5 Best Wine Clubs That Ship To South Dakota in 2024

Sadly, not all wine delivery services can ship to South Dakota. As a South Dakotan, you won’t have any trouble buying wine from local stores, but your options are limited when it comes to online-ordered options that are shipped to you out of state.   

This means you are missing out on a great opportunity to try amazing wines. Online wine clubs feature rich and interesting varieties that are not available in regular shops. Some clubs work with small, independent winemakers that are difficult to reach otherwise.  

Luckily, some of the best wine clubs do deliver to your state. And you don’t have to waste time on research! I did the digging and put together a list of the best wine clubs that ship to South Dakota. My top choice is Firstleaf due to its wide range of wine selections that combine varietals from all over the world.

There are other great wine clubs to discover on my list, so make sure to read to the end!

The Best Wine Clubs That Ship To South Dakota Reviewed

1. Firstleaf – Best Overall for Unbeatable Value and Curated Selections

Firstleaf offers an impressive selection of 240+ wines. Out of these, around 23 are part of the Fine Wine Collection, which features cellar-worthy labels, exceptional vintages, and iconic wine styles.

Firsleaf’s extensive menu features wines from all over the world. While the biggest selection is from the United States, you can also explore wines from France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Greece, and Portugal.

In terms of varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead. Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other well-known varietals closely follow it. But if you're in the mood for something a bit different, Firstleaf also offers more exotic options like Verdejo, Zinfandel, Grenache, and San Giovese (among others).

Eco-friendly wines are also well-represented in Firstleaf’s selection. The company collaborates with earth-conscious producers worldwide, ensuring that the wines you receive have been produced in a manner that lowers environmental impact and carbon footprint.

Firstleaf customizes the wines in your box to match your unique WinePrint™. When you place your first order, Firstleaf helps you discover your WinePrint, which is your unique flavor profile. This profile gets updated with each new shipment, so you’ll enjoy the wines you receive.

Firstleaf offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all wines. If you find that a wine doesn’t meet your expectations, the company will credit you for the bottle’s cost. According to my colleague’s detailed review of Firstleaf, this eliminates the risk and allows you to explore new flavors with confidence.

The company also provides valuable education through its Wine School online section. This educational platform offers a wealth of resources that help you learn about popular grapes, explore the nuances of famous wine regions, and answer some of your most pressing wine-related queries.

I also like that Firstleaf’s Wine Concierge is always available to help. If you encounter any issues or have questions you'd like answered, the concierge service is there to assist you, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Lastly, I think Firstleaf is priced quite affordably at $7.49 per bottle. When you factor in the wide variety and customization options, it becomes clear that Firstleaf offers excellent value for the price. Furthermore, members receive at least a 30% discount on all club orders, making it an even more budget-friendly choice.

2. Naked Wines – Best for Supporting Independent Winemakers

Naked Wines has a well-stocked selection of 500+ wines from 80+ independent winemakers. However, only about 370 are available to South Dakotans. Moreover, even though Naked Wines features a rich collection of 40+ fine wines, only 6 are available in South Dakota. 

As the laws change, South Dakotans may be able to enjoy a wider range of impressive labels. Until then, you can still spoil your tastebuds with a wonderful Von Strasser Sori Bricco Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 or a delightful Ken Wright Vanjohn Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2021.

In terms of varietals, Naked Wines offers you a world of flavor and taste. Grapes like Red Blend, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc hold the majority, but there are over 80 varietals, so you’ll definitely be able to satisfy your thirst for exploration.

The removal of the middleman is a feature that sets Naked Wines apart from other clubs. The company allows you to connect directly with winemakers, offering you the opportunity to discover their entire collections. You're not just buying a bottle – you're buying into the story and the passion behind each wine.

Due to Naked Wines' in-house experts, the list of winemakers is continually expanding. These experts are always on the hunt for the world's best independent winemakers. They rigorously test hundreds of vineyards and thousands of wines, and only the top 5% make it to the wine selection available for purchase.

I also like that you have control over the wines that go into your box. According to my colleague’s in-depth review, Naked Wines doesn't have a quiz to determine your taste profile, but it learns from your previous orders and gradually makes more accurate recommendations. 

Naked Wines offers an unusual membership model. To become a member, you pay a fixed monthly fee of $40 (at the time of my writing) and order whenever you want. As a member, prices start at $7.99 per bottle and up to 60% off market prices.

3. Bright Cellars – Best for Personalized Wine Pairings

Bright Cellars’ mission is to simplify wine and wine drinking. The company tries to show that you don’t have to be a wine expert to find the labels that work for you. It does so by shifting the focus on the wine quality and away from all the fancy accessories and jargon that tend to make this world feel a bit scary.

To attract a wide range of wine drinkers, Bright Cellars boasts various labels from worldwide locations. The selection is curated by a team of experts, including a Master Sommelier and a vinification specialist. This ensures that each bottle in your delivery has met rigorous quality standards.

Customization is a core feature of Bright Cellars. The company asks you to take a well-detailed quiz (max. 5 minutes of your time) for your first order to help narrow down options that suit your palate. You can swipe away any wine you're not interested in, and you're encouraged to review each wine you receive.

The service is ideal for both wine novices and experienced drinkers. Every bottle comes with custom-made wine cards that will help you learn about the wines in your box. These cards can also serve as a quick guide to wine appreciation, as they cover the country of origin, taste notes, alcohol content, suggested food pairings, and more.

I also like that Bright Cellars encourages adventurous sipping. My colleague’s review talks about the “Sip of the Month,” which is a mystery bottle that you can opt to add to your box each month. This brings an element of surprise and exploration to your wine journey.

