Our club members are definitely ready to get back out in the world because tickets sold out in 2 hours after we posted it on our wine club event calendar. Consequently, we had 100% attendance. Our infield dugout box was at full capacity.

The Halleck’s and I knew all the guests, mostly from wine tastings at our Sebastopol estate. But the outing even attracted some of our wine members from as far as Oklahoma. Many of the guests have been wine club members for over ten years.

The game ended in a 4-0 score, with the winning SF Giants scoring all four runs in the fourth inning.  Ross and Jennifer Halleck both grew up in Illinois; Ross was born in Chicago and raised in Rockford and Jennifer grew up in Winnetka, which is one of the reasons we chose a Cubs game.

The menu was traditional—Cracker Jacks, peanuts and hot dogs. But we also served wraps, mac ‘n cheese, chicken wings, chocolate chip cookies and fresh cut watermelon. As for the wine list, in total we poured 24 bottles of:

• Dry White Zinfandel
• California Sauvignon Blanc
• Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Three Sons Cuvee
• Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Clone 828

The servers help us preserve the wines with fridges and ice buckets. There wasn’t a favored wine, “everything was gone,” said Jennifer. However, given the temperature of about 70ºF guests started with the Sauv, then the Dry White Zin. After the whites, we graduated to the Pinots, saving the Clone 828 for last.

This was the fourth Inner Circle Wine Club ball game outing and the first since Gov. Newsom lifted California’s stay at home order. But the event was outdoors, and the service personnel wore facial masks.

If you missed this one, there are still more fun Sonoma wine clubs events on the calendar. For starters, we have Shakespeare on the Lake this weekend, a Vintner Dinner at La Mar in San Francisco on August 18th and a food and wine paring dinner at our Harvest Lunch and Library Tasting is October 15, which will include live entertainment, a surf and turf lunch and select library wines at the Halleck Vineyard Sebastopol estate with panoramic Russian River Valley and Mt. Helana views. 

Or join us for one of the best wine tastings in Sonoma, where you can sample eight fine wines paired with local delicacies. Taste four Pinot Noirs, one award-winning Rosé and three unrivaled White Wines paired with local cheeses, infused chocolates, and dried apricots.

This list will help transform the average wine club gift into a spectacular one. But one thing before we get to our top picks from the best wine clubs.

Let’s discuss the best way to present your gift so it’s a resounding success.

How wine of the month club gifts work

There are three main ways wine of the month club gift subscriptions work: prepaid, pay-as-you-go, and with electronic gift cards.

Prepaid wine memberships let you choose the number of months/shipments you want to pay for. Sometimes, they offer discounts on longer subscriptions or shipping.

With these gifts, you pay a fixed price up front for everything, including shipping. And you won’t have to worry about any surprise charges. 

Pay-as-you-go clubs bill you before every shipment. And the price may vary, depending of the bottles they send that month. If you want to cancel your subscription, you often have to log-in to an account to do so. 

Personalized wine subscriptions let you decide if you want to receive the bottles they recommend, or change your order to some of varietal. This allows you to specify shipment exactly how you want it.

If you’re gifting a wine club membership, be careful to note when the email will be sent to the giftee. If it’s immediate, you might want to wait for the special day to place your order. 

The best wine of the month club gift subscriptions will allow you to choose a date in the future when you would like the email to be sent. 

No matter which of these avenues you go down, you won’t have much to present to your giftee when giving your wine of the month club gift. The wine won’t be there yet! 

We have you covered there too. 

The best way to present your wine of the month club gift

You want to give your wine of the month club gift with a little flourish. So why not include a few things any wine connoisseur would love? 

We recommend a nice set of wine glasses, a bottle stopper, or corkscrew. Even a cute framed quote about wine will go over well. 

You can also print out some information about their wine club subscription to place in the gift box. But the best wine clubs send out a welcome package to their new members with tasting and paring notes.

The top 10 wine of the month club gifts for 2021

We’ve looked through them all, and we think these 10 wine of the month club gifts are sure to be hits. 

1. Winc

Want to give your gift recipient the reins?

Winc Wine Club lets them pick their own wine. When they go to redeem their gift, they’ll be prompted to take a quiz on their wine preferences. This covers everything from favorite regions to most loved cuisines and flavor profiles.

Since your gift recipient will get to fill out all the information themself, you won’t need to worry about picking the best bottles for their tastes. Winc will handle all of that for you. Best yet, the 4 bottle monthly shipment only costs $29.95, so it’s incredibly budget-friendly. 

