The Best Wine Clubs for All Wine Drinkers
Over the years I’ve reviewed many of the best wine clubs and hundreds of wines. Some have come and gone, but the clubs that I recommend below have stood the test of time. They consistently deliver high quality wines at a good price point. And to be clear, I have personally tried each of the ones I recommend in the list below.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission at no additional cost to you. I’m proud to say my reviews are always my honest opinion no matter what.
1
Wine Access
- Best overall for access to multiple wine clubs.
- Get $25-OFF your first two wine club shipments.
2
Naked Wines
- Best for exclusivity and supporting independent winemakers.
- Get 6 world class wines for $6.67 per bottle + free shipping.
3
Firstleaf
- Best for wines that are curated to your personal tastes.
- Get your first box of 6 wines for only $44.95 + free shipping.
4
Wine Insiders
- Best for longest running club (over 40 years).
- Get 15 bottles of wine for only $5.93 per bottle.
5
Plonk Wine Club
- Best for organic, natural and bio-dynamic wines.
- Get $10-OFF your first wine club subscription order.
My Experience with Wine Clubs
One of the best things about joining a wine club is the opportunity to try wines you may not have thought of trying yourself. Also, the wines you get from most clubs are ones that you won’t likely find at your local wine shop. So, that means you’re bound to experience wines that are new to you.
Also, when you join a wine club, you’ll end up learning a lot about different wine varietals and regions where wine comes from. Many of the best wine clubs will includes tasting notes and educational materials along with the wines they send you. Half the fun of drinking wine is learning about it!
And that brings us to one of the big problems with wine drinking. And that is, that it can be very overwhelming, especially if you’re a new wine consumer. There are many choices in terms of types of wine, red vs. white, wine regions and more.
The good news is that trying a wine club can be a great entry point into growing your wine expertise. But, choosing a wine club (sometimes called a wine subscription) can be overwhelming in itself.
As a wine drinker myself, I’ve personally tried and experienced each of these clubs and am pleased to share everything I’ve learned about each club. I hope you get value from it!
The Best Wine Clubs
In this list you’ll find wine clubs at different price points and for different types of consumers. Many have introductory pricing that let you try their club out at a low price.
As you go through the list, be sure to review the facts, pros and cons of each club. At the end of the day, choosing the best wine club comes down to personal preferences including your budget, your tastes and how often you want your wine delivered to you.
Wine Access
Here are the wines that I received from Wine Access:
I cover several different wine clubs in this list, but Wine Access is the overall best in my opinion.
Most just give you one club option. But with Wine Access you get the most flexibility in terms of the type of wine club you want to join. From an entry-level club to exclusive high-end clubs for the most discerning wine consumer.
The mission of Wine Access is to connect wine lovers to distant places where vineyards thrive and wine is crafted—from Napa to Bordeaux, Argentina to Australia and beyond.
They believe the wines share the stories of their winemakers, offering a glimpse into their daily lives while educating readers about the world of wine. Their hope is to create a deeper connection with growers, both nearby and halfway around the world.
Facts
- Wine Access ships to over 45 states through both FedEx and UPS.
- They offer a selection of individual wine clubs and over 200 wines from 8 different countries available for purchase on their website.
- e-Gift Cards are available for purchase.
- A dedicated team in Napa is available to help with wine selection and any shipping inquiries.
- Their wine tasting podcast features well-known celebrities.
- The website provides a wealth of educational resources to help expand your wine knowledge.
Pros
- Shipping is included with all wine club memberships.
- Experienced wine enthusiasts will appreciate the wide variety of clubs available.
- A Master of Wine and a Master Sommelier are on staff to guarantee top-quality wine selections.
- Joining any of their wine clubs gives you access to discounts on individual wine purchases.
- Shipments are carefully timed to avoid any temperature-related weather damage to your wines.
Cons
- New wine consumers may find the variety of club options overwhelming.
- Shipping is limited to within the United States.
- Deliveries are not available to Utah, Arkansas, Mississippi, or Alabama.
- There are no wine clubs exclusively offering white wine.
- Gift Cards incur a $1.00 monthly service fee if unused for more than 3 years.
- Weekend phone support is unavailable.
Price
- From $120 for six bottles of wine (reduced with introductory discounts).
My Take
As I sampled the wines and learned more about Wine Access, it became clear why the company is aptly named.
In essence, Wine Access provides you with extensive “access to unique wines”—offering selections across various levels, all expertly curated by industry masters.
When you compare this brand to other wine clubs, you’ll find that most don’t offer the same level of access. This is what truly sets Wine Access apart from other wine clubs.
Additionally, the wealth of educational materials, informative videos on their website and engaging podcasts make this club really special.
