So, you’re serious about wine, huh? Maybe you’ve got a cellar that’s starting to fill up, or you’re just looking to really dive deep into what Paso Robles has to offer. Finding the right wine clubs can be a bit of a maze, but it’s totally worth it to get those special bottles delivered right to your door. We’ve checked out a bunch of them to help you find the best wine clubs for your collection.
Key Takeaways
- Wine Access offers a wide range of clubs, from general discovery to high-end collector options, even partnering with Michelin-starred restaurants for unique selections.
- Mysa focuses on natural wines from small producers, providing detailed online information and video tastings accessible via QR codes.
- Roscioli curates Italian wines from over 600 winemakers, with specific clubs tailored for everyday drinkers, enthusiasts, and serious collectors, offering two large shipments per year.
- Sommsation provides a highly curated experience with three bottles per shipment from a single sommelier-approved winery, including detailed educational booklets.
- Plonk specializes in organic and biodynamic wines from sustainable vineyards, offering flexible subscription options and informative, yet concise, pamphlets with each delivery.
1. Wine Access
Wine Access is a solid choice if you’re looking for a wine club that gives you a lot of flexibility. They don’t just stick to one type of wine; you can find pretty much anything you’re in the mood for, from natural wines to big, bold reds. It’s like a well-stocked wine shop delivered right to your door, but with a bit more guidance.
They have a pretty wide selection, and the curators seem to know their stuff. You can get shipments monthly or every other month, which is nice because you can tailor it to how much wine you actually drink. They offer different sizes too, like 3, 6, or 12 bottles per delivery. This makes it easy to manage if you’re just starting out or if you’re already a seasoned collector who wants to try new things without committing to a huge case.
One of the cool things is that they really focus on telling you about the wine. You get tasting notes and pairing suggestions, which is super helpful for learning more about what’s in your glass. It’s not just about drinking the wine; it’s about understanding it a little better.
Wine Access stands out because it bridges the gap between wanting a curated experience and needing a broad selection. It’s a good middle ground for many wine drinkers.
Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- Curated Selections: Expertly chosen wines from various regions and styles.
- Flexible Shipments: Choose monthly or bi-monthly deliveries.
- Bottle Options: Select 3, 6, or 12 bottles per shipment.
- Educational Content: Detailed tasting notes and food pairing advice included.
2. Mysa
Mysa is a really interesting option if you’re into natural wines. They have a few different clubs, like one for mixed bottles, another just for reds, and even one specifically for orange wines. What’s cool is that they focus on wines from smaller producers, so you’re likely to find something you’ve never heard of before.
Each shipment comes with a card that has a QR code. Scan it, and you’ll get a whole webpage with details about the winery, the specific bottles, food pairing ideas, and even links to videos where you can taste along with the founder, Holly Berrigan. She’s a certified sommelier and picks out all the wines herself. She tries to mix classic natural wines with some more adventurous ones, and they even have a little meter on their site to show you how ‘funky’ each wine is. I even saw some canned wines in one of their boxes, which was a nice surprise – super convenient and tasted great.
Here’s a quick look at their club details:
- Frequency: You can get wine monthly, every other month, or every three months.
- Shipping: Wine club orders ship for free.
- Bottles per delivery: You can choose 3, 6, or 12-bottle cases.
3. Roscioli
Roscioli isn’t just a wine club; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Italian wine, curated by folks who really know their stuff. They focus exclusively on Italian wines, bringing you bottles that are often hard to find anywhere outside of Italy. Think organic Barolos and sustainably grown Sicilian Nero D’Avola – the real deal. It’s put together by sommeliers and Masters of Wine, so you know you’re getting quality expressions of Italian terroir.
They have a few different club options:
- Italian Wine Club 1: Aimed at everyday wine lovers.
- Italian Wine Club 2: For those who consider themselves wine enthusiasts.
- The Collector Club: Tailored specifically for serious collectors.
Each club is designed to match your palate and your wine journey. You’ll get shipments every three months, with six bottles per delivery, and shipping is usually included. It’s a great way to explore the vast and varied world of Italian wine without leaving your home.
4. Sommsation
Sommsation really leans into the idea of a curated wine journey, and it feels pretty special. Each month, you get three bottles, all hand-picked by a sommelier from a single winery. It’s not a huge haul, but the quality is definitely there. What I really liked was the glossy booklet that came with it. It wasn’t just a few sentences; it went deep into the winery’s story, the region, and even the owner’s personal connection to the estate. For instance, my shipment featured Halter Ranch, and learning about its Paso Robles roots and organic practices made sipping their wines, like the 2021 Châteauneuf du Pape, that much more enjoyable. You get a real sense of place and history with each bottle.
This club is for those who appreciate the story behind the wine as much as the taste itself.
Here’s a quick look at what you might expect:
- Three bottles per shipment: Focused on quality from a single winery.
- Detailed educational booklets: Offering in-depth winery and regional information.
- Sommelier access: Get personalized advice and answers to your wine questions.
