10 Best Wine Delivery Maine 2024: Pro Picks and Tips

Searching for the perfect wine delivery can feel like a big job, especially when you're in Maine where there are tons of options. It's not always easy to find a service that will have your favorite wines every time you want them and won't make your wallet cry. That's why I am here to guide you to the best wine delivery Maine currently has to offer.

No need for you to get lost in this search – I've handled it all for you. I put in loads of time, diving deep into all the wine delivery services out there. I’ve looked at the types of wine on offer, where they come from, whether they're priced reasonably, and how each company’s wine club works.

This year, Firstleaf stands out from the crowd in Maine. It has a broad range of different wines that come directly from the vineyards. To make things more interesting, it offers a quiz that you can take, which helps you get personalized wine suggestions based on your preferences. The company also happens to have pretty fair pricing, too.

The 10 Best Wine Delivery Maine Reviewed

1. Firstleaf – Best High-Quality Wines

Firstleaf provides over 300 different award-winning wines from around the world, focusing on regions that aren’t necessarily well-known. This focus allows for both high-quality and affordable wine options.

The company uses a pretty clever system to make sure you get wines that you'll enjoy. This involves a simple 13-question quiz to figure out your taste preferences. Based on your answers, Firstleaf selects 6 wines and delivers them every 1 to 3 months. 

During my research, I liked how Firstleaf used a thumbs-up/thumbs-down rating system, which helps curate your future wine boxes. You can find out more about this in our full Firstleaf review.

Firstleaf is dedicated to meeting your individual tastes while still providing top-notch quality. In fact, it even offers a wine that was in the top 30 list of Wine Spectator magazine's Top 100 Wines of 2020.

For those who are new to wines or want to learn more, Firstleaf has a "Wine School." It's full of informative articles that can help you understand more about different types of wine.

If you're looking to gift someone, Firstleaf has electronic gift cards that range from $25-$200. Although you can't send a custom box, you can sign someone up for the starter box.

Your first box ships for free, but subsequent orders will cost you $9.95 for shipping. UPS Ground or FedEx Ground handles deliveries, and it usually takes 2-5 days for your wine to arrive once it's shipped. Plus, Firstleaf makes sure all its deliveries are carbon-neutral.

Customer service is also a high priority for Firstleaf. It offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a Wine Concierge service. You can chat with a wine expert about your tastes or ask any questions about your order or delivery.

The service starts at $7.49 per bottle, which balances affordability and quality. While it might not be the most budget-friendly wine delivery option, in my experience, it's definitely worth it. But if you're looking for something even more affordable, you might want to check out Wine Insiders.

2. Naked Wines – Best Wines From Small Independent Vineyards

Naked Wines gives you the freedom to choose your own bottles at your own pace. Instead of waiting for a monthly box, you can select from a range of wine options, fill your cart, and check out when it suits you. Check out our Naked Wines review for more details, as this is a fairly unique system.

Naked Wines has a personal recommendation system to help you pick out wines that will tickle your taste buds. The more you buy and review, the more it understands your wine preferences and suggests those you might enjoy next.

It also offers a good variety of wines, with the selection constantly changing. That said, it mostly sticks to the basic reds and whites. And you should know, you can't buy just 1 bottle – the minimum order is a case of 6.

The wines are sourced from all over the world, with a large portion hailing from the US. You can also find bottles from other top wine-producing countries like Australia, France, Spain, and Chile. The site also has an easy-to-use filtering system to find exactly the wine you want.

The "Angel" program is another unique feature, which lets you back independent winemakers. You pay a subscription fee of $40 per month, which is directly invested in winemakers worldwide. In return, you get access to wholesale prices on all the wines produced.

Your $40 monthly subscription isn't just a fee but a credit you can use for future purchases. Plus, as an "Angel," you get exclusive wines, discounts, a complimentary bottle each month, and access to special tasting events.

Each bottle has different prices for "Angels" and non-members. The "Angel" price, which is usually 20 to 30% less than the non-member price, is your reward for supporting the production of new wines with your subscription fee.

While you can send a wine box as a gift, there aren't any special extras other than including a gift message. The packaging is the usual, and the receiver will need to confirm their age upon delivery.

