Total Wine & More vs. BevMo!: Where Should You Really Be Shopping?
Okay, so you’re standing in front of a wall of wine (or maybe a towering display of craft beers), and the question hits you: Total Wine or BevMo? Both are giants in the beverage retail world, but which one actually deserves your hard-earned cash? Let’s ditch the corporate jargon and get real about what each store offers.
Total Wine & More? Think of it as the Costco of booze. These guys are massive. Founded way back in 1991, they’ve exploded to become the biggest independent wine retailer in the country. We’re talking 285 stores across 29 states as of today, August 2025. Their game is simple: selection, selection, selection, and prices that are hard to beat.
Then there’s BevMo!, a West Coast staple since 1994. With 161 stores sprinkled across California, Arizona, and Washington (as of August 2024), they’ve built their rep on a fun vibe and a real connection to the local scene. Remember when GoPuff swooped in and bought them in 2020? Yeah, things have been interesting since then.
So, what’s the real difference?
Let’s talk selection. Total Wine? They’re not kidding with the “More” part of their name. Seriously, you could get lost in there. We’re talking 8,000+ wines, 3,000 spirits, and 2,500 beers. From your everyday Pinot Grigio to that obscure Belgian Tripel you’ve been hunting, they’ve probably got it. They take their fine wines seriously, too, scouring the globe for the best bottles.
BevMo! brings a solid game, too, with 3,000+ wines, 1,500 spirits, and 1,200 beers. But, they really shine with their local focus. They stock a ton of stuff from nearby wineries and breweries, and their weekly tastings are a great way to discover something new. Honestly, though, if you’re looking for sheer variety, Total Wine usually wins.
Now, the big question: price. Total Wine is all about being the low-price leader. They use their massive buying power to slash prices, and they even offer price matching. See a lower price somewhere else? They’ll usually match it.
BevMo! has their own tricks, like the legendary “5-cent Wine Sale.” Buy one bottle, get the second for practically nothing. They also claim they’ll beat any Total Wine price by a penny, but you’ve got to bring in the ad to prove it.
Bottom line? While both stores offer deals, Total Wine generally has the edge on overall pricing. But hey, always pays to shop around!
What about the actual shopping experience? Total Wine stores are, well, huge. Think warehouse-sized. It’s all about efficiency and getting those bottles in your cart. They usually have plenty of staff on hand, including folks who really know their wine.
BevMo! goes for a different feel. Their stores are cozier, and they put a big emphasis on customer service. The staff is usually super helpful with pairing suggestions or helping you plan a party.
Of course, no store is perfect. Some folks complain that Total Wine’s customer service can be hit or miss, and there have been grumbles about order errors and pricing issues. BevMo! gets props for its friendly staff, but some customers wish they had a bigger selection and lower prices.
In today’s world, online shopping is a must. Both Total Wine and BevMo! let you buy online, with delivery options available. Total Wine ships to 24 states, while BevMo.com offers shipping and in-store pickup. They’ve both jumped on the delivery bandwagon, too, partnering with services like Uber Eats.
Finally, let’s talk rewards. Total Wine has &MORE Rewards, where you earn points for every dollar you spend. BevMo! has ClubBev, which gives you a 5% savings reward for every $250 you drop.
So, which store should you choose?
Go Total Wine if:
- You want the biggest freakin’ selection on the planet.
- You’re hunting for the absolute lowest prices.
- You don’t mind a warehouse-y shopping experience.
Head to BevMo! if:
- You want a fun, friendly, and helpful shopping experience.
- You like supporting a West Coast brand.
- You value personal recommendations and local products.
Honestly, the best way to decide is to check out both stores for yourself. Compare their selection, prices, and overall vibe. Happy shopping, and may your glass always be full!