Reverse Wine Snob

Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good

  • About
  • Aldi® Picks
  • Costco® Picks
  • Trader Joe’s® Picks
  • FREE GUIDE
  • Insider Deals
menu icon
go to homepage
Get Our Free Guide!
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE GUIDE!
  • Insider Deals
  • Best Of Lists
    • - Costco
    • - Trader Joe's
    • - Aldi
  • About
  • The Rating System
  • More Helpful Links
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Wine Club Reviews

    To join a wine club, or not to join a wine club, that is the question!

    Wine clubs can be great for exploring new wines you wouldn't normally find at your local wine shop. They can also be a great place to get ripped off. In this section we feature wine club reviews of some our favorites that offer wine mostly under the $20 price point.

    A current trend in these clubs (for example, Club W, NakedWines.com, 90 Plus Cellars and The Italian Wine Club) is to offer private label wine that can't be found anywhere else. This has several advantages for the club – higher margins, no price comparisons, no one competing for inventory, etc. This isn't all bad for the consumer either, assuming the wine is good, as those lower margins should get passed on to you. The key then is finding the good wine and that’s what we're here to help you do!

    More traditional clubs (like the Plonk Wine Club and Global Wine Cellars) try to accomplish the same thing by sourcing wine from smaller, unknown wineries. While this can be a great, you also have to be careful you're not overpaying as small production means no economies of scale and more expensive wine. We've got wine club reviews of our favorite traditional clubs in this section as well.

    One more note, and this isn't specific to wine clubs but also to any wine shipped through the mail -- heat is wine's worst enemy! Even wine exposed to 80 degree temps for short periods of time can be completely ruined. Although inconvenient, make sure that your chosen wine club is active in applying their heat holds during the summer months. Remember that it's not just the temperature in your area that is a concern, but all the areas your wine must travel through to get to you.

    Even better than relying on a club's heat hold policy is the option to pause your shipments over the summer. You can also check our our article on How To Buy Wine Online for more hints as well as some strategies for actually taking delivery of your wine if your working all day and not available to sign for it.

    Read on for wine club reviews of some of our favorites offering inexpensive, but good, wine!

    Mercana Malbec – Very Nice

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 27, 2019 Last Updated: May 28, 2021

    Mercana Malbec – Very Nice

    Solid and savory, the Mercana Malbec from Winc. Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. The wine obviously has some oak influence but the amount is not specified. It is also vegan friendly. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Argentina, Malbec, Winc

    Folly of the Beast Pinot Noir – A Whale of A Good Deal

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 15, 2019 Last Updated: May 28, 2021

    Folly of the Beast Pinot Noir – A Whale of A Good Deal

    Darn good Pinot from a high end winemaker thanks to Winc, the Folly of the Beast Pinot Noir. 100% Pinot Noir from the Central Coast of California. The wine was aged in 30% new French oak for 12 months and is vegan friendly. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Pinot Noir, Vegan, Winc

    Finke's Sparkling White Wine Blend - Fresh and Fruity

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 8, 2019 Last Updated: May 28, 2021

    Finke's Sparkling White Wine Blend - Fresh and Fruity

    Crisp, fresh and really tasty, the Finke's Sparkling White Wine Blend from Winc. A sparkling blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay from California, produced using the Charmat Method with the secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles happening in large tanks. The wine … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Sparkling Wine, Winc

    Cape Route Chenin Blanc – A Refreshing Exploration

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 31, 2019 Last Updated: May 25, 2021

    Cape Route Chenin Blanc – A Refreshing Exploration

    The Cape Route Chenin Blanc from Winc is a delicious example of one of our favorite region/variety recommendations for extreme value, South African Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc from two vineyards (one in Stellenbosch and one in Robertson) in Western Cape, South Africa. The … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chenin Blanc, South Africa, Winc

    Winc Wine Club - Easy

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 26, 2019 Last Updated: August 28, 2021

    Winc Wine Club - Easy

    Are you ready for a steady supply of easy-drinking and delicious wines matched to your individual profile? If so, then Winc Wine Club is for you. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Weekly wrap-up, Winc

    The Complete Guide to NakedWines.com

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: April 1, 2019 Last Updated: June 9, 2020

    $100 Discount at Naked Wines for Reverse Wine Snob readers

    … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Wine Club Reviews

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 148 Cabernet Sauvignon - A Jolly Good Time

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 14, 2018 Last Updated: May 27, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 148 Cabernet Sauvignon - A Jolly Good Time

    The dark and deeply delicious 90 Plus Cellars Lot 148 Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California. The wine spends 10-12 months in oak casks. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Highly Recommended

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 158 Beaujolais - The Good Stuff

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 30, 2018 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 158 Beaujolais - The Good Stuff

