Growing up, I loved getting my chocolate-filled advent calendar every November. And what I love even more is that now, as an adult, I can treat myself to a wine-filled advent calendar during the holiday season. It's the perfect way to count down to Christmas and unwined after stressful shopping days.
But I started noticing that these wine advent calendars all have different prices and different bottle sizes. So which one is actually the best deal, ounce per ounce? I decided to do a deep dive into every store that offers one so that I could find the perfect pour for the perfect price.
As of August 2023, the average cost of a bottle of wine is $10.22, or $0.40 per ounce. And all of my favorite options are under $0.55 per ounce.
Here are my top 5 wine advent calendars for 2023 that you can find in local stores:
1. Costco – $99.99 ($0.33 per ounce)
I was so excited to see Costco's "Around the World in 24 Wines" on display back in September, but told myself I shouldn't splurge until closer to Thanksgiving. While this one seemingly costs more than options from Total Wine and Aldi, the 24 bottles included are 375 ml each, or 12.8 ounces. That's half a bottle of wine, and double the amount you'll find in other calendars. The cost breaks down to just $0.33 per ounce, and it's like getting 12 bottles of wine for $8.33 each. Ounce per ounce, this is the cheapest option we've found.
2. Aldi – $59.99 ($0.40 per ounce)
We can always count on Aldi for a bargain and their 2023 wine advent calendar does not disappoint. With 24 bottles portioned at 187 ml each, you're getting a generous 6.3 oz pour, which will cost you $0.40 per ounce. Compared to buying 750 ml bottles, this set is like getting 6 full bottles of wine for $59.99 (or $10 per bottle), but instead, you get to try 24 different blends.
3. Total Wine – $79.99 ($0.53 per ounce)
Unlike offerings from Costco and Aldi, you can get Total Wine's advent calendar shipped across the U.S. *and* their website allows you to see if they have it in stock before you head out to the store. Plus, if it's not in stock at your preferred location, it'll also tell you the nearest store that has it.
I got this calendar last year and out of the 24 offerings, I enjoyed every one and even discovered a couple new favorites. The price is right, too: Total Wine's calendar has 24 187-ml bottles, which works out to $0.53 per ounce. That's like paying $13.38 per bottle for 12 bottles.
4. Target – $39.99 ($0.53 per ounce)
Last year's Jingle & Mingle wine advent calendar featured 24 bottles at 187 ml each and was priced at a palatable $69.99. But this year, they've downsized. Instead, you'll get 12 bottles at 187 ml each. That comes out to $0.53 per ounce, or $13.33 for 3 full-sized bottles. I love that I can easily grab this on my next Target run, but do wish it had 24 bottles instead of just 12.
5. Vons - $81.99 ($0.54 per ounce)
I was pleasantly surprised to see Vons' Joy to the Wine advent calendar during my last supermarket visit. At $81.99, it's pricier than calendars from Costco, Aldi, and Total Wine, but still less expensive than options on websites like Sip & Savor or In Good Taste, which will set you back $109 and $139 respectively. The Vons set includes 24, 187-ml bottles. That breaks down to $0.54 per ounce, and ounce-per-ounce, it's like spending $13.66 per bottle.
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