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“Firstleaf employs wine experts whose job is to find new and exciting varietal“ (Oct 2022)
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The inspiration and fuel for countless songs and love-filled nights, get-togethers and special occasions, wine has coursed through the veins of the human experience for eons, in countries on every corner of the planet.
If you’re a bit of a wine novice though, it can be hard to know which wine to try, which bottle to buy for which occasion, and how to know if what you’re buying is good or not. The world of oenophiles can be as murky as a Shiraz, but it’s easier than ever to make sense of it all. Joining a wine club is a great way to get hand-selected wines sent to you every month, helping you learn which wines you like, which meals they go great with, and how the whole symphony of aromas and flavors got from the grape to your bottle.
Let’s pull the cork and take a look.
Wine clubs are typically run either by a particular vineyard that is looking for a way to connect with customers and sign them to a regularly scheduled wine purchase, or by big wine clearing houses that curate wines from across the world.
Customers sign up for a plan—typically a monthly one, but there are also quarterly plans and other setups—and are usually asked about their wine preferences, or given a short set of questions in order to determine what their tastes are and which types of wine they may prefer. The wine club will then either select wines for you or let you pick the ones you want in your shipment.
Most wine clubs will allow you to choose whether you’d like reds or whites or a mix, and if you’d like any sparkling wines. Some also allow you to purchase liquors and wine-related accessories and gifts. Wine clubs tend to send between 2-4 750 ml bottles per shipment, but some allow you to order significantly more.
With your shipment, many wine clubs will also send info sheets on the wine, as well as recipe pairings to help you learn how to cook with wine and pair it with food.
There is a wide range of prices you can expect to pay for a wine club, depending on the company you go with and the quality of the wine you order. Most companies will allow you to sign up for a basic plan or a premium wine plan, with the latter having a significantly higher price per bottle.
With most wine clubs, you’ll also be expected to pay a shipping fee with each order, typically around $10 or less.
Your first step when considering a wine club is to decide if your goal is to explore new wines and learn about the world of vino, or to look for deals on wines fit for a seasoned connoisseur. If it’s the former, then you’re probably best off looking for an introductory wine club that will take the time to learn what wines you are likely to enjoy, and will start you out with affordable, quality wines. If you’re a more seasoned wine drinker, perhaps look for a club that offers more expensive, premium wines that you may not be able to find in your neighborhood grocery store.
Regardless, you’ll also need to decide how many bottles you want per month, and you should find a plan that you can quit anytime, so you aren’t tied into a long-term membership. And also? Have fun, and clear your schedule—if you join a wine club you may have more dinner plans than you expected.
Firstleaf’s unique wine-tasting algorithm uses your feedback as fuel for an ever-evolving flavor profile that predicts the perfect matches for your palate.
Every month, you’ll receive delivery of 6 bottles chosen specifically for you and your palate. The selection includes top reds and whites from Italy, California, Spain, and more, including 100-point wines and gold medal winners.
Winc offers a refreshing take on the typical wine subscription service, rotating its own labels and partner wineries in an assortment that’s sure to please, surprise, and broaden your taste buds.
When you begin a membership with Winc, you’ll create a palate profile based upon your responses to a taste quiz and your reaction to subsequent wines. The result is a sort of personalized sommelier. As you progress with future deliveries, you’ll receive deliveries from Winc’s own selection of house-made wines as well as bottles from sustainable labels around the globe.
Naked Wines lets you broaden your taste buds with a range of wines made by less-known winemakers. Customers can purchase from their selection of red and white wines without the obligation of membership. However, becoming an “Angel” member lets you purchase wines at discounted prices and have shipments scheduled monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly.
Naked Wines claims to offer their wines at up to 60% savings by having you buy directly from small wineries. While the savings don’t always amount to quite that much, you will find many delicious wine options that are reasonably priced. Free shipping and well-organized delivery alerts make this service very convenient.
chose a wine club this month
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