September 17th, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – Warehouse giant Costco has issued a recall of it’s Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene after discovering that the 750 ml bottles may shatter spontaneously, which could lead to serious injury.
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These glass bottles, sold in multiple midwestern states, including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin, were sold between April 25th and August 26th, 2025.
At Ankin Law, we stay on top of recalls to keep you informed. If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a recalled product, contact our product liability attorneys right away for a free consultation. Call 312-600-0000 now.
What Is Costco Doing About The Wine Recall?
Costco has issued a letter to all members who have purchased the recalled wine between April 25th, 2025, and August 26th, 2025, warning them of the hazard and presenting them with instructions on safe disposal of the bottles. Any member who presents this letter to Costco will be given a full refund of their product, no return necessary.
What Should I Do About The Recalled Prosecco?
If you have a bottle of Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene, 750 ml, and you purchased it between the above-mentioned dates, Costco advises you do not open the bottle. Instead, you are instructed to wrap the bottle in paper towels, put it in a plastic bag, and carefully place it in the trash to limit the risk of injury due to shattered glass. Do not return the wine to the warehouse. Simply present your local Costco with your letter to receive a full refund for your product.
It is important that you handle the bottle carefully, as it can shatter even without being handled or in use.
Customers with further questions about the recall are encouraged to contact Ethica Wines customer care via customercare@ethicawines.com.
Why Are The Shattering Wine Bottles Dangerous?
Spontaneously shattering wine bottles can send glass flying in multiple directions. The glass from these bottles is sharp, and can cause lacerations to individuals nearby. Furthermore, small shards of glass could get into your eye, causing further injury that may require medical intervention. Not only do you run the risk of getting hurt by flying glass, but no matter how well you clean up the glass from the floor, some may still remain and could get stepped on and embed in someone’s foot. When these bottles shatter unpredictably, it can cause a significant hazard to those around it.
What Can Cause a Glass Bottle To Spontaneously Shatter?
There are multiple possible causes of a glass bottle spontaneously shattering. Some common reasons a bottle may shatter include:
- Internal Pressure: Carbon Dioxide, which is a byproduct of fermentation, can cause a build up of pressure inside the bottle, and if the glass isn’t strong enough, or enough pressure builds up, it can lead to the bottle shattering. Carbonated beverages can also cause this build up of pressure within a bottle.
- Imperfections in the Glass: Tiny imperfections within the glass, such as small cracks or air bubbles, can affect the structural integrity of the bottle and act as a weak point in the glass, which could lead to the bottle shattering.
- Temperature Fluctuation: When temperatures rise, the gas within the bottle may expand. In some instances, this expansion of gas can cause glass to shatter if it is not strong enough to withstand the sudden expansion.
- Improper Handling: Bumps, falls, or vibrations can exacerbate any imperfections in the bottles, leading to weakened glass, which increases the chance of a shattering bottle.
What Damages Can I Claim?
In a product liability lawsuit, there are two main types of damages you can claim. These include:
Economic damages, also known as special damages, which are your tangible losses that include things like lost wages, medical bills, and lost earning capacity. These losses are typically calculated with financial records such as bills or pay stubs.
Non-Economic Damages, also known as general damages, are your intangible losses that cannot be easily quantified. They are often a little harder to assign a monetary financial value to because they are subjective. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some rare cases where the liable party’s actions are found to be particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages to you. These damages are designed as a sort of punishment to the liable party to discourage similar action in the future. However, they are not guaranteed. These damages are typically awarded if there is significant evidence of the liable party’s actions being intentional or in reckless disregard of public safety.
Contact Ankin Law Right Away
Did you suffer serious injuries because of an exploding wine bottle? Ankin Law will help you hold the manufacturer liable for injuries caused by this unreasonably dangerous product. We have what it takes to take on these big companies and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced product liability attorneys today and get maximum compensation.
