Trader Joe’s Just Leaked Info on a New, Budget-Friendly Wine Hitting Shelves Soon

Mara Weinraub
Mara WeinraubSenior Editor of Groceries at The Kitchn
I nudged my way into writing about food after a too-long stint working in advertising. At first, I freelanced for several digital food media outlets, and then worked at Hearst Magazines as the Senior Food & Drink Editor across nearly all titles, including Delish, Good Housekeeping, and Pioneer Woman. I’ve been at The Kitchn since August 2021, and one of my proudest accomplishments is my feature detailing the fascinating grocer solutions to America’s food waste problem. (If you haven’t read it, now’s the time!) I nerd out over groceries. One of the best parts of my job is sharing little-known or untold stories that help shoppers navigate the aisles — and their budget — like the “two-finger” rule on how to pick out the perfect watermelon, our editors' favorite hot cocoa mix, or a corner of our country's food system. I’m always looking for new ways to expand the groceries conversation at The Kitchn.
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published Nov 9, 2021
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Tara Miller and Matt Sloan, the hosts of the podcast Inside Trader Joe’s, are notoriously chatty. They’re usually willing to share all sorts of stories and secrets about products. But on the latest episode, the two are uncharacteristically tight-lipped. They’re joined by special guest co-host Pat, a crew member who works with many of the grocer’s wine suppliers and their tour guide for the trip, to discuss — or not discuss — wine.

In between the redacted info (so many bleeps!), we still managed to learn a lot about wine, including the differences between barrels made with French oak and American oak, the rules of blending (the wine must have 75 percent of the stated variety on the label), and California’s ideal microclimate (a consistent 20-degree difference in temperature is key). The highlight of the episode, though, has to be the unveiling of a new, private-label wine that’s hitting stores in the coming months. The three hosts even got to taste some while recording, and let’s just say we’re dusting off our most festive wine glasses for the occasion.

New Trader Joe’s Wine: 2020 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Trader Joe’s is releasing a 2020 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s the third Grand Reserve label Cabernet Sauvignon from Trader Joe’s (according to Pat, the first was in 2014; the second was in 2017), and this year’s is, as Miller says, “incredibly drinkable.” The wine is a blend from two wineries and also includes “small bits of other varieties like a Petit Verdot [and] Merlot,” says Leslie, a winemaker. While the podcasters didn’t give a price point, they did talk about their great values, and based on their other wines, we have a feeling this wine will be available for a steal!

The Trader Joe’s 2020 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon will be hitting stores right after the holiday season in January/February 2022. First tested and approved by the tasting team in July, the wine’s “only gotten better over time actually,” Leslie adds. “It was a little closed and tannic and now that’s fading away and the fruit is shining through, really bright red fruit.” We’ll drink to that!

Do you have a favorite Trader Joe’s wine? Tell us in the comments below!

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