Harry & David Wine Reviews 2024: Best Wine Gifts?

Overview

Harry & David has been a prominent name in gourmet food and gifts since the 1930s. It’s famously known for its premium pears and fruit baskets. The reputation for quality and luxury extends to the wine club, reflecting its long-standing tradition in the gourmet industry.

The wine subscription service is an extension of its gourmet offerings, showcasing a carefully selected range of wines. This service aligns with the brand's ethos of providing high-quality products, aimed at those who appreciate the finer things in life. I’ve thoroughly investigated what’s on offer and what to expect.

It’s clear that it’s designed for those who seek a gourmet experience. The selection, though not extensive, focuses on quality over quantity. This makes the club an excellent choice for special occasions or as a sophisticated gift, though it may come at a premium price. If you prefer a larger choice of wines and a larger, regular shipment of wines, check out Firstleaf.

What’s on the Harry & David Wine Wine List

Harry & David's wine selection is distinctively sourced from the Oregon area. This offers a specialized but more limited range compared to broader wine clubs. Its lineup includes 4 unique brands: Lucca & Sons Cellars, Harry & David Reserve Wines, Appella Wines, and Royal Riviera Pear Cider, which, while not a traditional wine, is featured in various wine bundles.

There are 3 types of wine club to choose from: 

• Wine Club 

• Wine & Cheese Pairing Club

• Fruit, Wine & Cheese Club

The Wine Club offers 2 bottles of Harry & David wine (1 red and 1 white) every month. The wines you receive are seasonal, and you can’t customize the wines. The other 2 clubs provide 1 bottle of wine that is chosen for you based on the season and availability.

In the online store, Harry & David offer wine only in bundles; individual bottles are not sold separately. You have the option to customize your selection with Harry & David branded wines, available in 6 or 12-bottle cases.

The collection is further enriched with wine-related gift items, including wine and cheese pairings, ideal for gifting. You can find a huge variety of gift baskets suitable for different events and occasions. 

Unboxing

Packaging is both recyclable and secure, ensuring your wine arrives in perfect condition. Additionally, for an enhanced wine tasting journey, you can refer to its Wine & Food Pairings Infographic. This guide, available on the website, provides valuable insights into pairing your wine with the right foods, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your selection.

Shortlist of My Favorite Wines

The cost of my top wine picks varies depending on which option you choose. You'll find choices ranging from 2-bottle sets to more elaborate combinations that include wines paired with carefully selected gift items and gourmet hampers.

Harry & David Sauvignon Blanc

This white wine is perfect for relaxed summer evenings. It features a harmonious blend of fruity and tropical notes, complemented by a zesty character. This wine pairs exceptionally well with rich flavors like serrano and Iberico hams, as well as lighter fare such as salads and seafood. Its quality is recognized with a silver award, underlining its appeal.

Harry & David Appella Cabernet Sauvignon

The Harry & David premium offering is Appella Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a luxurious choice for hosting and special occasions. Matured in French oak barrels, it offers a rich aroma profile, with notes of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and vanilla. This robust wine, with its deep and bold flavors, pairs well with indulgent foods like rich cheeses, dark chocolate, or dishes featuring red meat.

Harry and David Sparkling White

Harry and David's Sparkling White is primarily a Pinot Gris blend. It has earned a Gold award at the Oregon Wine Experience. This sparkling wine isn't just for special occasions; it's a refreshing and effervescent choice for any event. Versatile in pairing, it complements both sweet and savory dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful standalone beverage.

Prices

For every wine club delivery from Harry & David, there is a shipping charge of $9.99. However, if you subscribe to the Celebrations Passport for $19.99 annually, you benefit from a reduced shipping rate of $5 per delivery. For deliveries to Alaska and Hawaii, an additional charge of $9.99 is added on top of the standard shipping fee. 

There are also specialized club options available. The Wine & Cheese Pairing club starts at $114.99 for a 3-month subscription, while the Fruit, Wine & Cheese club begins at $179.99. 

The average cost per bottle is around $20, placing it in a mid-level price range. However, premium selections like the Appella Cabernet Sauvignon are priced above $50 per bottle. In the online store, prices vary depending on the selected options. For instance, a custom 6-bottle case of Harry & David wines is priced at $119.99.

Shipping & Delivery

Harry & David offers wine club memberships of 3, 6, or 12 months. Members receive 1 bottle of red and 1 bottle of white wine each month. However, it doesn’t ship wine gifts to certain states. These are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Utah, and West Virginia.

