Finding quality: US grocery and big-box stores
Decanter takes a look at how wines made for national distribution may provide quality options for consumers anywhere in the country. Plus 15 wines to try.
In the US wine industry, premium wine from boutique producers reigns supreme. Whether implicitly or explicitly stated, these wines garner respect and esteem from wine enthusiasts. Correspondingly, their high point scores and critic reviews positively impact bottom-line sales. In contrast, the vast majority of American consumers purchase their wines (and alcohol in general), most commonly at grocery stores and big-box wine retailers.
Scroll down for a selection of 15 wines to try from grocery and big-box stores
Producers of fine wines will often craft wines from broader appellations – rather than sub appellation or single vineyard offerings – as a way to build their brand beyond their tasting room and wine collector audiences.
Convenience is king
With more than 260 stores, Total Wine & More is now the largest alcohol retailer in the US, with revenues of over $6bn. According to Rodolphe Boulanger, vice president of wine merchandising at the chain, ‘customers rave about the convenience of being able to find all the wines, beers and spirits they’re looking for in one location.’
This convenience drives consumers. ‘While supporting small businesses is encouraged, many consumers still value the convenience of big-box stores, making accessibility a key factor in their purchasing decisions,’ says Aly Wente, vice president of marketing & experiences at Wente Vineyards, her family’s fifth-generation winery in the Livermore Valley of California.
Complexities of distribution
The United States alcohol industry operates within a three-tier system in which wineries must work through an importer or distributor to secure placements of their wines in both on-premise (i.e. restaurants and bars) and off-premise (i.e. wine shops and retail stores) locations.
This ‘distribution’ model is in contrast to selling their wines directly to consumers (DTC) either in a tasting room, online, or through a wine club. Profitability is higher with the DTC model, but distribution helps you more easily secure brand recognition in the marketplace, primarily through placements at large retailers.
Just because a quality producer has a wine in wide distribution does not mean the wine is made any differently than their smaller production bottlings.
Some of the best values will be found in these more significant production and broader appellation designate wines. Small, quality producers strategically distribute such wines to expose more wine drinkers to their brand. Their single vineyard or single block ultra-premium wines only have so much reach due to their small production sizes and higher price points.
Large retailers also chose to carry larger appellation premium wines in only select stores to localise the assortment. ‘We’re big believers in carrying local wines and popular brands. Although we have stores from coast to coast, every store carries a different assortment,’ says Boulanger.
Courting new consumers
Early in their wine-drinking journey, consumers may be unfamiliar with specific regional sub-AVAs, let alone understanding the corresponding quality hierarchies that these designations may imply. Still, they will likely be familiar with broad and established appellations such as ‘Napa Valley’ or ‘Columbia Valley’.
Wente agrees: ‘Broader appellation designates appeal to a wider consumer base that may not be familiar with specific wine regions and their distinctions.’ Aaron Barnett, a winemaker at Paul Hobbs’ Crossbarn brand, emphasises: ‘A broad appellation wine is a terrific introduction to the region’s terroir – to the depth and balance it’s capable of in a blend of expressions from top sites.’
Crafting approachability
The ‘red blend’ category has seen significant growth in the US wine market. It is the third largest selling category after Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (according to the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank Report).
For the seasoned wine drinker, a ‘blend’ typically refers to a wine made from multiple grape varieties. For this discussion, we’re referring to a quality and value-driven wine made up of grapes from multiple places within one larger region. In the Old World, classic wines such as Cotes du Rhône, or Bordeaux Rouge or Blanc come to mind.
‘Bordeaux blends are rooted in this philosophy. Crafting a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon versus a multi-appellate Cabernet Sauvignon is like trying to colour a picture with four crayons instead of a 24-pack,’ says Hope Goldie, vice president of winemaking at Darioush in Napa Valley.
Broader appellation wines allow the winemaker to select the aroma, flavour, and textural elements from each site they seek in the final wine.
