10 Best Wine Clubs in Napa 2023: California Dreaming

There is no shortage of wineries in Napa, America’s most famous winemaking region. And if you want the convenience that comes with a wine club membership, you’ll find many wine delivery services who will bring great wines to your doorstep. But with all these choices, finding the right wine club can be a challenge. 

I researched and reviewed dozens of wine clubs that deliver to Napa. I compared prices, checked the variety of wines on offer, weighed shipping fees and checked out customer service. And after all that work, I bring you my list of the 10 best wine clubs in Napa. 

Firstleaf is my top recommendation for Napa residents. It offers superb customer service and a rich selection of both domestic and international wines priced at $30 and under. But every wine club on the list has something to offer Napa wine lovers, so you’re sure to find a service that matches your preferences perfectly.

The Best Wine Clubs in Napa Reviewed

1. Firstleaf – Best Wine Club in Napa 2023

Firstleaf uses an algorithm to craft a distinct wine profile uniquely tailored to your preferences. You start your Firstleaf adventure with a comprehensive 13-question quiz. Using this information, Firstleaf meticulously selects 6 bottles delivered to your doorstep every 1 to 3 months. After your order arrives you can rate your bottles, which helps other subscribers in choosing wines. 

The “Wine Concierges” at Firstleaf offer complimentary wine consultations. They use their expert knowledge of Firstleaf’s vast wine selection to offer insights and recommendations that help you discover wines that match your palate. Firstleaf’s customer service is particularly good, and another reason it won my top spot. 

Its Wine School webpage is another trove of knowledge, with a large selection of informative articles that will educate you on different wines. If you are a wine novice, Firstleaf is a great way to learn more about flavor profiles, the history of various wines and varietals, and other information that will help you become a better-informed wine connoisseur. 

Firstleaf offers a great selection of both international and quality domestic wines. You can find wines from France, and Italy, as well as from lesser-known regions like Argentina and South Africa. And alongside California wines you’ll find offerings from other American winegrowing regions. With every box, you can experience new grape varietals and flavor profiles. 

Many of the wines at Firstleaf have won prestigious awards. The Best of Class Collection bundle pictured above consists of wines that have won Best in Class medals at major wine competitions. Other wines are ranked highly by renowned wine magazines like Wine Spectator. Our reviewer was very impressed by Firstleaf’s selection of award-winning wines. 

Firstleaf’s entire shipping process is carbon-neutral, so you can enjoy your wines without worrying about the environmental impact.  Firstleaf uses minimal recyclable packaging to secure the wine for shipment without producing excess waste. And Firstleaf also offers a selection of eco-friendly wines from sustainable vineyards. 

Prices begin at $7.49 per bottle, and most bottles are priced under $30. Subscribers get a 30% discount on a la carte prices, and Firstleaf offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on any bottle purchased by club members. 

2. Naked Wines –  Best Selection from Independent Wineries

Naked Wines gets its bottles from independent wineries around the world. Every month you can choose unique wines produced by passionate winemakers who craft their vintages with dedication and love. And because Naked Wines focuses on smaller vineyards, you get access to wines you won’t find at your local retailer. 

Your "Angel" membership lets you invest directly in the wines you love. By becoming an Angel member, you provide direct support to independent wineries. In return, you get significant wine discounts, ensuring value for your investment.

Your monthly Angel fee is credited to your account for future purchases. It operates differently than traditional subscriptions. Instead of a recurring shipment, your monthly fee is stored in your account. You have the freedom to use this amount to buy wines of your choice, whenever you decide.

Naked Wines is headquartered in the Napa Valley, so it’s not surprising that many of its bottles originate from the US, especially California. But it also offers an impressive array of wines from countries like France, Italy, Spain, Chile, and Australia, among others.

When you receive a wine, it's not just about tasting it but understanding it. Each Naked Wines bottle comes with comprehensive information about its taste profile, suggested food pairings, and an enlightening introduction about the winemaker behind its creation.

