We've been reviewing wine of the month clubs and wine deliveries since 2012 and have enjoyed learning of new companies that bring their unique spin on the wine business, oftentimes using technology and unique concierge services to stand apart.
Naked Wines stands out with a business model that's unlike any other, as you don't simply “buy wine”, nor do you subscribe to a monthly delivery. Instead, you fund your account with a monthly commitment level, and use these funds to buy heavily discounted wines directly from the wine producers themselves.
Naked Wines was different back then, and all these years later, it still is.
Is their unique approach worth your monthly investment? We hope our reviews help you decide if becoming a “Naked Angel” aligns with your wine preferences and budget, as we've been reviewing Naked Wines ever since Eric's first Naked Wines Review where he made our first viral wine review video back in November of 2012.
The Revolutionary “Angel” Concept: How Naked Wines Works
Unlike traditional wine clubs that simply curate and ship bottles, Naked Wines operates on an investment model that fundamentally changes the wine distribution game. Here's how it works:
As an “Angel,” you contribute $40 monthly into your Naked Wines account. These funds aren't a subscription fee—they're credits you can use whenever you want to purchase wines. What makes this approach special is that your monthly contribution helps fund independent winemakers directly, eliminating the middlemen that typically drive up prices.
This direct-to-consumer model creates a win-win: winemakers receive upfront funding to create their best possible wines without corporate pressure, while Angels enjoy these exclusive bottles at prices typically 40-60% below retail. With over 150 independent winemakers across multiple countries in their network, Naked Wines has created a “global marketplace” for unique, small-batch wines you won't find on store shelves.
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What We Love About Naked Wines
After these years of watching and reviewing them, several aspects of Naked Wines continue to impress us:
1. Exceptional Value for Quality
The savings are substantial and transparent. Each wine listing shows both your Angel price and the market price, with discounts consistently ranging from 40-60%. Bottles that would typically cost $15-45 at retail are available to Angels for just $8-25. The site's detailed side-by-side price comparison makes the value proposition crystal clear with every purchase.
2. The Personal Connection to Winemakers
Each bottle tells a story. The winemaker's profile, philosophy, and journey are prominently featured, creating a connection that goes beyond just enjoying the wine. You'll know exactly who crafted your wine and why they made certain decisions during production. Many winemakers even share video content where they walk through their vineyards and production processes, adding another dimension to your appreciation of each bottle. (This is really a fun aspect! I love watching these videos with their wine in my glass…)
3. Risk-Free Exploration
Nervous about trying something new? Don't be. Naked Wines stands firmly behind their products with a 100% money-back guarantee on every bottle. If you don't love it, you'll get a refund—no questions asked. Their customer service team is responsive, making the refund process smooth and hassle-free.
In fact, they make their customer service contact details very easily accessible: They have email customer service at chat@nakedwines.com or you can call them at 1-800-673-4718
4. Personalized Discovery Engine
The recommendation algorithm gets smarter with each rating you provide. The more wines you rate, the more personalized your suggestions become, helping you discover new favorites that align with your established preferences. You can even follow specific winemakers to receive notifications when they release new vintages.
5. Community Engagement
Few wine clubs foster such an active community. Angels can interact directly with winemakers, provide feedback that influences future vintages, and participate in exclusive tasting events (both virtual and in-person). The “Wall of Fame” showcases top-rated wines based on customer ratings, creating a crowd-sourced guide to the best offerings. This level of engagement transforms wine drinking from a passive activity into an interactive experience.
Where Naked Wines Could Improve
No wine club is perfect, and Naked Wines has a few limitations to consider:
1. Limited Availability Issues
Popular wines frequently sell out, sometimes within days of release. This can be frustrating if you discover a favorite only to find it unavailable when you try to reorder. The site's notification system helps, but doesn't fully solve the disappointment of missing out on a wine you love.
2. Not Ideal for Collectors
If you're seeking prestigious labels or investment-worthy bottles, Naked Wines isn't designed for you. Their focus is on everyday drinking wines rather than collector's items or renowned vineyard names. Traditional wine collectors looking for established appellations and famous vineyards will need to look elsewhere.
3. Delivery Flexibility
You can't select specific delivery dates, which might be inconvenient if you need wines for a particular occasion or if you have a complicated schedule. While their shipping is generally reliable, this lack of precision could be problematic for time-sensitive situations.
4. No Ultra-Premium Tier
While the quality-to-price ratio is excellent, there's currently no option for those seeking truly high-end or luxury wine experiences through their platform. Though they occasionally offer special limited releases in higher price brackets, these don't compare to the true premium segment of the wine market.
5. Overwhelming Selection for Novices
With hundreds of wines available, new members without established preferences might find the selection process intimidating despite the recommendation engine. The curated mixed cases help, but more guided “getting started” pathways would benefit wine beginners.
Is Naked Wines Right For You?
Naked Wines earns our rating of 8.9/10 stars, making it an excellent choice for many wine enthusiasts—but perhaps not all.
You'll love Naked Wines if:
- You value discovering unique, small-batch wines with interesting stories
- You appreciate saving 40-60% on quality bottles
- You enjoy being part of a community that influences what gets produced
- You prefer flexible purchasing with no minimum order requirements and the ability to pause or withdraw funds
- You're open to exploration and trying new wine styles and regions
- You care about sustainability (many of the Naked Wines winemakers focus on sustainable, organic, or biodynamic practices)
- You enjoy learning about wine through detailed winemaker stories and educational content
Look elsewhere if:
- You're primarily collecting prestigious labels or investment wines
- You require specific delivery dates for your wine shipments
- You prefer ultra-premium, luxury wine experiences
- You want guaranteed access to reorder the exact same wines repeatedly
- You prefer wines exclusively from traditional, established regions and appellations
So, if Naked Wines isn't a fit for you, we have alternatives for you. We've published a lot of resources to help you find your favorite wine delivery, wine subscription or wine gifts!
The Bottom Line: A Revolutionary Approach to Wine Club Membership
Naked Wines has successfully reimagined what a wine club can be. By creating a community of Angels who directly fund independent winemakers, they've developed a sustainable ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.
For $40 per month (which remains fully yours to spend or withdraw), you gain access to exclusive wines at remarkable prices, complete with the stories and people behind them. The transparent pricing, money-back guarantee, and absence of long-term commitments make this an essentially risk-free proposition for wine lovers.
How to Get Started with Naked Wines
Ready to give Naked Wines a try? Click here to begin your Angel journey:
- Sign up for an Angel membership – This involves setting up your $40 monthly deposit, which goes straight into your account as credit.
- Complete your taste profile – Let Naked Wines know your preferences to receive personalized recommendations from the start.
- Consider a discovery case – New members often benefit from starting with a mixed case specifically curated for newcomers to establish baseline preferences.
- Download the mobile app – This makes rating, ordering, and managing your account much more convenient.
- Set a reminder to rate your wines – The more ratings you provide, the better your recommendations become.
Remember that there's no commitment—you can pause your Angel contributions or withdraw your balance at any time. The money-back guarantee means there's virtually no risk in trying several different bottles to find your favorites.
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