    We haven't always been big fans of Beaujolais, but the 90 Plus Cellars Lot 158 is definitely the good stuff! Gamay from the villages of La Chapelle de Guinchay and Romaneche-Thorins in the northern part of Beaujolais, France. (Most inexpensive Beaujolais, by contrast, … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Beaujolais, France, Gamay, Highly Recommended, Thanksgiving

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 23 Old Vine Malbec - Magnificent Malbec

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 24, 2018 Last Updated: May 21, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 23 Old Vine Malbec - Magnificent Malbec

    A fabulous representation of Malbec at a fantastic price! Malbec from the Lujan de Coyo region of Mendoza, Argentina. Fermented in stainless steel and then aged for 6 months in a combination of new and used French oak. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Argentina, Highly Recommended, Malbec

    90 Plus Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Lot 2 - Superb

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 3, 2018 Last Updated: May 25, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Lot 2 - Superb

    Sauvignon Blanc lovers, this is your wine! Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. The wine is fermented in stainless steel. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Highly Recommended, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 50 Prosecco - Darn Delicious

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 20, 2017 Last Updated: May 25, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Prosecco Lot 50 - Darn Delicious

    Prosecco perfection? Prosecco sparkling wine from Veneto, Italy. The wine is fermented in stainless steel. Secondary fermentation occurs using the Charmat method. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Deals, Glera, Highly Recommended, Italy, Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, Thanksgiving

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 49 Sparkling Rosé - Beautiful (Pink) Bubbles

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 16, 2017 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 49 Sparkling Rosé - Beautiful (Pink) Bubbles

    Double Duty! This one makes a great pick for both Christmas and New Year's. Sparkling Rosé made from Pinot Noir in Alto Adige, Italy. The wine is made as a dry rosé prior to a secondary fermentation using the Charmat method, similar to Prosecco. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Deals, Highly Recommended, Italy, Italy - Alto Adige, Rosé, Sparkling Wine, Thanksgiving

    90 Plus Cellars Classic Series Chianti Riserva and Cotes du Rhone - Everyday Values

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 10, 2017 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Classic Series Chianti Riserva and Cotes du Rhone - Everyday Values

    Daily drinker alert! Two highly recommended wines under 12 bucks each. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Chianti, France, Grenache, Highly Recommended, Italy, Sangiovese, Syrah, Thanksgiving

    90 Plus Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Lot 75 - Stunning!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 2, 2017 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Lot 75 - Stunning!

    Pinot Noir done right at a price you won't believe. Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, California. The wine spends 9 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, California, California - Russian River Valley, Highly Recommended, Pinot Noir, Thanksgiving

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 128 Gran Vino - A Grand Tour of Taste

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 21, 2017 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 128 Gran Vino - A Grand Tour of Taste

    The 90 Plus Cellars Lot 128 Gran Vino, the GT version of red blends. BULK BUY! 40% Tempranillo, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Graciano from Navarra, Spain. The wine is aged in new French oak for a year and another year in bottle before release. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Bulk Buy, Red Blends, Spain, Spain - Navarra

    Undercard Cabernet Sauvignon - A Contender

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: June 4, 2015 Last Updated: May 27, 2021

    Undercard Cabernet Sauvignon - A Contender

    Our latest Club W pick offers main event quality at an undercard price. Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Hills Lake County, North Coast, California. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Winc

    Funk Zone Syrah-Viognier - Gotta Have It

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 20, 2015 Last Updated: February 23, 2021

    2012-funk-zone-syrah-carignan

    90% Syrah and 10% Viognier from Santa Barbara County, California. SRP of $22 and available for $17 exclusively at Club W. Sample submitted for review. From the bottle: "'Funk is fun, but it's also a state of mind' - George Clinton Funk Zone is a Syrah and Viognier blend … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Highly Recommended, Syrah, Winc

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 114 Toro Tempranillo - Lip-Puckeringly Good Stuff

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 6, 2015 Last Updated: February 25, 2021

    2012-90-plus-cellars-lot-114-toro-tempranillo

    A source price of $20 and available for as low as $14. Sample submitted for review. Tempranillo from Toro, Castilla y Leon, Spain. Aged in a combination of neutral oak barrels and concrete vats. From the bottle: "Story: The wines of Toro have been making a name for themselves … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Deals, Spain, Tempranillo

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 113 Big Red Blend - First-Rate!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 3, 2015 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    2013-Ninety-Plus-Cellars-Lot-113-Big-Red-Blend

    A blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo and Malbec fermented in stainless steel and aged in a combination of concrete and oak for 9 months. Grapes were harvested primarily from from Lodi but also the Sierra Foothills in California. Sample … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Bulk Buy, California, California - Lodi, Red Blends

    Ironside Cellars Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Worthy of a 21 Gun Salute

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 24, 2015 Last Updated: February 24, 2021

