6 Best Trader Joe’s Wines Under $10 Each (and 1 That’s the Worst)
Cheers to affordable Trader Joe’s wine! It’s the best! 🍷
If you’re a fellow wine snob, you probably know that Trader Joe’s is the place to go for affordable red wines, whites, and every other blend under the sun. But with hundreds of enticing wine options, how do you choose the best bottle?
Lucky for you, I did a bit of research and taste-testing on noteworthy blends that are not only very popular store purchases but have also been Trader Joe’s employee-approved. Plus, they’re all under $10!
Here are my 6 Trader Joe’s wine recommendations that I think are the best (and 1 that I’m not a fan of):
1. Emma Reichart Pinot Noir Rosé
Wow, this tasty blend really surprised me! I’m picky when it comes to rosé, but this one came highly recommended by numerous wine connoisseurs and it apparently gets cleaned off the Trader Joe’s shelves FAST.
At first sip, this wine is very crisp and refreshing, with prominent citrus and berry notes that aren’t too overwhelming or tart. It’s dry overall, but very clean and smooth. At just under $6, you might want to pick up an extra bottle or two because this rosé compliments a variety of different foods.
- Price: $5.99
- Taste: Dry, red currant, mildly tart, juicy
- Pairings: light salads, seafood, spicy foods
“This was a last-minute buy from Trader Joe’s, and I will for sure buy again! So smooth, strawberry, peach, lemon, a nice acidic finish that has a sweet bite to it. Rose all day.” – Vivino reviewer
2. Rare Earth Cabernet Sauvignon
Rare Earth’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon has a very bold flavor, making it stand out amongst other affordable cab blends. It has a fruity and vanilla essence with a very smooth finish that reminds me of amaretto flavors.
This medium-bodied blend was so easy to drink! It’s sweet enough to balance out the acidity and smooth enough to pour a second glass. I also love that it’s made with organic grapes and contains fewer sulfites. This is my go-to red wine choice to pair with red meats and Italian dishes!
- Price: $7.99
- Taste: Oaky with notes of black cherries and vanilla
- Pairings: Steak, Burgers, lamb, spaghetti & meatballs, aged cheddar cheese
“This wine is yummy and a hit with my friends as well. Let it sit in the glass or decant for a smoother finish. On my way to pick up a case at Trader Joe’s where it flies off the shelf!” -Vivino reviewer
3. Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
I’m not usually a fan of Sauvignon Blanc because it often tastes too watery and lacks flavor, in my experience. However, Trader Joe’s 2018 Petit Reserve is quite the opposite and came highly recommended by a Trader Joe’s wine connoisseur.
It’s still a very light wine, but the crisp grapefruit flavor is noticeable right away. It also tastes lower in alcohol, making it pretty easy to drink more of. Like all wine, this blend is an acquired taste but if you’re in the mood for something subtle and citrusy, this is a great option, especially during summertime.
- Price: $7.99
- Taste: Crisp and clean with subtle grapefruit and citrus flavors
- Pairings: Flaky fish, dark vegetables, creamy cheeses
“This is really good Sauvignon blanc from Trader Joe’s! Slightly sweet, very crisp, bubbly. Flavors of pear. Tart also. Would be perfect for the summer!” – Vivino reviewer
4. Cherry Blossom Pinot Noir
Cherry Blossom’s Pinot Noir gets a lot of hype and after tasting it, I know why! It’s tart, tangy and a little spicy. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite Pinot Noir of all time, but it’s definitely the best affordable bottle I’ve tasted and I would buy it again.
If I hadn’t seen the price of this Pinot Noir, I would have guessed it was in the $20-$30 range.
- Price: $7.99
- Taste: Tart and dry with distinct chocolate and cherry notes
- Pairings: Salmon, Chicken and creamy pasta dishes, roasted vegetables
“Good value, not too dry, not too sweet. Had a jam flavor which I enjoyed.” – Vivino reviewer
5. Green Fin Red Table Wine
Just getting into red wines? Green Fin’s table wine is the perfect simple blend to start with and not a bad bubble bath sipper if I do say so myself. It’s sweet, fruity, and overall pretty smooth. For an organic grape blend, you really can’t beat the price.
