How strict liquor laws kept Costco's potentially "exploding" wine out of Utah

Driving the news: Costco this week offered refunds for Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene sold between April 25 and Aug. 26, citing "a risk of unopened bottles shattering, even when not handled or in use."

• The membership-based retail chain instructed customers to "immediately" dispose of the prosecco by "wrapping the unopened bottle in paper towels and placing it in a plastic bag before placing it in the garbage to avoid risk from shattered glass."

Between the lines: Many Utahns have long mourned the absence of Costco's celebrated wine and liquor selection.

• Pilgrimages to Costcos in the Las Vegas area are a time-honored tradition among connoisseurs here.
• A TikTok video purporting to show booze in SLC's Costco this spring only dashed the hopes of hundreds of commenters who realized it was an April Fools' joke.

Reality check: According to the recall notice, the suspect prosecco was sold mostly in the Midwest.

• Even if it were legal to stock in Utah, Costco didn't appear to have it on shelves in Western states.

Zoom out: Check Bluesky for menu suggestions that pair Costco's "exploding wine" with last month's potentially radioactive shrimp from Walmart.