And I must say, the wines I tasted were super good!
Discount will be applied
Naked Wines
Here are the wines that I received from Naked Wines:
Naked Wines is a wine club built on an Angel investment model, offering a unique way to reward wine enthusiasts by supporting the winemakers directly and getting great wines in return.
To buy wines, you simply deposit $40 a month into your wine investment account. As part of the monthly wine club, you can choose to buy new wines each month or let your account balance grow over time until you’re ready to make a larger purchase.
This Angel model works in your favor by allowing winemakers to focus on crafting great wines, while Naked Wines handles the sales and marketing for them.
The best part? As a wine lover, you get access to these wines at a 40-60% discount and you choose your own wines, thereby supporting the winemakers you like the best.
Facts
- Established in 2012.
- Offers an online rating system with over 2 million customer reviews and ratings.
- They provide a 100% money-back guarantee, ensuring you’re happy with every wine you purchase.
- Customer support is available via phone, email, or live chat.
- They aim to deliver within 2-6 business days across the continental U.S.
- Shipments are delayed to protect your wine if weather conditions are too hot or cold.
Pros
- Features a unique Angel-investment model.
- Every order comes with savings of up to 60%.
- Order a full case, and you’ll receive a bonus gift bottle every month.
- Supporting winemakers directly means you get access to higher-quality wines.
- Has been named the Best Wine Club by USA Today 10BEST, surpassing several well-known competitors.
- Includes a fun and engaging social component.
Cons
- Must keep in mind that your account is automatically refilled each month.
- Primarily focuses on wines from California.
Price
- From $39.99 for six bottles of wine (with $100 voucher).
My Take
I found the wines to be luxurious and great tasting, with a varied selection sent. I especially enjoyed the Matt Parrish Cabernet Sauvignon from California. With that said, all the others were great too.
Considering the quality of the wines and the customer-centric business model, I’m happy to recommend this club to my readers.
Although Naked Wines encourages more interaction than many other wine clubs, I believe this engagement benefits both customers and winemakers alike.
$100 Voucher will be applied
Firstleaf
Here are the wines that I received from Firstleaf:
Firstleaf is a wine club that tailors its selections to match your individual preferences, offering a personalized wine experience through your subscription.
When you start the ordering process, you’ll be asked a series of questions to get a sense of your personal wine preferences. It’s very much like a fun quiz!
The quiz feels intuitive and makes it easy for Firstleaf to understand your taste. Plus, they’ll send you an email with your quiz results so you can refer to back them anytime.
The subscription service begins with an introductory delivery of six bottles at a significantly discounted price—around 60% off the first shipment. Following that, the club transitions into a monthly subscription.
Facts
- Firstleaf was founded by Philip James with the vision of creating the most customer-centric wine club in the industry.
- By working directly with winemakers and wineries, Firstleaf eliminates the middlemen—distributors, importers, and retailers—bringing wines straight to customers.
- The club personalizes its wine selections using a flavor profile quiz and an interactive rating system to match each member’s unique tastes.
- Members have the flexibility to customize their orders, including changing the bottles they receive or adjusting delivery dates, all through their online account.
- Many of the wines offered by Firstleaf have earned prestigious awards, including Silver, Gold, and Platinum medals in renowned wine competitions.
- Firstleaf delivers to more than 40 states across the U.S.
Pros
- Firstleaf’s introductory offer is just $44.95 for the first delivery, with shipping included on your first box.
- Firstleaf provides a dedicated Wine Concierge team to assist with wine selections and even offer food pairing recommendations if you give them a call.
- With a wide selection of over 200 award-winning wines, there’s something for every taste.
- Each wine comes with detailed tasting notes, covering aspects like body, acidity, sweetness, and tannin profiles.
- These notes also include flavor descriptions, food pairing ideas, nutrition facts, and alcohol content.
- Firstleaf’s “Refer a Friend” program gives you $40 off your next box, and your friend gets their first six bottles free (excluding tax and shipping).
- They actively gather feedback from members and pass it along to winemakers, ensuring ongoing refinement of their wine offerings.
- The club offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can feel confident in your selections.
Cons
- You must be at least 21 years old and present to accept your wine delivery, as required by law for alcohol shipments. This is an important detail to keep in mind.
- There’s no option to select your shipping carrier when placing your order; though deliveries are often handled by FedEx, as mine was.
Price
- From $44.95 with free shipping on your first box.
My Take
Overall, Firstleaf wines are highly enjoyable, offering excellent quality. The smooth ordering process and free shipping on the introductory delivery are definite highlights. The added flexibility for shipping future orders is also a nice bonus.