You’ll probably enjoy this one if you prefer sweeter wines. It’s also a great option if you’re hosting a large gathering and want something low-cost, but still tasty.
- Price: $4.99
- Taste: Bold and sweet with lots of fruitiness
- Pairings: Chicken, steak, pizza, any episode of the Bachelor
“For an every day affordable table wine, there is absolutely none better than Green Fin from Trader Joe’s! Smooth and made with organic grapes.” – Vivino reviewer
6. Opaline Pinot Noir Brut Rosé
Ok, this is my new summer favorite! The glitzy bottle was what first caught my eye (yes, I’m a sucker for pretty packaging), but when I heard how popular it was, I was even more excited to taste it.
Crisp, fruity, and delightfully bubbly is how I would describe this sparkling wine. It’s dry, but not too dry and leaves a lingering floral taste in your mouth (in a good way). I highly recommend picking up a bottle or two of Opaline’s Brut Rosé.
- Price: $7.99
- Taste: Light and refreshing with raspberry and citrus overtones
- Pairings: Fish, brie and cured meats, BBQ dishes, brunch food
“Yum! When I think of a classic straight forward rose, this is the taste. Raspberries, strawberries, light citrus. Very light and refreshing – dry to start and finish but sweet in the middle.” – Vivino reviewer
This chardonnay was unfortunately a swing and a miss! 👎
I love a good chardonnay and was really hopeful Big Churn’s would hit the spot, but all I can say about this one is vi-no-way! It was a little too oaky for my liking and I got lost in the flavors like there was almost too much going on.
I also found the aftertaste to be a bit odd and unnatural like there were artificial flavors in the mix. Thankfully, I have a few other favorites to fall back on, but I won’t be picking up any more bottles of this chardonnay.
What’s your favorite Trader Joe’s wine? Have you tasted any of the ones on our list? Please share!
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Totally agree on the Big Churn. Not a fan. There is a Chardonnay with Butter in the name and a yellow label that’s WAY good. Can’t remember the exact name tho 😏
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that wasn’t the biggest fan of that one! I’ll have to look for the Butter one that you’re talking about next time. Thanks for sharing Hipgrandma! 🥰
Looked it up. I was wrong. It’s Rebuttel Chardonnay I love. Hope you try it
Rebuttel Chardonnay is absolutely my favorite chardonnay.
Is it Bread and Butter? It’s my fav!
Phigment is a great red blend at $6 a bottle and Mbali is a great wine that has a strong grapefruit taste at only $5!! I stock up on both every time I go!
Agree! These are both excellent wines
OMG!! The Moscato is off the chain delish! And certain seasons they have it in a peach and it will blow your mind!
Agree! Love their Moscato!!!
Peach sounds delicious and perfect for summer! Thanks for the recommendation, Wanda!
The Vinoh Verde by Casal Garcia is pretty good white wine under $10!
Yay! Thanks for sharing that one Ali. Anything under $10 is totally worth trying!
There’s an almond sparkling wine that’s delish!
Yes!!! So yummy! Even use it for Mimosas
I will have to look for that next time. Sounds yum!!!
Almond?! Wow, that sounds so interesting! I’m definitely going to have to try that soon. Thanks for sharing Patricia!
I would add Chariot Red Blend-$6 it’s great!
Oh yay! Thanks for that recommendation SamShops! That’s a great price for a good red blend.
That is one of my fav’s!!!
My husband is a Pinot noir fan and loves the Blue Fin Pinot noir from TJ’s
I’ve also heard good things about that one! Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the new recommendations. One of my favorite TJ wines is Terrain Vineyards California Red Blend. It is $6 a bottle and tastes much more pricey.
$6 is a steal! Thanks for sharing your fave, it’s on my list to try out sometime!
