Is Your Kirkland Prosecco at Risk? Costco Issues Urgent Recall!

Costco has issued a safety alert regarding its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene, warning that certain bottles may shatter unexpectedly, even when unopened. The alert affects customers in 11 Midwestern states who purchased the product between April 25 and August 26, 2025. Those affected are instructed to dispose of the bottles safely to avoid injury from shattered glass.

Last updated: 01 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Costco has recalled Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene due to shattering risks.
• The recall affects 11 Midwestern states, including Iowa and Illinois.
• Customers must dispose of unopened bottles without returning them to stores.
• Executive members now enjoy exclusive early shopping hours.
• The new membership policy has sparked criticism among customers.

Details of the Safety Alert

Costco's warning pertains specifically to item #1879870 of the Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene. Members who bought this sparkling wine in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are urged to take immediate action. The retailer has advised customers to wrap any unopened bottles in paper towels, place them in a plastic bag, and dispose of them in the trash. It is essential that these bottles not be opened due to the risk of glass explosion.

How to Dispose of Affected Bottles

While other recalls typically require returning the product to the store, Costco has instructed members not to do so for this particular item. Instead, customers should follow these steps to ensure safe disposal:

1. Wrap the bottle in paper towels to contain any potential breakage.
2. Seal the wrapped bottle in a plastic bag to prevent any glass from escaping.
3. Dispose of the sealed bag in the trash.

Members can obtain a full refund by presenting the warning letter they received to their nearest Costco location.

Ethica Wines' Role

Ethica Wines, the distributor of the prosecco, has opened a line of communication for concerned customers. They can reach out via email at customercare@ethicawines.com or by phone at (786) 810-7132, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Ethica Wines has expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused by this alert.

The New Executive Membership Policy

In addition to the safety alert, Costco has implemented a new policy that grants early shopping hours exclusively to Executive members. This change, which officially took effect on August 31, has been met with mixed reactions from customers and employees alike. Executive members, who pay an annual fee of £130, can enter stores one hour earlier on weekdays and Sundays, and 30 minutes earlier on Saturdays. This marks a significant shift, as Gold Star and Business members, who pay £65 annually, no longer have access to these extended hours.

Reasons for the Policy Change

Costco describes this new policy as a way to reward loyal customers and alleviate overcrowding in stores. However, the implementation has not been without controversy. Many members have voiced their concerns on social media platforms, particularly Reddit, where discussions have highlighted the challenges posed by a recent hiring freeze and reduced hours that could hinder early openings.

Comparisons to Competitors

Some customers have drawn comparisons between Costco's membership model and that of Sam's Club, which offers tiered membership options. At Sam's Club, a standard membership costs £50 annually, while a Plus membership costs £110. The introduction of exclusive early hours for Executive members has led some to question whether Costco is shifting towards a similar tiered approach.

Customer Reactions and Criticism

Despite the rationale behind the new early hour policy, it has faced backlash from various quarters. Some employees have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing these hours amidst staffing shortages. Meanwhile, customers have expressed frustration over the perceived inequity of exclusive access to shopping hours, feeling that it undermines the community-centric ethos that Costco has traditionally upheld.

What’s Next for Costco?

As Costco navigates these changes, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to customer feedback and whether adjustments will be made to the Executive membership model. The safety alert concerning the Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene has highlighted the importance of product safety, while the membership policy shift indicates a potential evolution in Costco's business model. Members and customers alike will be watching closely for further developments.

FAQs

What should I do if I have an unopened bottle of Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene?

If you have an unopened bottle of Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene, you should dispose of it immediately as advised by Costco. Wrap the bottle in paper towels, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it away.

How can I get a refund for the recalled Prosecco?

To obtain a refund for the recalled Prosecco, bring the warning letter you received to your nearest Costco location. They will process your refund without requiring you to return the bottle.

What are the new early shopping hours for Executive members?

Executive members can enter Costco stores one hour earlier on weekdays and Sundays, and 30 minutes earlier on Saturdays, compared to regular members who no longer have access to these extended hours.

Why did Costco implement the new early shopping hours policy?

Costco implemented the new early shopping hours policy to reward loyalty among Executive members and to help reduce overcrowding in stores during peak shopping times.

What is the cost of the Executive membership at Costco?

The cost of an Executive membership at Costco is £130 per year. This membership offers various benefits, including the exclusive early shopping hours policy.

Conclusion

As Costco faces challenges regarding product safety and membership policies, it is evident that customer safety and satisfaction remain paramount. The potential risk associated with the Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene has prompted swift action, while the new membership policy reflects changing dynamics within the retail landscape. How Costco balances these concerns will be closely monitored as members adjust to these developments. #CostcoSafetyAlert #ProseccoRecall #MembershipChanges