    2011-Ironside-Napa-Valley-Reserve-Cabernet-Sauvignon

    93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Malbec from Napa Valley, California. SRP of $30 and available for as low as $25 (Saturday Splurge). Sample submitted for review. From the bottle: "This Cabernet Sauvignon is made from fruit grown in select Napa … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Saturday Splurge

    Wine Club Review - The Italian Wine Club by Giordano

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 15, 2015 Last Updated: August 28, 2021

    Giordano-The-Italian-Wine-Club

    Giordano has now successfully brought that direct to consumer model to the U.S. -- where it is allowed (don't get me started on the inane shipping laws and ridiculous three-tier system in our country) -- again cutting out the middleman which in theory means lower prices for you. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Grecanico, Weekly wrap-up, Wine Club Reviews

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 30 Cotes du Rhone - Simply Delicious

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 13, 2015 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    2012-90-Plus-Cellars-Lot-30-Cotes-du-Rhone

    70% Grenache and 30% Syrah from Rhone Valley, France. SRP of $12 (source price of $16) and available for as low as $10. Sample submitted for review. From the bottle: "Story: This Cotes du Rhone comes from vineyards in the south of France situated on rolling terrain where … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, France, France - Rhone, GSM, Highly Recommended

    90 Plus Cellars Monster Red Blend - Monstrously Good

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 5, 2015 Last Updated: February 23, 2021

    2010-90-Plus-Cellars-Monster-Red-Blend

    45% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec from Columbia Valley, Washington. SRP of $27 (with a source price of $50) but available for as low as $19.99. 900 cases produced. Sample submitted for review. From the bottle: "Story: … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, Highly Recommended, Red Blends, Washington

    90 Plus Cellars Lot 111 Pinot Noir - A Lot To Love

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 29, 2014 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    2013-Ninety-Plus-Cellars-Lot-111-Monterey-Pinot-Noir

    Pinot Noir from Monterey, California. SRP of $15 and available for as low as $11. (Source price of $20.) 7,000 cases produced. Sample submitted for review. From the bottle: "Story: This beauty comes from terraced vineyards scattered about Monterey's hills and valleys where … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: 90 Plus Cellars, California, Highly Recommended, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir For The 99

    • 1
    • 2
    • Next Page »
    Reverse Wine Snob Insider Deals Header Square
    Limited Time offers with amazing discounts just for our readers.

    Don't Miss Out!

    About Reverse Wine Snob

    Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good! Jon Thorsen is an independent wine consumer who has been helping millions of people find great wines without breaking the bank since 2011. If you're new to Reverse Wine Snob® sign up for my free guide and don't miss our exclusive Insider Deals! Read more about Reverse Wine Snob in the news and about me.

    Reverse Wine Snob Logo

    The "Perfect 10" Pack!

    Insider Deal Perfect 10 Pack!Four of our highest rated wines, all with 10 Taste Ratings (94+ points), all from different wineries, and all offered at a huge discount! Get them while you can.

    More Info

    Join over 450,000 followers on social media!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Get Our Free Guide! How To Drink Great Wine...Without Breaking The Bank

    Free Guide! How To Drink Great Wine Without Breaking The BankReady to start drinking the best wine of your life, and save money doing it? Sign up for our 5 Day Free Guide!

    Learn More

    Helpful Links

    • - Ask The Expert Series
    • - Browse by Variety, Region, etc.
    • - Buy My Book on Amazon
    • - Get Our Free Guide
    • - How To Choose A Good Bottle of Wine
    • - Insider Deals
    • - Insider Deal FAQ
    • - Printable Lists of Recommended Wines
    • - Ten Tenets of Reverse Wine Snobbery
    • - The Rating System
    • - Wine Tasting Basics

    • - Advertise
    • - Contact Info
    • - Submit Samples for review

    How To Drink Great Wine...Without Breaking The Bank

    Tired of wasting money on bad wine? Sign up for our Free Guide!

    No commitments, no spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Best Of Lists!

      • - Aldi Wine
      • - Best Pizza Wines
      • - Best Red Wines of 2022
      • - Box Wines
      • - Cabernet Sauvignon
      • - Chardonnay
      • - Chianti
      • - Costco Wine
      • - French Wines
      • - Italian Wines
      • - Malbec
      • - Merlot
      • - Oregon Wines
      • - Organic Wines
      • - Pinot Noir
      • - Red Blends
      • - Rosé
      • - Riesling
      • - Sauvignon Blanc
      • - Spanish Wines
      • - Sparkling Wine
      • - Syrah
      • - Thanksgiving Wines
      • - Trader Joe's Wine
      • - Vegan Wines
      • - Zinfandel
      • And Many More Best of Lists

    Reverse Wine Snob®: Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good.

    Copyright © 2011–2023 · Reverse Wine Snob, LLC. | Privacy, Editorial & Advertising Policy