Oh love this post! A novice here and would love to hear recommendations along with pairings- being a vegetarian makes it all the more challenging for me. TIA
Hey Luna! I’ve got to say, rosé and chardonnay are my favorite blends to enjoy with veggies. So refreshing and crisp. I also love a glass of cabernet sauvignon with grilled tofu, it hits the spot!
Ahhhhhhh! I was just at Trader Joes earlier today, and probably won’t be back for quite awhile since it’s an hour away. I *almost* bought a bottle of the Emma Reichart Rosé, but ended up with the Cherry Blossom Rosé. I hope its as good as the Pinot Noir recommended above! My all time favorite TJ’s wine is the La Finca Malbec – delicious and can’t beat the $4.49 price tag.
Oh bummer! I hope you like the Cherry Blossom Rosé. Thanks for the Malbec recommendation, I can’t believe that price!
Cherry Blossom Rose’ is delish. It’s a little more robust that the Emma Reichart looks but I figure it has more anti-oxidants in it if it’s darker. That’s the reason I drink wine – for my health. 😉 ow did you like it?
I love the Cherry Blossom! Totally agree with your recommendation!
Cherry Blossom has been my house ref for years…under $5 (by the way) though not fan of screw tops …convenient when traveling. During a heat wave had it chilled … delicious! ( pardon me red wine gods)
I always chill my reds and take them out about 20 minutes before I drink them. I like a slight chill on them. I read somewhere that is the way to drink them because many years ago, in the castles that were rather chilly, the red wine would be slightly chilly, too.
I’m obsessed with the Joseph Handler Sweet Red, Green Fin Red Table Wine and Balatonboglari Merlot. All three are easy drinking wines.
I love sweet wines. Never got the taste for dry wines. I was raised on german spatlese, auslese, and eiswein and I miss them.
GREAT post!! Thank you so much!!
You’re welcome Lo! It’s fun to see how many Trader Joe’s shoppers are a part of the HIP community!
We don’t have wine in our Trader’s Joe’s as our stupid state has state stores to sell wine. UGH!
Where are you? We are visiting Utah and I think that’s the case here.
Casal Garcia Vinoh Verde is a great summer wine.
For a SPLURGE/special occasion, we like Gundlach Bundschu wines – they usually have the Cabernet at TJ’s.
What’s the best white wine from Traders to cook with?
I think my favorite is Sarah Bee Moscato. I just found out other places may have it too.
That is my daughter’s favorite
I would love an Aldi wine review!!! TJ is too far away for me.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass that on to the team, Kiki!
Any MoonX reds from TJ are superb!
The Gryphon is an excellent Pugliese wine. (I like Sicilians and similar because I find they are by the nature of their unknown-ness always underpriced and since they’re sunny and savage, but more spicy than sweet, still interesting to drink. Cheap and sweet sunny reds displease me) It’s $5 in NY, I think, and though not long in the mouth, is tasty and robust.
It also has a gorgeous, respectable etiquette, which is not always the case with lower priced wines.
I LOVE the Joseph Handler Riesling. I think it’s $5.99. I’m usually not a fan of sweet… but this is light and perfect. Great summer sipping!
I absolutely LOVED Charles Shaw Pinot Noir (organic), now discontinued. And, Green Fin White Table Wine. So now I wonder if it’s worth driving all that way to shop.
After three individual bottles of Emma Reichart Rose Pinot Noir, I will now buy it by the case!
Susuminello is great so is the multipulciano for Italians and cotes du Rhône and Laudenotte and Bourdeaux from France all under 10$
Hi, Taylor! It’s Trey from Trader Joe’s. When it’s time to update this list, try the Kono!
Thanks so much for the recommendation, Trey! We’ll keep that one in mind! 🍷🤗
It’s very you don’t like oaky wines, but there are a LOT of people that do. And we love Big Churn! According to the manager at our Trader Joe’s, they sell a massive amount of this chardonnay. It sounds like you’re the citrusy chardonnay person, usually a beginner.