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Introduction If you love hosting dinner parties or just enjoy a glass of Cabernet after a long week, you know the struggle: local grocery stores have limited options, and boutique wine shops can be incredibly expensive.
I recently started ordering from Total Wine & More, often called the “Amazon of Alcohol.” They claim to offer the best selection at the lowest prices. But is the hype real? I decided to test their online ordering and pickup service to see if it’s actually worth it.
Here is my honest review of the shopping experience.
What is Total Wine & More?
Total Wine is America’s largest independent retailer of fine wine. But they don’t just sell wine; they carry a massive selection of spirits, beer, and mixers.
What caught my attention wasn’t just the sheer volume of products (over 8,000 wines!), but their “Winery Direct” program. By cutting out the middleman, they offer premium wines at prices that are often 15-20% lower than competitors.
Key Features I Love
1. The Selection is Overwhelming (In a Good Way)
Whether you are looking for a rare Scotch whisky or a budget-friendly Rosé, they have it. Their website allows you to filter by region, varietal, and even “customer rating,” which is super helpful if you aren’t a wine expert.
2. In-Store Pickup is a Game Changer
This is my favorite feature. You can browse their inventory online from your couch, pay for your order, and pick it up at your local store in as little as two hours.
- No shipping fees.
- No wandering the aisles aimlessly.
- ID verification is quick and easy.
3. Expert Ratings and Guides
If you’ve ever felt intimidated buying wine, their website is very educational. They provide staff picks and point ratings (like 90+ points) clearly on the product pages, helping you make a safe choice for gifts.
My Top Picks: What to Buy Right Now
If you are visiting their site for the first time, here are three high-value recommendations that I personally enjoy.
1. The Best Value Red Wine
Recommendation: Court Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Why I like it: This is a classic “Winery Direct” item. It tastes like a $40 bottle but usually sells for much less. It has rich notes of blackberry and is perfect for steak night. Check Price at Total Wine
Carson Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023
See More Carson Ridge
$12.99/750ml
Mix 6 for $11.69
Beverage Dynamics-California – Paso Robles – “Lighter, fruit forward Cabernet with fresh strawberries & cherry notes. Subtle oak influence allows the expressive fruit to take center stage, resulting in a smooth, easy drinking red that offers great value & approachability without sacrificing character.”
2. The Crowd-Pleaser White
Recommendation: Buttercream Chardonnay Why I like it: As the name suggests, it’s creamy, smooth, and very easy to drink. It’s always a hit at parties. Check Price at Total Wine
Buttercream Chardonnay
See More Buttercream
$11.99/750ml
Mix 6 for $10.79 each
California – Big and buttery. Decadent and excellent with scallops, bacon, cream. Same story with grilled salmon. Sip on the dock, the backyard, the front porch. Bliss. Vega
3. Essential Spirits
Recommendation: Spirits Direct Tequila Why I like it: If you are making margaritas, don’t overspend on the big brand names. Total Wine’s direct sourcing offers incredible tequila for a fraction of the price.Browse Spirits at Total Wine
Buttercream Chardonnay
See More El Padrino De Mi Tierra
$49.99/1.75L
Mexico- Only 100% pure blue agave is used in this Blanco Tequila. Slow fermented for 48-60 hours and then double distilled in copper pot stills. Flavors of banana and cinnamon prevail in this smooth, clean tequila. Great for classic tequila cocktails! Gold Medal Winner at Tastings.com
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge inventory that local stores can’t match.
- “Mix 6” discount: You often get an extra discount if you buy 6 bottles of wine.
- Website is fast and user-friendly.
Cons:
- Inventory varies by state due to liquor laws.
- The store is so big that browsing in person can take hours (but online pickup solves this!).
Final Verdict
Is Total Wine & More legitimate? Absolutely.
For the convenience of online ordering combined with the speed of local pickup, it is currently the best option on the market. Whether you need to stock up for a wedding or just want a single bottle for Friday night, I highly recommend checking them out.
