10 Best Wine Clubs in California 2023: Cheers!

California is renowned worldwide for its wines. And while you can pick up great bottles locally, a wine club could save you both money and time, and open doors to wines you won’t find on your local stores’ shelves.

I’ve researched and evaluated numerous wine clubs to bring the best to your attention. As well as considering price points and the range of wines offered, I also looked at things like the quality of the customer service. From all the options, I narrowed down the list to the 10 best wine clubs in California.

Firstleaf is my top recommendation for California residents. It has a great selection of both domestic and international wines, most priced at $30 or less. But there’s something to love about every wine club on this list. Read on to find the club that meets your preferences and needs.

The Best Wine Clubs in California Reviewed

1. Firstleaf – Best Wine Club in California 2023

Firstleaf offers a personalized wine club experience that's both affordable and adaptive. When you sign up and begin to rate your bottles, Firstleaf quickly learns more about your preferences and will deliver shipments tailored to your tastes. After just 3 ratings, Firstleaf claims its algorithm can predict your taste in wine with 98% accuracy. 

You’ll have to take a 13-question quiz when you sign up. This covers everything from your wine preferences (red, white, or rosé?) and how much you drink, to your food likes and dislikes. Firstleaf will then select bottles and deliver them to your doorstep every 1, 2, or 3 months – and you’ll get to give them a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

Firstleaf's Wine Concierge allows you to enjoy complimentary wine consultations. The concierge’s expertise ensures you get to explore and enjoy wines that match your palate. This is definitely a company that goes above and beyond with its customer service, which makes it a great choice for beginners and wine aficionados alike. 

You’ll find a great selection of international wines as well as Californian favorites. The Premium Pinot Noirs (pictured), for example, come from France, California, and Chile. You’ll also find some less familiar varietals such as Greek Agiorgitiko alongside familiar grapes like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Many Firstleaf wines have received awards at prestigious international competitions, while many of its other bottles have received high rankings in prominent publications like Wine Spectator. You’ll be hard pushed to find award-winning wines at such a great price point. 

Firstleaf also has a Wine School webpage, where you can learn more about the wine you’re drinking and the topic in general. You’ll find lots of informative articles to help educate you about different wine terms, varietals, and the history of different bottles. When our reviewer put Firstleaf to the test, they found this online resource to be a great way to expand your wine knowledge. 

Firstleaf prices start at $7.49 per bottle, with most bottles priced under $30. While you can shop a la carte, you’ll get a hefty 30% discount if you subscribe, as well as a 100% satisfaction guarantee on any bottle you buy from Firstleaf. 

2. Naked Wines – Best for Independent Winemakers 

Naked Wines deals directly with independent wineries. By cutting out the middleman that stands between the vineyard and retail wine outlets, Naked Wines can sell its wines for a much cheaper price and offer bottles from smaller vineyards that you won’t find elsewhere in California.  

Your Naked Wines Angel membership helps to support family-owned vineyards. In return for your backing, you can get hefty discounts on a variety of domestic and international wines.  

In fact, your monthly fee isn't so much a subscription, but a saving for future purchases. Rather than locking you into a standard subscription, every penny you contribute as an Angel member is credited to your account. When you’re ready to make a purchase, the funds are readily available for you to use.

Naked Wines sources a majority of its wines from the US, notably California. But it also has a good stock of French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Australian wines among others, including bottles from winemaking regions like Chile, South Africa, and Slovenia. 

Every month, Naked Wines experts test thousands of wines from hundreds of vineyards. Of all the wines they sample, only 5% are chosen. You can buy with confidence, knowing that they have been thoroughly vetted by wine lovers who select only the best.

Your Angel membership also gives you access to the Naked Wines message board. Here, you can interact with fellow wine aficionados, Naked Wines staff, and even the winemakers themselves. My colleague also spoke highly of the Naked Wines rating system, which gives insight into how other Angels liked different bottles. 

