We want to give a wine club subscription to a couple who live in Colorado. We want to pay for it, but would like to find something where they get to choose the types of wine they want.
This is a wedding gift for a couple that needs nothing…plus everything on their registry is purchased except gift cards to Home Depot which we aren’t buying them. We gave them their wine glasses and carafe as a virtual shower gift. The brides parents think the wine club is a great idea.
Second a gift card to Total Wine. They’ll be able to pick exactly what they want and it will be better quality than what they’d get in a wine subscription.
Are the recipients novice wine drinkers or experienced? If experienced, why not a case of something age-worthy that they enjoy. Wine clubs can be hit or miss and not always the best value - they always throw a stinker in there now and then.
When my son graduated high school, I bought him a case of a wonderful age- worthy Brunello (from a winery we visited in Italy on vacation). It’s aging in my cellar until he’s ready to take it.
They are young but like wine with dinners, etc. I know that wine clubs can have some “variety”. The bride’s mom agrees that a subscription will give them the chance to taste things they otherwise might not pick out.
We just want them to be able to pick the KINDS of wines they like (some like reds, or whites or whatever).
For a friend’s second wedding (they have two of everything they need) we hand picked a selection of six different bottles of wine and had them shipped to their home. That way were were confident of the quality of the wines.
I don’t know this one but I’d encourage you to ask a few questions about whatever club you choose:
1.) What do they do in the summer months? Most reputable wineries and purveyors won’t ship if it’s too hot, unless it’s expedited and well-insulated. That’s a good thing. You don’t want your friends getting wine that spent 3 days in 90 heat. It will taste more like Madiera
2.) Are all the wines estate bottled or do they include secondary market wines? Secondary market wines aren’t necessarily bad, but know what you’re getting.
3.) What’s their policy for replacing flawed wines (e.g. corked)?
These wineries allow you to specify white/red/combo, etc. and then send club picks.
Nice idea!!! And most memberships also have discounts on tastings, tours if they visit!
Do not go wine club route if you want a variety. Wine clubs require a subscription and will pick the wine for you. Just do a one time order and pick a few bottles to fill the box. I second Rombauer (we are doing their Zinfandel wine club). You can’t go wrong with ordering one of each of their current offerings: Sav Blanc, Chard, a few Zins, Merlot, and Cab. Duckhorn was also mentioned… excellent choice. Also, Frank Family Vineyards. These all are in CA. Of my home state offerings, we like Bookwalter. They have an excellent mix of reds and whites. DeLille Cellars and Gorman are also great choices when it comes to WA wines.
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