Barnett demonstrates this with Crossbarn’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. ‘You’ll find bright acidity from cool West Sonoma Coast, powerful fruit with complementary earth notes from Russian River Valley, and even playful hints from smaller sub-AVAs like Sebastopol Hills.’
He continues, ‘All those elements together create the larger Sonoma Coast palate, but even if the wine drinker doesn’t realise it, individually, they’re also offering introductions to smaller, distinctive regions.’
The role of gateway wines
Winemaking is a complicated process filled with seemingly endless decisions that inform the final wine in the glass. Crafting a wine from a broader appellation requires restraint from the winemaker. Restraint to understand that not all wine must be super-premium. Restraint to embrace the reality that there is tremendous value in showcasing a quality wine from a broader appellation that appeals to more wine drinkers.
This helps bring brands in front of new customers. Perhaps those same drinkers can grow with the brand and enjoy their other smaller-production offerings. Barnett hopes to ‘build their confidence to take deeper dives into the sub-AVAs with our Paul Hobbs vineyard-designate wines or that they’ll taste wines from other producers who work with the same regions’.
Blossoming wine aficionados can find quality, value and a sense of place in grocery or big-box retailers through wines of the broader appellation. These ‘appellation’ SKUs are quality wines that speak for themselves and where they came from, no matter how broad the region.
‘Wine is about exploration and discovery, so embracing some level of risk and adventure in your choices can lead to rewarding experiences,’ says Wente.
‘While it’s exciting to detect a specific sense of place in a vineyard-designate wine, it’s also incredibly satisfying to find in a well-made appellation wine,’ concludes Barnett.
Fifteen fantastic finds in national distribution
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Soter Vineyards, Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2021
94
Chardonnay grapes were sourced from the Soter estate Mineral Springs vineyard and other vineyards in Eola-Amity Hills. On the nose, fresh, tart citrus notes give way to aromas of sea spray juxtaposed with spice rack notes, which add interest and complexity. The palate showcases a contrast from a backbone of acidity to fleshiness, roundness, and dairy notes from malolactic fermentation in the winery. The finish is lengthy and complex, moving from warming spices to a toasted nuttiness. This stunner would sing with scallops in a cream sauce.
2021
Soter VineyardsWillamette Valley
Flowers, Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2022
93
Top-quality Sonoma producer Flowers sourced organically farmed grapes from their estate and other Sonoma Coast vineyards. Pronounced citrus notes, green crab apples, and herbaceousness (thyme) on the nose in this highly aromatic, classic California Chardonnay. The citrus moves to a preserved lemon character on the palate, with pervasive fresh herbs. High acidity gives a backbone to this creamy, varietally-correct Chardonnay. Tension and judicious use of oak showcase quality and intention in winemaking. Pair with a Moroccan chicken tagine.
2022
FlowersSonoma County
Alma de Cattleya, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2023
90
From the hands of Colombian-born Bibiana González Rave comes this intensely aromatic and expressive Sauvignon Blanc. On the nose, the wine gives heaps of citrus, from key lime to lemon candies, stone fruit and faint aromas of cut grass. High acidity and juiciness burst from the glass, with flavours of elderflower. It is a wine that seriously over-delivers for the price.
2023
Alma de CattleyaSonoma County
Gary Farrell, Russian River Selection Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2022
90
Sourced from a small handful of vineyards, each lending something to this Russian River Chardonnay blend. On the nose, citrus (lemon curd) and green fruit (green apple and pear) are easy to find, plus hefty spice notes of clove and poached pears. The palate is a harmony of acidity, rich citrus and fruit notes, plus baking spices—a boisterous California Chardonnay with a spicy and baked fruit finish. Enjoy with chicken baked with Chinese Five Spice.
