Grading for the 2025 advent calendar has been a bit harsh so far, with this year’s class of bottles struggling for a C average. But that was not my intention when I first carried that colorful cardboard box over the threshold.
Believe it or not, I’m not a wine snob out to savage every bottle from Costco. I actually like most beverages that I taste. I’m not too proud to root for a supermarket wine if it has the right intersection of price and quality.
And when 5 PM rolls around after a hard day, I’m even less picky. I’m all smiles if the wine I pour is one that me and my guests can finish without gagging.
Imagine my relief, then, when Costco’s bottle #6 turned out to be a dry, crisp, and wholly agreeable Grüner Veltliner. It’s not bad! In fact, it’s currently tied for first place (with the Sheep Station Sauvignon Blanc) in the 2025 Wine Advent-ure battle royale.
A pattern may be emerging. I consider myself a red wine drinker at heart, but the whites have performed better (so far) in this captivating calendar contest. Let’s take a closer look at this Grüner from Hungary’s Pannon region.
The Label
From the producer (and their favorite chatbot): “This Hungarian Grüner Veltliner delivers a classic expression of the varietal, with vibrant aromas of fresh stone fruits such as peach and apricot, complemented by citrus notes and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, it’s wonderfully fruity, with a harmonious balance of crisp acidity that enhances its lively character. The wine concludes with a clean, elegant finish, making for a refreshing and well-rounded experience.”
The Tasting
Medium lemon color with simple aromas of apple, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and lily. Flavors of green apple and peach-pear (indistinct). Dry, medium-minus body with a short, citric finish. Tiny hint of sugar balanced by firm acidity. Alcohol is a modest 12%.
I do think there’s some of that trademark white pepper spice to be found if you sniff around in the glass. But it’s very slight and I probably wouldn’t pick up on it if I didn’t already know this was a Grüner.
Overall, it’s a straightforward, fresh, chill-able white with no oak or distracting flavors getting in the way. We like seeing cool regional varieties in these international wine assortments, too!
Speaking of which…if you liked Costco’s “A Seaworthy Tale” Grüner Veltliner and you’re unfamiliar with the variety, I would recommend grabbing a couple of different ones to try. They tend to be bright and refreshing and they pair well with lots of different foods. Very good examples can be found for between $15-$20.
Lately I’ve enjoyed the “Singing” Grüner Veltliner by Laurenz V ($16) as a by-the-glass and/or table wine. It has similar gentle fruit flavors but more distinctive aromatics. Your local wine shop can help you pick out a yummy Grüner. (Or just take a chance on one–it’s a hard grape to mess up.)
Wine: A Seaworthy Tale Grüner Veltliner (2024) – Pannon, Hungary
Costco Wine Advent-ure Calendar Number: 6
Grade: B+
Finish the bottle? Sure! (We paired it with chicken nuggets and turnip greens.)
I’m tasting all 24 wines in the 2025 Costco Wine Advent-ure calendar! See previous reviews here.
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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