Wine Clubs: What They Are, How to Join, & Top Picks
- Turf Club Twin Falls
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
In the world of wine, exploration is half the fun. But with thousands of bottles to choose from, even the most enthusiastic wine lovers can feel overwhelmed. That’s where wine clubs come in — curated, convenient, and customized to your palate. Whether you’re a casual sipper or an aspiring sommelier, joining the best wine club can elevate your wine experience in ways you never imagined.
What is a Wine Club?
A wine club is a subscription service that delivers wines directly to your door on a regular basis. Sometimes, even local restaurants or wineries will have them. Think of it like a book club — but for wine. Each shipment (usually monthly or quarterly) includes a handpicked selection of bottles based on your taste preferences, regional interests, or special themes.
There are two main types:
Winery/Restaurant Wine Clubs: Operated by a specific winery or business. Members get exclusive access to limited-production wines, discounts, and invites to events.
Retailer/Curated Wine Clubs: Run by third-party sommeliers or wine experts who source wines from around the world.
To Join or Not to Join: Top 5 Wine Club Benefits
Wondering whether wine clubs are right for you? Let’s break down the major benefits.
Convenience
With wine club delivery, your next favorite bottle comes right to your doorstep. No more wandering aisles or guessing what pairs well with dinner.
Customization
Most wine clubs use a taste quiz or AI to match selections to your preferences — red, white, bold, fruity, and everything in between.
Education
Many clubs include tasting notes, pairing tips, and background on the vineyards, helping you learn with every sip.
Exclusive Access
Wine club members often get early access to limited-edition vintages and wines not found in stores.
Cost Savings
Although wine clubs can seem pricey upfront, they often offer value through discounts, free shipping, and higher-quality bottles at a lower per-unit cost.
Are Wine Clubs Worth It?
It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and wine-drinking habits. Here’s a quick look at whether it’s worth signing up:
Wine Drinker Type
Occasional sipper
Social wine enthusiast
Aspiring wine expert
Budget-focused shopper
Gift shopper
Is a Wine Club Worth it ?
🟡 Maybe – try a quarterly club
✅ Yes – you’ll love the variety
✅ Yes – great for learning
🟡 Maybe – look for affordable options
✅ Yes – makes a thoughtful gift
If you enjoy trying new wines and appreciate expert curation, then yes, wine clubs are worth it. Just be sure to pick one that aligns with your preferences and budget.
How to Join a Wine Club in 5 Steps
Step 1 : Define Your Goals
Do you want to expand your palate, learn more about wine, or just enjoy a convenient glass after work? Determine your goals to find a wine club that best suits them.
Step 2: Decide Your Budget
Wine clubs can cost anywhere from $40 to $150+ per month, depending on the quantity and quality of wine.
Step 3: Choose Wine Preferences
Some clubs let you pick red, white, mixed, organic, or even natural wines.
Step 4: Check the Details
Look for shipping schedules/scheduled events, cancellation policies, and satisfaction guarantees to find a wine club that fits your needs.
Step 5: Sign Up and Sip
Once you’ve joined, your wine will be shipped to you. Enjoy responsibly.
Top Picks: Best Wine Clubs in 2025
Here are five of the best wine club options currently available:
Winc
Best For: Personalized Wine Experience
Delivery: Monthly
Price: From $60 for 4 bottles
Unique Perk: Skip or cancel anytime
Firstleaf
Best For: Value + Customization
This award-winning club uses AI to recommend wines based on your ratings. You get 6 bottles per shipment.
Delivery: Monthly or bimonthly
Price: ~$90 per shipment
Unique Perk: Intro offer is 6 wines for $45
Naked Wines
Best For: Supporting Independent Winemakers
You fund small-batch winemakers directly, helping artisans and saving money.
Delivery: Flexible
Price: $40/month deposit (you choose wines)
Unique Perk: Artisan stories + crowd-funded model
SommSelect
Best For: Wine Geeks & Connoisseurs
Curated by top sommeliers with a focus on rare, high-quality wines.
Delivery: Monthly or quarterly
Price: ~$99 for 4 bottles
Unique Perk: Wines from hidden gems and global vineyards
Turf Club Reserve: A Quarterly Wine Club
Best For: Residents of Southern Idaho Craving Something New
Delivery: Quarterly
Price: From $100 for 3 bottles per quarter
Unique Perk: Opt-in for a 4th bottle of something truly unique (a rare allocation) chosen by their bar team
Pick-up your allocation at Turf Club and stay for the quarterly Chef’s pairing dinner.
The California Wine Club
Best For: Discovering Boutique Wineries
This club explores small, family-owned wineries across California.
Delivery: Monthly
Price: From $43 per month
Unique Perk: Personal wine consultant + VIP winery tours
Wine Clubs as Gifts
Wine clubs also make excellent gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or corporate thank-yous. Many clubs offer gift cards or prepaid subscriptions with elegant packaging and notes.
Some even include themed shipments like:
Valentine’s Day Rosé Boxes
Holiday Red & White Duos
Birthday Celebration Sparklers
Flexibility & Commitment
Worried about long-term commitment? Don’t be. Most modern wine clubs offer:
Pause or skip options
Month-to-month memberships
Money-back guarantees
Switchable wine types anytime
This flexibility makes it easier than ever to find a wine club worth it, with zero stress.
Final Thoughts
Wine clubs are more than just a subscription — they’re a curated journey through vineyards, flavors, and cultures. Whether you’re seeking discovery, education, or just a relaxing glass at the end of the day, a wine club can make it easier (and more fun) to find what you love.
If you’re still unsure, try one of the best wine club options on a trial basis. With most offering satisfaction guarantees and wine club delivery, there’s little to lose — and a whole world of wine to gain.