Trader Joe Wines

I've never been dissapointed with their $2.99 store brand. It's not the best wine ever, but it's really good for the price.

I highly recommend the Grifone Sangiovese for a red. It’s an incredible wine for the price (under $5). My friend discovered it s few years ago and it’s become our little secret. It’s gotten great reviews.

Stay away from the $3 buck Chuck, they’re horrible.

View Quoted Comment These are awful. I would t even use them for cooking.

Thank you for your advice! I wanted to stay away from the Three Buck Chuck but did want to stay affordable so that Sangiovese might be the perfect way to do that!

Any good white wine options you can reccommend?

View Quoted Comment Yes, please run away for that!

The $5 resling with and orange screw top is wonderful. It's pretty dry but still got a bit of sweet. It's called Dr. B something or other.

View Quoted Comment Well, I like them.

Some of the $2.99 wines aren't horrible (I think Thrillist had a sommelier do a review awhile back...) but anyone who sees the label will recognize it as cheap wine. I personally like The Naked Grape for cheaper wines. The type (cabernet, chardonnay, etc) you pick may depend on your meal. Maybe ask your caterer to recommend a red and a white and then look for affordable bottles.

View Quoted Comment Strongly agree. I would do a Pinot Grigio for the white. It compliments a lot of foods. A Reisling is sweeter. Stay away from Charles Shaw. It is ok, but not to serve at a wedding. Purple Moon is good, Terrain, Barrel Axe, imported wines are also good priced and have nice tannins.

My sister and I really like this Riesling from Trader Joe’s called “blue fin.” If you like a sweet white, that’s a good one and It’s about $5 bottle or just under. And I think it may come in Chardonnay too?
Another idea, you could buy a few bottles and have a wine and cheese night with a few friends! A taste test for you and an evening out for them and no one has to know!

Following this discussion for interest

Crane Lake is a very reasonably priced brand (not sure if Trader Joe's carries it), and it's really not bad. In terms of types of wine a Pinot Gregio for whites goes well with a lot of options (Reislings are sweeter white wines). Cabarnet or Merlot are great options for reds.