From Hillside to Happy Hour: The Sparkling History of Prosecco (and Why Kirkland Prosecco Totally Doesn’t Count)

At Bubbles Don’t Count, we love to dive into the rich history of our favorite bubbly wines, and today we’re giving the spotlight to Prosecco - lively, affordable, and endlessly enjoyable sparkling wine from Italy. Whether it’s being sipped solo, used in a cocktail like an Aperol Spritz, or enjoyed at a casual brunch, Prosecco has become a global go-to. And let’s not forget our personal favorite, Kirkland Prosecco from Costco, which, for reasons we’ll get into, totally doesn’t count (hint: the price tag).

The Sparkling History of Prosecco

Prosecco traces its roots back to the northeastern region of Italy, particularly the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. It’s made primarily from the Glera grape, which has been cultivated in this area for hundreds of years. The village of Prosecco itself, located near Trieste, is the wine’s namesake.

While Prosecco as we know it today is relatively modern, sparkling wine production in the region dates back to ancient Rome. However, the version we’re familiar with—light, fruity, and refreshingly bubbly—truly began to take shape in the late 19th century when the Charmat method (or tank method) became popular. This method, which involves fermenting the wine in large stainless steel tanks rather than individual bottles, allows for quicker production and results in the fresh, fizzy wine we know and love.

Unlike Champagne, which undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle, Prosecco’s Charmat method gives it a brighter, fruit-forward profile, making it less yeasty and more affordable. By the mid-20th century, Prosecco’s reputation grew, and it became the everyday alternative to more expensive sparkling wines like Champagne.

The Rise of Prosecco

Prosecco’s appeal lies in its versatility, affordability, and approachable flavor. It’s light, with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, making it perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails. Its slightly sweeter, fruitier style has made it a popular choice for celebrations, and over the past two decades, its popularity has exploded internationally.

The establishment of the Prosecco DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) in 2009 was a significant milestone, ensuring that only Prosecco made in specific regions of Italy, using the Glera grape, could be labeled as such. This move helped protect the wine’s identity and maintain its quality as demand grew worldwide.

Enter Kirkland Prosecco: The Best Value Bubbles in the Game

If you’re a fan of Costco’s private label, Kirkland, you’ve probably come across Kirkland Prosecco, and if you haven’t, you’re seriously missing out. Bubbles Don’t Count is a big fan, and here’s why: Kirkland Prosecco delivers exceptional quality at a shockingly low price.

Kirkland Prosecco hails from the Prosecco DOC region of Italy, ensuring that it meets the same standards as other Proseccos from the area. It’s a classic example of Prosecco, with vibrant notes of green apple, pear, and white peach, balanced by a subtle sweetness and crisp acidity. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for everyday sipping or celebratory toasts.

But here’s the kicker: while many Proseccos can cost anywhere from $12 to $25 per bottle, Kirkland Prosecco is often priced at $7.99 (USD) a bottle. So how does Costco manage to keep the price so low while still delivering a quality product?

How Does Costco Sell Kirkland Prosecco So Cheaply?

The answer lies in Costco’s unique business model. As the largest wine retailer in the U.S., Costco has tremendous buying power, allowing them to negotiate lower prices directly with producers. The Kirkland label is their private brand, meaning they cut out middlemen, distributors, and other additional costs that can drive up the price of other wines. Essentially, they’re able to pass those savings on to you.

Costco’s high-volume sales also contribute to keeping prices down. By selling millions of bottles each year, they benefit from economies of scale, which is why they can offer such incredible value across the entire Kirkland line, not just with their Prosecco.

And this is why Kirkland Prosecco doesn’t count—because when you’re getting that much value for such a small price tag, it’s practically guilt-free. You can pop a bottle any day of the week without giving your wallet a second thought.

Why Bubbles Don’t Count at Bubbles Don’t Count

At Bubbles Don’t Count, we’re all about enjoying sparkling moments—without worrying about the cost or the calories. Kirkland Prosecco is the perfect example of why bubbles don’t count: it’s high-quality, delicious, and affordable enough to make any occasion special. Whether you’re toasting a major milestone or just celebrating making it through the week, you can feel good about popping the cork on a bottle of Kirkland Prosecco.

So next time you’re wandering the wine aisles at Costco, grab a bottle (or two, or three) of Kirkland Prosecco. After all, the bubbles are light, and the price is even lighter—so why should they count?

Cheers to affordable indulgence!