Avoid These Overpriced White Wines at Costco: What to Skip on Your Next Trip

The wine assortment at Costco features a range of hits, from the sought-after $40k cases of Romanée-Conti to the affordable $13 boxed Kirkland brand wines. However, like any collection, it does have its downsides. In a review of 23 popular wines to buy at Costco, Tasting Table’s taste testers identified a particular white wine to avoid — the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. Interestingly, the critique isn’t about the taste being unpleasant; rather, it is something entirely different.

The Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is famous for its grapes sourced from vineyards nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, a region well-regarded by our taste testers. Customers appreciate it for its crisp and fresh profile, praising its balanced sweetness that pairs well with various dishes. With gentle hints of apple and citrus, it’s hard to find much fault with it, aside from its cost.

This wine has garnered a loyal following, with many customers and their guests swearing by it. Some even assert that the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is the first bottle to be finished at gatherings. However, at a price point of $18 per bottle, our testers suggest that there are other Italian wines available at much more attractive prices — and they’re not alone in this sentiment. Many Costco shoppers have discovered impressive alternatives from the same region that come at a fraction of the cost.

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The Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio undoubtedly pleases crowds, but while it typically sells for around $25 at various retailers, Costco offers significantly better deals that might surprise your taste buds. Save that Santa Margherita for your own enjoyment, and when hosting your next gathering, consider selecting Scarpetta Pinot Grigio from Fruili-Venezia Giulia, a gorgeous region near the Dolomitic Alps, available for just $16 a bottle. Alternatively, pick up a Castel Sallegg Pinot Grigio for only $8 from the same Italian wine region in northeastern Italy.

A wealth of other impressive choices awaits you too — with options starting at $15 like Pighin Friuli Pinot Grigio and Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio, as well as $10 selections such as Italian Dreamer Pinot Grigio and Benvolio Pinot Grigio. The variety is remarkable. The bottom line is, there is an abundance of high-elevation Italian Pinot Grigios that will surely impress your friends at a fraction of the cost. Often, you can purchase multiple bottles for the same price as one Santa Margherita, whether you take advantage of Costco’s deals or not. This means everyone can enjoy a second glass — and trust me, they will be eager for more with these selections.

For further insights, check out the original article on Tasting Table.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!