Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Lydia Martin
One of the greatest joys of many wine lovers is to be a member of a wine club.
A wine club can give you access to a wide variety of wines, many of which are specifically selected depending on your liking, not to mention all the perks, exclusivity, and deep discounts.
We have compiled a list of the best napa wine clubs in Napa Valley, California.
Top 10 Napa Wine Clubs To Join
10. Castello di Amorosa Wine Club
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $500 – $5,000
Perks: Membership-only benefits, bottle shipments, complimentary tastings, massive discount exclusive for wine club members, and tour option discounts
Why We Like It: Castello di Amorosa Wine Club differs from your traditional wine club, offering exclusive access and massive perks with wine subscriptions.
Their standard Napa Valley wine club subscription, Amici del Barone, offers the annual purchase and exclusive shipping of Italian-style wines [1].
You can enjoy complimentary tastings and deep discounts on tours, exclusive wine releases, and Castello wines.
9. Mumm Napa Wine Club
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $100 – $400
Perks: Member discounts on still and sparkling wines, merchandise, club selection re-orders, big purchases, complimentary tasting every month, hotel deals, and exclusive events
Why We Like It: Mumm Napa Valley Wine Club is one of the best Napa wine clubs that offer membership exclusivity on award-winning and exclusive wines.
They offer three club memberships, so you can decide which wine subscription fits you.
The upgraded wine subscription services allow you to enjoy limited-production sparkling wine and signature wines [2].
8. Sterling Society – Sterling Vineyards
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $175 – $400
Perks: Curated wine exclusively for wine club members, flexible delivery dates, access to members-only space, exclusive invitations, tasting, and massive member-only discounts
Why We Like It: Sterling Society is one of the best wine clubs for every wine enthusiast.
They have wine experts that will curate wines exclusively for the wine club members, and it has customization options to ensure that they will suit your preferences.
If you join the wine club, you will receive various perks such as memorable tasting experiences, access to member-only spaces, great discounts, invites, and chef-prepared lunches.
7. Cakebread Cellars Wine Club
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $295 – $590
Perks: Wine club events, weekly tasting, an option to purchase different wines, member-only discounts, access to the Wine Club Lounge, and virtual culinary classes
Why We Like It: We were thrilled and excited to know that a Napa Valley wine club offers culinary classes as part of its club subscription.
Cakebread Cellars Wine Club is one of the best wine clubs in the area that offers 15% discounts on merch and current release wines and $15 flat ground shipping for wine delivered at home.
We were impressed with the VIP treatment at their Wine Club Lounge and the wine quality in their complimentary tastings.
6. Sequoia Grove Winery Napa
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $175 – $440
Perks: Special discount offer for you, your friends, and your family. They give first access to new wines, 20% savings on all wines, tasting, and customizable shipment.
Why We Like It: Sequoia Grove Winery Napa is a family-owned winery with its own wine brands [3].
The club member savings of up to 20% is given immediately upon signing up, which is a plus for wine lovers.
Aside from the wine-tasting experiences, they have excellent wine quality that wine connoisseurs will commend.
You’ll be treated with complimentary sampling from different wine regions, and customizable shipment.
5. The Collectors Club – Hess Persson Estates
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $152 – $912
Perks: Preferred pricing, tours, tasting opportunities, first access to winery’s only wine, invitations to exclusive events, and customizable shipment.
Why We Like It: The Collectors Club is one of the best Napa Valley wine clubs that allows wine lovers to experience winery on the next level.
Their wine expertise helps members find wines suitable for their taste buds.
Aside from Pinot Noir and California wine offerings, they include recipes for food pairings to enjoy food and wine.
Aside from impressive discounts, the Collectors Club gives Hess Contemporary Art Museum access [4].
4. Pine Ridge Vineyards Wine Club
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $200 – $1200
Perks: Bottle shipments, Customizable shipments, massive discounts on additional bottles, complimentary estate tasting, exclusive tours, and complimentary tickets to the event.
Why We Like It:
Pine Ridge Vineyards is a Napa Valley wine club that offers cellar-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the winery’s estate vineyards.
Aside from the customizable shipment, we appreciate the included cave experience of up to six people and complimentary tickets for an elevated on-site experience.
3. James Cole Estate Wine Club
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $170 – $625
Perks: Seasonal releases of wines and unique benefits like member-only discounts, complimentary tickets, and signature tastings
Why We Like It:
James Cole Estate Wine Club is another gem we found in the wine industry, and compared to other wine clubs we mentioned above, it has a strict policy on membership perks.
There are three membership levels, and you must take at least three releases, or you will be fined a $100 cancellation fee.
In addition, the customizations should be made before the release of billing, and the current release will be automatically received once enrolled.
