In a Nutshell
pros
- Six different pricing levels to choose from
- Only family-owned wineries
- More than 150 wineries to choose from
cons
- Pricing can be higher than competitors
- Someone 21 or older must be present to accept delivery
- Shipping not included, and there is no set shipping cost
Gold Medal Wine Club at a Glance
Price Range: $18 to as much as $100 per bottle, shipping not included
Best for: Trying out a wide variety of wines, buying wine-related gifts, getting a membership that really suits your specific tastes
Order Frequency: Monthly
Bottles per Shipment: 2 or 4, can also order gift baskets which have more than 4
Wine Types and Quality
Gold medal wine club includes a wide-range of wines from merlot to pinot to chardonnay to champagne. The wines are all from small-production and family-owned vineyards, including a large number of award-winning selections. Most of the wines come from California but the company also features a large number of wines from across the world, in particular if you sign up for the “International” plan.
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Membership Options
Gold Medal Wine Club offers 6 different membership plans, and there is no minimum obligation. You can pre-order a set number of monthly shipments, or set up a membership that automatically renews every month until you cancel.
The 6 options range from the entry-level “Gold” program, which features boutique California wines, to the “Diamond” plan, which ships what the company refers to as “93+ rated, luxury-premium, top-tier wines.”
In addition, the company offers the “Plus!” program that will add 1 bottle onto a scheduled delivery at any time during the year. The offer is for times when the company acquires a new, unique wine that it would like to highlight.
Pricing
The price you pay with Gold Medal Wine Club depends on which plan you signed up for, as well as which wines you selected within that plan, and how many bottles. Shipping isn’t included, and can vary widely depending on where you live and how many bottles you’re sending.
Featured Wines
1. Mengler 2018 Chardonnay
This unoaked, Chablis-style Chardonnay hails from sustainably farmed Stuhlmuller Vineyards in Sonoma. Hand-picked and foot-stomped grapes anchor this award-winning wine that has a crisp, fruity flavor with a light finish.
Cost per bottle: $22
2. Comartin 2014 Red Blend
A special-barrel selection known as GSM, Comartin’s Red Blend is a combination of Grenache, Syrah, and a touch of Mourvedre for structure. The Red Blend has been aged 17 months in oak barrels and boasts a fruity aroma with floral notes and a berry finish.
Cost per bottle: $29
3. Modus Operandi 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
A robust, multifaceted 96-point Cabernet from Napa with aromas of rose, mushroom, salumi, and dark chocolate. The Modus Operandi has a dark violet color, round body, and a molasses finish with heavy oak flavors. Perfect for aging.
Cost per bottle: $92
Giving the Gift of Wine
You have a wide range of gifting options with Gold Medal Wine Club, which are by no means limited to just wine. You can buy a wide range of gift baskets (they’re actually boxes, but you get the idea), such as the “Sinful Zinfandel & Chocolate Truffles” box which costs $107.99 and includes 2 bottles of high-scoring Zinfandel beside a case of 8 handmade artisanal truffles.
Customer Service
For customer service you can send an online query or contact the company by phone, fax, or email. Your easiest option though may be the live chat Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Pacific Standard Time.
Bottom Line
Gold Medal Wine Club sets itself apart from its wine club rivals by offering a wider variety of membership options and wines than just about anybody out there. And while the price point can be high and there isn’t a set shipping price,you still should be able to find a setup that suits your tastes. Also, the company has a truly impressive set of gift options for the wine lover in your life (which can be you, nothing wrong with ordering a gift for yourself).
