If you are on the search for wine and you plan to get some groceries you are probably wondering what locations you can check both off the list at once. Whole Foods is a popular option, but does Whole Foods sell wine?
Whole Foods sells a huge variety of wines and is a great place to go looking for your next bottle. They carry over 200 products in total, although the ones in your location may vary. Keep in mind Whole Foods only sells wine is states that allow it, in UK stores, but not in Canada stores.
Take your time reading labels, and if your location has one, take advantage of the wine bar to help you make your choice. Here, I’ll cover the most common types of wine, what they taste like, and then more information about buying wine from Whole Foods.
Wine at Whole Foods
Whole Foods has an extensive selection of wines with over two hundred products on its website. Which of these is available in your local store is determined by availability and local preferences.
You will have the chance to read the labels and shop around in the wine section if you like, but you can also make use of other resources such as the Wine Bar (only available in some locations) or the employees of the wine department, who are trained to be knowledgeable about the wines on offer.
At all Whole Foods locations you will find non-alcoholic wine beverages, perfect for dinners, parties, and cooking.
Price and Quality
Wine can be a pricey product, with bottles costing anywhere from peanuts to hundreds of dollars. I tend to find that the balance between quality and price is about 25 dollars a bottle. After this point, you get diminishing returns in terms of quality.
Whole Foods offers wines at great prices, as well as more expensive options for those looking to splurge on a fancy beverage.
Do All Whole Foods Locations Sell Wine?
Not all Whole Foods sell wine across the United States. Each state and even counties have different laws and regulations about the sale of alcohol. I like to think if your local Walmart sells beer, wine, and spirits, it is very likely your local Whole Foods will too.
Check with your local laws to see if grocery stores are permitted to sell wine.
If you are interested if Whole Foods sells beer, read this guide.
Take a look at the liquor laws per state in this detailed chart below:
| State | Beer | Wine | Liquor (rum, vodka, gin, etc.) |
| Alabama | Yes | Yes | No |
| Alaska | No | No | No |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | No |
| California | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | No | No |
| Connecticut | Yes | No | No |
| Delaware | No | No | No |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Florida | Yes | Yes | No |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hawaii | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | No |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | Up to 6% ABV only | No | No |
| Kentucky | Yes | No | No |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | Only up to 3.2% ABV | No | No |
| Mississippi | Yes | No | No |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | No |
| New Jersey | Rarely | Rarely | No |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New York | Yes | No | No |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes | No |
| North Dakota | Rarely | Rarely | Rarely |
| Ohio | Yes | Only under 21% ABV
|
Only under 21% ABV |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | No |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rhode Island | No | No | No |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes | No |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | No |
| Utah | Up to 4% ABV only | Yes | No |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Does Whole Foods Sell Wine in Canada?
The Whole Foods Markets in Canada sell non-alcoholic wine beverages. They do not sell any alcoholic drinks as the current locations are in provinces that prohibit the sale of alcohol outside of liquor stores and approved locations.
Does Whole Foods Sell Wine in the UK?
Yes, Whole Foods locations in the UK are allowed to sell alcohol so you will find wine available. Along with wine, you will see a variety of beer available at Whole Foods in the United Kingdom.
Types of Wine You Will Find in Whole Foods
There are many types of wine on the market, each with its own flavor profile. Here I’ll describe the major types of wine.
Red
Red wine is named because of its color, which is caused by the tannins in the wine. Tannins are naturally occurring in grape skin, which is left on red the grapes during the fermenting process. Tannins have a bitter taste, and the degree to which you taste them depends on whether you have a gene called TAS2R38. Those who have the gene perceive bitterness much more strongly.
Types of Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Zinfandel
- Syrah
- Cabernet Sauvignon
White
White wine is made from white grapes and has a transparent, light amber or white color. The tannin content of white wine is much smaller, so it is not as bitter. Instead, it is an acidic or tart taste. White wines typically smell fruity and are designed to go with food such as fish.
Types of White Wine
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
Rosé
This wine is pink in color and falls somewhere between white and red in taste. The skins of red grapes are allowed to ferment for only part of the process before being removed, which is what leads to the pinkish hue. There are many different Rosé wines, but White Zinfandel is quite popular.
Dessert Wine
Dessert wines are red and white wines that are fortified to preserve their higher sugar content. They pack a punch and can make you drunk deceptively quickly. You usually drink this wine after a meal, or alongside a sugary treat.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is any bubbly wine. Carbonated wines are very popular for celebrations and are made with either red or white grapes. To achieve the bubbles, they are either fermented specially or injected with carbon dioxide during bottling. Sparkling wine is usually white or pink in color. The famous Champagne is an example of sparkling wine.
Final Thoughts
Whole Foods has a staggering number of wines listed on its website, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. This wealth of choices makes them a great place to go for wine but can also make it confusing.
To help you choose, the store employs knowledgeable people about wine (just ask who the resident wine connoisseur is)! If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to try the wines the store has in stock at their wine bar before making your purchase.
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