tastings of the beer and wine, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to local food banks.

4. Where to Find More

• Pittsburgh‑Based Brew: WTAE’s link to the PBC and Cranberry Creek Brewery websites offers detailed brewing notes and the full range of PBC’s portfolio.
• Western Pennsylvania Wine Co.: The wine link provides a deep dive into the winemaking process, the exact blend ratios, and a “crash course” on cranberry winemaking.
• Costco: A separate Costco link lists the exact store locations in West Virginia and Pennsylvania that currently carry the cranberry beer and wine, as well as the current case prices.

5. Final Thoughts

Costco’s move to stock a Pennsylvania cranberry beer and wine demonstrates the retailer’s commitment to supporting regional craft producers while offering consumers unique, seasonal products at attractive price points. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast looking for a tart, hop‑backed beverage or a wine connoisseur interested in a fruit‑infused finish, these two offerings provide a fresh taste of Pennsylvania’s agricultural bounty. As the holiday season unfolds, the “Cranberry Hops” and “Cranberry Crush” are sure to become a conversation starter at many gatherings—and the WTAE coverage is a handy guide to help shoppers make the most of these limited‑time offerings.