Wine subscription services are booming, transforming how Brits discover and enjoy wine from the comfort of their homes. These clubs demystify the world of wine, offering convenience, curated discovery, and a personal touch that turns intimidation into enjoyment. Whether you're treating yourself or searching for a thoughtful gift, choosing the right service is key.
Putting the Top Wine Clubs to the Test
To find the best options for UK consumers, we ordered and tasted from eight leading wine subscription services. We evaluated everything from sign-up ease and personalisation to the quality and curation of the bottles, tasting each with everyday meals. Our testing considered a range of needs, from budget-friendly picks to clubs specialising in organic and sparkling wines.
The Best Affordable Wine Club: Firstleaf Classic Plan
Starting from $44.95 for six bottles on your first box, Firstleaf offers exceptional value. A short, personalised quiz builds your taste profile, leading to selections like a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc or a Californian Cabernet. Each shipment includes clear tasting cards and pairing suggestions. While you won't find big-name labels at this tier, it's a fantastic, low-commitment way to keep your rack stocked and refine your preferences.
The Best Club with a Personal Sommelier: Picked by Wine.com
For a guided, premium experience, Picked pairs you with a personal sommelier. After a detailed quiz where you can specify regions or goals, your sommelier, like 'Dave' in our test, chooses bottles from a vast inventory. We received excellent French and Italian wines, including a superb Rhone blend, at around $20 per bottle. This service is ideal for those ready to deepen their knowledge with expert guidance.
The Best Small-Business Wine Club: Smith & Vine Wine of the Month
Supporting a small business with serious expertise, Smith & Vine offers a concise, three-bottle monthly commitment from about $65. Founded by experienced sommeliers, the club delivers exciting, boutique wines you're unlikely to find elsewhere, like an Austrian Blaufränkisch or a funky Hungarian Pet-Nat. It's perfect for drinkers seeking adventure without a large monthly volume.
The Best Natural & Organic Wine Club: Helen’s Wines Seasonal Pack
Focused on natural, organic wines from small producers, Helen’s Wines provides a highly curated journey. With multiple price tiers and delivery frequencies, it's very customisable. Our box included standout bottles like a Portuguese orange wine, complete with detailed serving notes. Be mindful that shipping costs extra, but the quality and niche selection from sommelier-owner Helen Johannesen are compelling.
The Best Sparkling Wine Club: Roederer Estate Sparkling Club
For lovers of fine bubbly, Roederer Estate's club delivers twice a year, making it a treat for special occasions. Starting at $230 for six bottles, you receive a selection from this esteemed Californian producer, including rare library vintages. The 2019 L'Ermitage Brut was a highlight. Membership also includes perks like free tastings at their estate.
The Best Club for Casual Drinkers: Winc
Winc keeps things relaxed and approachable with a playful quiz and flexible ordering. You can choose your own bottles or let the algorithm decide, with per-bottle costs between $13 and $20. It's a low-pressure way to explore, though cancelling requires contacting customer service directly. The 'Guest Check' Cabernet Sauvignon was a comforting, crowd-pleasing hit.
The Best for Serious Explorers: Sommsation Rebel Wine Club
Sommsation offers a deep-dive experience, sending three curated bottles from a single, sommelier-approved winery each month. Our shipment from California's Halter Ranch came with a glossy educational booklet full of insights. At $150 per shipment, it's an investment in discovery, complete with access to online sommeliers for questions.
The Best Sustainable Wine Club: Plonk Mixed Organic Wine Club
Plonk champions sustainable, minimal-intervention wines with character. You can choose red, white, or mixed cases, and easily adjust bottle quantity. From about $135 for four bottles, wines like an Italian 'winter rosé' come with tasting notes and recipes. The high level of curation by founder Etty Klein makes it a trusted source for the ethically-minded drinker.
How to Choose the Right Wine Subscription for You
Experts like sommelier Tim Stuyts advise considering what you want from a club: education, convenience, specific regions, or sustainable practices. Use quizzes to your advantage, and look for services that provide good tasting notes. Ultimately, the best wine is the one you enjoy, and the right subscription should make the journey of finding it both fun and effortless.
