| Wine clubs have become very popular over the | | | | personalized for the individual who is the member |
| past decade and are a great gift idea for family | | | | of the club. |
| members, business associates, or as a gift for | | | | 4. Are you interested in tasting wines from |
| yourself. The best wine clubs send you | | | | unusual regions and discovering new varietals that |
| high-quality wines for a great price. Many clubs | | | | you may not have encountered before? Then |
| have outstanding introductory offers that allow | | | | you might want to consider a club that has |
| you to experience the quality of their selections | | | | international selections, allowing you the |
| and are an unbeatable value. | | | | opportunity to enjoy varietals from all over the |
| With all the different clubs available, how do you | | | | world. |
| choose the best wine club? | | | | 5. Are you a novice to the world of wine or are |
| 1. Compare the quality of the selections. Some | | | | you already an expert? Many clubs offer excellent |
| clubs include wines that may be available in retail | | | | educational materials. These can include extensive |
| shops or have been tasted, reviewed and scored | | | | tasting notes, history of the wineries, and notes |
| by experts like The Wine Spectator or Robert | | | | from the winemakers themselves. Some clubs will |
| Parker. However, don't ignore a club just because | | | | even include information about specific grapes and |
| it hasn't been reviewed by some oenophile | | | | growing regions that will increase your general |
| publication. Many clubs make their selections from | | | | knowledge. |
| small, boutique wineries that have small | | | | 6. Look to see if there are value-added products |
| production, but excellent grapes and winemakers. | | | | included with your club membership. For example, |
| Some clubs have strong relationships with wineries | | | | some clubs include a good quality bottle opener or |
| and are able to obtain exclusive rights for | | | | a set of professional tasting glasses for new |
| distribution only to club members. | | | | members. These promotions are especially nice |
| The best clubs will offer an introductory | | | | when you are giving the club membership as a |
| promotion so that you can taste their selections | | | | gift. Even after the vino is just a good memory, |
| yourself at a very inexpensive price. These are | | | | they will have a gift to remember your |
| the wine clubs that are confident of their product | | | | thoughtful, special present. |
| and know that once you try them out, you'll be a | | | | 7. Check to see if there are additional benefits |
| loyal club member for a long time. | | | | offered to club members. If you receive a club |
| 2. Compare the prices of the wine clubs. Prices | | | | selection that you especially enjoy, many clubs |
| range from $69.99 for a case to hundreds of | | | | offer discounts for additional purchases. But, when |
| dollars for two bottles of a truly special vintage | | | | you do want to order more, don't delay. With the |
| suitable for a collector. The best wine club is the | | | | limited supply of some of the boutique selections |
| one that allows you to enjoy good wine without | | | | offered in the best wine clubs, they sell out |
| breaking your budget. | | | | quickly. |
| 3. Consider what type of wines you usually enjoy | | | | Ultimately, choosing the best wine club depends |
| the most. Do you prefer a white or a red? Do | | | | on the individual tastes, interests and budget of |
| you savor the bouquet and flavor of a good | | | | the wine lover. Whether a wine novice or a |
| zinfandel? Are you happier with a large variety of | | | | connoisseur, becoming a member of a wine club |
| different styles to have in your wine rack? The | | | | (or giving a gift of a club membership) is a |
| best wine clubs will have choices that can be | | | | pleasure sure to be savored. |