A popular Costco sparkling wine—sold in a dozen states—is being recalled not for taste or contamination, but because unopened bottles may literally explode.

Story Highlights

• Costco has issued an urgent recall for Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene due to the risk of spontaneous bottle shattering.
• Affected bottles were sold between April 25 and August 26, 2025, in 12 Midwestern states: (IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI).
• Customers are instructed not to return the product to stores—a highly unusual step—but to dispose of it immediately at home using specific safety precautions to avoid injury from flying glass.
• No injuries have been reported as of the latest updates, but the risk is serious enough that Costco and experts are treating this as a top-priority consumer safety alert.

What Happened and Why It Matters

Costco’s recall, announced September 12, 2025, affects a widely distributed private-label sparkling wine sourced from Italy’s Valdobbiadene region. The defect—likely caused by excessive internal pressure or a flaw in the glass manufacturing process—means bottles can shatter without warning, creating a hazard not just during handling, but even while stored. This is a rare type of recall in the beverage industry, where most recalls involve contamination or labeling errors, not physical danger from packaging itself. The recall’s geographic scope and the product’s popularity make this a significant event for consumers, especially those who value safety and transparency from major retailers.

The recall process itself breaks from the norm: rather than instructing customers to return the product, Costco is telling them to dispose of it at home, a clear sign that the risk of transporting these bottles is too great. This approach, while unusual, is backed by food safety experts who note that such instructions are reserved for the most hazardous situations. Costco’s rapid, direct communication—via email and public announcements—reflects a commitment to minimizing risk, even at the cost of convenience and potentially, brand reputation.

Watch: Costco recalls Kirkland Signature Prosecco

Who Is Affected and What Should You Do?

Consumers in the 12 affected states who purchased Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene (item #1879870) between late April and late August 2025 are at risk. The recall does not apply to other Kirkland wines or proseccos, nor to bottles purchased outside the specified date range or region. Customers are urged to check their purchases against the recall notice and, if affected, follow Costco’s disposal instructions carefully to avoid injury. Refunds are available by presenting the recall letter at any Costco warehouse.

Stakeholders in this recall include Costco, which is managing customer communications and refunds; Ethica Wines, the importer providing customer support; and, potentially, the unnamed glass manufacturer responsible for the defect. Regulatory agencies may also be monitoring the situation, though their involvement has not been detailed in public notices. The immediate focus is on consumer safety, with Costco and Ethica Wines working to ensure clear guidance and prompt compensation.

Broader Implications for Consumers and the Industry

In the short term, the recall disrupts consumers who may have purchased the wine for gatherings or gifts, and it creates operational challenges for Costco and its partners. The financial impact includes refunds and the cost of disposing of unsafe inventory, but the bigger concern is potential reputational damage to Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand, which has built a loyal following by offering quality at value prices.

Longer term, this incident may lead to heightened scrutiny of supply chain and quality assurance processes, not just at Costco but across the retail sector. Other retailers could reassess their own sparkling wine packaging protocols, and manufacturers may face pressure to adopt more rigorous testing for carbonated products. The recall also underscores the importance of rapid, transparent communication in protecting consumers.

Sources:

Costco Recall Notice: Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene
Delish: Costco Kirkland Prosecco Shattering Warning
WHIO: Do Not Return Item: Wine Sold at Ohio Costco Stores Recalled Due to Risk of Sudden Shattering
Local12: Costco Issues Recall for Wine Sold in 12 States Due to Shattering Risk