- Direct from winery shipments: Bottles come straight from the source, not a large warehouse.
While the price point is a bit higher, Sommsation offers a more exclusive, educational experience. You can opt for monthly or quarterly deliveries, and shipping is on the house. If you’re looking to truly discover and understand the wines you’re drinking, Sommsation is a solid choice.
5. Plonk
Plonk is a really interesting choice if you’re into wines that are made with as little fuss as possible. They focus on sustainable, minimal-intervention wineries from all over the globe. Think of it as letting the grapes do their thing with a gentle nudge from the winemaker. You don’t take a quiz to get started; instead, you pick your poison – all red, all white, or a mix. I tried their Mixed Organic Wine Club, which came out to about $34 a bottle. It was pretty cool because each shipment included a little info sheet with tasting notes, food pairing ideas, and even actual recipes. It really felt like they wanted you to connect with the wine.
One thing I really liked was the flexibility. You can decide how many bottles you want in each box, and you can easily pause, skip, or cancel your subscription whenever you need to. Shipping is free, too, which is always a plus. The founder, Etty Klein, is apparently quite the wine expert, holding a WSET certification, so you know there’s some serious curation happening behind the scenes. They sent this fun, refreshing 2021 Lunaria Pettirosce Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo from Italy, which they called a “winter rosé.” It was definitely different, but in a good way.
Plonk really stands out because they put a lot of trust in their curation and aren’t afraid to pick unconventional wines. It might cost a bit more than some other clubs, but honestly, the quality and the unique finds made it worth the splurge for me. It’s a great way to discover wines you might not stumble upon otherwise.
Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- Subscription Options: Choose from 4, 6, or 12 bottles per delivery.
- Frequency: Monthly, every two months, or every three months, depending on the box size.
- Focus: Organic and minimal-intervention wines from around the world.
- Perks: Free shipping, flexible subscription management, and detailed educational materials with recipes.
6. Helen’s Wines
Helen’s Wines is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to explore the world of natural and organic wines. It feels like a really curated journey, and honestly, it’s pretty fun and adventurous. The owner, Helen Johannesen, is a sommelier herself, and she picks out every single wine. That personal touch really makes the subscription feel more approachable, you know?
What I really liked was how customizable it is. You can pick from different price tiers and how often you want wine delivered. Even the lower tiers felt like they had really special, artisanal bottles. They source mainly from small vineyards, which is cool.
One thing to keep in mind is that shipping isn’t included, so that’s an extra cost on top of the wine itself. But, the level of customization you get is pretty much the best I’ve seen in any wine club.
If you’re curious about natural wines and want a subscription that feels like a personal recommendation from a wine expert, Helen’s Wines is definitely worth checking out. Just budget a little extra for shipping.
Here’s a quick look at their main offering:
- Seasonal 6 Pack Subscription: Around $150 for six bottles.
- Focus: Natural and organic wines.
- Curation: Hand-selected by owner and sommelier Helen Johannesen.
- Customization: Multiple price tiers and delivery frequencies available.
- Shipping: Not included in the price; additional cost applies.
7. Roederer Estate
Roederer Estate, a name synonymous with fine sparkling wine, offers a club that’s perfect for those who appreciate the finer things, especially when it comes to bubbles. While it might seem a bit of a splurge at around $230 for six bottles, remember this club only ships twice a year. This means you get a nice little stash of high-quality sparkling wine delivered right to your door, just in time for those special occasions. They focus on wines from the Anderson Valley, a region that really deserves more attention for its fantastic sparkling wine production.
The club is ideal for collectors who want to ensure they always have excellent sparkling wine on hand for holidays or impromptu celebrations. You can choose from different quantities, including six bottles, twelve bottles, or even magnums, though the six-bottle option is the most common starting point. Shipments typically arrive in April and October, giving you a well-timed supply for both spring and fall festivities.
Beyond the wine itself, members often get perks like complimentary tastings and tours if you ever find yourself visiting their Philo location. Plus, you get access to library vintages and special limited releases, which is a big draw for serious collectors. It’s a great way to stock up on a respected producer’s wines without having to constantly hunt them down. It’s a bit of an investment, sure, but when you consider the quality and the rarity of some of the bottles, it starts to make a lot of sense for anyone serious about their sparkling wine collection. This is a standout option for a dedicated Paso Robles winery enthusiast looking for top-tier bubbly.
8. Wine.com
Wine.com is a massive online retailer that also offers a wine club, which can be a good option if you like having a lot of choices. They have a pretty wide selection, so you can usually find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a specific region or grape.
When you sign up, you can pick a club that fits your style, like their “Steward Cellar” club for more serious collectors or a more general “Taste of the Month” club. They also let you customize your shipments to some extent, which is nice.
Here’s a quick look at what they generally offer:
- Curated selections: Wines picked by their team of experts.
- Customization options: Ability to tweak your selections based on preferences.
- Wide variety: Access to a large catalog of wines from around the world.
- Member benefits: Often includes discounts on future purchases and free shipping thresholds.