Because of the way the wines are packaged, you can't order a single bottle. The minimum order is 6 bottles, which means that even if you're hunting for a $10 bargain, you'll need to spend a minimum of $60. That said, prices start at $7.99 per bottle.

Shipping costs $9.99, but it's free for orders over $100. Delivery takes between 1 and 4 days for most states, Ohio excluded. Someone has to be there to receive the delivery and prove they're over 21. But Naked Wines makes it convenient for you with options like workplace delivery or local pickup.

3. Vinesse – Best Selection and Variety

Vinesse aims to bring unique wines from smaller vineyards right to your table. These are wines that you probably won't find in your local stores. It's a service that's been celebrated by renowned publications like Self and Conde Nast Traveler – more of which you can learn about in our official review.

Becoming a part of Vinesse’s club is straightforward. You just need to pick the kind of wine you love, let the company know if the membership is a gift, and provide your delivery information and payment details. After that, you're officially part of a club that offers a passport to extraordinary wines from around the globe.

With 14 distinct clubs to match diverse tastes, Vinesse makes sure it caters to everyone. If you love light wines, the "Light & Sweet" club is for you. If you are an adventurous wine lover, the "World of Wine" club might be the right fit. For those who prefer American wines, there's the "American Cellars" club.

As a member, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to selecting your wines. You get to decide the types of wine that go into your order. Whether you want only reds, just whites, or a combination of both, Vinesse will accommodate.

Upon joining, you’re offered an introduction of 8 wines for $49.99, giving you a taste of what Vinesse has to offer. Then, every 5 to 7 weeks, you'll receive a new selection of wines.

The cost for each shipment varies based on the club you choose. Typically, pricing starts at $10.00 per order. There are no membership fees – so you only pay for the wine you receive.

Vinesse takes great care in packaging its wines to ensure they arrive undamaged. The choice is yours whether to have your wines delivered to your home or office. If you're not home when the delivery arrives, you can collect your wines from a nearby FedEx location.

4. Bright Cellars – Best Wine Personalization Quiz

Bright Cellars is your gateway to a wide array of wines, catering to a variety of preferences. Whether you lean toward sweet and fruity or prefer dry and tannic, it has something for everyone. If you're not sure what you like, a simple quiz on Bright Cellars can help you find out what suits your palate. Find out more in our review. 

This service presents a world of wines right at your doorstep. You get to choose from local US options, as well as imports. It procures wines from small and distinctive estates, introducing your taste buds to an exciting range of flavors, from traditional grapes to innovative apple, watermelon, and even chocolate.

The variety of wines fits any occasion, whether it's a wedding or a casual dinner at home. It even provides detailed information about each wine, including optimal serving temperature and alcohol content.

Its menu includes several wine bundles. However, it lacks flexibility in customization, as it doesn't permit the purchase of individual bottles or allow you to mix wines from different bundles. If you’re wanting a more a la carte experience, check out Wine Awesomeness.

Signing up for Bright Cellars comes with perks. This includes reward points and bonuses for referring others. To find wines that align with your taste, the quiz is your tool. By answering its questions, you help Bright Cellars build a profile that can provide personalized wine recommendations just for you.

After the quiz, you can personalize your order and select the wine box. The process then moves to checkout. The wines arrive in a cardboard box, complete with detailed cards describing each wine.

Bright Cellars keeps things fresh by changing its wine selection every month. It also highlights top picks. Currently, for example, it features the 2021 Pinot Grigio, 2021 Merlot, and 2021 Montepulciano, which hail from California and are part of different bundles.

After you place your order, it's typically shipped within 2 to 4 business days. You receive tracking information for your package, and remember, an adult must be present to sign for the delivery. Lastly, pricing starts at $10.00 per bottle.

5. Wine Insiders – Best Affordable Wines

Wine Insiders is a 1-stop shop renowned for its reasonably priced and diverse range of wines. Many of these wines have been curated by celebrities, such as Martha Stewart. 

Most of its offerings cost less than $20 and hail from different parts of the globe. It seems to promise to enhance your wine-tasting journey. To explore more, you can refer to my comprehensive review of Wine Insiders.

