Wine Clubs of America

A Fun Wine Experience

Before you jump in and sign up to your own wine club, let’s discuss some of the reasons to do so to begin with,and help you decide which is best for you.

What are Wine Clubs of America?

When you enroll in a wine club, you are basically agreeing to getting wine shipped to you X amount of times per year. The wine gets delivered, usually with tasting notes from the winemaker or wine club director. It can range from one bottle to 12, depending on what you’ve signed up for. They have your credit card on file, so you get billed automatically.

Benefits

The major benefit to joining most wine clubs (especially those directly coming from wineries) is discounts. Who doesn’t like discounts? It depends on the level of discounts the winery will give, but it’s definitely something to ask about before you sign up.

Another benefit is access to wine that may not be distributed in the open market. Many wineries have wines that are only available in the tasting room, and some go so far as to have wines just available to the club alone.

A third benefit is the pure fact that you get to try new wines and have the ability to purchase more (if you like them, of course) without having to go to the winery first—this is especially a good thing if you live far away.

Last but not least, wineries frequently host parties and dinners open to the wine club only. It’s a great experience to be able to attend these events, but for some it can be prohibitive because you don’t live close by.

Fee?

The question asked the most about joining a wine club of America is "what is the fee to join?" No, this is not a country club folks…and the winery WANTS you to join the club, so there is no fee. That isn’t to say there isn’t a cost—you obviously have to pay for the wine (and shipping)—but there is no monthly/yearly fee beyond that. Be sure to read the contract and details of the club before you sign up—there may be an early cancellation fee if you opt out before you’ve taken a certain amount of shipments. Wineries had issues with people signing up for the club, buying lots of wine at the club discount, and then when they got home they cancelled before they even received one shipment.

Types of Clubs

Now, there are wine clubs that have nothing to do with a particular winery. There are websites, wine magazines, wine shops, wine emporiums, etc. that all have wine clubs of sorts too! Here are but a few:

• Wine.com
• IWA
• Beverages and More

These are great clubs to belong to if you’re more of a fan of a variety of wines from different producers and maybe even wine-producing regions of the world. The wonderful thing about these clubs is the fact that inevitably you will receive wines you have 1) never tried before 2) never heard of before and 3) never would have tasted on your own. This is a great way to expand your wine horizons. You may taste wine that you love so much that it becomes your new favorite summer sipper or winter red to curl up to the fire with.

Careful Consideration

There are many things to consider before you plunk down your credit card to be charged automatically.

1. How much wine do you want? - Some clubs will offer different amounts to be shipped. If you are new to the whole wine club thing, start small. Try something like 2 bottles per shipment 4 times a year. Once you feel more comfortable signing up for more go ahead…just start slow at first.
2. What types of wine do you want to receive in your shipment? - Although many wineries don’t advertise white or red only clubs (they usually have a mix) most will honor your request if you just ask. If you sign up for a wine club not run by a winery, make sure you get what you want. Do you want only California? Perhaps you’d like to try wines from the entire country? Or perhaps you are curious about Italian or French Wine? There are MANY options out there, so think carefully about what you really want.
3. Cost - Basically, how much are you willing to spend per shipment. Make sure the average cost of each shipment falls into your target area. That way no surprises will sneak up on you when you open your credit card statement.
4. Shipping - Not every winery will have a permit for every state, so be sure to check with the wine club director so that you can make sure you can get your shipment without paying for a third party shipper to come in and do it (extra cost!)

Enjoy!

Enjoy your wine club experience! It’s so much fun to get the knock on your door and see the delivery person with your box of wine! It is a great way to expand your wine knowledge and repertoire of wine tasting. With careful planning and selection, your experience will be a rewarding one! Cheers!