However, their member event, reserve, and private tasting discounts made an excellent impression. Also, there are exclusive offerings for members.
2. Stags’ Leap Wine Club
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $200 – $850
Perks: Quarterly shipments, customization options, estate tours and tastings, discounts, private experiences, early access, exclusive events, and flat-rate shipping
Why We Like It: There are three club options, but if you change your mind, they can customize the shipment depending on your liking.
Stags’ is one of the best Napa Valley wine clubs that give personal access to their incredible wines.
It offers excellent benefits such as four estate tours and tastings, reserving a porch and bocce court, great discounts, a first pick for limited wines, and flat rate shipping.
1. Gold Medal Wine Club
Average Monthly Subscription: Roughly $79 – $225
Perks: Access to world-class wines, membership reward programs, exclusive tasting experience, refer and reward, and no monthly dues.
Why We Like It:
Gold Medal Wine Club stands out because it does not require minimum obligations, monthly dues, and sign-up fees.
They can hand you limited edition, rare-find, classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc wines that most have yet to reach local stores.
Aside from “refer a friend and get a free wine,” it offers instant savings from its rewards program.
In addition, Gold Medal Wine values its members and treats them as VIPs. You’ll look forward to learning about other wineries you’ve never known in every wine of the month.
Tips On Choosing The Best Napa Wine Club
Monthly Subscription Cost
The prices of wine in Napa vary, and the same principle applies to wine clubs.
There are options for casual wine enthusiasts, and other clubs cater to serious wine collectors.
Compare the overall cost of a monthly subscription, how much wine you will need, and what club is worth choosing.
Monthly Delivery Options
Certain clubs offer free shipping, flat rate, or different prices based on location.
Before you subscribe, always check the delivery price and the difference in the overall price.
Also, check the delivery schedule and see if it is flexible and convenient for you.
Club Overall Value
The wine quality, price point, and services included are essential when choosing your wine club. Go for clubs with solid value-driven selections.
Wine Style & Quality
Go for wine clubs catering to your preferred wine style and delivering excellent quality. There are a lot of value-driven selections known for their excellent quality and tasting notes.
Perks & Special Extra Gifts
Perks and special extra gifts are one of the reasons why a club member says yes because it often leads to huge savings.
“an added social element; members can meet, hang out, and enjoy free food and wine,”
– Heather Davis, Employee of Mount Palomar Winery
Tastings, shipping, exclusivity, and gifts are some things to look forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What winery did the Kardashians go to in Napa?
The Kardashians visited the Opus One Winery during their trip to Napa Valley. Opus One is renowned for its premium Bordeaux-style blends and its stunning architecture, offering visitors a luxurious and memorable wine-tasting experience. The Kardashians’ visit to Opus One garnered significant attention, showcasing the winery’s appeal to both wine enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike.
Are Napa winery clubs worth it?
Joining a Napa winery club can be a worthwhile investment for wine enthusiasts seeking exclusive access to premium wines, unique tasting experiences, and member-only events. These clubs often offer benefits such as discounted wine purchases, complimentary tastings, and invitations to special events, providing members with a deeper connection to Napa’s renowned wine culture. Additionally, many clubs offer customizable membership options tailored to individual preferences, allowing members to curate their wine selections based on personal tastes and preferences. Overall, joining a Napa winery club can enhance the wine-tasting experience and provide access to a diverse array of exceptional wines from one of the world’s premier wine regions.
What is the most visited winery in Napa?
The most visited winery in Napa Valley is undoubtedly the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery. Founded in 1966 by Robert Mondavi, a pioneer of California winemaking, this historic estate attracts thousands of visitors each year with its picturesque vineyards, award-winning wines, and world-class hospitality. The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences, including guided tours, wine pairings, and educational seminars, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Napa Valley winemaking. With its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and commitment to excellence, Robert Mondavi Winery continues to be a must-visit destination for wine lovers from around the globe.
What wine is Napa best known for?
Napa Valley is best known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The region’s unique microclimate, diverse soil types, and expert winemaking techniques converge to produce Cabernet Sauvignon grapes of unparalleled quality, resulting in wines that are celebrated for their complexity, depth, and age-worthiness. Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by bold fruit flavors, supple tannins, and well-integrated oak notes, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide. While Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme in Napa Valley, the region also produces outstanding Chardonnay, Merlot, and other varietals, further showcasing the diversity and excellence of its winemaking prowess. Whether enjoyed upon release or aged to perfection, Napa Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the essence of luxury and craftsmanship, solidifying its status as the region’s most iconic and revered wine varietal.
Which winery is better Napa or Sonoma?
