Costco Kirkland Signature Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave
I would be remiss not to highlight the reliable Pinot Grigio, the go-to house white wine that I tend to stock by the case for any occasion that calls for a generous pour of white (which is to say, most occasions). Costco's Kirkland Signature Pinot Grigio Friuli is a wine I've praised in numerous best-of lists.
This Pinot Grigio comes from Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region in northeastern Italy near Slovenia and Austria. Known for its emphasis on white wines, this area produces bottles that are lean, crisp, and bursting with refreshing acidity. This particular wine checks all the boxes: it's light, easy to drink, and lower in alcohol — ideal for leisurely afternoons on the porch, sipping by the pool, or serving to a crowd without everyone opting for beer or cocktails due to a lackluster wine selection. And the best part? Costco offers this gem for just $5 a bottle. That's a bargain, especially since entry-level wines from this region typically cost twice as much. Plus, it features a screw cap, which — let’s face it — gets us to that chilled glass of white wine even faster.
The Pinot Project Pinot Grigio
The Pinot Project was established with the aim of crafting delicious and affordable Pinot Noir suitable for any occasion—and they have certainly achieved that goal. Their delightful Pinot Noir consistently earns high praise from wine critics and is widely available. Therefore, it’s no surprise that their Pinot Grigio is just as enjoyable. Sourced from the Veneto region of Italy, this wine is made in a clean, easy-drinking style that is a fantastic value at $13.99 per bottle. It’s also available in half-bottles, making it an ideal lunchtime indulgence for you and a friend (or just for yourself).
Additionally, the Pinot Project offers a Pinot Grigio from Washington State. Made from grapes harvested in the Ancient Lakes AVA of the Columbia Valley, this wine is juicy and slightly tropical, appealing to a wide range of palates. Plus, it comes in cans for ultimate convenience. You can find it at various online retailers, including wine.com.
Element[AL] Pinot Grigio
The Bogle Family Wine Collection introduced Element[AL] Wines with a dual purpose: to craft a delightful wine and to promote a planet-friendly approach. This innovative wine is the first to be offered in aluminum bottles designed to resemble traditional 750ml glass bottles. The reason behind this choice? Conventional glass bottles significantly contribute to a wine's carbon footprint. These stylish, reusable, and recyclable aluminum bottles are 80% lighter than their glass counterparts, making them champions of a more sustainable wine industry.
Have we mentioned how convenient and portable this wine is? Lighter than glass and shatterproof, Element[AL] Pinot Grigio is perfect for any setting—whether by the pool, on a boat, at the mountaintop, or anywhere else you might venture. And let's not forget, the wine itself is exceptional! Sourced from sunny California vineyards, it undergoes 100% stainless steel fermentation, with a touch of Albariño to elevate its vibrancy. You can find Element[AL] Pinot Grigio for $16.99 at most major retailers, or use their convenient online shopping tool to locate it in your area.
Boomtown by Dusted Valley Pinot Gris
Dusted Valley was founded by Wisconsin natives and brothers-in-law Chad Johnson and Corey Braunel. Eager to leave behind their corporate careers, they pursued their dream of creating exceptional wines that embody the essence of Washington State. In 2003, they journeyed to Walla Walla to turn this vision into reality. With deep agricultural roots, practical experience, and a significant portion of their passion invested, they have successfully adopted sustainable practices and low-intervention winemaking. Boomtown serves as a secondary label under Dusted Valley, showcasing classic Washington State wines that capture the unique soil, terroir, and character of their estate vineyards.
Boomtown Pinot Gris is a true representation of Washington, delivering fresh, crisp, fruit-forward flavors and the minerality characteristic of the Columbia Valley vineyards where it is cultivated. There’s truly no place like Washington, and this wine exemplifies the region's potential for this grape variety. It can be found at various online retailers for approximately $20.
King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
It would be nearly impossible to discuss outstanding domestic Pinot Gris without acknowledging King Estate. Established in 1991, this renowned Oregon winery holds the title of the largest Biodynamic certified winery in North America. Biodynamic farming is a self-sustaining agricultural method that leverages the local ecosystem. King Estate has played a crucial role in popularizing this grape variety in the United States and is often regarded as the standard for exceptional quality in Pinot Gris. Consequently, the winery offers a diverse selection of Pinot Gris, including single-vineyard and biodynamic options.
The King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris serves as the winery's flagship offering, known for its accessibility and appealing flavor profile. This wine is delightfully rich and aromatic, delivering exceptional quality that far exceeds its $20 price point. Wine enthusiasts are likely to encounter this Pinot Gris at restaurants and retailers nationwide, or they can conveniently order it online through the winery's website.