2022
Gary FarrellSonoma County
Fess Parker, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County, California, USA, 2023
89
Fess Parker, a third-generation family-owned winery, sourced from eight Chardonnay vineyards in Santa Barbara County to craft this large production, top-valued wine. On the nose, the wine is clean, fresh, and full of bright fruit aromas of citrus (lemon curd), plus a subtle dairy note. Green apples and lemon notes on the palate give way to a pleasant, long finish of nuttiness and toasted coconut.
2023
Fess ParkerSanta Barbara County
Presqu'ile Winery, Rosé, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA, 2023
89
With a bright raspberry colour in the glass, this rosé bursts with aromas of juicy fruit bubblegum, raspberries, and watermelon. The palate is equally juicy and mouthwatering with red fruit and rose petal floral notes. Quaffable and delivers a straightforward and enjoyable rosé.
2023
Presqu'ile WinerySanta Maria Valley
Flora Springs, Trilogy, Napa Valley, Napa County, California, USA, 2021
93
Gorgeous perfumed blue and black fruits, including bramble and blackberries, frame the nose. An herbal mint and eucalyptus note on the nose indicates quality. The fruit characteristics on the palate are concentrated and focused, a study of cohesion in the glass. Velvety smooth tannins and an air of restraint make this a meditative red blend to savour unhurriedly.
2021
Flora SpringsNapa Valley
Darioush, Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Napa County, California, USA, 2021
92
Founded 26 years ago by an Iranian-American family settled in Napa, Darioush showcases quality with its signature Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is dark, brooding, and angular in nature, with cassis, black cherries, dark chocolate, and sage notes. The still dark palate leans into tertiary flavours of dark chocolate, cedar, and warming spices. The tannins are squarely at the forefront of this wine and do not hold back. It is an assertive wine and welcome on the table next to a freshly grilled rib-eye steak.
2021
DarioushNapa Valley
Mark Ryan, Long Haul Red Wine, Columbia Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, 2021
91
Deep dark (blue and black) berries prevail on the nose, culminating in a waft of blueberry pie. A slight herbaceous menthol note adds a freshness to the nose of this Merlot-dominant blend. Dark fruits, Morello cherries, and blackberries continue on the palate, and fresh cracked black pepper and medium tannins appear. This muscular yet round wine is perfect to showcase with food, perhaps roasted duck breast in a cherry sauce.
2021
Mark RyanColumbia Valley
Rodney Strong Vineyards, Symmetry Red Blend, Sonoma County, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2018
91
This is a classic, recognisable California Red Blend from legacy producer Rodney Strong. The nose offers red and black fruits that are slightly dried, plus fresh vanilla bean. The palate is generous and full of dark fruits, plus a grounded, earthy nature from the extended oak ageing. The blend is the showcase, with no particular grape rushing to the finish line.
2018
Rodney Strong VineyardsSonoma County
Band of Vintners, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2021
90
Founded by seven wine industry friends (including one MW) who sought to prove that a quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon could be made for under $40. Bountiful juicy and ripe red fruits give way to tobacco leaf and leather notes on the nose. The palate showcases well-integrated tannins, ripe red fruits, sweet vanilla, and a touch of earthiness. QPR is the main attraction here for your perfect Tuesday night steak wine.
2021
Band of VintnersNapa Valley
Crossbarn Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2021
90
From flying winemaker Paul Hobbs comes his Crossbarn brand showcasing this youthful Cabernet Sauvignon expression. With a woody, earthiness on the nose, black lifted fruit gives way to a full spice rack of aromas. The palate highlights the tension of an iron fist (tannins and tobacco leaf) and a velvet glove (ripe fruit plus sweet spice). Generous tannin influence adds structure and backbone.
2021
Crossbarn WinerySonoma County
Daou, Bodyguard, Paso Robles, Paso Robles, California, USA, 2022
90
From the Lebanese-born Daou brothers, this dark-complected red blend holds nothing back. On the nose, the pronounced dark fruit aromas of plums, cherries, and blackberry compote move to vanilla and sweet spice. The palate serves up tannins on a platter, plus a similar dark and concentrated fruit character. Full-bodied, ripe, rich, and generous.
