Kroger bets on luxury wines with 147 new wine shops nationwide

Kroger is expanding its wine selection with plans to create 147 in-store wine shops across the country, with the first opening on July 9 in Newport, Kentucky.

Debuting in Newport, just across the river from Kroger's Cincinnati headquarters, the new concept replaces the traditional wine aisle with upgraded refrigerated and display cases and a larger selection of premium and imported wines.

There's also a tasting bar where customers can get recommendations or learn more about their wine selections from a trained steward.

Kroger to offer more foreign and luxury wines in new shops

The retailer said the move comes after it noticed its customers at about 150 stores wanted a fancier selection. In response, Kroger is adding more than 130 new wines.

The new shops will appear in 14 local stores in Kroger's Cincinnati-Dayton region, which includes Northern Kentucky. The retailer did not provide a timeline or identify which stores will get the wine shops, but added that even more could roll out if demand is strong.

Many of the new wines are from coveted regions, such as Chablis and Sancerre in France, as well as Sicily and Northern Italy. The grocer is also buying wines directly from Burgundy and Bordeaux in France because customers are especially interested.

"Kroger is making this investment in response to growing customer demand for affordable premium and luxury wines," Kroger said in a statement, adding its new shops would bring "together wines from both acclaimed and emerging producers."

Kroger is the nation's largest traditional supermarket chain

Kroger operates nearly 2,700 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia, including 77 in Greater Cincinnati. The company employs 403,000 workers.

The retailer operates stores under the Kroger banner name as well as Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Dillons, King Soopers, Mariano's, Fry's, QFC and others.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kroger bets on luxury wines with 147 new wine shops nationwide

Reporting by Alexander Coolidge, USA TODAY NETWORK / Cincinnati Enquirer

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This story was originally published July 17, 2026 at 11:08 AM.