Alois Lageder Terre Alpina Pinot Grigio
For anyone seeking a prime example of a well-priced Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige, renowned for its exceptional quality, look no further than Alois Lageder's Terre Alpina Pinot Grigio. Established in 1823 amidst the picturesque hills of Trentino-Alto Adige, Alois Lageder has been a trailblazer in the region for over a century. Now in its sixth generation, the winery has embraced biodynamic farming since 2004, with all 135 acres of its estate vineyards certified organic.
If the notion of turning water into wine were possible, this Pinot Grigio would be akin to pure mountain spring water—refreshing, pristine, and brimming with vibrant minerality. It embodies the essence of alpine wines, perfect for enjoying solo after a day on the slopes or thoughtfully paired with local dishes. With Germany's influence evident in this part of Italy, we recommend indulging in a generous serving of speck, the local salami, or some Schlutzkrapfen, delicate half-moon pasta filled with ricotta and spinach, for a delightful and authentically regional pairing. This Pinot Grigio is widely available at various retailers and online, including wine.com for $17.99.
Pasqua Black Label Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
I am an avid admirer of this producer, so I eagerly recommend their wines across nearly every category. Pasqua is an innovative brand that has been transforming the wine industry with its bold creativity since 1925, all while respecting the rich winemaking traditions of Veneto, Italy, and acting as a global representative for the region. With striking, artistic labels that blend storytelling with design, along with experimental winemaking methods and a commitment to sustainability, it’s no surprise that Wine Enthusiast Magazine honored the brand as "Innovator of the Year" in 2023.
Pasqua's Black Label Pinot Grigio features a striking teal design rather than a traditional black label, giving it a look that is both modern and vintage. The wine inside reflects this duality, with a small portion aged in oak barrels, adding complexity and texture that belies its modest price of around $13. This Pinot Grigio truly stands out — sure to impress even the most reluctant Pinot Grigio enthusiasts. It can be found through various online retailers.
Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio
A wealthy landowner and a monk stroll into a bar... and thus begins the tale of Borgo Conventi. In this narrative, the landowner is Count Rizzardo di Strassoldo, who, in the mid-17th century, gifted a parcel of land to the Dominican Friars to establish the first of several monasteries in the Farra d'Isonzo region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Fast forward to 1975, when Gianni Vescovo founded Borgo Conventi — "Village of the Convents" — in tribute to that original monastery. In 2019, the estate was acquired by the Moretti Polegato family, who have dedicated themselves to preserving its rich history while promoting the exceptional terroir of the area.
The white wines crafted here are remarkable, thanks to the unique soils of the Collio hills, where many vineyards thrive. This land was once an ancient seabed, leaving behind marly sandstone rich in shell fragments and fossils. With each sip of these wines, you can almost taste the sea, and this Pinot Grigio is no exception, boasting a briny minerality and a hint of ocean air, striking a balance between complexity and refreshing lightness. Priced at $21.99 a bottle on wine.com, this wine is an incredible bargain. I enjoy opening a bottle to complement an extra crispy chicken Milanese, simply dressed with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards Pinot Grigio
Located about 45 minutes north of San Diego and 90 minutes south of the city, Temecula Valley is an unexpected gem for wine lovers. Here, refreshing breezes from the Pacific Ocean weave through the coastal mountain ranges, tempering the warm Southern California climate that envelops the region's picturesque Tuscan-like hills and valleys. This unique climate allows grapes to ripen beautifully, developing rich flavors while maintaining a refreshing balance due to the cooling ocean influences.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards resembles a genuine Italian winery, and many of the wines produced at this family-owned estate feature classic Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Barbera, and, of course, Pinot Grigio. The talented young winemaker Olivia Bue skillfully extracts impressive depth from the Pinot Grigio, crafting a wine that is irresistibly delicious and pairs perfectly with the thoughtfully prepared dishes at Mama Rosa's, the winery's on-site Italian trattoria. My top recommendation? The indulgent R&R pizza, adorned with homemade truffle cream sauce, mozzarella, artichoke Parmigiano sausage, portobello mushrooms, Asiago, fresh rosemary, and a sprinkle of truffle salt. If you can’t visit this delightful region, you can easily purchase a bottle of the Pinot Grigio online for $29 through the winery's website.
Brassfield Estate Winery Pinot Gris
Brassfield Estate Winery is more than just a winery; it’s an extraordinary destination. Founded in 1973 by pioneering vintner Jerry Brassfield, this hidden gem in Northern California serves as the heart of the High Valley AVA, situated within Lake County's stunning volcanic landscape. Picture breathtaking vistas, distinctive terroir, and wines that truly impress. Once a cattle ranch, this expansive 5,000-acre estate has transformed into one of California's most exciting locations, boasting elevations that only one percent of vineyards globally can rival. The High Valley's unique east-west orientation (a rarity in California!) and altitudes ranging from 1,800 to nearly 3,000 feet create ideal conditions for producing wines with exceptional clarity and a true sense of place.