It carries a variety of wines, from red, white, sparkling, and rosé to dessert wines. These wines come from many corners of the world: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, France, Italy, Hungary, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and the US. However, note that some popular varieties like Chianti are not included in the collection.

Wine Insiders takes pride in showcasing about 100 wine varietals. In some cases, it even spotlights a unique wine from a single winemaker. While the collection might lack some well-known brands, it still offers an impressive selection. It also includes specialty items like organic and vegan wines, canned wines, and cocktails.

It showcases wines of different quality levels, with many being rated above 90 and priced under $20. But if you’re looking for vintage, or so-called "fancy" wines, there’s not a whole lot happening here. One example of a 90+ rated wine under $20, though, is the 2020 Marquis de Bacalon Bordeaux Blanc. It has a 5-star rating based on 6 reviews.

Each bottle's complete details are available on the website. For instance, info such as winery, variety, vintage, type, ABV, country, and region, is available for your review. It also provides 6 categories of wine sets, varying in price and size, including Magnum sets.

If you're interested in regular delivery, it offers a subscription service. You can receive 12 bottles every 12 weeks, and you can choose from white, red, or mixed boxes. Your first order comes with 3 bonus bottles and a surprise wine accessory gift with specific shipments.

The pricing begins at $8.99, with standard bottles going up to about $25. Magnum wine sets start from $35 for a single bottle and can reach around $47 per bottle for a case of 6. For additional savings, you can get a discount using the code Get 10% off + FREE shipping!.

6. The California Wine Club – Best US Wines

California Wine Club, originated by showcasing wines from California. However, it’s broadened its horizons to include wines from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. You'll find that supporting this club means you're also supporting small family-owned wineries. Find out more details in the full review written by my colleague.

Its wine collection is vast and varied, covering a multitude of varietals. If you’re a fan of red wines, you'll be able to enjoy classic red varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and many more.

For those whose tastes lean more towards white wines, it hasn't overlooked you. It offers selections like the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio, among others. Every wine it features has been meticulously chosen to guarantee superb quality and taste.

California Wine Club has designed a variety of monthly wine clubs to satisfy different tastes. You might be drawn to its Signature Series club, which highlights highly regarded wines made in limited quantities from famous vineyards, providing a high-end experience. 

If you're more interested in the variety of California's wine regions, there’s an option for you. The Premier Series club includes award-winning wines to suit your needs.

For lovers of small-batch, artisan wines, you can't go wrong with the Aged Cabernet Series club. It specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon wines aged between 8-12 years. If you're looking to broaden your wine experiences globally, the International Selections club gives members the opportunity to explore wines from various regions around the world.

Moreover, California Wine Club offers the unique Pacific Northwest Series club. This club spotlights exceptional wines from Oregon and Washington State, areas known for their cool-climate varietals.

Membership comes with a host of perks. With detailed tasting notes, access to the club's magazine, discounts on subsequent orders, and the option to tailor shipments to your liking, California Wine Club promises a satisfying journey of wine discovery.

The only downside is the lack of international options. If you want options from around the globe, check out Naked Wines, which has bottles from a huge range of regions. 

Starting at $10.99 per bottle, it also offers gifting options. Choose from 4 categories such as Wine Club Gifts, Wine Gift Sets, Business Wine Gifts, and Electronic Gift Certificates.

7. Wine Awesomeness – Best Wine Information

Wine Awesomeness is a service designed to expand your taste in wines each month – check out our detailed review. The goal here isn't just to stick to what you already love but to expose you to new flavors that will widen your wine palate and make the tasting process richer.

Its in-house publication, "The Back Label," is something I personally found helpful. It's a digital magazine offering a ton of information and advice about wine and the lifestyle surrounding it. No matter if you're a wine expert or just starting out, you'll find it helpful.

There are 2 main subscription options offered by Wine Awesomeness. These include 3 bottles for $49 and 6 bottles for $79. Both come with free shipping, making them a pretty good deal in terms of cost. You can save more money with Firstleaf, however.

