The days of gifting a bottle of Trader Joe's famous "Two-Buck Chuck" on an unsuspecting hostess are long gone. Everyone knows the cost of TJ's wildly popular Charles Shaw line by now, and while it's still a tasty swill for less than three dollars, it's a sure-fire way to label yourself as the Cheap Guest.
Not to worry: TheKitchn set out to find other under-$10 bargains on the shelves of Trader Joes, and has been kind enough to share their findings in a thorough gift guide just in time for the holidays.
Arrive clutching one of these winning picks to show your hostess-with-the-mostest that you're the guest-with-the-best.
A few of TheKitchn's faves:
Whites
2007 Kunde Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley $8.99
2008 Jean Luc Colombo 'Les Abeilles', AC Côtes du Rhône Blanc, France $9.99
2008 Lacheteau, AC Vouvray, Loire Valley, France $6.99
Reds
2007 Albero Monastrell, D.O. Jumilla, Spain $6.99
2007 Trentatre Rosso, IGT Salento, Italy, $5.99
2008 Ruffino Chianti, DOC Chianti $6.99
Check out the whole list over at TheKitchn, and don't forget that it's the thought that counts. Though a thought with a nice, ripe mouthfeel and a lingering finish might count for a little bit more. Just sayin'.
Want more cheap wine options? Read our story about buying discontinued wines.
