When you think of buying wine, Walmart probably isn‘t the first place that comes to mind. But what if I told you that America‘s biggest retailer is also one of the best spots to score hidden gems from the wine world – without spending a fortune? It‘s true!
After scouring the shelves at Walmart stores across the country and sipping my way through dozens of bottles, I‘m excited to share my top picks for the best wines you can find at Walmart. Whether you‘re looking for an easy-drinking red to pair with pizza night, a crisp white for your next dinner party, or bubbles to celebrate a special occasion, Walmart has you covered with a surprisingly wide selection. The best part? Most of these delicious wines will set you back less than $15.
Many shoppers are shocked to discover that Walmart sells wine at all, let alone a selection that now spans over 500 labels, according to Grocery Dive. The retailer has quietly become a major player in the industry, with wine revenues topping $420 million annually, as reported by Beverage Dynamics. In fact, Walmart is now the second largest wine retailer in the U.S. behind Costco, moving roughly 50 million bottles per year.
So how does Walmart manage to offer such great wines at unbeatable prices? "Walmart has tremendous buying power that allows them to negotiate excellent prices from producers, which they can then pass on to the customer," explains Chris Poldoian, a sommelier and wine educator based in Houston. "They also have an incredibly efficient supply chain that minimizes markups."
These logistical advantages, combined with Walmart‘s sheer scale of nearly 4,500 U.S. stores, over 3,500 of which sell wine, enable the retailer to make great wines accessible to millions of shoppers – often at prices 10-40% below competitors. Whether you‘re on a tight budget or just appreciate a great value, Walmart‘s wine aisle is worth checking out.
If you‘ve avoided the wine section at Walmart because you figured the options would be bottom shelf at best, it‘s time to take a closer look. You might just be shocked by the quality and variety available, including some fantastic exclusive wines you won‘t find anywhere else. According to Poldoian, Walmart‘s Winemaker‘s Selection program is an especially great source of hidden values.
"For the Winemaker‘s Selection, Walmart partners directly with quality producers around the world to bottle exclusive wines at extremely sharp price points," he notes. "Definitely keep an eye out for those labels – they punch well above their weight."
Walmart is also making a push into premium wines priced $20 and above through its newly acquired Raley‘s stores, which are known for a stronger upscale selection, as reported by The Drinks Business. But you don‘t need to spend that much to drink very well from Walmart. Most of the delicious wines I‘m recommending here will set you back less than $15.
Get ready to up your wine game with these wallet-friendly winners from Walmart:
Top Walmart Wines to Try
1. Cono Sur Single Vineyard Block 23 Rulos Del Alto Riesling ($12.45)
- Tasting Notes: Bright apple, tangerine, hint of spice
- Food Pairings: Spicy Asian dishes, sipping solo
- Awards/Ratings: 92 points, James Suckling
- Region: Bio Bio Valley, Chile
This sleeper hit from coastal Chile seriously over-delivers for the price. Clean, bracing flavors of green apple and lime zest are backed by a hint of ginger spice. Cono Sur is a leader in sustainable winemaking, with all estate vineyards certified organic. This particular block of old vines gives concentrated flavors you‘d expect from a $20+ bottle.
2. Winemakers Selection Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($5)
- Tasting Notes: Black cherry, dark chocolate, toasty oak
- Food Pairings: Burgers, grilled steak, barbecue
- Awards/Ratings: Bronze Medal, Beverage Tasting Institute
- Region: California
It‘s hard to believe that this robust, satisfying Cabernet costs a mere 5 bucks, but it‘s true! Walmart leveraged its huge buying power to create this exclusive brand sourced from quality vineyards across California‘s Central Valley. The result is a polished, structured red with surprising complexity. Stock up for your next cookout – you‘ll want a case at this price.
3. Grenache Pays d‘Oc ($11)
- Tasting Notes: Ripe black cherry, smoke, licorice
- Food Pairings: Roasted lamb, hearty pasta dishes
- Awards/Ratings: 90 points, James Suckling
- Region: Languedoc, France
Another standout from Walmart‘s Winemaker‘s Selection series, this Grenache from the rugged countryside of southern France dramatically exceeds expectations. Lush, mouth-filling red fruits and spice are balanced by a savory edge. With rich flavors and silky texture comparable to a $30 Gigondas, this is a ridiculous value. Perfect for sipping by the fire on a chilly evening.
4. Chandon Brut Classic ($17)
- Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus, toasted brioche
- Food Pairings: Brunch fare, light hors d‘oeuvres
- Awards/Ratings: 92 points & Gold Medal, Orange County Fair
- Region: California
A lovely traditional method sparkler from Napa Valley, made by the California outpost of French champagne house Moët & Chandon. Tiny, persistent bubbles carry flavors of crisp apple and lemon curd with a hint of pastry. This is an excellent champagne alternative for toasts or mimosas at a fraction of champagne‘s price.
