Trader Joe’s Beloved Wines Now $2.99, Even In California

Did I miss the announcement?
When Two Buck Chuck increased its price from its long-standing original price of $2 to $2.50 a few years ago, it made national news.
But when did it go up to three dollars!?
I just discovered this the other day while in Trader Joe’s, and I stopped in my tracks. Backed up a couple of steps. Did a double-take. Rubbed my eyes and checked the sign to be sure I was seeing it correctly.
But sure enough the price of our beloved wine, so popular in some areas without a TJs that people drive over state lines to bring back cases of it, is now $3.
To be fair, when Trader Joe’s raised the price of its “house” Charles Shaw wines, it did increase to $3. Except here in California. It went up to $2.49. Now, tho, it’s priced at $2.99. I guess California is now a follower, not a leader, when it comes to our treasured Two Buck Chuck.
This means it’s not much less than some bottom-shelf wines that are sold at grocery stores. Lately, I’ve been buying the big bottle of Vendage, which makes a pretty nice California red. It’s usually around $6.50 at Von’s or Smart & Final, tho sometimes it’s on sale for as little as $4.50.
Still, I bought the Two, er Three, Buck Chuck. Two bottles, in fact. What the heck, I was there anyway. I do drink the TJ’s reds, tho the whites leave quite a lot to be desired. The reds are fine for kicking back and having a glass of wine at home for a sunset, over a pasta dinner and so forth.
And, I daresay, I’ll continue to see cases of it at big house parties, because hosting a house party is expensive and savvy hosts know that the masses won’t think ill of you if you serve Two Buck Chuck.
So so long Two Buck Chuck! I’ll now be calling you Three Buck Chuck. And you’re still a bargain.
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