| u are new to wine, a wine club will help you find | | | | better is to choose a wine club that displays |
| out which wines you really like (and those that | | | | customer comments on its website. That way, |
| you don’t). It is the perfect way of | | | | you’ll have an idea of what to expect |
| discovering new wines on a regular basis. If | | | | from your wine club wine before you taste it. |
| you’re not currently a member of a wine | | | | Wine Styles Can Help: |
| club, you should think again. Here’s why | | | | Some wine clubs, such as the Virgin Wines |
| you are missing out. | | | | Discovery Wine Club, categorise wines by style, |
| Do you generally stick to what you know? | | | | such as “Classic Chardonnay”, |
| When faced with rows and rows of unfamiliar | | | | “Oaky Aussie Chardonnay”, |
| wines in the local supermarket, do you find that | | | | “Huge Reds” and “Soft |
| you always end up sticking to what you know? If | | | | and Juicy” reds. This is great for |
| you do branch out, it’s likely to be | | | | newcomers to wine, as it is far more intuitive |
| because you are swayed by the nicest, most | | | | than the traditional country and grape based |
| appealing label or because you’ve gone on | | | | categories, plus it recognises that certain grape |
| someone else’s recommendations (which | | | | varieties like Chardonnay can vary significantly in |
| then leave you feeling flat when you discover | | | | taste. The real advantage of being a member of |
| that you don’t like the same wine as | | | | a wine club that categorises wines in this way, is |
| them!) So in your quest to buy new, exciting, | | | | that it opens wine drinkers up to a far wider |
| great tasting wines for your dinner party or | | | | range of wines than they might otherwise have |
| Sunday Lunch, you come away with your same | | | | come across. For example in the |
| old, trusted bottle of wine. Sound familiar? | | | | “Fragrant but Dry” category, wine |
| Join a Wine Club: | | | | drinkers will find Argentinean Torrontes as a great |
| But all of that could be put to an end if you join a | | | | value alternative to a pricey French Muscat |
| wine club. Each month or quarter (depending on | | | | – a recommendation that you |
| the wine club), the wine club will send you a | | | | won’t get from a wine club or shop that |
| selection of wines from around the world. | | | | focuses simply on grape or country. |
| Featuring a variety of whites, reds, rosé | | | | Try a Tasting Course: |
| and maybe the odd sparkling or dessert wine, you | | | | To help wine drinkers learn more about wine, |
| get to try wines from different grapes, countries | | | | some wine clubs offer tasting courses or events. |
| and styles. True, you probably won’t like | | | | Tasting wines back-to-back allows drinkers to |
| them all but it’s a great way of tasting | | | | really get a feel for how two different wines |
| your way through a selection of new releases, | | | | taste and, ultimately, it can help them decide what |
| customer favourites and award winning wines | | | | to buy more of in the future. |
| that you probably wouldn’t have | | | | Risk Free Buying: |
| previously dared chosen. | | | | Still not convinced? Part of the fun of joining a |
| Discover What You Like: | | | | wine club is tasting new wines and discovering |
| In the same way that we all like different food, | | | | new favourites but if you are worried about |
| the key thing to remember about wine is that we | | | | getting something you really don’t like and |
| all like different wines and no one can tell you | | | | wouldn’t have chosen yourself, |
| what you will like. (Remember this next time you | | | | don’t worry. Many wine clubs offer a |
| are in the wine shop!) So to get the most out of | | | | money back guarantee, so if you come across a |
| your wines, you need to work out what you like. | | | | wine that you really can’t stomach, they |
| To help you along the way, most wine clubs | | | | will refund your money. |
| enclose detailed information in the wine club case | | | | Join Today: |
| about the wines, so that you can learn more | | | | Joining a wine club can really help you when it |
| about the grape, country and winemaker as you | | | | comes to learning about wine. Not only will you |
| drink. Suggestions for food matches can also give | | | | get to taste a variety of new wines and find out |
| you confidence next time you host a dinner party. | | | | what you really like but also it will give you more |
| It’s also worth rating your wine club wines | | | | confidence in choosing your wines. You’ll |
| as you taste them, as you can be sure that | | | | never need worry about picking out a bottle of |
| you’ll have forgotten how the first ones | | | | wine for your next dinner party again! |
| tasted by the time you finish the case! Even | | | | |