Wine clubs are a modern way of enjoying wine. Instead of sticking to the labels you know, a wine club can introduce you to a variety of different wines you might not have otherwise even known about. It can be difficult to choose the top wine club for yourself, not just because there are so many options on the market, but also because they all offer slightly different things.
If you’re thinking of choosing a wine club but aren’t sure which one would suit you best, there are a few things you should consider that will help you with the decision.
1. Look At Reviews
As with almost anything else, it’s always a good idea to look at reviews before buying something. Not only can it tell you a lot about the service you’re considering, but – as showcased by the Bright Cellars Wine Club review, it can also help you realize what the important features to look for are. Of course, when reading reviews, it’s important to find objective ones. If it doesn’t contain even a single thing that could be improved upon – it’s probably not something you should take into consideration. However, due to the popularity of wine clubs, you’ll see that finding quality reviews online isn’t hard. The number one priority to look at when it comes to reviews is the number of people who say they will recommend the wine club to a friend. This shows that what you’re considering offers something good and unique, and it demonstrates the service as a whole is good.
2. Monthly VS Quarterly Club
Some wine clubs offer a monthly, and others a quarterly subscription – and some let you choose which type you prefer. While wine is known for having an incredibly long shelf life, this is important to consider, since there’s no reason to pay for more than what you need. If you’re a mom who enjoys having a glass of wine to wind down after a long day, a monthly club is going to be your best option – as you’ll receive bottles each month without paying for more than necessary. On the other hand, if you enjoy the taste of wine, but don’t drink often – a quarterly subscription might be the better option for you. Of course, this will also depend on how many bottles do you get per package. The best wine clubs usually have different packages that you can choose from to find the one that best suits your needs.
3. Variety Of Wines Offered
It’s important to know how much variety there is when choosing a subscription. For starters, there are five basic types of wine – red, white, rose, sparkling, and dessert wine. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From there, you can choose from different grape varieties, varietals (wines made from different grape varieties) – and all of those differences in taste based on the location the grapes were grown, the climate that year, and so on. Then there’s the bottling process and how this affects the taste, and so on. Some wine clubs offer a selection of international wines, some focus only on the regional wines, and others only go for the boutique labels you aren’t as likely to find in a regular store. It’s important to know there are so many different types of wine available because you want to find a club that not only offers an extensive wine list but also promotes wines that suit your tastes and interest. Some people prefer to focus on one region and try wines from there, while others prefer to explore as many different regions as possible. No matter what your style is, there’s a wine club out there that will encourage you to go for that option and try something new.
4. How Much It Costs
On top of the different types of wines available, there are also many different price ranges for you to choose from – depending on how much you feel comfortable paying for a monthly or quarterly subscription service. When deciding on a budget for this service, of course, you want to find something you’re comfortable with, but you also want to consider what you’re getting for it. A great bottle of wine can be incredibly expensive, on its own, so even if one club may seem more expensive than another one – it could be that they’re just offering finer wine. The membership fees themselves are something that can be easily compared online with a quick search of “wine club membership fee” or similar phrases. That said, you can also find a pretty good bottle for 15 dollars or so. If you’re just starting to get into wine after years of drinking other beverages, you might want to start off with the more affordable option first, and then work your way up if you discover you’re really into it.
5. Personalized Process
As mentioned previously, a lot of wine clubs already focus on specific kinds of wine. However, some of them offer further personalization for each customer. You can find clubs that provide you with a simple test designed to see what kinds of tastes you prefer. Whether you drink your coffee black, or with sugar and milk, do you prefer blueberries or strawberries, do you like spicy food or mild, these are all things that can help a wine expert determine what kinds of wines might be the best for you. This is a particularly interesting option for people who really enjoy sharing their wines with friends and family. When you know what each member prefers, it makes the whole experience of tasting new wines more fun – whether they’re your family members or your friends.
6. Flexibility
Lastly, how easy is it to change your mind about things? You may not be home one month due to travel or work, or you might want to switch your monthly subscription to a quarterly one. And if you don’t want to use the service anymore, how easy is it to unsubscribe from it with no hidden fees? Drinking wine and discovering new bottles you’ll love is a luxurious treat, so it’s important that each part of the process is made in a way that lets you enjoy it without any stress or fuss. Because of this, one of the key things to consider is how easy would it be to change your subscription, even if you feel like you’ve found a club you love and don’t see a reason you’d ever want to leave. Besides reading their policies, it would also be a good idea to go back to the reviews, and see if someone had a problem with this. If they didn’t, then your decision is that much easier – if you don’t like it, you can simply cancel and move on.
The modern wine club is a fun and exciting way to discover new wines and expand your palate in a way that’s convenient and easy for you, no matter how busy your schedule may be. If you know what type of wines you prefer, what price range works for you, and how many preferences you can adjust when it comes to your specific club, you’re ready to decide on which wine club is the right one for you.
