Does Joining a Wine Club Make Sense?

Wine clubs have indeed become a popular way for enthusiasts to explore new wines, discover hidden gems, and have a selection of wines delivered right to their doorsteps. However, like with any membership, it is essential to know when it makes most sense to join. Do you drink wine on casual occasions or are you well-seasoned and want to try new things? Does the ease and thrill of getting curated bottles every month align with your wine habits?

I have seen for myself how joining a wine club can be a game-changer for some people, while others may find it unnecessary.

In this post, I look at when joining a wine club is truly worth it and how to go about making sure you choose the right one to meet your needs.

1. You're Looking to Explore New Wines Regularly

If you find yourself in a rut, always reaching for the same wines when you hit the store, joining a wine club can be a fantastic way to break out of that cycle. Many wine clubs offer curated selections from various regions, varietals, and sometimes even lesser-known producers that help expand your palate and expose you to wines you might not pick up on your own.

For example, if you love Cabernet Sauvignon but don't have an open mind toward Malbec, Tempranillo, or Syrah, a good wine club opens that door. You may discover the style of wine that will be your next favorite, and that is also a big part of the fun with wine clubs.

When it makes sense:

• You love wine but want to try new wines without having to study for hours or run from one wine store to another.
• You want to taste wines from small, boutique wineries which may be difficult to get at your local store.

2. You Don't Have the Time or Knowledge to Curate Your Own Selections

Wine selection can be overwhelming. With thousands of wines from hundreds of regions, if you're not familiar with what's good and where to find it, it may take a lot of time to navigate your options. A wine club will save you a great deal of time and energy by giving you a curated selection. Many clubs will make recommendations based on your preferences to ensure that the wines you receive are ones you like.

Furthermore, if you're not a connoisseur of wine or the various wine regions, a wine club gives you educated recommendations. These curated collections often include notes on tasting, information on the background of the wine, and even food pairings to give you an added level of understanding and appreciation of what you drink.

When it makes sense:

You don't have the time or knowledge to navigate the wine aisle or independently choose bottles. You want to be surprised with wines that appeal to your personal taste without the time investment needed to research each wine.

3. You're Looking for Convenience And Free Delivery

One of the most noticeable and obvious benefits about a wine-of-the-month club is the convenience itself: whether due to work, traveling, or life, receiving wine through one's doors can be absolutely handy. And even more helpful to those who live in areas devoid of a readily wide variety of wines at good wine stores nearby.

Other wine clubs further offer the frequency of deliveries: monthly, quarterly, or even bi-monthly, in control of how much wine you receive and when.

When it makes sense:

• You're looking for an effortless way to get great wine to your house.
• You'd rather skip the trip to the wine store and enjoy the convenience of a curated selection arriving on your doorstep.

4. You Want Access to Exclusive Wines and Deals

A lot of wine clubs, especially those from specific wineries or wine regions, are able to give access to wines you can't find anywhere else. Some offer limited edition releases, special bottlings, or early access to new vintages, which make them perfect for collectors or those who seek unique bottles.

Additionally, wine club members often get discounts on wine purchases and access to special events like virtual tastings, wine dinners, or members-only vineyard tours. This is a great way to deepen your wine knowledge and connect with the wine community, especially if you’re an enthusiast who loves to explore beyond the bottle.

When it makes sense:

• You are looking for rare, hard to get wines or wish to establish a personal relationship with a winery.
• You like member-only discounts or special event invitations.

5. You Like to Support Small, Independent Wineries

Many wine clubs bring in small, independent wineries, or wines that are organic, sustainable, or biodynamic. If you like supporting locals or want to taste wines from family-owned vineyards, then joining a wine club is the best thing you can do. Often, these smaller wineries do not have big distribution, so a wine club may be one of the few ways to get those wines delivered to your door.

What you'll also be directly supporting with that kind of membership is more sustainable, earth-friendly practices within the wine world, which doesn't hurt at all for a greener customer.

When it makes sense:

• You really want to make sure your support is going directly to small/sustainable wineries, and feel good about each bottle you get.
• Learning about the wine's story or story behind the producers themselves is where a big part of your fun with the purchase starts.

6. You Want to Save Money on Wine

Although a wine club may sound like an added expense, many offer competitive pricing, actually quite affordable compared to similar wines available for purchase at a store. Some great deals from the clubs come in discounts off of bottles, free shipping, or, in some cases, extras such as additional bottles or wine accessories.

But do the math, because some wine clubs charge a premium for membership or shipping; you have to be certain that the wine and perks you're receiving are worth your price.

When it makes sense:

• You want good wines at a better price than what you would normally pay at a retail store.
• You're looking to save money via discounts or free shipping on large purchases of wine.

7. You Are New to the World of Wines

The wine clubs prove to be indispensable for budding collectors and even hobbyists with curiosity about the varietals and their pairings. Most are pretty friendly towards amateur connoisseurs by providing light wine notes or, at times, recommendations, including educational tips and guides regarding tasting, food pairing, or even wine storing.

It would help expedite your learning curve and develop more substantial appreciation for wines with various wine exposures that come along with most wine clubs.

When it makes sense:

• You're a beginner at drinking wine, and you're looking to train your palate from the start.
• You'd like to pick up core knowledge about wine in an entertaining way.

When Might It Not Make Sense?

While wine clubs offer many advantages, there are a few scenarios in which they might not be the best fit:

• If you prefer complete control over your wine selection: If you're someone who likes to browse the aisles and choose wines personally, the limited selection and curated nature of most wine clubs may not appeal to you.

• If you don't drink wine frequently: If you only have wine sitting in your cellar for months at a time and don't drink it, this might not be a good choice for you. Most of the wine clubs are designed to be subscriptions that will make you end up with a lot of wines.

• For those on a tight budget: Great values can be had with some of the wine clubs, but some are fairly costly. One would want to review costs and evaluate if membership is affordable before committing to a club.

Final Thoughts

Joining a wine club can be an excellent choice for those looking to expand their wine knowledge, discover new favorites, and enjoy the convenience of having curated selections delivered right to their door. Whether you’re an occasional drinker, a budding enthusiast, or a seasoned collector, a wine club can help deepen your passion and offer access to exclusive wines and discounts.

But as with any subscription service, the onus is on you to take a snapshot of your drinking habits and tastes before subscribing. If it aligns with your goals and lifestyle, then joining a wine club can enhance the experience of enjoying wine in ways you may not have considered.

Cheers to finding your next favorite bottle!