My friend Tricia and I have been reviewing wine clubs since 2012, when we started our website, Wine Club Reviews and Ratings.

Since then, we have personally tried dozens upon dozens of wine of the month clubs. We have explored clubs that focus on specific types of wine, like the Aged Cabernet Club that I loved, or the White Light and Sweet Club that Tricia adored. We’ve also tried clubs that let us focus on our color preferences—red for me and white for Tricia. Additionally, we've experienced clubs where technology and a questionnaire determine the wines we receive.

But that's our perspective as wine of the month club reviewers. How do you, as a consumer, feel about it? And why should you consider buying one?

Here are a few reasons why you should consider joining a wine of the month club:

1. Discovering New Wines: One of the key reasons to join a wine club is to discover new wines. When you choose a club, you're also choosing their selection process. They curate wines based on your preferences and send them to you. This way, you can explore different varietals and regions you might not have tried otherwise.

2. Tasting Notes and Education: Wine clubs provide tasting notes with each bottle. Unlike buying wine at a grocery store, where you might choose based on the label or brand, wine clubs offer detailed notes on flavor profiles, the vineyard, and the winemaker. This helps you learn about new wines and enhances your tasting experience.

3. Convenience and Readiness: Having a wine club membership ensures you always have a selection of wines on hand. Whether it's for an unexpected guest or a planned gathering, you'll have quality wines ready to impress. It also makes for a great conversation starter, as you can share the tasting notes and discover the wine together.

4. Food Pairing Suggestions: Many wine clubs offer food pairing suggestions and even recipes to complement the wines they send. While the recipes are usually general guides, the pairing suggestions can enhance your dining experience and help you develop a sense of what foods pair well with different wines.

5. Excellent Gifts: Wine clubs make excellent gifts. My first experience with a wine club was a gift from my employees in the early 2000s. It's a thoughtful and enjoyable present that keeps giving month after month.

6. Value and Quality: While some people focus on the price, the true value of a wine club lies in the quality and variety of wines and the overall experience. The price can vary widely, but often the value comes from discovering and enjoying new wines curated by experts.

However, it's important to note that shipping can sometimes be an issue due to state laws and licensing agreements. We provide resources on our website to help you find the best wine club that can ship to your state.

By joining a wine club, you embark on a guided wine journey, discovering new favorites and expanding your palate. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced wine enthusiast, there's always something new to learn and enjoy.