Ever wondered what Wine Clubs are all about?

Wine Clubs Uncorked

The Two Types

Ever wondered what wine clubs are all about?

If you are a wine lover and wish you had more time to shop around for just the right bottle or to find a new one that you’ve never tried before, you may want to seriously consider joining a winery's club. Just like a “book of the month” or other such clubs, these clubs are organizations which research, select, and ship off to their members a new bottle or selection of wines every month or so.

They are a unique way to explore or introduce yourself to a wide variety of wines, like Dessert Wines, White Wines, Red Wines, and International Wines as well as small production wines.

Among the members, you will often find wine collectors, experienced wine enthusiasts, and general wine lovers.

There are basically two types of Wine Clubs:

1. Individual Wine Clubs are specific to each winery. Wineries use these as a basic marketing strategy to promote and sell their wines. Chances are when you visit a winery; you’ll be pitched about joining a winery’s club. Each winery understands their wines and are dedicated to sharing their hard work with you.

2. Group Wine Clubs are wide in variety both domestically and internationally. These Clubs evaluate all types of wines for you. They do the ‘dirty work’ for you by trying all the wines they recommend.

All such Clubs allow you to share the excitement of innovative winemakers and taste their bouquets of flavours which will delight, surprise and perhaps surpass your imagination. Most of hem offer Personal Memberships, Corporate Memberships and Gift Memberships.

Benefits of Joining a Wine Club

· Access to both domestic and import choices
· Access to the flexibility of making your own selections or partake in the club’s distribution
· Access to varietals BEFORE they are released to the general public
· Access to special wines, such as reserves or special releases that are not available anywhere (including LCBO) except to members
· Access to discounts of any wines, merchandise
· Access to monthly newsletters, special events, tastings
· Access to top Winemaker’s, Cheese maker’s, Connoisseur reviews, evaluations, ratings and food pairings
· Convenient home or office delivery in specially designed containers

Disadvantages of Joining

· Shipping charges may exceed the discount
· Selection made by the winery may not be what you enjoy

Most members report being very happy with their club of choice and many of them have found to be a great way to learn about wine and sample some of the very best every month.

Whatever you choose Salute and Enjoy!

- Article by Nancy Gooderham

Also, to win a 2-night stay, send us your winery reviews, or complete a monthly poll. And don't forget to find out what your wine personality is.

To be educated on the wine terms prior to your winery trip, make sure you familiarize yourself with wine facts.

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