Every delivery requires a signature at the time of receipt. If it is intended as a gift, you have the option to include a personalized gift note, which will be enclosed with the shipment. In the event that you aren’t satisfied with your order, you can reach out to the customer service team to discuss options for either a replacement or a refund.

How Harry & David Wine Works

Locating the wine club on Harry & David's website can be a bit challenging. It has an extensive layout. You have a few options: use the search bar to type wine club, browse the wine gifts section, or find the Monthly Clubs page. For detailed guidance, follow the steps outlined below.

How to Sign Up

1. Select the Monthly Clubs tab at the top of the Harry & David homepage. It can be a tricky website to navigate with so many categories of gifts.

2. Scroll down to find the Wine Clubs section. You’ll find 3 different club options to choose from.

3. Select the duration of your deliveries and the month you want to receive your first shipment. You will also be asked to confirm your date of birth before continuing with your purchase.

4. To complete your order, you can checkout as a guest or create an account. Creating an account makes it much easier to update your details in the future.

5. Add your address details and check your order total. If sending as a gift, you can add a personal message.

Once you've entered your payment details, you'll receive an email confirmation. This confirms your order and provides you with the expected delivery date of your wine club subscription. This way, you can stay informed about when your wine selection is due to arrive so you're ready to receive and enjoy your curated wines.

Managing Your Subscription

The Harry & David wine club requires upfront payment for the whole subscription, unlike typical membership-based clubs. This means you cannot pause or cancel until the subscription ends. For address changes, contact customer services.

Customer Service

Harry & David's customer service offers live chat and phone support. I found the chat bot provides only limited information. To quickly reach a human representative, you can type agent in the chat.

The FAQ section on the website is not very comprehensive and lacks a search function. This can make finding specific information, like "What happens if I don't like the wine delivered in the monthly wine club?" a bit challenging. I eventually learned that the guarantee does cover the wine club.

Its customer service is available 24/7 at 800-547-3033, or you can email at service@harryanddavid.com. However, be prepared to provide personal details even for general inquiries, as I experienced a lengthy process just to find out if the delivery includes tasting notes.

How Harry & David Wine Compares to Other Wine Delivery Services

Harry & David vs. Firstleaf: Firstleaf offers a more personalized experience based on individual taste preferences. This makes it a better option for those who want a wine club tailored to their palate.

Harry & David vs. Naked Wines: Naked Wines supports independent winemakers. It offers a unique range of wines not found elsewhere, appealing to those seeking to explore new and exclusive wines from around the world.

Harry & David vs. Monthly Clubs: Monthly Clubs provides a broader selection with various club options, catering to a wider range of tastes and preferences. This may be more appealing to those who enjoy exploring a more diverse range of wines. 

The Bottom Line: Is Harry & David Wine Worth It?

Harry & David Wine Club is great for those looking for unique, high-quality wine gifts. Its focus is predominantly on luxury offerings, making it an excellent choice for gift-giving occasions. However, if you want a broader range of options and versatility, this club might not be the ideal fit, as it specializes primarily in a specific niche.

The wine selection in Harry & David Wine Club is fixed and regional. While this can be appealing for fans of Oregon wines, it may not satisfy those looking for a diverse array of wines from different regions. There’s no way to customize your shipments based on personal taste preferences, which is a feature offered by many other wine clubs.

There are numerous wine clubs that offer a greater variety of wines and more flexible membership plans, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. Exploring these alternatives by reading our list of the top 10 best wine clubs to find a range of tailored wine club experiences.

FAQ

Is wine from Harry & David good?

Harry & David’s commitment to quality is evident. Grapes are sourced from prestigious vineyards in Oregon, ensuring a high-quality product that often exceeds expectations in taste and value​​. Check out the shortlist of my favorite wines for more details.

Who makes wines for Harry & David?

Harry & David wines are crafted from grapes grown exclusively in Oregon. Each wine is carefully selected based on seasonality and availability. This attention to detail reflects the commitment to providing a quality wine experience. Each selection embodies the unique characteristics of Oregon's wine-producing regions​​.

Is Harry & David worth it?

If you're seeking a luxury gift option with elegant packaging and high-quality wines, particularly from Oregon, then Harry & David is a great choice. However, if you prefer a wine club with a broader selection from various regions and more flexibility in membership options, you might want to explore other wine clubs​​.

Where does Harry & David ship from?

Harry & David ships wine club packages from Oregon. As it focuses on wines crafted from locally grown grapes, Oregon serves as the central point for distribution. This ensures that the wines you receive are reflective of the region's distinct wine-producing qualities​​.