Each month's wines have a specific theme to keep things exciting. Previous themes have included celebrations of French wines, a spotlight on rosé wines, and selections perfect for pairing with a barbecue.

The selection includes red, white, sparkling, rosé, and organic, along with canned options. The company even has collections associated with popular TV personalities, social media influencers, and an "etiquette advice institution". For example, choose from Opopop, Shannon St. Clair, Nail Betch, and Emily Post collections.

Alongside the monthly subscriptions, Wine Awesomeness also operates an online store. This allows you to buy individual wines, giving you the freedom to try wines beyond your monthly box. I always appreciate an a la carte ordering system when it’s available.

The service also features a "mystery" wine selection for those who love surprises. For a set price, you'll receive an unexpected bottle of wine, which could be red, white, rosé, or sparkling. 

To help subscribers navigate their selections, Wine Awesomeness rates each wine out of 5. This makes it easy to spot popular picks. But, it currently doesn't have a feature that allows for user-written reviews, which could offer additional perspective on the wines.

Wine Awesomeness also caters to gift-giving needs with a range of options. You'll find gift boxes themed around different wine selections, and these boxes are available in various sizes to suit different occasions. This really simplifies the process of giving wine as a gift, making it easy, fun, and meaningful.

8. Macy’s Wine Shop – Best Exclusive, Small-Batch wines

Macy’s Wine Club offers a la carte wine orders along with a club subscription. For those who want to join the club, it’s free, and it’s a great way to try 6 different bottles of wine from around the world. These are shipped every 12 weeks.

If you continue your subscription throughout the year, you’ll also get 2 bonus shipments. One bonus shipment arrives in the winter and the other in the summer.

The company showcases 4 main types of wine overall: red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Though, there are more reds than whites. The reds are robust, featuring varieties like Cabernet Franc, Montepulciano, Nero di Troia, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, and more. These red wines are versatile enough to pair with your meals or savor by themselves.

The white wines at Macy's Wine Club are equally exciting. For a fresh and lively experience, choose from options like Chardonnay, Muscadet, Moscato, Friulano, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and more.

In terms of origin, the collection is diverse with wines from various regions of the world. Examples include Portugal, Chile, France, Italy, and more. If you prefer a more focused selection, check out Vinesse.

Moreover, Macy's Wine Club has curated collections to match your taste. A highlight among these is the Sommelier's Choice, a selection of exceptional wines endorsed by expert sommeliers. There's also a range of vegan and organic wines to match your lifestyle.

Being a member of Macy's Wine Club opens up a world of exclusive perks. Our reviewer explains in their full review that you get access to rare, limited-production wines, which lets you uncover unique tastes and hidden treasures. Detailed tasting notes accompanying each wine make your wine journey more informative and enjoyable.

The Club also provides wine sets, including 3-, 6-, and 12-bottle collections, and gift options. The gift range comprises Luxe Gifts, Wine Sets Under $50 or $100, and Wedding Wines. Additionally, you can explore more categories like Essential Wines, Easy-Drinking Reds, and Award Winners.

9. Monthly Clubs – Best Rare Boutique Wines

The Monthly Wine Club is like receiving a global assortment of wines in a box, every month. Membership gives you access to an array of globally-sourced wines of various kinds, including red, white, and the occasional bubbly (sparkling).

In my experience, the company’s assortment of wines is impressive. For instance, you can expect to find varieties like Sangiovese, Pinot Bianco, Riesling, the dark-skinned Merlot, the versatile Pinot Noir, the robust Shiraz, and more.

These aren't just randomly chosen, though. The Club deploys a team of skilled wine connoisseurs called sommeliers to handpick the best-tasting wines. The current lineup includes standouts like S. Sebastião Vinho Regional Lisboa Syrah/Touriga Nacional Reserva 2020 and Herdade Aldeia de Cima Serra do Mendro Alentejo Reserva Tinto 2019.

You’ll find 4 specific monthly wine clubs as detailed in our full review. These include The Premier Series, The Bold Reds, The Masters Series, and The Collectors Series. Each of these ships out 2 unique bottles every month. Each series sends out 2 unique bottles a month that include limited-production red or white wines from renowned wineries throughout the world.