Prices begin at a very reasonable $7.99 per bottle, with some varieties reaching more than $100. Angel members receive discounts ranging from 40% to 60%, on average.

3. Vinesse – Best Wine Club for Variety

Vinesse strikes a great balance between high-end and budget wines. You can find wines ranging from less than $20 to more than $75 a pop, with bottles ranging from light, sweet dessert wines to hearty Californian reds. Overall, Vinesse is a great option for wine lovers who want a wide selection.

Subscribers will receive 6 handpicked wines every 1, 2, or 3 months. While you can't select your individual bottles, you can opt for mixed packs (reds and whites) if you want both, or solely reds, or just whites. You can also shop for individual bottles or wine bundles with or without a subscription. 

Vinesse has been seeking out small-batch wines for more than 20 years. In addition to gems from small, family-owned California wineries, you’ll find international wines from both famous and lesser-known vineyards around the world, something our reviewer was highly impressed by.

For those new to the world of wine, Vinesse's Samplers are a must-try. Top-selling samplers like the Passport to Our Most Loved International Reds (pictured) are thoughtfully assembled to provide a well-rounded introduction to various wine styles and flavors. With the International Reds box, you get to try wines from Australia, Spain, and Italy. 

Every Vinesse order is accompanied by comprehensive tasting notes that enhance your tasting experience and offer guidance on food pairings. This can help newbies become connoisseurs and understand the nuances and notes in each glass. 

Vinesse also offers gift cards, subscriptions, and wine bundles that make perfect presents for the wine enthusiasts in your life. And anyone looking for eco-conscious options will be happy to know that all Vinesse orders are shipped in recyclable packaging and the company has a strong focus on using sustainable farming methods in many of its vineyards.

Vinesse prices start at $10.00 per bottle. If you order 12 bottles or more, shipping is on the house. Otherwise, expect to pay a $16 shipping fee and $5 handling charge per delivery.

4. Bright Cellars – Best Personalized Palate Profile Quiz

Bright Cellars uses a unique algorithm crafted by its owners – 2 MIT graduates. This data-crunching mathematical approach helps ensure its wine suggestions are tailored accurately to your personal taste. 

When you complete the 2-minute sign-up quiz, Bright Cellars provides recommendations tailored to your palate. You don’t have to rely on guesswork, as AI selects the wines it thinks you’ll love based on your personal preferences. 

The company’s certified sommelier and team of experts sample thousands of wines annually. After choosing the best bottles, they input data about the body, notes, acidity, and more to help the algorithm match the wines to your palate. This combination of personal expertise and science is at the heart of the Bright Cellars approach, and our in-depth review explains more about how the process works. 

Every month, Bright Cellars subscribers receive a curated selection of 4, 6, or 12 bottles. It’s pretty flexible, and you can adjust the number of bottles you receive whenever you need to. Whether you regularly host dinner parties at home or you just love to crack open a bottle a few times a week, there’s a package for you.

Bright Cellars also has an impressive array of wine bundles. The Cab Collection Bundle (pictured) is a sampling of cabernet sauvignons from around the world and is a great way to stock your bar or wine cellar with some fabulous reds. Plus, members enjoy 20% off and early access to specially curated bundles. 

Did you know that Bright Cellars also offers premade margaritas? Sure, it’s primarily a wine club but if you’re also partial to a spicy marg on a warm California evening, this company can also deliver its ready-to-drink agave wine margaritas by the bundle. All you need to do is salt the rim, pour, and enjoy. 

The user-friendly online shop makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Bright Cellars offers fewer customization options than some other wine clubs. For example, you can’t mix and match between different bundles. But if you trust the algorithm, you’ll find its recommendations will generally steer you toward bottles you’ll love. 

Prices start at a budget-friendly $10.00 per bottle. Opting for the 6- or 12-bottle subscription gets you free shipping, too.

