Costco has recalled almost a million bottles of its Kirkland Signature Prosecco due to a rare but serious laceration hazard. Here’s the essential context, precise recall details, and smart steps to stay safe—plus what fan communities and experts say about beverage safety and product recalls in 2025.
What Happened? The Kirkland Prosecco Recall Explained
In November 2025, nearly 1 million bottles of Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, sourced by Ethica Wines and sold exclusively at Costco, were recalled due to reports of bottles shattering and causing potential laceration injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that bottles may break or shatter unexpectedly, posing a possible hazard for anyone handling, storing, or opening the wine.
The affected bottles carried UPC 196633883742 and Costco Item Number 1879870. These were sold at Costco locations across twelve Midwestern states from April through August 2025, retailing at about $8 per bottle. According to CPSC findings, there have been ten reports of bottles breaking, with at least one injury requiring medical attention.
Behind the Scenes: Why Do Bottled Beverages Shatter?
While rare, shattering bottles are a recognized risk in the wine and beverage industry. According to Wine Spectator, bottle breakage can stem from flaws in the glass, improper storage, excess carbonation, or rapid temperature changes. High internal pressure—as can develop in sparkling wines like Prosecco—can lead to dangerous failures if the bottle’s structural integrity is compromised, even without being handled.
Fan communities on platforms like Reddit’s r/wine and r/Costco share practical stories: some users have reported small, unexplained “pops” from bottles stored on their sides, suggesting that even experienced wine enthusiasts are sometimes caught off-guard by these failures.
Safety Guidelines for Sparkling Wines at Home
- Store bottles upright and away from temperature extremes to minimize risk.
- Inspect bottles for visible cracks or chips before purchase and opening.
- Never attempt to open a bottle which looks damaged or is from a recalled batch.
- Monitor beverage news for safety alerts affecting your favorite brands.
Product Recalls in Context: Are They Really That Rare?
While food recalls are relatively common, mass recalls over glass safety are less frequent but not unprecedented. According to the New York Times, the beverage industry has seen sporadic recalls for glass shards or faulty bottles, especially in sparkling products. Recalls typically occur out of an abundance of caution—even if injury risk is statistically low.
What stands out in 2025 is the scale: almost a million bottles, spanning several states, with rapid retail store response and direct outreach from both Costco and the distributor.
How to Handle the Kirkland Prosecco Recall: Practical Consumer Steps
If you purchased Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG with the affected UPC (196633883742), the CPSC urges you to immediately stop using any remaining bottles. Do not attempt to open, pour, or repurpose the wine. Instead, discard it safely in line with your local waste guidelines.
For refunds, contact Ethica Wines directly at customercare@ethicawines.com or by phone at 786-810-7132. Costco customers may also receive assistance at local warehouses, as confirmed in their member advisories released in September 2025.
Expert and Community Reaction
Most beverage safety experts agree that proactive recalls, like this one, are essential for consumer trust. Discussions across Costco-focused forums and wine enthusiast groups show strong support for Costco’s transparent handling and full refund policy.
Fans also highlight how rare these events are, reminding newer wine lovers that this shouldn’t undermine the safety of most sparkling wines—especially when brands take responsibility and communicate openly.
Building Trust: What to Look For in Safe Wine Purchases
- Check for Recall Notices: Regularly scan official recall sections of retailers or government sites before big purchases.
- Look for Accredited Bottling: Brands that follow strict supply chain certifications reduce risk.
- Join Community Groups: Subreddits and Facebook groups often share real-time product warnings or reassurance based on first-hand user experiences.
The Takeaway: Why This Recall Matters—and What Comes Next
For everyday wine drinkers and Costco regulars, the recall is both a reminder of the complexities of mass retail and an example of best practice in consumer protection. Stringent recalls, supported by clear refund policies and transparent information flow, contribute to long-term trust in both retailers and producers.
Stay informed, follow official recall guidance, and use community sources to keep your wine (and yourself) safe in the future.