5. 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel ($11)
- Tasting Notes: Jammy raspberry, black pepper, vanilla
- Food Pairings: Barbecue ribs, roasted squash
- Awards/Ratings: 89 points, Wine Enthusiast – Best Buy
- Region: Lodi, California
Don‘t let the gimmicky name fool you – this is a solid, reliable Zinfandel from some of California‘s oldest vines in the Lodi region. A whopping 71% of grapes come from vines 50-100 years old, giving deep, concentrated flavors. Sweet berry jam spiked with cracked pepper and a plush texture make this an archetypal bold California red.
6. Alamos Malbec ($8.92)
- Tasting Notes: Blackberry, plum, vanilla oak
- Food Pairings: Grilled meats, hard aged cheeses
- Awards/Ratings: 91 points, James Suckling
- Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Alamos is a well-known brand that consistently churns out some of Argentina‘s best value Malbec. Lush black fruits with a velvety texture get a boost from 6 months of aging in French and American oak. A crowd-pleasing style, this would be right at home at a steakhouse or gaucho cookout. Hard to find this much concentration and structure for under $10.
7. Montagne Noire Francais Cabernet Franc ($10.96)
- Tasting Notes: Red currant, graphite, tobacco leaf
- Food Pairings: Herb roasted pork loin, lentil soup
- Awards/Ratings: 90 points, Decanter Magazine
- Region: Languedoc, France
An elegant, fresh Cabernet Franc from the rugged hillsides of southern France that tastes 2-3 times its price. Bright red berry flavors are underlaid with distinctive notes of crushed gravel and savory dried herbs. Soft, refined tannins make it approachable on its own. Serve slightly cool for a real treat.
8. Pure Provence Côtes de Provence Rosé ($11.20)
- Tasting Notes: Wild strawberry, white peach, floral
- Food Pairings: Niçoise salad, seafood, aperitif
- Awards/Ratings: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast
- Region: Provence, France
A classic pale pink Provençal rosé that evokes the breezy glamour of the French Riviera. Delicate red berry and stone fruit flavors are lifted by nervy acidity and a clean, mineral finish. An ideal summer sipper, especially for lighter fare and appetizers. Chill this beauty down and mentally transport yourself to Saint-Tropez.
9. Winemakers Selection Grenache Rosé ($11)
- Tasting Notes: Watermelon, cherry, orange zest
- Food Pairings: Cheese plates, grilled chicken
- Awards/Ratings: 89 points, Wilfred Wong
- Region: Languedoc, France
Another winner rosé from Walmart‘s exclusive line, this time a Grenache-based pink from the Languedoc in southern France. The warm, arid climate gives riper melon and red cherry notes balanced by crisp citrus. Spicy and substantial enough to pair with heartier dishes or just sip poolside. Stock up for your next summer shindig.
10. Giovanni Da Verrazzano Chianti Classico ($12)
- Tasting Notes: Tart cherry, violet, tobacco
- Food Pairings: Pizza, pasta Bolognese
- Awards/Ratings: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast
- Region: Chianti, Italy
Made from Sangiovese grapes grown between Florence and Siena, in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone, this is textbook Tuscan red. Bright, tangy cherry and plum flavors are backed by savory notes of earth and leather with a hint of violet. A versatile food wine that shines with tomato-based sauces and roasted meats.
Here are a few insider tips for scoring the best wine deals at Walmart:
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Focus on Walmart‘s exclusive Winemaker‘s Selection series which offers huge bang for the buck across a variety of styles from France, Italy, California and beyond. These limited production wines are made by quality producers exclusively for Walmart.
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Be adventurous and try wines from up-and-coming regions like Chile, Argentina and southern France rather than expensive, famous areas like Napa or Bordeaux. You‘re much more likely to find killer values from these unsung places.
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Use the Vivino app to quickly scan labels and check reviews/ratings as you browse. You can easily avoid the duds and zero in on the best buys this way.
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Stock up when you spot a great wine that you love. Walmart often features multiple-bottle discounts, and some stores even sell full cases. Buying in bulk can save you 10% or more.
Thanks to Walmart‘s massive scale and buying power, high quality wine is more accessible than ever before. "Walmart is shattering the perception that good wine has to be expensive or exclusive," says Poldoian. "By leveraging its size to secure great wines at incredible prices, Walmart is expanding the market and introducing millions of consumers to wine in an approachable way."
So next time you‘re cruising the grocery aisles at Walmart, don‘t skip the wine section. With a little insider knowledge and a sense of adventure, you‘re sure to discover some amazing wines that will completely change the way you shop for wine. Get ready to raise a glass to deliciously affordable, surprisingly sophisticated wines from an unlikely source. Cheers!
