Best holiday wine picks from Trader Joe’s

The wine section at Trader Joe’s is not glitzy. It’s not high-end. But it is a godsend for budget-conscious wine drinkers seeking delicious bargains — especially during the holidays when special releases are plentiful.

Given Trader Joe’s wines vary by location, we are particularly lucky in Sonoma County, where local wines frequently pop up on shelves. On a recent visit to the store’s Santa Rosa Avenue location, Pedroncelli winery’s 2021 Mother Clone Zinfandel was a fantastic find, along with Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Sonoma County Brut Rosé, a perennial favorite from Rack & Riddle in Healdsburg.

But if you’re curious who makes Trader Joe’s other private-label wines, you’re out of luck. The company works hard to keep under wraps most of the wine producers it buys from, which prevents competition in the marketplace.

If you do find a Trader Joe’s wine you enjoy, check to see if the label has a lot number, which signifies a particular bottling. Keep that lot number in mind next time you’re shopping, to find the same wine.

But how does a frazzled holiday shopper navigate a sea of bargains? Check out our list of Trader Joe’s holiday wine picks.

(These wines may not be available at every Trader Joe’s location, but all were recently purchased at store No. 178, at 2100 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.)

California wines

Boeger Winery, 2020 Barbera, El Dorado ($12.99): Grown on high-elevation vineyards in El Dorado County, this 2020 barbera from Boeger Winery is a super cheery, drinkable red with notes of raspberry, red cherry and dried herbs, plus a healthy acidity. This medium-bodied wine includes a hint of cabernet sauvignon that provides tannins for a balanced finish.

Pedroncelli, 2021 Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($16.99): Zinfandel fans rejoice! This gem from Pedroncelli winery in Dry Creek Valley offers a taste of history with fruit sourced from the winery’s second-generation vineyard and historic century-old vines. Awarded Best of Class at the 2023 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, the Mother Clone zinfandel offers aromas of raspberry candy and dried cherries and a waft of jasmine, with a palate of juicy black cherry, black plum and welcome acidity.

Trader Joe’s, Reserve Brut Rosé, North Coast ($14.99): Produced by Rack & Riddle, this reserve sparkling brut rosé is easy on the palate and the pocketbook. Produced using méthode champenoise (a lengthy winemaking method that fosters wine complexity), this unfussy bubbly touts bright flavors of strawberry and watermelon and a dry finish.

Trading Post by Trader Joe’s, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($19.99): The first release of Trader Joe’s new Trading Post wine label, this 2022 cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley is wonderfully ripe and juicy with notes of blackberry jam, baking spice and a full mouth feel. Self-assured yet user-friendly, this worthy wine will please a variety of palates.

European wines

Claire Patelin, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Côtes de Gascogne, France ($5.99): The Côtes de Gascogne in southwest France happens to be one of my favorite wine regions, a lesser-known mecca for dry, aromatic white wines made with local grapes like gros manseng, ugni blanc, sauvignon blanc and colombard. The 2022 Claire Patelin sauvignon blanc reminds me why I adore this maritime region. With flavors of lemon and passionfruit, it’s easy-drinking and fun.

Vin De Bordeaux, 2019 B by Fonbadet ($7.99): Neighboring one of the premier first-growth estates in Bordeaux, France, Chateau Fonbadet takes credit for this delicious, ruby-hued blend of cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Elegant and mildly earthy with notes of blackberry, tobacco and a firm but drinkable finish. Get it before it’s gone.

Florianan, 2022 Grüner Veltliner, Dunatul, Hungary ($6.49): This fresh, zesty grüner vetliner from Floriana is one I return to again and again, especially at just $6.49. Widely planted in Austria, the thin-skinned white grape is also found in Hungary where it’s known as zöldveltelini. This selection from Floriana is bright and cheerful, with mouthwatering acidity, lemon, green apple and a lovely spritz.

Loudenotte, 2022 Cuvée Reservée Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d’Oc, France ($7.99): Surprisingly plush, this Loudenotte pinot noir from the Languedoc-Rousillon region of southern France is ripe and juicy with notes of black cherry, black raspberry and dried herbs. Bring it to a party for a crowd-pleasing find at just $7.99. Ooh la la.

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Doyle at 707-521-5478 or sarah.doyle@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @whiskymuse.