The question of whether Napa or Sonoma wineries are better is subjective and depends on individual preferences, as both regions offer exceptional wine experiences with their unique characteristics, such as Napa’s renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma’s diverse varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, ensuring that wine lovers can find extraordinary wines and stunning landscapes in both destinations, making it more about personal taste and the type of experience one desires.
How do Napa wine clubs work?
Napa wine clubs typically operate on a membership basis, where individuals sign up to receive regular shipments of wine directly from the winery, often tailored to their preferences, with benefits including discounts on wine purchases, exclusive access to limited releases, invitations to special events, and complimentary tastings, providing members with a curated selection of premium wines and a deeper connection to Napa’s renowned wine culture.
How many wineries should I visit in Napa?
The number of wineries to visit in Napa depends on various factors, including the duration of your visit, your pace of exploration, and your personal preferences, with some visitors opting to visit 3-4 wineries per day to fully appreciate each tasting experience, while others may choose to visit fewer wineries to allow for a more leisurely and immersive experience, ensuring that you can savor the unique ambiance, architecture, and wines of each winery without feeling rushed.
Why is Napa better than Sonoma?
The comparison between Napa and Sonoma often boils down to individual preferences and what one seeks in a wine-tasting experience, with Napa being renowned for its prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon wines, luxurious tasting rooms, and iconic wineries, while Sonoma offers a more laid-back atmosphere, diverse varietals, and picturesque countryside, making Napa preferable for those seeking upscale wine experiences and Sonoma appealing to those looking for a more relaxed and diverse wine-tasting journey, ensuring that both regions offer something unique and memorable for wine enthusiasts.
Why is Napa wine so expensive?
Napa wine commands a premium price due to several factors, including the region’s limited land suitable for grape cultivation, high production costs associated with meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques, stringent regulations ensuring quality and authenticity, investments in state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, as well as the global reputation for excellence, rarity, and prestige associated with Napa Valley wines, all contributing to the higher price point compared to wines from other regions.
What is Napa famous for?
Napa Valley is famous for its world-class wines, particularly its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its picturesque vineyards, luxurious wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, culinary scene, hot air balloon rides, scenic landscapes, charming towns like Yountville and St. Helena, cultural events such as the Napa Valley Film Festival, and a rich history dating back to the 19th century, collectively making it a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts, foodies, and travelers seeking upscale experiences and natural beauty.
Why is Napa so famous?
Napa Valley has gained international fame for its exceptional wines, diverse terroir, ideal climate, innovative winemaking practices, and commitment to quality, setting the standard for premium wine production worldwide, while also offering visitors an unparalleled wine-tasting experience amidst stunning landscapes, luxurious accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and cultural attractions, establishing Napa as a top destination for wine tourism and elevating its status as a global wine capital, thus cementing its reputation and legacy as one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.
What’s the best time to visit Napa Valley?
The best time to visit Napa Valley depends on personal preferences and desired experiences, with each season offering its own unique charms, such as spring’s bud break and vibrant wildflowers, summer’s long sunny days and outdoor activities, harvest season in the fall with grape picking and crush festivities, and winter’s cozy atmosphere and fewer crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, culinary delights, and special events throughout the year, ensuring that Napa Valley has something to offer for every traveler regardless of the season.
Is it cheaper to stay in Napa or Sonoma?
The cost of accommodations in Napa and Sonoma can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and time of year, with Sonoma generally offering more affordable lodging options including bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals, and budget-friendly hotels compared to Napa’s luxury resorts, boutique inns, and high-end accommodations, making Sonoma a more cost-effective choice for travelers seeking budget-friendly options without compromising on the quality of their stay.
Is it better to go to Napa or Sonoma?
Choosing between Napa and Sonoma depends on individual preferences and the type of experience one desires, with Napa being renowned for its prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon wines, upscale tasting rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, and iconic wineries, appealing to those seeking a luxurious and sophisticated wine-tasting experience, while Sonoma offers a more laid-back atmosphere, diverse varietals including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, charming small towns, family-owned wineries, and scenic countryside, making it ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed and authentic wine country getaway.
Wrapping Up
To some, Napa Valley wine clubs will cost you more than you expect, but for wine enthusiasts, it is an excellent opportunity to know and explore the wine industry.
Stags’ Leap Wine Club, James Cole Estate, and Pine Ridge are great wine clubs to get into because they offer perks and benefits that are good value for money.
But if you want the best wine club, go for the Gold Medal Wine Club. It offers award-winning wines, hard-to-pass-up perks, and exclusivity for members.
References:
- A Beginner’s Guide to Italian Wine
- Wine
- Sequoia Grove Winery’s Newest Winemaker Jesse Fox On Wine Making, Tasting And Pairings
- Discover Art, Architecture, and Fine Wine at These Napa Valley Spots
