Wine clubs were something that I researched a lot once I decided that I enjoyed tasting and experiencing local wines. Almost every winery offered at least one club, and from an initial look they seemed to be a good deal if you like the wines and wanted to visit. Becoming a member at a winery that has tasting fees of $20-$50/person can pay for itself after one or two complementary visits for you and up to 3 additional guests.
Since there are so many wine club options (and great wines all over the valley) Alex and I typically join 2-3 wine clubs a year at the wineries that we LOVE all of their wines. This allows us to visit with our friends and family, check out the members only events, receive special wine club only allocations, and keep things interesting by rotating after we've received 9-12 bottles from a particular winery.
What I consider when deciding to join a club:
- Do I LOVE the wines?
- If you don't love the wines, don't join! There is no way that you are going to feel good about a winery that you are constantly gifting their bottles, and you won't want to visit and taste there more than once or twice!
- What are the different club options?
- Most wineries have club options that range greatly in the amount of bottles that you receive, and the overall price.
- Some wineries offer a club with bottles that are difficult to find, single vineyard, small production vs a general club where you will receive both some of their mass distribution and small production.
- I tend to gravitate towards the small production or "winery exclusive" wines option (the slightly higher priced one), because I like receiving discounts on wines that I will not be able to match the price by going to Costco or BevMo.
- There usually is a mixed, white only, or reds only club, with a 3, 6, or 12 bottle offering per shipment.
- What will my discount be?
- Unless you are saving a minimum of 15%, it might not be worth joining. I look for 20-25%, but will make exceptions if it is exceptional wine that I can't find online for less.
- How much is this going to cost?
- Many clubs will show you a typical cost per shipment and a shipping cost. Once you calculate how much this will cost you a year, you can decide if you can afford this club? Do you want to spend your money on this?
- One way to reduce costs is to ask to pick up your shipments at the winery. We always choose this option, it's a great way to save $20-$30 each shipment and an even better excuse to get out to a tasting!
- Do I like the people who work there?
- I've joined a couple of wine clubs in the past where I really didn't connect with the people that worked there. Just like friends or acquaintances, who wants to spend time with people that they don't enjoy their company?
- How many people can I bring to the winery for free?
- Being able to take a total of 4 people to enjoy a complimentary tour or tasting really will encourage you to visit more often. We take family when they come from out of town, or friends who want to take a day trip. It's a great thing to do to entertain and without having to pay.
- What is the typical cost for tasting?
- If a typical tasting is over $20/person, then it definitely entices me to join. Otherwise, I could just visit the winery and pay the tasting fee.
- How many events do they have each year and what is the cost?
- Many wine clubs have great events that are at a discounted cost or free for members. Some of the best events that we have been to are Fall Release Parties at Cakebread Cellars, serving gourmet bites paired with delicious wines. Other great events are quarterly Merryvale pick up parties, featuring local catering and barrel tastings.
- If the events look like something you want to attend, this may be another reason to join!
Did I miss something? If you've joined clubs in the past, what are some of the things that you have considered in your decisions? Please comment!
Below are links to some of wine clubs that we have joined over the years:
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