For those who enjoy being a bit adventurous with their wine selections and appreciate a personalized, algorithm-driven approach, Firstleaf is a great choice.
Discount will be applied
Wine Insiders
Here are the wines that I received from Wine Insiders:
Wine Insiders is a well-established wine club that has been in business for over 40 years. They offer exclusive wines that you won’t find anywhere else.
As a direct-to-consumer company, they rely on their expert wine curators to handpick the wines they sell. Out of all the wines they taste, only the top 3% make the cut.
Without any middlemen, Wine Insiders is able to offer these high-quality wines at significantly lower prices than you’d find at retail.
Wine Insiders provides both a wine club subscription service and a wine shop where customers can buy individual bottles.
The wine club subscription comes with great perks, including a substantial discount on your first order. Plus, with your second delivery, you receive a complimentary wine accessory gift set on selected shipments.
As an added bonus, the club includes premium Gold Medal-winning wines in your very first delivery, giving you even more value for joining.
In the wine shop, you can purchase individual bottles at discounted prices, with savings ranging from 5% to over 50% off retail.
While the wine club offers the best overall value, it’s nice to have the flexibility to buy individual wines you love whenever you want.
Facts
- Wine Insiders’ wines have earned more than 2,200 awards for quality and excellence.
- They provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every wine they sell.
- You can cancel your subscription anytime, no strings attached.
- Their selection includes over 40 varietals from 15 renowned wine regions around the world.
- Orders of 12 or more bottles qualify for free shipping.
- They deliver to 40 states across the U.S.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of unique varietals that are rarely found elsewhere.
- Features a diverse collection of artisanal, high-quality wines from around the globe.
- Includes bonus bottles with your first shipment as a thank you for joining their club.
- Provides a complimentary wine accessory gift set valued at $59.95 with your second shipment.
- Each wine comes with detailed and precise tasting notes to enhance your experience.
Cons
- Club orders are limited to one per household.
- Delivery cannot be made to P.O. Boxes.
- A minimum order of 3 bottles is required.
- A $2.95 processing fee applies to some same-day shipments.
Price
- From $89 for 15 bottles of wine in your introductory shipment.
My Take
What I like the most about this club is its diverse selection of high-quality international wines, catering to both beginners and experienced wine enthusiasts.
For beginners, the club offers exposure to unique wines you might not find at your local shop, along with helpful tasting notes that enhance your knowledge and help you discover your preferences.
For seasoned wine drinkers, the club pushes you beyond your usual choices, introducing you to new and uncommon varietals.
And at an introductory price point that gives you 15 bottles of wine at $5.93 per bottle, the value just can’t be beat. Perfect for stocking your wine rack.
Discount will be applied
Plonk
Here are the wines that I received from Plonk:
The Plonk Wine Club specializes in organic, natural, and bio-dynamic wines, setting itself apart by offering unique varietals and regions from around the world.
While many clubs stick to familiar choices, Plonk embraces diversity, giving wine lovers the chance to explore a wider range of selections.
Plonk offers both a wine club and a wine shop.
For those who like to handpick their own wines or try curated packs, the wine shop is a great option.
If you’re looking for a subscription service with regular deliveries, the wine club is a better fit. Plus, it comes with some added perks and deals.
No matter which option you choose, you can count on wines that are sustainably sourced and free from pesticides and chemicals.
Facts
- Offers both a Wine Shop and a Wine Club.
- Plonk is a curated wine club, with selections made by experts rather than through algorithms or a personal concierge.
- Wine club shipments are sent out during the first week of each month.
- Orders typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
- Shipments may be delayed due to extreme weather (heat or cold) to ensure the wine is protected.
- The 12-bottle wine club includes 2 bottles each of 6 different wines.
Pros
- Ideal wine club for those interested in organic and natural wines.
- Features sustainably grown, artisan wines from around the globe.
- Wines are made without pesticides or commercial chemicals.
- Highly customizable options for club type, bottle quantity, and delivery frequency.
- Offers a wide variety of regions and varietals.
- Free shipping is available for both the wine shop and the club.
- Gift subscriptions are available to send.
Cons
- Prepaid packages (3, 6, or 12 months) are non-refundable.
- An adult 21 or older must be present to sign for wine deliveries.
- Returns or refunds are only available for damaged or corked bottles, not for personal taste preferences.
Price
- From $110 for four bottles of wine.
My Take
Overall, the Plonk Wine Club offers excellent value, especially for those seeking organic wines.
With experience reviewing many wine clubs, it’s clear to me that Plonk stands out when it comes to organic and bio-dynamic selections.
Now, if you’re simply looking for the most wine at the lowest price, this might not be the best fit.