2022
DaouPaso Robles
Wente Vineyards, Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend, Central Coast, Central Coast, California, USA, 2021
Wente, America’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, offers a high-quality, value-priced red blend to please varying palates. The nose is generous and dark-fruited, with black...
2021
Wente VineyardsCentral Coast
Nielson Wines, Pinot Noir, Monterey County, Monterey County, California, USA, 2022
88
A cross-regional blend of Monterey County (60%) and Santa Barbara (40%) Pinot Noir fruit from the producer who planted the first commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara. The nose gives bright red fruit notes of cranberry and pomegranate, also found on the palate. This wine is simple and primarily fruit-driven, with a hint of baking spices on the back palate—a successful entry-level Pinot Noir.
2022
Nielson WinesMonterey County
Soter Vineyards, Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2021
94
Chardonnay grapes were sourced from the Soter estate Mineral Springs vineyard and other vineyards in Eola-Amity Hills. On the nose, fresh, tart citrus notes give way to aromas of sea spray juxtaposed with spice rack notes, which add interest and complexity. The palate showcases a contrast from a backbone of acidity to fleshiness, roundness, and dairy notes from malolactic fermentation in the winery. The finish is lengthy and complex, moving from warming spices to a toasted nuttiness. This stunner would sing with scallops in a cream sauce.
2021
Soter VineyardsWillamette Valley
Flowers, Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2022
93
Top-quality Sonoma producer Flowers sourced organically farmed grapes from their estate and other Sonoma Coast vineyards. Pronounced citrus notes, green crab apples, and herbaceousness (thyme) on the nose in this highly aromatic, classic California Chardonnay. The citrus moves to a preserved lemon character on the palate, with pervasive fresh herbs. High acidity gives a backbone to this creamy, varietally-correct Chardonnay. Tension and judicious use of oak showcase quality and intention in winemaking. Pair with a Moroccan chicken tagine.
2022
FlowersSonoma County
Alma de Cattleya, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2023
90
From the hands of Colombian-born Bibiana González Rave comes this intensely aromatic and expressive Sauvignon Blanc. On the nose, the wine gives heaps of citrus, from key lime to lemon candies, stone fruit and faint aromas of cut grass. High acidity and juiciness burst from the glass, with flavours of elderflower. It is a wine that seriously over-delivers for the price.
2023
Alma de CattleyaSonoma County
Gary Farrell, Russian River Selection Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2022
90
Sourced from a small handful of vineyards, each lending something to this Russian River Chardonnay blend. On the nose, citrus (lemon curd) and green fruit (green apple and pear) are easy to find, plus hefty spice notes of clove and poached pears. The palate is a harmony of acidity, rich citrus and fruit notes, plus baking spices—a boisterous California Chardonnay with a spicy and baked fruit finish. Enjoy with chicken baked with Chinese Five Spice.
2022
Gary FarrellSonoma County
Fess Parker, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County, California, USA, 2023
89
Fess Parker, a third-generation family-owned winery, sourced from eight Chardonnay vineyards in Santa Barbara County to craft this large production, top-valued wine. On the nose, the wine is clean, fresh, and full of bright fruit aromas of citrus (lemon curd), plus a subtle dairy note. Green apples and lemon notes on the palate give way to a pleasant, long finish of nuttiness and toasted coconut.
2023
Fess ParkerSanta Barbara County
Presqu'ile Winery, Rosé, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA, 2023
89
With a bright raspberry colour in the glass, this rosé bursts with aromas of juicy fruit bubblegum, raspberries, and watermelon. The palate is equally juicy and mouthwatering with red fruit and rose petal floral notes. Quaffable and delivers a straightforward and enjoyable rosé.
