The 10 Best Online Wine Clubs for Gifting

How does a veritable ‘Netflix for wine’ sound?

December 11, 2017 9:00 am

In vino veritas: In wine, there is truth.

And the truth is, wine makes for a great gift.

People love drinking it. People love sharing it. And if you know where to look, it doesn’t need to be expensive to be good.

With that in mind, we present 10 online wine clubs that are perfect for gifting.

Each one offers up a unique angle, from a veritable “Netflix of wine” to the one that recommends bottles based on your genetics.

For building an ongoing relationship: Alit
The direct-to-consumer brand  — the Everlane/Warby Parker of wine, as it were — just intro’d the Collective. Basically a CSA program for vino,  $100 gets you access to Alit’s growing roster of wines at zero markup (gift packs include a few starter bottles) … a spectacular deal if you really end up liking a certain varietal (e.g., a $91 three-pack of wine can come in at under $56 for members).

For affordable wines you’ll get nowhere else: Winc
Formerly Club W, Winc dabbles in cool collaborations (pairing wine with art, for instance) and unexpected profiles (orange wine) — and, as Chief Wine Officer Brian Smith told us recently, “We wanted to get our hands dirty and make all of our own wines.” So all unique stuff here, with great prices (starting at $13/bottle), free shipping and great terms (cancel at any time). Plus, the constant feedback you give will guide Winc on future varietals.

For the sparkling wine fan: Vinley
Every month is a celebration: Two bottles of your favorite small-batch bubbles and rosé (with tasting notes) for under $60.

For the indie wine fan: Winestyr
Call it craft wine. No private-label stuff here, this wine club curates from more than 100 small-batch U.S. winemakers. Plus, members get perks like free shipping (a big deal if you’re into wine).

For the cautious sippers: Vinebox
Instead of bottles, Vinebox delivers three “tasting vials” (the same used by European vineyards in B2B transactions) hailing from vineyards in France, Spain and Italy. Each box arrives with tasting notes and regional breakdowns.

For parents who love Ancestry.com: Vinome
Use your genetics to figure out what kind of wines you like (vino + genome = Vinome, get it?). Specifically, the company surveys you for your taste preferences, then uses a swab of your saliva to determine genetic markers related to smell and taste. From there, they build your taste profile.

To get all Silicon Valley about it: The Uproot Wine Club
Only 100 customers per year get to experience these reds and whites, which feature color-coded labels to demarcate flavor profile (a large block of orange, for example, means that note dominates).

For those with lots of rewards programs: Vinesse
A raft of wine clubs divided by region and style (American Cellars, Chardonnay, Pacific Northwest, etc.) that all offer pretty great deals for members of rewards programs of American Airlines, Delta, Hilton, etc. — and extra rewards for signing up, like miles.

To experience a “Netflix of wine”: Tasting Room
The fastest-growing wine club in the country, Tasting Room touts itself as the “first personalized wine club in the nation.” Taste six mini-bottles to determine your profile, fill out a super easy online form, and then your taste profile will guide future shipments. Plus, you’ll get a cheat sheet for ordering what you like in a restaurant.

For informed liberal pours: NPR Wine Club
Tailored for “curious minds and curious taste buds,” the club offers 12 hand–selected wines (red, white or a mix) for an introductory price $79.99 (and another $20 for shipping). If you order, you’ll also receive a complimentary trio of NPR-inspired reds: The Weekend Edition Cabernet Sauvignon, All Grapes Considered Malbec and NPR Uncorked Merlot.

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