Angel members also get access to the Naked Wines message board. You can socialize with fellow Angels, employees of Naked Wines, and participating winemakers who can tell you more about how their wines are made and offer pairing and storage suggestions. Our reviewer also liked the Naked Wines rating system, which lets you see at a glance how other Angels felt about the bottle. 

Pricing begins at $7.99 for a bottle, with Angel members receiving hefty discounts. If you're conscious about the price, you'll find options starting at under $10 and reaching over $100 a bottle. Angel members get discounts ranging from 40% to 60%, ensuring premium wines at unbeatable prices.

3. Vinesse –  Best Selection and Variety

Vinesse is a great choice for wine novices and seasoned wine lovers alike. It offers wines at price points ranging from under $20 to over $75, and has a great selection of varietals ranging from popular favorites like Pinot Noir and Shiraz to lesser-known regional treasures like Garnacha. You can also place bulk 12-box orders that will save you money on shipping and the price per bottle. 

With a Vinesse membership, you get monthly deliveries of 6 handpicked wines. You won't pick each bottle, but you'll have control over the type of selection. You can choose mixed collections of reds and whites, exclusively reds, or only whites.

Individual bottle orders and bundle purchases are available. While the club membership exposes you to new wines, you also have the flexibility to order Vinesse wines that strike your fancy. If you discover a wine you adore or need multiple bottles for a special occasion, you can order wine bundles a la carte.

If you enjoy sharing your love of wine with friends and family, Vinesse has many gift options. You can order gift cards, diverse subscription packages, or wine bundles, so you can always find the right gift for any occasion. (The 3-bottle Members Favorite Trio pictured above would be a great choice!)

For over 20 years, Vinesse has been a reliable guide for wine aficionados. Since its inception, Vinesse's primary goal has been to introduce wine lovers to small-batch productions from obscure wineries. These selections often come from hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed. Our reviewer was impressed by Vinesse’s selection.

All Vinesse orders are shipped in recyclable packaging, and many of the wineries Vinesse works with practice sustainable farming. 

Prices for Vinesse start at $10.00 per bottle. Shipping costs vary depending on the size of your order. Orders of 12 bottles or more ship free, so you save even more.

4. Bright Cellars –  Best Personalized Palate Test

Bright Cellars stands out with its unique tasting algorithm designed by 2 MIT graduates. Combining data-crunching with a personal touch, Bright Cellars is a great choice for Napa wine enthusiasts who want a regular supply of wines that suit their personal preferences.

Every month, Bright Cellars offers a curated selection of 4, 6, or 12 bottles. These selections are based on your personal preferences, gauged from your quiz responses and ongoing wine ratings. 

The user-friendly quiz dives into unexpected flavors. With questions revolving around your favorite chocolate or how you prefer your tea, it cleverly deciphers your wine profile.

Its online shop is organized for hassle-free navigation. Beyond wines, you can also explore premixed cocktails, all neatly categorized for easy browsing. So, while you're nestled in Napa, you can travel the world of flavors right from your couch. Our reviewer was very impressed by this.

A certified sommelier helms the wine selection process with her skilled team. They sample thousands of different wines every year, choosing only the best for Bright Cellars. They then provide extensive information on each chosen wine to the algorithm’s database so that it can select those that best fit each member’s tastes. 

Every bottle comes with a detailed flavor profile. This profile highlights distinct notes, ranging from apple and watermelon to chocolate and ginger. You also get information on the alcohol content, recommended serving temperature, and pairing selections. 

Unfortunately, Bright Cellars offers few customization options. You can’t purchase individual bottles or mix and match from different bundles to create a custom box. This might be a drawback for Napa residents who enjoy personalizing their wine collection. (On the bright side, the Bright Cellars algorithm does a stellar job of recommending wines you’ll love).

Bright Cellars is a very reasonably priced wine club, with prices starting at $10.00 per bottle. If you opt for a 6 or 12 bottle subscription, the shipping to Napa or any other location is free.  