5. Wine Insiders – Best for Quality 

Wine Insiders offers wines from more than 40 different regions. Alongside wines from California's renowned vineyards you’ll find bottles from Washington, France, Italy, Argentina, Australia, and other famous and lesser-known winemaking locations. 

The company’s selection process is guided by professional wine curators with more than 50 years’ of experience between them. Each bottle comes with expertly crafted notes and pairing suggestions written by sommelier Christopher Hoel and chef Tim Hollingsworth, alumni of the famed 3-Michelin-star The French Laundry in Napa.

You can sign up for red, white, or mixed boxes. And with the option to choose 3, 4, 6, or 12 bottles every 2 months, you’ll have no trouble finding a plan that fits your wine consumption. You can also order a la carte with no commitment, and pick up magnum bottles and wine bundles for parties and special occasions. It was this kind of flexibility and its broad selection that impressed our reviewer. 

Several of Wine Insiders’ bundles are curated by Martha Stewart, including the Romantic Reds (pictured). While the Martha Stewart Wine Club is no longer in business, you can still rely on Martha’s refined taste when you’re shopping at Wine Insiders. You can even enjoy her selected bottles with meals from Marley Spoon – Martha’s meal delivery service.  

You’ll also find a selection of vegan-friendly wines. Many wineries use egg whites or fish protein to clarify their wines before bottling. To meet the needs of vegans, Wine Insiders has curated wines that use no animal products so you can drink without worry.

Wine Insiders’ prices start at $8.99 per bottle, with a 3-bottle minimum order. You’ll find that most of its wines are in the $10-$15 range – particularly noteworthy given their high quality.

6. The California Wine Club – Best Artisan Wines from California & Beyond

The California Wine Club sources its bottles from artisan winemakers. And while it specializes in Californian wines, you’ll also get access to international and Pacific Northwest wines. It has ties to premium wine producers across the West Coast and around the world. 

You can choose from several different “clubs”. The Premier Series club – its most popular – will send you 2 reds, 2 whites, or 1 of each, all sourced from boutique wineries. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, the Signature Series club sends 2, 3, or 4 award-winning, highly coveted wines which come in at around $45-60 a bottle. 

Connoisseurs will love the Aged Cabernet Series. At a cost of $140 per bottle, it’ll send you 2 bottles of carefully aged 7-12 year cabernets every month, every other month, or quarterly. You can choose to drink them now or put them in your wine cellar for further aging. It’s a great option for seasoned wine lovers. 

The Case Club Series is a great choice for wine lovers who enjoy a bargain. Every 1-3 months you’ll be treated to a delivery of 12 bottles of exquisite Californian wine at $14 a bottle. That’s an excellent price when you take into account what you’d pay for wines like these at your local retailer and something our reviewer really appreciated. 

Membership includes a subscription to Uncorked magazine, which provides tasting tips, food pairings, and recipes. You’ll also get access to VIP tours and tastings at some of the California wineries that stock The California Wine Club’s shelves. If you want to expand your wine-tasting knowledge and your circle of wine-loving friends, these are both great perks.  

Prices start at $10.99 per bottle. While a $16 shipping fee and $5 handling fee apply to every order with fewer than 12 bottles, you’re guaranteed a refund or replacement on any bottle that you don’t like. 

7. Wine Awesomeness –  Best for Bulk Purchases

Wine Awesomeness takes a rather lighthearted approach to wine delivery. Instead of sticking to conventional or high-brow offerings, it focuses on providing an enjoyable selection of bottles  – some of which are organic – at super-affordable prices. 

You can select your preferred wines or rely on Wine Awesomeness's seasoned experts. This club is crafted for those who appreciate having the best of both worlds – autonomy in choice and expert guidance. The Mystery Packs also add an element of surprise to your delivery. These 12-bottle mystery offerings come in at significantly reduced prices, so you get the thrill of the unknown at a bargain cost. 

The website is easy to navigate; you can sift through available options by country, grape variety, type of wine, and curated packs, among other options. The wine list includes offerings ranging from California favorites to French, Italian, Spanish, South African, and other international regions. You can find out more about those in our Wine Awesomeness review.

