Wine clubs are the best of the best – wine & delivery. TBH my preference for most things in life is to have it delivered. When you’re just getting started in wine, joining a wine club is a great way to try a lot of wine and not get that panicky-just grab anything- vibe from the grocery store shelves (does anyone else do this or just me?)
Mike and I are currently in 3 wine clubs. Our preference is to join the clubs of small producers we have met and whose wines we adore. I will always recommend supporting small business and supporting local. I am VERY skeptical of the “big brand” wine clubs because for most of them, their wines are bottom of the barrel, 2 Buck Chuck quality that they relabel and upsell to you for $50 + shipping.
Be careful at wine tastings because they will push joining their wine club on you (I have a hard time saying no so I always try to go to tastings with Mike because he is much better at it lol). If you really do like the wine, join! My rule of thumb at tastings is to say yes to the wine club if you would purchase a bottle from that winery weekly if it were convenient.
DRY FARM WINES
Pros: This might be my favorite of the big brand wine clubs and it’s because they aren’t big brand. Dry Farms is more of a curator. They are the biggest natural wine club I’ve found (I loveeee natural wines!) and if you’re on a health kick – Dry Farms is the wine club for you. All of their wines are sugar free, lower alcohol and vegan (TBH didn’t know wine wasn’t vegan?) and all the keto/paleo/diet peeps seem to be ok with these wines if you’re into that.
Cons: You have to put in a little more work to pick your wines (THAT’S GOOD IMHO). You can select reds, whites, a mix, rosé, or sparkling. I wish they had an all option because I’d love a red/white combo with a rosé or sparkling every once in a while. They don’t let you see what’s in your first box until after you’ve paid.
Summary: Pick this membership. Do it, do it! They have a 100% happiness guarantee that is either a replacement bottle OR a refund. We love the transparency. We also love supporting small labels and businesses committed to sustainable farming practices. Have I convinced you yet? OKAY FINE, FREE SHIPPING. YEEE. Sign up now.
PALATE CLUB
Pros: The claim is that this club helps you become an expert. I love that the first box you get is a blind taste to give your unbiased opinions. Then, they teach you the right wine terms to use to describe your favorite wines. They support small, boutique wineries and place a preference on organic wines.
Cons: I feel like it could become more about memorization than actually learning and loving wines.
Summary: This club was created by 2 women (GRLPWR). I love the idea of using it like a tasting and you could even do a tasting party with friends every month. I think the concept could get a bit old after a few months – I love discovering new wines, but I also want some reliability, ya know? But Palate Club is definitely a great way to teach yourself how to taste, not be awkward in public, and expand your palate and knowledge. Just be sure to take your knowledge beyond the box you get each month!
BRIGHT CELLARS
Pros: Bright Cellars uses their “unique” algorithm to match you with 4 wines each month based on 18 attributes of your preferences. If you receive a bottle you don’t love, they will work with you to find a free replacement bottle that will be included in your next month’s box. I think this could be a great way to discover wine varieties you might not be familiar with.
Cons: When I first took the test, it paired me with a Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 Malbecs. I do generally enjoy Syrahs and Cabs, and there are a few good Merlots I’ll drink with friends. But overall, I found it too basic (maybe I’m basic? lol). They put context on the points system (which is BS lol) and have a button to swap out a wine if you don’t like that variety. For me, Malbecs in general might not be my favorite, but I don’t think you should always rule out things you don’t think you like. I’ve discovered some of my favorite bottles wines in a varietal that “I don’t like.”
Summary: In the case of Bright Cellars, I think they’re better than most big wine clubs but could be better. If you’re wanting to try a lot of different wines for the first time, it might be good for a few months, especially with that replacement bottle guarantee.