However, if sustainably made, natural wines are what you’re after, Plonk is the natural choice. Their wines are not only organic, but also diverse, unique, and delicious.
More Wine Club Alternatives
While my list of the best wine clubs above are certainly my favorites, let’s cover some alternative wine clubs and why they deserve a mention.
And to be the most helpful to you, my reader, I’ll try to focus on some specific wine categories and pair them with clubs that are appealing.
A California Focused Wine Club
The most obvious choice here is The California Wine Club. They are solely focused on wines from California wine regions and have been around since 1990. I gave them a try and definitely enjoyed the wines I received.
They offer three different club subscriptions, including their Premier, Signature and Aged Cabernet series. Also, their wines come from small artisan winemakers, making them a great choice if you really love wines from California.
South African Wines
I had the pleasure of discovering Peter Andrews and his startup, Culture Wine Co., recently. He is super passionate about the winemakers of South Africa and the wines they craft.
The Culture Wine Club, offered by Culture Wine Co., is the only importer and retailer in the U.S. exclusively focused on South African wines. They represent organic and minimal intervention producers, specializing in lean, low-ABV, mineral-driven wines, highlighting the world-class yet underrepresented wines of South Africa. Additionally, they are committed to showcasing wines produced by BIPOC and women, amplifying their voices and contributions in the wine industry.
He sent me a sample of their wines to try and boy were they good! Very unique too. Definitely worth a try if you want to expand your palate.
Award Winning Wines
In the wine industry there are many competitions where wines are judged. The ones that are the winners are often awarded medals for being exceptional wines.
The best of the best are awarded gold medals. These wines are often bottles that can be aged and are sometimes very hard to find.
The Gold Medal Wine Club curates these selections and has been doing so for over 30 years.
To do so, they partner with top-rated vineyards, offering exclusive wine memberships that provide access to premium selections. Whether you prefer bold reds or crisp whites, these memberships go beyond simple subscriptions, inviting you into a community that values exceptional wines and the stories behind them.
While I haven’t tried this club myself, I’m well-aware of its good reputation and it is on my short list of clubs to try. If award winning wines interest you, this club might be a good fit.
Highly Rated Wines
From medals to points!
The 100-point wine scale really made waves thanks to Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, a powerhouse in the wine world that Robert Parker launched in 1978. His scale quickly gained fame and became the gold standard in wine ratings. Since then, other magazines like Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast have jumped on the 100-point bandwagon too.
So with that said, people tend to judge wines that are 90 points and above to be of the best quality.
Back in 2009, a wine club called 90+ Cellars was launched and it remains a well-established club. Interestingly, it’s one of the few clubs that distributes their branded wines to local wine shops. As a matter of fact, my local shop carries them and all the wines I’ve tried have been great!
90+ Cellars was founded by Kevin Mehra with a straightforward idea to help great wineries sell more wine under a new brand. By not disclosing the sources, he convinced many wineries to provide their top wines at lower prices to increase sales. The approach allowed 90+ Cellars to offer world-class wines to a wider audience at more affordable prices.
Given the fact that the wines I’ve tried from them have been really good, I think they’re definitely worth a look.
Common Wine Club Questions You May Have
Many people have questions when it comes to choosing a wine club and what they’re in for. Here’s some common questions and answers:
Which wine club is the best?
The best wine club depends on your preferences for cost, variety, and the types of wine you enjoy. Each club offers something unique, so it’s a good idea to research and find one that matches your specific needs.
Are wine clubs worth it?
Yes, wine clubs are worth it, especially since they offer the chance to try unique wines at discounted prices. Many clubs also provide great introductory offers that make them even more appealing.
How much does a monthly wine subscription cost?
The cost of a wine subscription varies depending on the club, shipping options and your state’s sales tax.
How do wine clubs work?
Most wine clubs operate as wine subscription services, delivering wine to your door on a regular schedule, often monthly or quarterly.
What’s the difference between a wine club and a wine subscription service?
There’s little difference between a wine club and a wine subscription service. Both involve receiving scheduled wine deliveries.
Can you cancel a wine club membership?
Yes, you can cancel a wine club membership by contacting the club and requesting to end your subscription.
Conclusion
Joining a wine club can enhance your enjoyment of wine, making it easier to explore and appreciate different styles and regions while enjoying the convenience of home delivery.
The wine clubs in the list above and also the alternatives I mentioned are some of the best wine clubs on the market today. You’re bound to enjoy any of the ones I’ve talked about.
Do keep in mind that most wine clubs offer introductory special pricing. So, after your first delivery be aware that prices might go up. Of course, you can always cancel without a problem if you don’t want to continue your subscription.
Finally, I hope you found this article helpful in making your choice. Cheers to you for being an educated wine consumer!