Every wine on the list is accompanied by a 5-point customer rating, which helps you make informed decisions and discover top-rated bottles. You can also learn more in its monthly online magazine, The Back Label. You’ll get deep dives into specific wines, along with fun articles like, Which Wines Go Best With Pizza?

You can also choose from a selection of bundles and gifts like the Red, Red Wine 3-Pack (pictured). Whether you're looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift for a wine-loving pal, Wine Awesomeness has tons of offerings. Even if you don’t subscribe, you can still order from the Wine Awesomeness online store. 

Prices start at $13.25, and subscribers enjoy a 20% discount. Depending on your consumption or collection goals, you can opt for a 3, 6, or 12-bottle order. Shipping is always free and Wine Awesomeness offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

8. Macy’s Wine Shop –  Best for Tasting Notes & Information

Macy's Wine Shop offers a vast collection from more than 40 wine regions. Alongside bottles from France, Italy, and California you’ll find selections from Hungary, Argentina, New Zealand and some lesser-known areas doing great things.

A distinguished panel of sommeliers curates the collection. The knowledgeable team diligently selects each bottle, guaranteeing that you receive only the finest wines and wine bundles. It also has an adept team of customer support experts and a comprehensive FAQ to answer all your burning questions.

Our reviewer spoke highly of the variety. It has enough unusual selections to keep adventurous wine drinkers fulfilled, but also has plenty of classic options for novices and those with more conventional palates. 

Macy’s WIne Shop has established great relationships with prestigious wineries, having been in business since 1982. This also means customers get access to bottles at excellent prices, with varieties ranging from $10 to $30 per bottle.  

You’ll get detailed tasting notes with every selection. Plus, the online blog, Wine 101, is packed with cool features and articles like What Does An Aerator Do? and Best Appetizers for Wine Tasting. 

Martha Stewart curates a collection, too. Not content to rest on her laurels at Wine Insiders, Martha brings her personal touch to Macy’s Wine Shop. If you’re looking for gifts, Macy’s Wine Shop also offers a good selection of bundles like the Global Tasting Half Case (pictured). 

You can also order flexible gift memberships for your friends. Unlike many other wine clubs, Macy’s Wine Shop lets you pay for your subscription as you go and cancel whenever you like. Your beneficiary gets delivery updates, while you receive the billing notifications. 

Prices start at $10.99. There is a minimum order of 3 bottles, but if you order 6 or more, shipping is free. Otherwise, shipping is $14.95. If you find that a bottle from Macy’s Wine Shop doesn't suit you, you’ll get a free replacement.

9. Monthly Clubs Wine Club – Great for Wine & More

Monthly Clubs Wine Club is a family-owned service that’s developed a loyal following. Run by a 2-tier team with decades of experience under their belt, Monthly Clubs offers a number of subscription options for wine lovers at different levels and price points. 

The Premier Series is its most popular offering. When you sign up, you’ll get 2 excellent estate-bottled wines dispatched to your doorstep every month, complete with profiles and tasting notes. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a pair of reds, whites, or one bottle of each. 

Other membership options include The Bold Reds Wine Club for aficionados of strong, robust Malbecs, California Cabernets, Châteauneuf-du-Papes, and more, as well as The Collectors Series for rarer wines and vintages that are built to be cellared. 

Every bottle you receive is accompanied by a detailed information sheet that lists everything from notes, color, and finish to perfect food pairings and the history behind the wine. While its website is not as flashy as many other services, it’s detailed and easy to navigate. Most of its offerings lean towards classic favorites, so it may not be a good fit for users with more adventurous palates. 

Monthly Clubs Wine Club has a great selection of curated gift sets. You can choose 2-6 bottles from a diverse range, including selections like sweet, organic, rosé, and Bordeaux. It’s little wonder our reviewer found Monthly Clubs a great choice for gifting.

