Trader Joe's $5 Chariot Gypsy Wine Impresses

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese offers big flavor at a low price.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wine writer Randy Fuller stumbled upon a new $5 wine at Trader Joe's called Chariot Gypsy, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese. Despite the low price, Fuller found the wine to be a pleasant surprise, with bold fruit flavors, nice acidity, and firm tannins that make it a great pairing for food.

Why it matters

In a time when many consumers are looking to save money, the discovery of a high-quality, affordable wine like Chariot Gypsy at Trader Joe's provides an accessible option for wine lovers on a budget. The blend of popular grape varieties also makes it an appealing and versatile choice.

The details

Chariot Gypsy is exclusively available through Trader Joe's and was created by winemaker Jeff Hunsaker of Jim Neal Wines. The 2008 vintage features a deep, inky purple color and aromas of raspberry, cherry, and smoke. On the palate, it delivers a bold, fruit-forward profile with flavors of blackberry and blueberry, balanced by good acidity and firm tannins that make it a suitable pairing for foods like chicken sausages and onions.

  • The wine was discovered by the author in February 2026.

The players

Jeff Hunsaker

The winemaker behind Chariot Gypsy, who works for Jim Neal Wines.

Randy Fuller

A wine writer who stumbled upon and reviewed the Chariot Gypsy wine.

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What they’re saying

“Chariot Gypsy is a very nice wine. Yes, it's an everyday wine. That doesn't mean it can't be good every day.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The discovery of Chariot Gypsy, a high-quality, affordable wine blend available exclusively at Trader Joe's, demonstrates that consumers can find excellent value in the grocery store wine aisle, even during economic downturns.