Aldi’s Winking Owl wines have soared in popularity among budget-conscious drinkers who refuse to sacrifice flavor for affordability. We lined up multiple wines, swirled, sniffed, and sipped away, comparing flavors, aromas, and overall drinkability. While no two palates are alike, we’re excited to share our personal, subjective ranking, shining a spotlight on which wines soared (and which fizzled). Join us as we reveal our top picks, surprising finds, and cautionary tales from the bargain wine aisle.
12. Winking Owl Cabernet Sauvignon (Boxed)
We poured a glass of Winking Owl Cabernet Sauvignon (Boxed) hoping for an easy, budget-friendly red but found ourselves disappointed. Right away, the flavor felt watered-down, with only faint hints of dark berry that never fully emerged. Any potential richness was overshadowed by harsh acidity and a short, slightly bitter finish.
The lack of body made it taste thin, leaving us unsatisfied after just a few sips. Even at a low price, it failed to showcase Cabernet’s characteristic depth, prompting us to rank it last. Overall, we found it suitable only for large gatherings where quantity outweighs quality considerations.
11. Merlot
Our next pour was Winking Owl Merlot, which promised a fruit-forward profile but lacked the round, velvety finish we often associate with Merlot. Though we did detect plum and cherry aromas, these notes remained subdued on the palate. Mild tannins provided some structure, yet the wine never fully blossomed into something memorable. While easy enough for casual sipping, it hardly impressed us in terms of depth or complexity. For a budget-friendly pick, it works as a simple table wine, but connoisseurs looking for true Merlot charm may be let down. In the end, it landed low on our list.
10. Sweet Red
When we tried Winking Owl Sweet Red, the sugary burst on first sip was immediately apparent. It reminded us more of a fruit punch than a structured red, with minimal tannins or balancing acidity. Although approachable for those fond of sweet flavors, the dominant sweetness overshadowed any potential for nuanced fruit notes. We’d recommend serving it chilled for a slightly more refreshing experience, but it still felt one-dimensional. If you crave something akin to grape soda with a kick, this might do the trick. Otherwise, it ranks low for lack of complexity, appealing only to dedicated sweet wine lovers.
9. Pinot Grigio (Boxed)
Sampling Winking Owl Pinot Grigio (Boxed) brought us a light, diluted experience that lingered in mediocrity. We noted subtle hints of citrus and pear, but these struggled to shine. The mouthfeel was watery, and the finish—though short—left little impression.
For a large gathering where cost is the main concern, it could suffice, especially if served very cold. Still, we found it lacking the crisp, refreshing profile that makes Pinot Grigio stand out. If you’re seeking bright acidity and vibrant fruit, this likely won’t deliver. Overall, it fits the budget category but doesn’t offer enough character to climb higher on our list.
8. White Zinfandel
We next sipped Winking Owl White Zinfandel (Bottle), discovering a pleasant pink hue and sweet, strawberry-inflected flavor. While its candy-like notes can be inviting for newcomers, more seasoned palates might find it cloying. We enjoyed that it’s light enough for casual sipping at summer gatherings, yet it remained quite straightforward.
The sweetness overshadowed any subtle melon or berry hints that might have added depth. Still, it avoids the harshness that can mar some bargain rosés. Ultimately, we placed it in the lower middle of our list because, while refreshing when chilled, it’s neither complex nor particularly memorable beyond its sugary charm.
7. Sauvignon Blanc
Eager for a brighter white, we turned to Winking Owl Sauvignon Blanc and found a simple, drinkable option with mild citrus and green apple notes. The acidity sits comfortably, though it doesn’t deliver the sharp, zesty edge of higher-quality Sauv Blancs. We felt it paired decently with salads and light seafood, making it a suitable everyday choice if you’re not seeking intense complexity. Still, the flavors remained muted and lacked the vibrant punch often prized in this varietal. For the price, it’s workable as a fridge staple, but don’t expect bold aromatics or layers of tropical fruit in each glass.
6. Cabernet Sauvignon
Our tasting of Winking Owl Cabernet Sauvignon showed an improvement over its boxed counterpart, offering moderate berry flavors and a firmer structure. We appreciated the gentle tannins that gave it more body, though it still doesn’t reach the depth typical of robust Cabernets. The finish was short yet mercifully free of the box’s bitter aftertaste. While not a complex red, it suits casual meals like pizza or burgers, providing just enough character to hold interest. We value it for its approachable price and mild dryness, which are sufficient reasons for its middle ranking on our Winking Owl wine list.
5. Moscato
We uncorked Winking Owl Moscato expecting an easy-sipping sweet white, and that’s exactly what we got. Soft notes of peach, apricot, and honey greeted us on the nose, while the palate followed with a gentle sweetness balanced by light acidity. Though certainly not a showstopper, it’s a crowd-pleaser at summer parties when served chilled.
Seasoned palates might find it lacking the complexity or floral vibrancy of higher-end Moscatos, but its approachable flavor and budget price can’t be overlooked. We enjoyed it as a simple dessert wine or casual afternoon refresher, placing it comfortably in the upper half of our list.
4. Sangria
Pouring a glass of Winking Owl Sangria, we noticed bright fruit aromas of citrus and berry that made us think of picnics and patio gatherings. Sipping confirmed its sweet, festive profile, although it may come across as too sugary for some tastes. Adding fresh fruit or ice gave it a pleasant punch feel that’s perfect for casual parties.
It lacks the complexity of homemade sangria, but we found it fun and refreshing nonetheless. The overall experience reminded us of a tropical punch with a mild wine backbone. For easy entertaining, it’s a decent pick that justifies its high position here.
3. Chardonnay
Turning to Winking Owl Chardonnay (Bottle), we discovered a modest but satisfying expression of this popular varietal. Subtle notes of apple and pear complemented a light hint of oak, creating a mellow balance. While not buttery or rich, it offered enough body to stand alongside chicken dishes or creamy pasta. We appreciated its moderate acidity, which kept each sip from feeling heavy. It won’t amaze connoisseurs who seek complex layers of toast or vanilla, but for an affordable everyday white, it checks the right boxes. We rank it among the top picks thanks to its versatility and generally inoffensive profile.
2. Shiraz
We found Winking Owl Shiraz surprisingly pleasant, with its mild spice and berry undertones. The peppery hint was subtle yet discernible, suggesting a degree of complexity not always evident in budget wines. On the palate, blackberry and plum intermingled smoothly with moderate tannins, resulting in a balanced, medium-bodied red.
While it lacks the intensity or jammy richness of premium Shiraz, it still outperformed expectations for its price. We enjoyed it paired with grilled meats or hearty stews, and it held up reasonably well. Placed near the top, this Shiraz scores for delivering decent depth without breaking the bank.
1. Pinot Grigio
Finally, we sampled Winking Owl Pinot Grigio, which soared to the top of our list with a crisp, refreshing profile. Bright notes of citrus and green apple emerged on the nose, and the palate followed with mild floral hints. Its balanced acidity lifted the flavors, making each sip feel clean and invigorating.
We found it an effortless companion to light appetizers and seafood, especially when chilled. Though simplicity remains part of its charm, it offered just enough nuance to keep us engaged. For an everyday, budget-friendly white that tastes consistently enjoyable, this Pinot Grigio easily claims our favorite spot.
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