5. Wine Insiders –  Best Options with Competitive Prices

Wine Insiders has an impressive array of sub-$20 wines from regions across the globe. If you’re looking for an affordable source of high-quality bottles, Wine Insiders should definitely be on your radar. The majority of wines from this club fall between $10-30, with most wines falling between $10-15. My colleague felt that Wine Insiders offered a great price to value ratio. 

The Wine Insiders curatorial team carries over 5 decades of wine expertise. Every bottle comes detailed with its background and tasting notes. You get a sense of the wine's origin, the story behind its creation, and a clear idea of what to expect in terms of flavor and aroma. It's not just about savoring the wine but understanding its journey from grape to glass. 

Most of the wineries Wine Insiders works with are family wineries rather than bulk wine producers who might sell their produce to be rebottled under various retail brands. This means you get access to wine made by families with generations of winemaking traditions.

Martha Stewart's touch graces a few select bundles at Wine Insiders. Though the Martha Stewart Wine Club has shuttered, her expertise in curating exceptional wines lives on here. Her wine selections will go especially well with dinners from her meal delivery service, Marley Spoon.

Wine Insiders even offers a selection of vegan wines. Many wineries use egg white or fish proteins in wine production. If you’re vegan or if you’re buying a gift for a vegan friend, you can rest assured that no animal products were used in the making of Wine Insiders vegan wines.  

Prices start at $8.99 per bottle, with a 3-bottle minimum order. You can order a la carte or sign up for a subscription for white, red, or mixed boxes containing 3, 4, 6, or 12 bottles bimonthly. The Wine Insiders shop offers regular 750ml and "Magnum" 1.5L bottles as well as wine sets, cocktails, and canned wines.

6. The California Wine Club –  Best Selection of West Coast Wines

The California Wine Club offers membership options to suit all tastes. My colleague was very impressed by its selection of artisanal wines sourced from small family-owned wineries. Whatever your wine preferences or budget, you’ll find something at The California Wine Club. 

The Premier Series Wine Club offers unique wines from boutique wineries every month. With this subscription, you receive 2 estate-bottled, limited-production wines. You can tailor your delivery to receive 2 reds, 2 whites, or a combination of both. If you’re looking for high-end California wines, the Signature Series offers 2 to 4 award-winning California wines at $45 to $60 a bottle. 

The California Wine Club’s International Series features worldwide artisan wineries. You’ll get selections from countries like France, Germany, Australia, Argentina, and South Africa to name a few. And if you want nothing but the finest, the Aged Cabernet series sends you 7-12 year-old cabernets that you can drink now or store in your cellar for further aging.

But if you want a real bargain, check out The California Wine Club’s Case Club Series. Every 1-3 months, you get 12 bottles of California wine. The picture above gives you an idea of what you can expect. At $168 a box, you’re paying $14 a bottle for wines that would cost you considerably more at your local retailer, or require a trip to the winery in the case of limited production bottles. 

With your California Wine Club Subscription, you also get access to VIP tours and tastings. This is especially good for wine drinkers in Napa, as many of the wineries The California Wine Club works with are in your backyard. These tours and tastings are a great way to spend a day and meet fellow wine-loving locals. 

Prices start at $10.99 per bottle, with a $16 shipping fee and $5 handling fee added to each order. When you sign up you also get a subscription to Uncorked, a magazine that contains information about California wines and provides recipes and tasting tips.

7. Wine Awesomeness –  Great for Bulk Purchases

Wine Awesomeness presents meticulously curated wines from global independent wineries. If you like exploring new wines, its sommeliers and wine experts will provide you with a great selection of wines at affordable prices and with shipping included. Our expert reviewer was impressed by how economical Wine Awesomeness was .

You can trust the Wine Awesomeness experts or choose your own wines. Some people like to expand their horizons by trying new and unfamiliar wines. Others know their palate and prefer to make their own choices. Wine Awesomeness can accommodate both. And if you like surprises and bargains, you can order “Mystery” bottles that give you a surprise wine at a deep discount.