It’s a solid choice for those who want a reliable source with a broad range of wines, though it might not have the same intimate, discovery-focused feel as some smaller, more niche clubs. They do a decent job of providing information about the wines, but you might find yourself doing a bit more research on your own if you want to go really deep on a particular bottle. It’s definitely a place where you can find some real gems if you know what you’re looking for, or if you’re happy to let them guide you.
9. Smith & Vine
Smith & Vine is a bit different from the big online retailers. It started as a local shop, and thankfully, the owners decided to share their curated selections with the rest of the country. There’s no complicated quiz here to figure out what you like. You just go to their website, pick either three or six bottles, and they send them your way. The average price per bottle hovers around $22, which feels pretty reasonable for what you get.
What I really liked about my shipment was getting bottles I probably wouldn’t have picked out myself. That’s kind of the whole point, right? Knowing that the owners, especially Patrick Watson who has sommelier experience at places like Lupa and Raoul’s in New York, are picking these out means you’re likely getting something pretty special. I even got a funky, unfiltered pet-nat from Hungary that felt like a mini-vacation in a glass, perfect with a strong cheese board. They also include a little booklet with tasting notes, which is a nice touch.
The beauty of Smith & Vine’s subscription is its flexibility for those who don’t necessarily need a huge case of wine every month. Opting for just three bottles is perfect for individuals or couples, and you can trust that the selections come from a knowledgeable source, often featuring boutique wines you won’t find elsewhere.
If you’re looking for a subscription that doesn’t commit you to a massive monthly haul but still promises interesting bottles, Smith & Vine is a solid choice. They really make the most of their sommelier-backed knowledge to pick out good stuff. Plus, you’re supporting a small business, which is always a good thing in my book.
10. Winc
Winc is a pretty straightforward option if you’re just getting into wine or want a simple way to keep your cellar stocked without too much fuss. They have this fun little quiz that asks you about stuff like candy preferences and food orders to get a feel for what you might like. It’s not super deep, but it’s a nice way to start.
The pricing is where Winc really stands out because it’s not fixed. You can get a six-bottle shipment, and each bottle might range from $13 to $20, depending on what their system picks for you or if you choose your own. This flexibility means you can adjust your order size, even skipping months if you need to. Plus, once you’re a subscriber, you get a 20% discount on all wines, and you can even order individual bottles if you want more, though there’s a delivery fee if you order less than four.
Here’s a quick look at what you might expect:
- Customizable Shipments: Order up to 12 bottles at a time.
- Wine Packs: Grab pre-selected bundles if you don’t want to choose.
- Skip a Month: Easily pause your subscription when needed.
- Member Discount: Always get 20% off bottles.
Winc makes it easy to get wine delivered right to your door. They aim to make exploring wine approachable, which is great if you’re not looking to become a wine expert overnight. It’s a good choice for keeping a steady supply of wine without breaking the bank.
One thing to note is that canceling your subscription isn’t as simple as clicking a button; you’ll need to call or message customer service. But for a relaxed approach to wine discovery with affordable bottles, Winc is definitely worth considering.
Wrapping Up Your Paso Robles Wine Journey
So, you’ve looked at some of the top wine clubs out there for serious collectors, and hopefully, you’ve found a few that really catch your eye. Whether you’re after those hard-to-find bottles or just want a steady stream of quality reds delivered right to your door, there’s a club for that. It’s all about finding the right fit for your taste and how much you want to explore. Think about what you like, what you’re willing to spend, and how much you want to learn. Picking the right club can really make enjoying wine even better, bringing a bit of Paso Robles right to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a wine club for collectors?
Think of a wine club for collectors like a special club for people who really love wine and want to try rare or high-quality bottles. These clubs often send you wines that are hard to find, maybe from special vineyards or older years. It’s like having a wine expert pick out amazing bottles just for you.
How do these clubs help me find good Paso Robles wines?
Some clubs focus on wines from specific places, like Paso Robles. They work with local wineries to get you the best bottles from that region. It’s a great way to discover new favorite wines from an area known for great wine.
Do I get to choose the wines I receive?
It really depends on the club! Some let you pick exactly what you want, while others surprise you with expert picks. Many offer different club levels, so you can choose how much say you have in the selection. It’s good to check what each club offers.
How often will I get wine shipments?
Shipment times can be different for each club. Some send wine every month, others every few months, like quarterly. You can usually find a schedule that fits how much wine you drink and how often you want new bottles.
What if I don’t like a wine I receive?
Most good wine clubs want you to be happy. While they can’t always take back a bottle you’ve opened, they often have customer service that can help. Some might offer credits or discounts on future orders if you’re not satisfied. It’s best to ask the club directly about their policy.
Are these clubs expensive?
The price can vary a lot. Some clubs focus on value and offer great everyday wines, while others focus on really high-end or rare bottles, which will cost more. It’s like anything else – you often get what you pay for. Look for clubs that fit your budget and what you’re looking for in a wine experience.
