The Wine Shopping Tip Trader Joe's Shoppers Should Know

The Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer holds monthly specials that pique people's interest, and its social media accounts tout the latest must-have finds. But shoppers have come to appreciate a secret in the wine section. Instead of listening to that bell-ringing Morse code, wine lovers should open their eyes when walking through the aisles.

As Trader Joe's marketing director Tara Miller suggested on the store's "Inside Trader Joe's" podcast (via Real Simple), shoppers should make a beeline for the wine stacks. That's not a library reference, the stacks are the aisle end, or end cap, displays in the store. Specifically, Miller said, "the stacks are the wines that sell at the highest rate — at the fastest rate. So, you can probably be sure those are gonna be really good."

Even if someone prefers not to venture beyond their favorite oaky chardonnay or only prefers jammy pinot noir, Trade Joe's approachable price point, coupled with the wine buyer's knowledge, could make this tip a huge value and an opportunity to expand their horizons. Even if that new bottle purchase doesn't become the perennial Friday night pour, rolling the dice based on solid advice could be a flavor experience windfall.

After picking up a bottle or two from the Trader Joe's stacks, wine drinkers might want to explore more varietals from that winery. Unfortunately, some Trader Joe's wines might not have the winery's name on the label. While people may think the lack of information is a mistake or a bait-and-switch, the decision is intentional.

"Inside Trader Joe's" podcast co-host Matt Sloan explained on the show that the TJ's wine labels do offer some clues regarding the drinks' origins. Specifically, Sloan recommends wine drinkers note the lot number on the bottle and even snap a photo of the label. Although it might not be as easy as uploading that photo to Vivino, the lot number references a particular producing winery. Even if the vintage is offered or another version of a particular wine, the same lot number is used. Remembering that Lot 32 or Lot 13 might lead to rediscovering a favorite sipper. 

As "Inside Trader Joe's" podcast co-host Tara Miller said in the same episode, "Wine isn't produced by magic and romance. It's produced with agriculture and chemistry." In this case, that lot number is a lot like the heart note etched in the tree for all to remember where that beautiful wine originated.

Although the longstanding label "Two-Buck Chuck" might still get giggles, the reality is that Trader Joe's wine prices are far from wallet-emptying. Even though an oenophile might want to regale friends with that overpriced bottle from the cellar, dollars and quality aren't always an equal equation. Instead of spending $10 for a glass at the restaurant, a $10 bottle of Trader Joe's wine might be preferable.

And given TJ's approachable wine prices, shoppers might be willing to give something a whirl. What drinkers might not appreciate is that the wine behind that simple label might be a well-known brand. As revealed on the "Inside Trader Joe's" podcast, winemakers prefer to keep their partnership tucked in the back of the cellar. If a similar bottle from the same winery sells for $20 at a liquor store but only $10 at Trader Joe's, the pricing police might want to serve a citation. 

This scenario happens across Trader Joe's shelves, and not just in the wine section — many well-known brands are the force behind the store's private-label products. Instead of focusing on the label's pretty imagery or gravitating towards a name, trust the people who put the bottle on the shelf.