At Brassfield, everything is estate-grown, produced, and bottled—no compromises here. Winemaker Carlos Valadez, alongside the talented consulting duo of David and Katharine DeSante, creates wines that are sustainably certified, expertly crafted, and bursting with flavor. Among these is their "classic" Pinot Gris, which is anything but ordinary. Cultivated in volcanic soils and kissed by high-altitude UV rays, this wine is alive with notes of zesty bergamot, succulent Bartlett pear, and hints of wild chaparral. Crisp, vibrant, and endlessly refreshing, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes—or can be enjoyed on its own. Rated 93 points by Wine Enthusiast, this delightful wine is available for $22 a bottle on the Brassfield website.
Massican Pinot Grigio
Massican is a winery that consistently impresses me. I find myself eager to try nearly anything crafted by their skilled winemaker and industry innovator, Dan Petroski. This Napa Valley establishment focuses on white wines that embody a distinctly Italian character, and their Pinot Grigio stands out as one of the finest options available, whether domestic or imported.
Don’t be misled by the $25 price point — every dollar is evident in the meticulous care and attention that goes into this wine. While it’s an easy-drinking choice, it offers much more than your typical Pinot Grigio in terms of depth and complexity. With a modest ABV of 12.1%, it bursts with flavors of nectarine and peach, complemented by mountain herbs and a hint of flint. It carries that unmistakable marine essence that instantly transports you to the coast, evoking visions of leisurely days with a picnic basket in hand. I enjoy this wine on its own or alongside a seafood platter — the kind you savor with your hands, surrounded by nothing but napkins, lemons, and great company. It’s available online and at select independent retailers.
Alma Rosa La Encantada Pinot Gris
Samra Morris, the winemaker at Alma Rosa, has an incredibly inspiring story as the first Bosnian-American female head winemaker in California. Growing up in war-torn Bosnia during the 1990s, her childhood was filled with unimaginable hardships. At just six years old, she navigated a landscape of bullets and bombs, where survival skills replaced the typical joys of childhood that many of us take for granted. Despite experiencing profound loss, including the deaths of numerous family members during the Srebrenica genocide, Samra discovered resilience and hope, ultimately making her way to the United States.
Today, she is not only recognized for her exceptional winemaking abilities but also for the remarkable journey that has shaped her—a tale of perseverance, survival, and an unwavering passion for creating something beautiful. This passion is evident in every bottle she produces, including the outstanding Pinot Gris from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara. The 100-acre La Encantada Vineyard, originally established by Alma Rosa's founder Richard Sanford in 2000, is responsible for the majority of the Pinot Gris produced in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. This wine beautifully reflects the region's extended growing season, showcasing bright, mouth-watering acidity that enhances the layers of citrus and delicate beeswax notes. It is a serious wine that pairs exquisitely with main dishes like garlic-infused roasted chicken or brown-butter seared scallops. You can find this remarkable Pinot Gris available for $35 a bottle on the winery's website.
Bouchaine Pinot Gris
Bouchaine Vineyards, the oldest continuously family-owned estate in Napa's Carneros AVA, boasts over 20 unique soil types and microclimates across its stunning 100-acre property, which is both beautiful and inviting. At the core of every winery experience—whether it's a casual tasting, a delightful wine and cheese pairing, or an exciting and educational hands-on falconry demonstration—wine always takes center stage.
President and Winemaker Chris Kajani takes full advantage of the diverse landscape, crafting exquisite and versatile aromatic white wines year after year. Her passion and engaging personality shine through as she shares her creations. Among her impressive selection is the Estate Pinot Gris, which captivates with its intense aromas, rich flavors, and a comforting warmth derived from a brief aging in neutral oak. While the wine distinctly reflects its Carneros origins, it also possesses a unique character all its own. This Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with complex or exotic dishes, such as a vibrant, texture-rich tuna poke bowl or a sweet-salty-savory Pad Thai. The Bouchaine Pinot Gris is available for purchase through the winery's online shop for $38.
Girlan Pinot Grigio
Cantina Girlan celebrated its centenary in 2023, continuing to shine as a youthful and timeless treasure of Alto Adige. Nestled at the base of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, this historic winery embodies the essence of the region, also known as Sudtirol, with its crisp mountain air, striking Alpine terroir, and a talent for transforming often overlooked grapes like Pinot Grigio into remarkable wines. Girlan collaborates with 200 small-scale growers, each cultivating just over a hectare of vineyard, ensuring that every vine receives special attention. Staying true to its heritage, this winery allows the land and its rich history to speak for themselves.
Despite its accessible price of around $23 per bottle, this is not your typical Pinot Grigio. The grapes, grown at high altitudes in glacial and volcanic soils, absorb the refreshing Alpine essence. Hand-harvested and aged for six months on the lees, this wine offers pure refreshment in every glass. Expect vibrant notes of mountain herbs, crisp apples, and pears, with a delightful palate that invites you to take another sip. You can find this wine online or at select retailers.
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