Monthly Clubs also offers dedicated clubs for beer, cheese, chocolate, cigars, and flowers. You can combine your Wine Club membership with any or all of its 5 other offerings, making it a bit of a one-stop shop for all your luxury cravings, be it for yourself or a friend. 

Prices start at $20.98 per bottle, with a 2-bottle minimum order. If you’re not satisfied with any wine received in your Monthly Clubs Wine box, you’ll get a full refund.

10. Winc – Excellent Selection of Everyday Wines

Winc was the first wine club to introduce a tasting quiz. Many other services have followed Winc’s lead since, and it continues to use its quiz to ensure it sends its customers wines that are aligned with their palate and personal preferences.

A subscription to Winc costs $59.95 per month. In exchange for your subscription fee, you’ll receive 60 Winc credits each time. These credits are versatile: you can use them during the month, or roll them over to subsequent months to save them up.

Every month, Winc handpicks 4 bottles tailored for you. If you don’t like one or more of the selected wines, you’re free to swap in different bottles. Winc also makes it easy to skip a month or pause your subscription through the website or by using the Winc app. 

Winc emphasizes sustainable and minimal-intervention winemaking methods. It produces great wines while minimizing its use of artificial pesticides and fertilizers. Our reviewer also noted that Winc uses recyclable packaging for all its shipments. 

You can order extra bottles beyond your subscription, but non-subscribers can’t make purchases so you have to sign up before you try Winc’s selection. Its most popular wines tend to fly off the shelves, so if you love a particular bottle in your Winc box, you should order quickly or it may sell out before you get a chance. 

If you prefer high-end wines, Naked Wines is worth considering. Winc is perfect for novices and casual wine enthusiasts looking for good table wines, but it doesn’t offer any premium options. If you're looking for more luxurious bottles or a broader range of price points, Naked Wines may be a better fit for your tastes.

Bottles from Winc start at $20.98, and most sit within the $10- $25 range. If you order 12 or more bottles, a 10% discount is applied to your purchase.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Wine Clubs in California

Here are some of the things I considered when choosing the best wine clubs in California. If you’re trying to decide which club would be right for you, keep these pointers in mind. 

• Consider your budget: Knowing how much you're willing to spend can narrow down your choices considerably. I found that Firstleaf offers a compelling balance between quality and cost, making it my top pick for those mindful of their budget.

• How much wine do you drink each month? There’s a fine line between under-ordering and becoming overwhelmed with too many bottles. Naked Wines provides flexibility with monthly shipments, catering to both occasional sippers and frequent wine enthusiasts.

• Consider your preferences: If you’re new to wine and not sure what you prefer, Bright Cellars uses a unique tasting quiz to match you with wines you'll love. In my experience, its selections are spot-on, making it a great option for those with specific tastes.

• Check shipping and handling fees: These extra costs can significantly impact the total price of your subscription. If you order more than 6 bottles Wine Insiders offers free shipping with a $2.95 handling fee, which is very reasonable given the expense of shipping fragile bottles.  

FAQ

What’s the best wine club in California?

While many great wine clubs deliver to California, I give Firstleaf the top spot. Firstleaf has stellar customer service and a great selection of wines ranging between $10 and $30 a bottle. Both beginners and seasoned wine lovers will love Firstleaf’s selection of domestic and international options.

Can you save money with a wine club subscription?

You absolutely can save money when you subscribe to a wine club. Wine clubs allow you to cut out middlemen such as bulk distributors, sales managers, and retail store owners, allowing you to purchase bottles at more affordable prices. It’s because of this, that companies like Naked Wines can offer subscribers great wines at a 40-60% discount.

What happened to the Martha Stewart Wine Club?

Unfortunately, the Martha Stewart Wine Club has closed its doors. But that doesn’t mean Martha Stewart has given up on the wine industry completely. You can find a selection of Martha-curated wine bundles at Wine Insiders. 

Best Wine Clubs in California in 2023 — Final Score