Each wine also comes with an information card. These cards reveal details about the wine's origin, its flavor notes, and recommended food pairings. It's almost like having your own sommelier guiding you through each sip.

The club's membership is also an educational journey into the world of wines. You'll start noticing subtle differences in flavors and begin understanding how wines from various regions can have distinct characteristics. It's a way to embark on a gastronomic adventure without stepping outside your home.

If you have concerns about long-term commitments, the Club offers options to customize your experience. You can choose the length of your membership, be it a brief few months or an entire year. You can also personalize your deliveries, say if you are inclined toward red wines or want to sample wines from specific geographical regions.

10. Wine Library – Best Wine, Beer, and Liquor Selection

Wine Library is an online marketplace where you can find a variety of wines. There’s also a range of other alcoholic drinks and various gourmet items. My favorite thing about this store is the range of prices. There’s something for any budget here!

You can explore all kinds of wines here, from red and white to bubbly and pink. If you're not sure what to pick, look for curated lists like “Best $20 to $30 wines” and “90+ rated wines.” The categories are nearly endless, and you can narrow your search by country, varietal, and more.

Wine Library is also a good source of information for wine connoisseurs. Its website includes everything you might want to know about each and every bottle you look at. There are tasting notes, ratings, reviews, and even information about the closure (e.g., cork) of each bottle.

There are also many fun resources to learn about wine. In particular, I love Wine Library TV, which boasts over 1,000 episodes including tastings, pairing guides, and interviews. Other resources include a blog and an email service.

Wine Library’s “Email Service” is really just a mailing list – but it’s actually pretty cool. You can sign up to receive the newsletter daily or weekly. There are many secondary lists you may want to check out, including a list for beer lovers and a list for in-store deals and events at Wine Library’s New Jersey storefront.

This company isn’t going to be the best choice for everyone, however. Unlike most of my list, Wine Library doesn’t offer a wine subscription or a way to try new wines without doing the research yourself. It’s more like a regular store in this way. However, a unique offer is still available.

The Library Pass is a yearly fee that unlocks free shipping on almost all orders. It costs $99.99, but there’s no minimum order and no limit on how many orders you can make. There are very few exceptions, making it a great deal if you plan to make frequent orders.

Overall, Wine Library may be a fun option if you’re looking for an online wine retailer. However, I think you can enjoy a more curated experience and more unique amenities with a more hand-on wine delivery service like Bright Cellars.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Wine Delivery Maine

Here's what I thought about when picking the best services. You might want to remember these points when making your selection:

• Choices: Try to find a service that has lots of different wines from many places, near and far. This is key if you like trying different things or want to taste new wines. At the very least, choose a service that features your preferred winemaking region like South Africa, New Zealand, Europe, or the US.

• Quality: Even though having lots of choices is great, good quality is just as important. Look for a service that brings wines from really good vineyards and makers. You can use reviews and ratings by other users to check this information.

• Fast and trustworthy delivery: Think about how fast and reliable the service can bring your order. This is really important if you're ordering for a special party or event. You should always check what other customers say about this.

• Cost and value: Check if the service is worth the price. This means you need to compare the prices of wines, delivery costs, and any extra charges. It's also helpful to check if they have a subscription or give discounts when you buy a lot.

FAQ

Can you have wine delivered to Maine?

Yes, there are many online wine delivery services that ship to Maine. However, each company is not created equally. I recommend Firstleaf this year thanks to its extensive collection of award-winning wines. It also tailors your orders based on your personal preferences.

What are the best wine delivery clubs in Maine?

Naked Wines has really stood out this year. It showcases an impressive array of great wines sourced from independent vineyards, which may be hard to come across in your neighborhood wine shop. What I also find quite useful is the tailored service. It assists you in discovering additional wines that align with your taste preferences.

How does a wine club work?

The way it operates is by providing subscribers with scheduled wine shipments, either every month or every 3 months. Subscription charges are required, and in return, subscribers get a thoughtfully selected assortment of wines. These often come with details about the taste and recommendations for food pairings. For this year, I recommend Vinesse.

Best Wine Delivery Maine in 2024 — Final Score