The best wines at Walmart (11 wines to watch)
Subsidiaries disclose: We may receive commissions for links in this article.
When you need a bottle of wine, whether you’re entertaining or just getting ready for a Netflix night, a trip to the liquor store can add to the hassle.
Fortunately, in many states, Walmart has a wide selection of wines, so if you still want to buy ingredients or snacks, you only need to go to one store. But wine – from Walmart? Do they even carry anything worth buying? As it happens, here are 11 wines to look out for!
Walmart’s Best Wines of 2022
11. Giovanni Da Verrazzano Chianti Classico, $12
Between Florence and Siena lies Verrazzano Castle, from where the 16th-century explorer and adventurer Giovanni Da Verrazzano cheered.
According to Liquor and Wine Outlets, the Italian actually discovered New York Bay and the East Coast as we know it today.
A 12th-century manuscript cites vineyards in the region where he grew up, so it’s no surprise that the wines produced in the region are renowned.
This Chianti is part of Walmart’s own Brewers’ Choice collection (note the distinctive W logo on the neck and bottom of the bottle).
It appears to be a rendition of the eponymous Castello Di Verrazzano Chianti Classico and retails for around $20.
For $8 less, you can enjoy grapes from the same region—exactly the same region, it turns out.
The People’s wine expert pointed out that the “classic” designation shared by both wines means the grapes come from more specific regions of the region.
Save yourself nearly $10 and enjoy a beautiful bottle of red wine that goes well with beef meals like steak or stew.
10. Pure Provence, Coast Provence, $11.20
Spoon University recommends against pairing this liqueur with sweets – which seems like the obvious choice – as it can easily overwhelm your taste buds.
Instead, wine lovers suggest this lovely French rosé is better paired with chicken, vegetables and even cheese.
One reviewer mentioned it would be “perfect on a hot summer day”.
9. Grenache Rose, $11
Another rosé wine is produced in the Languedoc region, the hereditary domain of the counts of Toulouse in the Middle Ages (today, in southern France, it is known as Occitanie).
And, yes, it’s another wine from Walmart’s own Winemaker’s Choice collection.
Bloomberg notes its “spicy and bright” flavor that pairs well with a light salad or a side dish of fresh raw vegetables (gardeners, take note!).
What I love about this rose is that Bloomberg also recommends sipping it poolside, which means it’s delicious without any food pairings and is great on a hot day.
8. Alamos Malbec, $8.92
Alamos recommends this wine as “the most awarded Malbec in the world” and with over 100 years of history in the winemaking industry, they certainly have time for the trophies to pile up.
In fact, in 2018, Alamos Malbec was rated 91 points by renowned wine critic James Suckling, who rated wines out of 100.
Wines with a rating of at least 90 are considered “outstanding”.
The grapes come from the Mendoza region of Argentina, “hidden under the Andes”, and the unique altitude gives the wine its signature silky flavor.
Expect bold black cherry, blackberry and vanilla oak notes.
Both the Epicurious and Alamos sites highly recommend pairing this “perfect big red” with hot red meat on the grill.
I’d also like to add that Walmart sells this wine for at least a dollar less than most other stores, including my own liquor store, which sells it for $9.99 — $2 off.
7. Montagne Noire Francais Cabernet Franc, $10.96
When People, Delish, and Bloomberg recommend something, it’s notable because all three say Montagne Noire Francais Cabernet Franc is special.
What’s more noteworthy? Here’s another wine from Walmart’s own!
People voted it the best product Walmart makes, giving it number one and high praise.
One wine critic said: “Of the French Walmart wines we tasted, this was my favorite because it was more about where it came from.”
He said the Cabernet Sauvignon was “very, very beautiful”.
The Bloomberg writers agree; “This juicy red from the south of France is the best Walmart wine I’ve ever tasted, and the best value for money.”
In the end, the deli only recommends Cabernet Sauvignon with pork dishes, with a thumbs up for the “fruity and spicy” flavors.
However, they also point out that it has a 90 out of 100, making it “excellent”.
6. Winemaker’s Choice Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $5
In 2021, Walmart announced that it will produce a line of wines: Selection Reserve wine labels, including this Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Beverage Tasting Institute awarded the bottle a bronze medal and called it a “Best Buy” (the $5 price tag is truly unbeatable).
The site is also poetic for its aroma (“dried cherries, pencil shavings, dark chocolate and almonds”) and flavor (“same aroma as Tootsie Roll elements”).
5. 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel, $11
If you like puns, this Zinfandel might be for you! As it turns out, the authors of Epicurious have been drinking it for years and continue to find it pretty good.
Total Wine calls it “a sinful concoction indeed,” noting that it has “sweet aromas of raspberry jam, molasses and cinnamon toast.”
This is a fresh, medium-bodied wine made from Zinfandel grapes grown in the Lodi AVA region by Old Vine Zinfandel.
7 Deadly Zins are also grown in an area consisting of 20,000 acres of certified green wine growing areas.
4. Chandon Brut Classic, $17.23
An excellent champagne substitute (remember, real champagne has to come from the Champagne region of France), but this bottle is a bit of a luxury for Walmart nonetheless.
But experts at Epicurious call it “an affordable bottle for summer occasions where bubbles are needed.”
Note the “coarse” name, which does mean it’s drier, not sweeter.
Overall, it’s a lovely and luxurious addition to your Walmart cart that instantly upgrades whatever you’re celebrating.
3. Grenache Pays d’Oc, $11
Another Walmart winemaker’s pick, Grenache grapes from France’s Occitanie region, this “rich and rich” red is especially good for lamb.
At $10 or $11 a bottle (depending on your store), it’s not the cheapest red you can get at Walmart, but it’s still affordable enough to buy some at dinner parties.
Bloomberg reports it’s a “soft, mellow red” with “a balance of spicy and smoky earthy fruits.”
(Bloomberg and People magazine both recommend Syrah from the same variety and region, if you like a little spice.)
2. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, $24.98
The most expensive bottle on this list, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, comes from New Zealand, specifically the Marlborough wine region of the Wairau Valley.
Cloudy Bay is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc wines, in fact, it has helped New Zealand rank at the top of its winemaking scene.
An absolute classic white wine, Epicurious recommends pairing this fresh, ripe Sauvignon Blanc with shellfish platters and light salads.
1. Cono Sur, Single Vineyard Block 23 Rulos Del Alto Riesling, $12.45
Spence University calls this Chilean Riesling “one of the best Rieslings out there,” with a well-balanced sweetness and a strong apple aroma.
Wide Open Eats adds that there is also a spicy lime aroma with a freshness of citrus undertones.
Vivino recommends pairing it with pork, shellfish, spicy food (how about paella?), poultry, and even a charcuterie board.
To learn more, you can also read our post on whether Walmart serves alcohol, Walmart’s alcohol policy, and what you need to know before buying alcohol from Walmart.
in conclusion
Walmart has over 200,000 different items, of which at least a thousand must be great wines.
OK, that’s a bit of a stretch, but not Walmart’s own line, plus the many other high-quality brands it carries, it’s easier than ever to find something to pair with dinner tonight.