On The Counter

Charles Shaw Wines - A Decade of Value

Monthly Wine Feature February 2012

Celebrating a Decade of Value - Happy Anniversary, Charles Shaw!

It seems like just yesterday, but it was actually 10 years ago, that these unassuming bottles were brought to our shelves. Little did we know, Charles Shaw Wines would uncork a revolution that would turn the wine world upside down, or depending on your perspective, right side up. How did you do it, Charles Shaw? Simple. Over the decade, these wines consistently delivered on the promise of:

1. Good Juice (in many cases, award-winning)
2. Really good value (hence their affable moniker: "Two"-buck Chuck)

Since 2002, our Charles Shaw Wines have garnered a large, loyal following. By large we mean that we've sold about 600 million bottles of the various varietals. That's sizeable. Crafted for us by one of California's largest winemakers – a real stickler for quality and consistency – these wines are fruity, uncomplicated and meant to be drunk young (and often). And distinct from other bottles in this price range, they are all vintage wines that use real cork.

A decade later, they remain a proud icon of Trader Joe's value. No matter which varietal you choose, and depending on the availability, you can expect to find Charles Shaw Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or White Zinfandel for the incredible price of $1.99* per bottle, only at Trader Joe's. So we raise our glasses to you, Charles Shaw… In fact, it's such a deal, we raise our bottles! Cheers to another wonderful decade!

It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend; one's present or future thirst; the excellence of the wine; or any other reason. - Latin Proverb

Charles Shaw Chardonnay
  • Origin: California, USA
  • Producers: Famous sticklers for quality, consistency & value
  • Style: Drinkable and affordable
  • Varietals: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel
  • Character: Vintage Wines, Real Cork
  • Anniversary: 10th
  • Alcohol: Yes!
  • Price*: $1.99 in CA; $2.49 in OR & WA; $2.59 in ME; $2.79 in GA; $2.99 in NV, AZ, NM, TX, IL, IA, NE, KY, WI, MO, IN, MI, MA, NJ, DC, NC, SC & FL; $3.29 in VA; and $3.79 in OH
Pairing Suggestions: Good friends, A savvy budget; 80s movies; Weeknight dinners; Long walks on the beach; Watching sports on TV; Games of Jenga; Backyard picnics; Happy anniversary celebrations!

* Alcohol availability & price may vary due to state laws, taxes, shipment fees & other such stuff. (If we could, we would...)