Picked by Wine Review 2024: Is It Worth Your Cash?

Overview

Picked by Wine offers a sommelier-selected box of 6 wines delivered at a frequency to suit you. There are so many wine clubs on the scene today that it’s difficult to know which to choose. In this Picked by Wine review, discover if this club is worth it for you. Find out if the service’s offerings align with your taste preferences and desires.

I’ve poured in the research and have evaluated the company to give you a full overview. From wine varieties, selection, pricing, shipping and delivery, customer service, and more, I’ve taken a look at it all. Though I do like Picked by Wine, I believe Firstleaf will suit the vast majority of wine aficionados much better.

However, I still recommend Picked by Wine for those who want expertly chosen red or white wines. As a member, you receive a personalized experience tailored to your wine preferences. Your subscription is managed by a personal sommelier, ensuring that each bottle is selected to match your taste.

What’s on the Picked by Wine Wine List

Picked by Wine is different from other wine clubs. It doesn’t offer you the ability to pick your own wine or choose individual bottles. What it does offer, though, is a vast selection of roughly 15,000 wines from nearly 160 different grape varietals. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.

That said, if you’d rather pick your own bottles, I suggest having a look at places like Firstleaf instead.

Essentially, you fill out an extensive questionnaire that asks you about several things, such as:

• Your wine preference – white or red

• Your preferred wine types

• Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert wine connoisseur

• Whether you want to receive wine every 1, 2, or 3 months

I appreciate that your taste is catered to by expert sommeliers who ensure your wine list is personalized. These wine experts provide a selection that promises both classic favorites and the “thrill of uncovering new gems”.

You’re free to tell your sommelier any additional information about your preferences. When asked, simply fill out the field with anything you’d like to say before ordering.

Overall, from unique wines that are off the beaten track to new varietals waiting to be tasted, there seems to be something for everyone. Whether you're curious about wines from well-established vineyards or up-and-coming wine regions, your palate's passport is ready for stamping.

Whether reds, whites, or a mix of both, 6 bottles reflecting your enjoyment are selected for each shipment. Sommeliers take into account not only your initial preferences but also your ratings and feedback. This continuous personalization enriches your experience with ever-refined selections.

Each bottle comes with the added benefit of expert guidance and suggested food pairings. This seems to enhance your wine-tasting events with tailored recommendations.

Unboxing

You'll find 6 bottles, each reflective of your taste preferences. Each bottle is wrapped and secured, ensuring it reaches you in good condition.

You'll find everything logically arranged, enabling you to easily transition from unboxing to uncorking. As you proceed, you'll notice the dedication to both your experience and the planet's well-being.

Cards are also included with each bottle that detail flavor profiles, vineyard histories, and suggested pairings. I find this to be a nice added touch. All of the individual labels are also clear and informative, providing insight into each wine's origin and character.

I also appreciate that emphasis is placed on recyclability. The packaging is designed to minimize environmental impact, supporting a guilt-free enjoyment of your wine journey. Simply recycle the cardboard box and the bottles after you’re finished with them.

Shortlist of My Favorite Wines

I found certain labels and winemakers to be noteworthy for their exceptional quality. Here's a list highlighting a few standout selections that you may want to consider.

2021 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2021 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to craftsmanship in winemaking. Noted for its rich flavor profile with notes of dark fruit and a hint of sweet oak, this robust red showcases the depth that Napa Valley wines can offer.

2022 Far Niente Chardonnay

Coming to white wines, the 2022 Far Niente Chardonnay radiates balancing acidity and lush fruitiness. It's a wine that pairs well with food or can stand elegantly on its own, presenting flavors of citrus and apple with a refined, buttery finish.

Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut

For celebrations or a luxurious evening, the Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut never disappoints. As a balanced and harmonious champagne, it offers a consistent flavor profile of vibrant, fruity notes and a seductive palate of elegance.

Prices

You have the autonomy to select a price bracket that aligns with your budget. The pricing flexibility is 1 of the standout features, allowing you to indicate the amount you're comfortable spending per bottle. The starting point in terms of pricing is as low as $15 per bottle, on average.

It’s simple to adjust your price preferences if you want. You’re welcome to change the slider during the signup process to fit your individual needs.

Further to that, Wine.com also offers one-off orders of wine if you don’t necessarily want to sign up for the Picked by Wine membership. In that case, you may find an even wider selection of price ranges.

Shipping & Delivery

Picked by Wine delivers to all states except AL, DE, ME, MI, MS, MT, SD, TN, and UT. Shipping is available to AK and HI as well.

If you happen to reside in Hawaii or Alaska, expedited shipping options are available to ensure timely delivery. However, there’s an added charge for this, which is the difference between standard and expedited rates plus a surcharge.

