What Total Wine & More Is
Total Wine & More is a large retail chain that sells beer, wine, and spirits from a warehouse-style location. Unlike a small neighborhood liquor store, Total Wine operates more like a supermarket for alcohol — you walk the aisles, pick items yourself, and check out at registers. The chain has hundreds of locations across the United States, and most stores are significantly larger than independent liquor shops, with wider selection and lower prices on many items.
The store is owned by Total Wine & More, Inc., a private company. It is not a membership club, though the chain does offer a rewards program you can join at checkout or online. You do not need to be a member to shop there, and you do not need to sign up in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Total Wine & More is a self-service retail chain where you select items from shelves and pay at checkout, with no membership required.
- The store carries beer, wine, and spirits at prices typically lower than independent liquor stores because of their buying volume.
- You can join the rewards program at any register or online to earn points on purchases, though it is optional.
- Total Wine locations vary in size and selection, so what is in stock at one store may not be at another nearby location.
- The store enforces age verification at checkout — you must show a valid ID to purchase any alcohol, and staff will ask for it.
How to Find a Total Wine Location Near You
Total Wine has a store locator on its website at totalwine.com. Enter your zip code or city, and the site shows all nearby locations with their hours, phone numbers, and addresses. You can also call a store directly to ask whether they have a specific product in stock before you visit.
Store hours vary by location. Most are open seven days a week, but some locations have different hours on Sundays or may close earlier on certain days. The website shows the exact hours for each store. If you are looking for a specific wine, beer, or spirit, calling ahead saves a trip — staff can tell you whether it is in stock and sometimes hold it for you for a short time.
What You Need to Bring and Know Before You Shop
You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID to purchase alcohol. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Total Wine staff will ask for your ID at checkout — this is a legal requirement, not a store choice. If you do not have an ID with you, you cannot complete the purchase, even if you are well over the legal drinking age.
Total Wine does not deliver alcohol to your home in most states. Some locations may offer curbside pickup for online orders, but this varies by state and local law. Check the website or call your local store to see whether this option is available in your area. In states where delivery is legal, third-party services like DoorDash or Instacart sometimes deliver from Total Wine, but the store itself does not operate a delivery service.
How the Rewards Program Works
Total Wine's rewards program is called the Total Wine Rewards program. It is free to join. You earn one point for every dollar you spend on wine, beer, and spirits. Points accumulate in your account and convert to discounts — typically, 100 points equals a $5 reward, though the exact conversion varies and is shown in the app or on your receipt.
You can join at any register by providing your email address and phone number, or you can sign up online at totalwine.com before you shop. Once you are enrolled, give your phone number or email at checkout, and the cashier will explore your points. You can also read the Total Wine mobile app to track your points, see upcoming sales, and find digital coupons that explore to specific products.
The rewards program is optional. You can shop and pay without joining, and you will not be charged a fee if you do not enroll. However, members sometimes receive exclusive discounts and early notice of sales, so joining costs nothing and may save you money over time.
Prices and Selection Compared to Other Liquor Stores
Total Wine typically prices items lower than independent liquor stores because the chain buys in large volume and operates with lower overhead per store. However, prices are not always the lowest — online retailers and warehouse clubs sometimes undercut Total Wine on specific items. Prices also vary by state because of different tax structures and shipping costs.
Selection at Total Wine is much larger than at most independent stores. A typical location carries hundreds of wines, dozens of beer brands with multiple styles each, and a wide range of spirits. However, not every location stocks every product. If you are looking for something rare or hard to find, call ahead or ask a staff member in the store — they can sometimes order items that are not on the shelf, though delivery time varies.
What Happens at Checkout
At checkout, the cashier will scan your items and ask for your ID before completing the transaction. This is a legal requirement for all alcohol sales. Have your ID ready — the process is quick, but the store cannot ring up your purchase without it.
You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you are a rewards member, provide your phone number or email so the points are added to your account. The receipt will show your points balance and any available rewards you can use on a future visit. Some locations have self-checkout, but alcohol items typically cannot go through self-checkout — a staff member must verify your age and complete the transaction at a regular register.
Return and Exchange Policies
Total Wine allows returns within a set timeframe if you are not satisfied with a product. Most locations accept returns within 30 days with a receipt. You must have the original receipt and the product must be unopened and in resalable condition. If you opened a bottle and did not like it, the store will not accept a return — alcohol sales are final once opened.
If a product is defective (for example, a bottle is leaking or the seal is broken), bring it back with your receipt and the store will replace it or refund your money. Keep your receipt if you think you might want to return something, as the store requires it for all returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order online and pick up in the store?
Some Total Wine locations offer online ordering with in-store pickup, but this is not available at all stores. Check the website for your local store or call to ask whether this option is available. If it is, you typically place the order online, pay, and pick it up within a set timeframe — usually the same day or next day.
Does Total Wine sell beer and wine coolers, or only full-size bottles?
Total Wine sells beer in all formats — six-packs, cases, single cans, and variety packs. Wine comes in standard 750ml bottles, but also in larger formats like 1.5-liter bottles and smaller 375ml bottles. Spirits are sold in standard 750ml bottles and larger sizes. Selection of each format varies by location.
What if the store is out of stock on something I want?
Call the store and ask whether they can special order it. Many locations can order products that are not currently on the shelf, though it may take several days or weeks depending on the distributor. You may need to pay in advance or put down a deposit. Ask about the timeline and cost before placing the order.
Can I use coupons or digital offers at Total Wine?
Yes. The Total Wine app and website show digital coupons and sales that explore to specific products. Load them into your account or show them on your phone at checkout. Paper coupons from newspapers or mailers are sometimes accepted, but check the fine print — some are limited to certain locations or products. Ask the cashier if you are unsure whether a coupon is valid.
What is the age requirement to buy alcohol at Total Wine?
You must be at least 21 years old to purchase beer, wine, or spirits in the United States. Total Wine will ask for ID at checkout regardless of how old you appear. If you do not have a valid ID, the sale cannot be completed. This is a federal law, not a store policy.