Each wine has a 5-point customer rating to guide your choice. When I browse the Wine Awesomeness site, I find this feature particularly handy. Knowing how a wine was received by other customers helps me make a final decision when I’m finding it hard to decide. It’s also a fun way to discover what your fellow wine enthusiasts in Napa are enjoying.

Non-members can buy from the online store with prices from $16. Even if you decide not to subscribe, it's worth noting that the online store remains open to you. With a la carte prices ranging from $16 to the higher-end bottles at $49 and above, there's something for everyone's budget. I’m especially impressed by the bulk bundles like the Summer Party Blowout 15-Pack pictured above. 

The Back Label blog is a great perk for Wine Awesomeness customers. Every month you learn about the monthly wine selection, with recipes, pairing tips, and insightful interviews with chefs and sommeliers. And if you’re looking for a gift, the Wine Awesomeness store offers a great selection of bundles and gift cards ranging from $20 to $100, which gives you flexibility in spending.

Prices start at $13.25 with 20% off for subscribers. You can choose between a 3, 6, or 12 bottle order.

8. Macy’s Wine Shop –  Wines Worth a Parade

Macy's Wine Shop has been in business since 1982, and it boasts a vast collection of bottles from over 40 of the world's renowned wine regions. You’ll find great wines from Argentina and Chile alongside award winners from France, Italy, and (of course) the Napa Valley. And if you’re looking to buy in bulk or as a gift, Macy’s Wine Shop has a great selection of wine bundles.

The collection at Macy’s Wine Shop is curated by a distinguished panel of sommeliers. These experts, who have tasted and trained extensively, ensure that every bottle on their shelves is of the highest quality. But while you might expect to pay a premium price for their efforts, the famous department store brings its price-slashing sensibilities to the world of wine. 

It has longstanding partnerships with renowned wineries, so it can offer top-tier wines without the hefty price tags. Macy's Wine Shop has nurtured these relationships over the years, ensuring that you benefit from the quality and value of its wines. That’s why Macy’s Wine Shop is on our list of the best cheap wine delivery services. 

When you sign up for Macy's Wine Club, you get 12 bottles of carefully chosen wine delivered to your doorstep every 12 weeks. You can order a la carte from Macy’s Wine Shop, but a Wine Club subscription gets you access to members-only wines and unbeatable members-only prices.

Customer satisfaction is paramount for Macy's Wine Shop. If a bottle doesn't meet your standards or expectations, you get a hassle-free replacement. Most orders are delivered to your doorstep within 1-3 days after you place your order. If you buy 6 or more bottles, shipping is free. For smaller orders, a flat shipping fee of $14.95 applies.

Macy’s Wine Shop prices start at $10.99 per bottle, with a 3 bottle minimum order.

9. Monthly Clubs Wine – The Original Wine Club

Monthly Clubs Wine pioneered the wine delivery service, launching its operations in 1972. It specializes in approachable high-quality wines and continues to attract loyal customers after more than 50 years in the business, with a number of different clubs to suit almost every wine lover’s needs. My colleague gave Monthly Clubs Wine an enthusiastic review.

The Classic Series, the most popular subscription, offers 2 wines per month. You can tailor your delivery to receive 2 reds, 2 whites, or a combination of both. If you want a bigger box, the Cellar Series sends you 6 bottles of wine from the Classic series. And if you’re a big fan of Napa wines, the Napa series sends you 2 limited production bottles from Napa wineries. 

The Monthly Clubs Wine Case Club is designed for bulk buyers. If your wine cellar is looking a little sparse or you simply enjoy having a variety of options on hand for every occasion, this club provides 12 bottles of either reds or a mix of reds and whites, so you’ll always have a bottle on hand for company.

Owner Paul Kalemkiairnian promises “You’ll never pay for a wine you do not like.” If you’re not satisfied with any wine in your Monthly Clubs Wine box, you get a full refund. While its selection is more traditional and less adventurous than many of the other wine clubs on our list, it’s a great choice for those who love old-school wines. 