2023
Presqu'ile WinerySanta Maria Valley
Flora Springs, Trilogy, Napa Valley, Napa County, California, USA, 2021
93
Gorgeous perfumed blue and black fruits, including bramble and blackberries, frame the nose. An herbal mint and eucalyptus note on the nose indicates quality. The fruit characteristics on the palate are concentrated and focused, a study of cohesion in the glass. Velvety smooth tannins and an air of restraint make this a meditative red blend to savour unhurriedly.
2021
Flora SpringsNapa Valley
Darioush, Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Napa County, California, USA, 2021
92
Founded 26 years ago by an Iranian-American family settled in Napa, Darioush showcases quality with its signature Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is dark, brooding, and angular in nature, with cassis, black cherries, dark chocolate, and sage notes. The still dark palate leans into tertiary flavours of dark chocolate, cedar, and warming spices. The tannins are squarely at the forefront of this wine and do not hold back. It is an assertive wine and welcome on the table next to a freshly grilled rib-eye steak.
2021
DarioushNapa Valley
Mark Ryan, Long Haul Red Wine, Columbia Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, 2021
91
Deep dark (blue and black) berries prevail on the nose, culminating in a waft of blueberry pie. A slight herbaceous menthol note adds a freshness to the nose of this Merlot-dominant blend. Dark fruits, Morello cherries, and blackberries continue on the palate, and fresh cracked black pepper and medium tannins appear. This muscular yet round wine is perfect to showcase with food, perhaps roasted duck breast in a cherry sauce.
2021
Mark RyanColumbia Valley
Rodney Strong Vineyards, Symmetry Red Blend, Sonoma County, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2018
91
This is a classic, recognisable California Red Blend from legacy producer Rodney Strong. The nose offers red and black fruits that are slightly dried, plus fresh vanilla bean. The palate is generous and full of dark fruits, plus a grounded, earthy nature from the extended oak ageing. The blend is the showcase, with no particular grape rushing to the finish line.
2018
Rodney Strong VineyardsSonoma County
Band of Vintners, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2021
90
Founded by seven wine industry friends (including one MW) who sought to prove that a quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon could be made for under $40. Bountiful juicy and ripe red fruits give way to tobacco leaf and leather notes on the nose. The palate showcases well-integrated tannins, ripe red fruits, sweet vanilla, and a touch of earthiness. QPR is the main attraction here for your perfect Tuesday night steak wine.
2021
Band of VintnersNapa Valley
Crossbarn Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2021
90
From flying winemaker Paul Hobbs comes his Crossbarn brand showcasing this youthful Cabernet Sauvignon expression. With a woody, earthiness on the nose, black lifted fruit gives way to a full spice rack of aromas. The palate highlights the tension of an iron fist (tannins and tobacco leaf) and a velvet glove (ripe fruit plus sweet spice). Generous tannin influence adds structure and backbone.
2021
Crossbarn WinerySonoma County
Daou, Bodyguard, Paso Robles, Paso Robles, California, USA, 2022
90
From the Lebanese-born Daou brothers, this dark-complected red blend holds nothing back. On the nose, the pronounced dark fruit aromas of plums, cherries, and blackberry compote move to vanilla and sweet spice. The palate serves up tannins on a platter, plus a similar dark and concentrated fruit character. Full-bodied, ripe, rich, and generous.
2022
DaouPaso Robles
Wente Vineyards, Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend, Central Coast, Central Coast, California, USA, 2021
Wente, America’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, offers a high-quality, value-priced red blend to please varying palates. The nose is generous and dark-fruited, with black...
2021
Wente VineyardsCentral Coast
Nielson Wines, Pinot Noir, Monterey County, Monterey County, California, USA, 2022
88
A cross-regional blend of Monterey County (60%) and Santa Barbara (40%) Pinot Noir fruit from the producer who planted the first commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara. The nose gives bright red fruit notes of cranberry and pomegranate, also found on the palate. This wine is simple and primarily fruit-driven, with a hint of baking spices on the back palate—a successful entry-level Pinot Noir.
2022
Nielson WinesMonterey County
