Trader Joe’s is a little haven in the grocery shopping world for me.  It’s not too big and overwhelming nor is it over priced and pretentious.  It the perfect collection of the must haves and the can’t live withouts that I have been frequenting since I was a little kid.  We would visit family in South Pasadena and a stop into the TJs on Mission was always a must to pick up beer, nuts, chips, salsa, and of course, chocolate.  Nowadays Trader Joe’s is a weekly stop for me to shop for all of our meals and to restock the wine fridge without breaking the bank.  One of the most common questions I am asked is what are my favorite wines so today I am sharing 3 favorites with all of you!

Let me begin this by saying, I am not a wine expert.  I don’t know about the tannins, how the terroir impacts the flavor, and I can rarely call out flavor notes other than “I like this!”  But I have been told my lack of expert knowledge is what will actually make this relate able to the average wine drinker

Rancho Sisquoc River Red (9.99) – This is a big, bold, and juicy California (this is how Chris describes my perfect glass of red) style red blend from my hometown of Santa Maria.  The blend seems like a lot (Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot, Syrah, Cab Franc, Malbec, Petite Verdot, and Sangiovese) but somehow all these very unique styles of wine come together in a perfect glass that holds up to my favorite Sunday dinner of smoked Tri Tip.

Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet ($10.99) – Mondavi has never been one of my “go to” wines but this Bourbon Aged Cab is a whole other level!  The barrels give this cab a really full flavor and there is a hint of vanilla that I really love.  The label calls out notes of black cherry and brown sugar that definitely stand up to the True Roots Chocolate Souffle I love.

La Ferme Julien Rosé ($5.99) – I know, you are all thinking there is NO WAY a bottle of rosé this inexpensive can be any good.  It is.  Chris first introduced me to this rosé on a hot Summer afternoon paired with cheese, charcuterie, and french bread and it was perfection.  If I like my reds big, bold and juicy I prefer my rosé to be crisp, clean, and dry which is exactly what this bottle is.  It’s my ultimate Summer Water and the perfect poolside treat.

XO, Niki