Additionally, Bright Cellars offers unique Margarita bundles. These are separate from wines and available as Day & Night ready-to-drink cocktails. The main flavors are classic lime and fresh strawberry.

Bright Cellars prices start at $10.00 per bottle. While not the most budget-friendly option, the unique perks and quality of the wines make it worth considering.

4. The California Wine Club – Best for Authentic California Selections

The California Wine Club focuses on small, artisanal wineries. Expert sommeliers hand-select wines from family-owned California wineries and a few other regions. These experts visit the wineries, meet the families and winemakers, and invite them to share their best selections with the club members.

Even though it’s called The California Wine Club, its selection has a wide geographical reach. Of course, the primary focus is on California wines, but you’ll also find a few international labels and wines from other US regions. 

For instance, the Pacific Northwest Series highlights boutique wineries from Washington and Oregon. On the other hand, the International Series takes you on a global wine journey from countries like France, South Africa, Germany, Argentina, Australia, and more.

Overall, the wine selection is inclusive and versatile. Whether you're looking to expand your palate, build your wine collection, or simply enjoy California's best, there's something here for you.

You can choose from 6 different wine clubs (or subscription plans) called Series. I already mentioned 2 of the Series above, bundled together under the More than Just California label. There are 2 budget-friendly options, dubbed the Affordable Wine Clubs – the Premier Series and Case Club Series.

Lastly, there are the Luxury Wine Clubs (the Signature Series and Aged Cabernet Series). These feature special collections that don’t fit every budget. For instance, the Aged Cabernet Series is the only wine club that offers Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon aged to perfection for 7 to 12 years.

I love the fact that your membership comes with exclusive perks. Once you join, you gain access to VIP tours and tastings at featured vineyards and receive a copy of Uncorked, a guide filled with tasting notes, tips, and insights into California's wine scene.

Regardless of which subscription you choose, you have plenty of flexibility. According to our review of The California Wine Club, you can opt for monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly deliveries, making the club accessible even if you're not a frequent wine drinker.

Overall, the service offers options for various budgets. The most budget-friendly option is the Premier Series, starting at $10.99 per bottle, while the luxurious Aged Cabernet Series represents the high end.

5. Monthly Clubs – Best Monthly Global Wine Showcase

There are 4 wine clubs bundled under the Monthly Clubs umbrella. Besides a unique global wine selection, the club members also have access to an educational approach to fine wines. For this, members receive a monthly newsletter that includes the profiles of the winemakers and offers tasting notes, recommended food pairings, and complementary recipes.

All the wine clubs deliver labels from 2 different award-winning boutique vineyards each month. This is possible due to a 2-tiered tasting panel that rigorously rates hundreds of wines from boutique producers worldwide. They evaluate each wine on several aspects, including appearance, aroma, body, and overall flavor, to bring members exceptional selections.

The 4 clubs (also called Series) feature different options that fit a wide range of budgets. The Premier Series is the most affordable and features estate-bottled, limited-production boutique wines. According to my colleague’s review of Monthly Clubs, this club is also the most popular.

The Bold Reds Series focuses on robust red wines. This series includes full-bodied labels, such as California Cabernets, Châteauneuf-du-Papes from the Rhône Valley, single vineyard red Zinfandels, Carmenères, Cabernets, and Malbec blends (among others).

The Collectors Series features rare and luxurious wines. These are wines that are more expensive to produce, often using the oldest vines and spending more time in the barrel. They are made using only the best vintage grapes. However, even though the price fits the bill, these wines are not untouchable, even if your budget is not that generous.

Lastly, the Masters Series offers a blend of luxury and affordability. In this series, you can combine a bottle from the Collectors Series and another from the Premier Series. This allows you to sample high-end wines without straining your budget.

Prices start at $20.98 per bottle for club members. A la carte ordering is also available in case you don’t want to subscribe to any of the available clubs. But I think the Monthly Clubs subscription is quite reasonably priced, considering its unique and interesting collection.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Wine Clubs That Ship To South Dakota

I used these tips to filter through various options and zero in on the best wine clubs that can deliver right to your South Dakota address. And now I’m sharing them with you:

• Check if they ship to South Dakota: This is the first and most obvious criterion. Wine shipping policies can vary widely, so it's crucial to confirm whether a club can actually deliver to your location. For instance, Naked Wines delivers to South Dakota, but not all the labels it offers are available for this state.

• Consider your taste preferences: Your wine experience should align with what you enjoy. Clubs with personalization features like quizzes or review systems allow for tailored selections. Bright Cellars is great at customizing wines based on your unique taste profile.

• Check for wine list variety: A diverse wine list will allow you to explore different types, regions, and styles of wine. This is essential for anyone looking to expand their palate or enjoy a range of options. Firstleaf excels in this, providing a global showcase of wines.

• Check if they offer educational materials: Learning about your wines can enhance your enjoyment and make you a more informed consumer. Look for clubs that provide tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, or even background on the vineyards. For instance, The California Wine Club offers a guide filled with tasting notes, tips, and insights into California's wine scene.

FAQ

What is the most affordable wine club that delivers to South Dakota?

Which wine club has the most varied wine list?

Bright Cellars offers the most varied wine list among the clubs. It features a wide range of wines from around the globe, each handpicked by experts. Their detailed quiz helps tailor the selections to your taste preferences, offering a balance of familiar favorites and new discoveries.

What’s the most convenient wine club that ships to South Dakota?

Naked Wines is the most convenient wine club for South Dakota residents. The service offers a unique membership model where you pay a fixed monthly fee but have the flexibility to order wines whenever you want. This way, you can directly support independent winemakers while enjoying high-quality wines at a discount.

Best Wine Clubs That Ship To South Dakota in 2024 — Final Score