Monthly Clubs offers more than just wine. Diversifying its portfolio, it presents clubs dedicated to cigars, cheese, chocolate, beer, and flowers. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend who doesn’t like wine, Monthly Clubs gives you lots of options. 

Pricing starts at $20.98 per bottle, with a 2-bottle minimum order. If you are especially fond of a bottle you receive in your Monthly Clubs subscription, you can buy it at the Monthly Clubs online store for as much as 60% off.

10. Plonk – Strictly Organic and Biodynamic Wines

Plonk specializes in organic wines grown using biodynamic and sustainable vineyard practices. While other wine clubs offer a few organic and biodynamic wines, every bottle you purchase at Plonk is  free of pesticides, herbicides, or commercial additives.

Etty Klein, Plonk's owner and sommelier, curates a unique monthly selection. She ventures into lesser-known wine-growing regions, handpicking quirky wines that broaden your palate and wine knowledge. As you explore these unique offerings, it's like taking a wine tour across hidden vineyards without leaving Napa.

Klein isn’t just behind the scenes; she’s directly involved. In addition to her other duties, she regularly provides personal advice and customer support. At a time when many businesses work with call centers, Plonk’s personal approach is greatly appreciated.

You can opt for a White Organic Club, a Red Organic Club, or a Mixed Organic Club. This flexibility ensures that there's a club just for you, whether you're a lover of crisp whites, bold reds, or someone who likes to mix things up. While Plonk’s selection is smaller than many other wine clubs on our list, there are plenty of interesting wines to choose from. 

If you're thinking of sharing the joy of organic wines with a friend, Plonk offers gift cards and subscriptions. There's nothing like introducing someone to the pleasures of high-quality, sustainably produced wines, and that’s why Plonk appears on our list of the best birthday wine delivery services. 

Your Plonk subscription offers several delivery options. Whether you prefer a monthly shipment of 4 wines, a monthly or bimonthly shipment of 6 wines, or a 12-bottle shipment that arrives every 1-3 months the choice is yours. Best of all, shipping on all Plonk orders is always free.

Prices start at $9.50 per bottle and most bottles come in at $30 or less.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Wine Clubs in Napa

When it comes to wine, Napa residents are spoiled for choices. Here are some of the things that I took into consideration when making my list of the best wine clubs in Napa. 

• Keep your budget in mind: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get great wines. I think that Firstleaf offers a great balance of quality and price.

• Consider how much wine you drink every month: The wine clubs I listed have flexible subscription plans. For example, Wine Insiders lets you choose between 3, 4, 6, and 12 bottles a month. 

• Do you have an adventurous or conservative wine palate?: Some wine clubs offer more exotic varietals and wines, while others focus on well-known classics. I found that Naked Wines has a great selection of wines for both adventurous and conservative tastes.

• Remember that you can save money by buying in bulk: Larger orders often mean better per-bottle prices. I was impressed by Vinesse’s large selection of wine bundles that let you stock your wine cellar with bottles you’ll love. 

FAQ

What’s the best wine club in Napa? 

Firstleaf is the best wine club for most Napa wine lovers. It has a great selection of domestic and imported wines, with enough variety to keep even seasoned wine connoisseurs entertained. Combine that with its excellent prices and stellar customer service and you’ve got a wine club that’s hard to beat.

Are wine clubs worth it?

Wine clubs can save you money and introduce you to wines you won’t find at your local store, so they are definitely worth it! For example, a Naked Wines Angel membership can save you 40% to 60% on the retail cost of bottles from independent wineries around the world.  

What’s a good wine club for beginners?

If you’re a wine newbie, Bright Cellars is a good choice. Bright Cellars offers an easy quiz that it uses to determine which of its wines best suit your taste preferences. It compares your answers to information provided by its team of wine experts to find bottles that you’ll enjoy.   

Best Wine Clubs in Napa in 2023 — Final Score