The recall of the Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco has become one of the more unusual product-alerts in recent memory. The recall covers specific bottles of sparkling wine sold by Costco Wholesale Corporation between April 25 and August 26, 2025. As of today, U.S. consumers need to be aware of exactly which bottles are impacted, what the risk involves, how to identify those bottles, and what steps to take.
Below is a comprehensive, up-to-date breakdown of the recall — and how it affects you.
What triggered the recall?
The recall concerns the Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene (750 mL) bearing item number 1879870. The key issue: unopened bottles may spontaneously shatter, even when they are not being handled or opened. The retailer notes that internal pressure or a defect in the glass container appears to be the likely culprit. This risk distinguishes the recall from more common quality-or-labeling issues: here the hazard is physical — broken glass and unpredictable failure of sealed bottles.
Costco’s official recall notice states that the product was sold in its warehouses across certain Midwestern U.S. states between April 25 and August 26, 2025. The company did not publicly disclose the number of affected bottles or whether any injuries have officially been reported.
Which states and products are involved?
The recall is limited to certain states and a specific purchase window. The affected states include:
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
If you purchased the bottle outside those states—or outside the stated date window—the recall may not apply (although you may still wish to check your bottle’s details).
Key product details:
- Product name: Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene
- Item number: 1879870
- Bottle size: 750 mL
- Purchase period: April 25 – August 26, 2025
- Retailer: Costco warehouses in the listed states
Why this recall is significant
Most recalls involve contamination, mislabelling or allergen issues. This one is noteworthy for a few reasons:
- The bottles in question may shatter while unopened, making the hazard unpredictable.
- Because the risk involves exploding or cracked glass, even storing the product in your home could pose a danger.
- The recall is for a private-label product, which many consumers trust given the reputation of the Kirkland Signature brand.
- The rapid consumer reach required (due to shipping of alcohol, storage, and private-label oversight) adds complexity for the retailer and importer.
From a consumer standpoint, the unusual nature of the hazard—rather than chalking it up to spoilage or label error—means extra vigilance is needed.
Your step-by‐step action plan
If you believe you may own a bottle covered by this recall, here’s what to do:
- Check the bottle label and receipt
- Confirm the product is Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene.
- Locate the item number: 1879870.
- Confirm purchase date falls within April 25–August 26, 2025.
- Ensure it was bought in one of the listed states.
- If your bottle is included in the recall
- Do not open the bottle. Opening may trigger the failure or expose you to broken glass.
- Do not attempt to return it to the store location with the bottle itself. Costco’s guidance states the bottle should not be returned to avoid risk of shattering in transit or in the store.
- Dispose of the bottle safely:
- Wrap the bottle securely in paper towels or newspaper.
- Place the wrapped bottle in a thick plastic bag (e.g., garbage bag).
- Seal the bag and dispose of it in your household trash — do not recycle the bottle.
- Claim your refund: If you received a recall-notification letter from Costco, bring that letter (and any proof of purchase) to your nearest Costco customer service desk to receive a full refund for the product.
- Contact the importer if you have questions
The importer, Ethica Wines (Miami-based), has been listed as the consumer-contact party. They can be reached by email or phone (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET).
Consumer safety tips & home storage considerations
Given the nature of the risk – internal pressure and container failure – here are extra points worth noting for home use:
- Sparkling wines are bottled under pressure; even seemingly stable bottles can fail. If you notice any unusual bulging, hissing or cracked glass when handling, stop immediately.
- Store sparkling wines in cool, stable temperature locations. Avoid heat and direct sunlight, as elevated temperature can increase pressure inside the bottle.
- Once you notice the product is under recall, treat it as a potential hazard: keep it separate from children, high-traffic areas, and other fragile items until disposal.
- Even if not in the affected batch, consider handling your sparkling wines with care — this event underscores that packaging and bottling quality matter.
What happened behind the scenes?
Costco issued its recall after internal notices and consumer feedback linked unopened bottles of this specific Prosecco to spontaneous failure. While the importer has not publicly offered a full root-cause analysis, observers suggest the likely factors include high internal carbonation pressure, possible flaws or micro-cracks in the glass bottle, or weaknesses in the manufacturing process.
In consumer forums, some store employees noted that stores had pulled the item from shelves earlier (in some states) before the recall notice was widely publicized. One post on Reddit noted that “we had two corks that started popping out as soon as we let some pressure off the cage… I bet that explains it.” While anecdotal, such reports may reflect clues to underlying pressure-build-up or quality control issues.
Costco neighbours its official recall with a strong safety message: the company did not provide a specific injury count, nor did it say how many bottles were impacted. The lack of firm numbers has led analysts to view the recall as a cautionary measure and an indication of the brand taking a precaution rather than reacting to widespread consumer injuries.
Brand and business implications
For Costco and its private-label Kirkland Signature brand, the recall carries several implications:
- Consumer trust: Kirkland Signature is built on value and reliability. A recall like this may erode short-term trust among shoppers who expect consistent, safe products under the brand.
- Importer and bottler scrutiny: The recall underscores the need for rigorous quality control—not just of ingredients or labelling—but of physical packaging, especially for products under internal pressure (like sparkling wine).
- Retailer liability & response: Costco’s decision to send out letters and provide refunds shows the company is proactively addressing the risk. From a risk-management perspective, swift action helps reduce legal exposure and consumer backlash.
- Market perception: When high-volume private-label products are pulled due to safety hazards, it draws attention to broader supply-chain vulnerabilities in retail settings—not only for food and drink but for any pressurized container or imported product.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I still return the bottle to Costco?
A: No. The company specifically instructs that you should not return the bottle to a warehouse store due to safety risks associated with transporting the bottle. Disposal is recommended, with refund claims processed separately.
Q: What if I opened the bottle already?
A: If you opened the bottle and consumed it without incident, the immediate hazard may be past, but you should still take note of any issues (such as cracks in the bottle or difficulty corking). For refund eligibility, you’ll need to check whether you received the recall notification and follow Costco’s instructions for claims.
Q: If I live in a state not listed, am I safe?
A: If you did not purchase the bottle in one of the affected states or during the specified timeframe, your bottle likely does not fall under the recall. However, double-check the item number and purchase date. If uncertain, contact importer for guidance.
Q: What if I gifted the bottle to someone else?
A: If you gifted a bottle that meets the recall parameters, alert the recipient immediately and ask them to follow disposal/refund instructions. It may help to retain proof of purchase or membership details to facilitate the refund.
Q: Will Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco come back to shelves?
A: As of now, Costco has not announced a re-launch of this bottle. You should check for updates via the recall page on Costco’s website for future availability or alternate versions of the product.
Summary and final thoughts
In short: if you purchased the Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene (item #1879870) from Costco between April 25 and August 26, 2025 in one of the 12 listed states, you should stop using the bottle immediately, not open it, dispose of it safely, and claim your refund. The recall is unusual because the hazard arises from bottles that may explode or shatter even when unopened—a reminder that packaging matters just as much as product contents.
For U.S. consumers, this serves as a helpful caution: check your wine labels, keep receipts, and act fast if a recall affects your purchase. Even trusted brands and private labels are not immune from risk, particularly when pressure-filled containers like sparkling wines are involved.
We invite you to share your experience or ask questions below—your feedback may help other shoppers stay safe and informed.