More and more consumers are realizing that wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good, allowing stores such as Costco, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s to enter the game. Aside from convenience, the big chains have the power to buy large quantities at a discount and pass the savings on to their customers. As a professional wine judge and Cheapism’s resident wine expert, I tasted house wines from Target to see how they stack up and ranked them based on quality using a 3-star system (with 3 stars being the highest mark). In general, Target offers a lot of value, with solid wines at cheap prices. Here are my tasting notes, from white to rosé to red, and my top pick for best wine at Target.
Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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California Roots Chardonnay
$5Shop Now
Rating: 3 out of 3 stars
This white wine’s aromas are light but very clean and fresh. A nice pop of acidity hits the palate and turns into juicy citrus fruit with some tropical undertones. The flavors are bright and juicy without tilting into sweet. This is a lovely sipping wine.Related: 20 Affordable Wine Clubs That Will Satisfy Even the Snobs
California Roots Moscato
$5Shop Now
Rating: 3 stars
Peachy on the nose, this white wine has light and juicy aromas. Gently sweet with a touch of effervescence, it’s balanced with tartness so that each sip finishes dry. Tasty and true to the style, this is an easy wine to enjoy.
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Wine Cube Sauvignon Blanc
$18 for a 3-liter boxShop Now
Rating: 2 stars
With almost no aromatics, this white wine is all about being crisp and refreshing without any boldness. Subtle tart green fruit and chalky mineral flavors keep the profile simple, clean, and crisp. All in all, a neutral wine.
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Wine Cube Pinot Grigio
$18 (3-liter box)Shop Now
Rating: 2 stars
There is not a lot going on in this simple white wine, which is virtually odorless and very light in flavor. Flavors of lemons, green apples, and tart pear are all clean and well-balanced. Each sip leaves the mouth fresh, especially when enjoyed very chilled.For more great wine tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
Wine Cube Chardonnay
$18 (3-liter box)Shop Now
Rating: 1 star
Peachy aromas are delicate and fresh. The flavor is medium rich with strong notes of sea minerals and green apple skin. A hint of spice on the finish rounds out the flavor profile of this white wine, which could be paired with dark leafy greens to temper the bitter undertones.
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California Roots Pinot Grigio
$5 Shop Now
Rating: 1 star
Aromas of white flowers and orange oil are subtle. The wine has a slight spritz to it, which lightens the otherwise heavy body. It almost seems to have a touch of sweetness, like overripe peach and pineapple. The finish is dry and slightly tangy.
Looking to spend a bit more on a white? Be sure to check out 31 Good White Wines for $20 or Less.
California Roots Rosé
$5Shop Now
Rating: 2.5 stars
Copper tones lend a nice shimmer to this salmon-colored rosé. Flavors are reminiscent of a bowl of freshly picked strawberries, white raspberries, and cream. This fruit-forward wine is juicy and ripe with a clean finish.
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Yes Way Rosé
$14Shop Now
Rating: 1.5 stars
This rosé is very pale pink in the glass. In the mouth, the flavors are light and subtle, with gentle notes of berries, herbs, and lemon zest. This is a delicate wine that is light in all senses.
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Wine Cube Red Blend
$18 (3-liter box)Shop Now
Rating: 3 stars
Subtle spice mixes with red fruit aromas on the nose. Medium rich and juicy, this red wine is very fruity, with plenty of cherry and berry flavors. A slightly leathery tannin balances the ripeness of the fruit for an easy-drinking wine.
Related: How to Spot a Good, Cheap Bottle of Wine
Wine Cube Pinot Noir
$18 (3-liter box)Shop Now
Rating: 2.5 stars
The light and fruity aromas of crushed red flowers, berries, and white button mushrooms are very typical for pinot noir. The flavors are similarly focused, balanced between earthy and berry, with a hint of candied citrus.
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California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon
$5Shop Now
Rating: 2.5 stars
Light aromas are almost creamy with red fruit preserves. Soft and velvety on the palate, this red wine brings a big burst of ripe bing cherries with earthy overtones. The flavors are long-lasting and the finish is slightly floral.
California Roots Red Blend
$5Shop Now
Rating: 2.5 stars
Dark fruit aromas are mixed with earthy notes. Supple and velvety, this smooth and round red wine coats the mouth with red and black fruit flavors. A subtle spice lingers on the finish for just a hint of complexity.
Wine Cube Cabernet Sauvignon
$18 (3-liter box)Shop Now
Rating: 2 stars
Plums, black cherries, and other dark fruits make for ripe and juicy aromas. The flavors are powerful and bold with cinnamon spice, woodsy undertones, and red berries. The finish is short, dry, and clean, and the tannins leave a bit of dusty dryness that lingers.
Related: Taste Test: The Best Canned Wine to Try
Wine Cube Dark Red Blend
$18 (3-liter box)Shop Now
Rating: 2 stars
Rich, red fruit aromas are ripe and inviting. Bright red raspberries and dark cherry flavors are tart and juicy. The flavors are simple and well-balanced. The finish is very short and dry.
And the Winner Is …
California Roots Chardonnay ($5)
This was not the only Target house wine to earn my top score of 3 stars, but it stood out as a highly drinkable bottle of its variety at an incredibly low price.
