Wine Tasting Tip #2 - Wine Clubs

Part of a series of winery tasting room tips for your next visit.

Every winery you visit will have a wine club. There's a good chance they will ask you to join. If you like the idea of being in wine clubs how do you decide which ones are best for you?
 
1. Do you like their wines overall? Not just one wine because you'll be getting several different ones. Joining their club will give you a regular supply of wines you like.

2.What are the terms of the agreement? One year, one case of wine, etc. What's the cost over the year?

3. What other club benefits are there that you can take advantage of? For instance, wine club parties at the winery don't mean much if you live 2,000 miles away. In that case you want access to and discounts on wines.

4. Join the clubs of small, premium wineries. Small because you want wines you won't find at home in the local store--no point in having these in your shipment. Premium because if you're having the wines shipped home the shipping cost is the same for $15 wines as it is for $60 ones. So use clubs to stock up on the good stuff.

5. If you already belong to other wine clubs how many are too many? Lots of folks belong to two or three clubs. Some don't pay attention apparently and wind up in eight clubs! That's way too many for most.