To match your convenience, you have the autonomy to choose a delivery frequency, whether it be monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Should your plans change, you can easily reschedule upcoming deliveries. Simply go to your Account Settings page to postpone your shipment.

The company also makes certain that your wines are sent out for delivery promptly, so you can enjoy your curated selection without undue waiting. Your personal sommelier is keen on ensuring that every new tasting experience arrives exactly when it's intended.

To enhance the delivery process, Picked by Wine utilizes user-friendly digital tools. An easy-to-use account management interface allows you to effortlessly manage your subscription details and delivery schedules. This, coupled with prompt customer service, ensures a seamless and satisfying overall experience with each shipment.

How Picked by Wine Works

It’s super easy to sign up for Picked by Wine. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire, choose your price range, opt for a delivery frequency, and place your order. Here’s how all that works.

How to Sign Up

1. Visit Picked by Wine. Then, click Get Started.

2. Fill out the extensive quiz. There are a ton of questions, so just go through them slowly.

3. Pick a delivery frequency and budget range.

4. Sign up for an account. Enter your personal details and email address, then pick a password. Alternatively, use Google, Facebook, or your AppleID to sign up.

5. Enter the rest of the info + checkout!

Managing Your Subscription

It’s very easy to sign up, even though the questionnaire is pretty exhaustive. It might take a while to answer all the questions, but I don’t necessarily believe this is a bad thing! At least you get highly personalized wine recommendations that you’re more likely to enjoy.

But once you’re signed up, it’s easy to cancel, pause, or otherwise make changes. You’re free to cancel your account at any time from the Account Settings page. Just log in to your account dashboard to do so. Alternatively, you may contact customer service for help.

Customer Support

You can contact Picked by Wines using 3 methods:

1. Live chat: Available daily from 8 am to 5 pm PST.

2. Phone: Available daily from 6 am to 5 pm PST.

3. Email: Available at cs@wine.com.

There’s also an FAQ section available if you want to learn more before buying. I took it upon myself to test out the live chat feature. I was pleasantly surprised that my experience was stellar. An agent connected quickly and helped me understand more about how Picked by Wine works.

How Picked by Wine Compares to Other Wine Delivery Services

Picked by Wine vs. Firstleaf: When you subscribe to Picked by Wine, you receive selections curated by sommeliers. These are based on a detailed quiz you complete, which assesses your wine preferences. Firstleaf, on the other hand, utilizes an algorithm to choose wines for you, which may become more personalized over time as you rate the wines you receive and drink. Learn more in my colleague’s Firstleaf review.

Picked by Wine vs. Naked Wines: Naked Wines is unique in that it’s more crowd-funded and focuses on supporting independent winemakers. Your subscription goes towards investments in these winemakers in exchange for exclusive prices on their wines. Discover how Naked Wines could be a better fit in my colleague’s Naked Wines review.

Picked by Wine vs. Winc: Winc operates on a slightly different model compared to Picked by Wine. It offers a subscription service where you can choose your wines or let Winc select them for you based on your taste profile. Picked by Wine’s sommeliers select for you, and Winc allows for self-selection or algorithm-based picks. Find out how Winc’s service may be more flexible in my colleague’s full review. Both services start with a taste quiz, but Picked by Wine focuses more on sommelier interaction.

The Bottom Line: Is Picked by Wine Worth It?

Yes, it's worth it for certain people who want curated wine. If you appreciate the expertise of a sommelier and enjoy exploring different wine regions and pairings, this personalized service caters to your tastes. 

You're matched with a wine professional who handpicks a selection of wines based on your preferences. I find that this adds a human touch to your wine discovery journey. However, it may not be ideal for those who prefer single bottles or to choose their own wine.

You’re billed for the curated selection, and the commitment to multiple bottles may not suit everyone's needs or budget. If you prefer autonomy over each wine choice, this service might not align with your wine-purchasing habits. But at least it’s super easy to cancel your subscription at any time.

FAQ

Is it worth being in a wine club?

Yes. If you enjoy exploring new wines and value convenience, joining a wine club like Picked by Wine can be a worthwhile experience. Prices start as low as just $15 per bottle, which I found quite reasonable, especially in this industry.

You receive personalized selections tailored to your taste. These are chosen by a sommelier from a significant online inventory. This can enrich your wine knowledge and palette without the hassle of picking out bottles yourself.

How long is the average wine club membership?

The duration of a wine club membership can vary significantly by individual preference. With Picked by Wine, the flexibility is yours. For instance, you can choose how often you'd like to receive shipments. Choices include every 1, 2, or 3 months.

How do you pick a good bottle of wine?

First, identify your taste preferences and consider the types of wine you've enjoyed in the past. Do you prefer red, white, or sparkling wines? Also, determine how much you're willing to spend per bottle.

You could also leverage the knowledge of wine experts, like the sommeliers at Picked by Wine, who can select wines tailored to your preferences based on a short quiz.