Best for: Less discerning, value oriented customers who are new to fine wine culture.

Ships to: Every state in the US except AK, AL, AR, DE, HI, KY, MI, MS, NJ, RI, SD & UT.

Wines included: The wines are different every month, and are tailored to the giftee’s exact tastes. However, all come from premium wineries around the world.

Quantity: 4 bottles

Price: $29.95

Other details: WINC is the value champion of minimal-intervention winemaking, and is committed to increasing their organic, vegan, low sugar, low sulfite, and sustainable options.

2. Vinebox

If you aren’t sure exactly how much your giftee likes wine, or don’t want to commit to full bottles, this could be your option. Vinebox is a truly unique wine of the month club gift to try.

They don’t send wine bottles, but rather wine vials. Each one contains just enough liquid for a full glass of wine. 

This wine-by-the-glass club allows the giftee to sample the six to nine of the season’s best wines. It also gives them credit to buy a full size bottle if/when they fall in love with one of them. We recommend the Peaks & Valleys or Single Varietals boxes if you’re going for variety.

Best for: Moderate wine drinkers or those looking for an at-home wine tasting experience.

Ships to: Anywhere in the United States except AL, AK, AR, DE, HI, KY, MS, NH, RI, SD, UT, and VT.

Wines included: There are multiple gift options available. Choose from an all rosé box and all red wine box, and two boxes with a mix of reds, rosés, and white wines.

Quantity: No bottles here! 6 or 9 vials are included in each box.

Price: $65 – $95

Other details: Vinebox is a lot of fun. They offer amazing promotions, including a wine advent calendar for the holidays! Now that’s a gift to put a smile on anyone’s face. 

3. Cellars Wine Club

The Cellars Wine Club is like eight clubs in one. So you’re sure to find a wine of the month club gift to impress your colleague or loved one. Best yet, the subscription starts from just $29. There’s an option for every budget too!

This easily customizable wine club comes with a unique 100% “no bad bottle” guarantee. They also promise 30% off retail prices, no matter which plan you choose. 

Best for: Everyone! The variety of options and the surety of a good bottle make sure of that. 

Ships to: Anywhere in the United States with the exception of AK, AL, DE, ND, SD, HI, MS, RI, KY, NH, and UT.

Wines included: Anything you can imagine. Reds, whites, sweet wines, sparkling wines, and even boxes that include premium wines of 90 points and higher.

Quantity: Anywhere from 1 to 12 bottles per shipment. 

Price: From $29 to $369

Other details: 90+ Point, Sparkling, and Sweet Wine club options make this a unique gift. If you don’t know what kind of wine your giftee likes, sparkling wine is always well-received. 

4. Wine Awesomeness

Wine Awesomeness tracks down the best wines from around the world. They even include the stories behind the bottles in their monthly magazine, thebacklabel. This magazine includes wine vocabulary lessons, tasting notes, and full recipes to pair with the wine subscription! 

Best for: Anyone who wants to learn more about wine – or loves to cook. 

Ships to: Anywhere in the United States besides: AK, AL, AR, HI, MS, SD & UT.

Wines included: Reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines from every corner of the globe.

Quantity: 3 or 6 bottles (depending on the choice of subscription)

Price: $49 – $79

Other details: Wine Awesomeness brings a whole wine adventure straight to your door. They also include interesting insights on wine regions around the world. It will inspire the giftee to get off the couch and into the kitchen (or maybe even onto a plane). 

5. Women-Owned Wineries Wine Club

Woman-Owned Wineries (WOW) is fighting to create more equality in the wine industry. They offer curated monthly wine boxes from a pool of over 600 women-led wineries around the country. Choose just a single shipment, a seasonal subscription, or an Explorer’s Club package!

Best for: Anyone who wants to support talented women with delectable wine.

Ships to: All states except AL, DE, HI, KY, MS, OK, SD & UT.

Wines included: Small-batch wines of all varieties from the United States.

Quantity: 1 or 3 bottles.

Price: $102 – $199 per shipment (plus a flat shipping fee).

Other details: WOW prioritizes wines with ethical farming practices so you can feel good about supporting more than just the incredible women in the wine industry. 

6. 90+ Cellars Wine Club

90+ Cellars isn’t a wine of the month club gift, per se. It’s seasonal!

They offer quarterly shipments of wine. Each one includes detailed tasting notes of the highly prized bottles. Every single bottle, whether red, white, rosé, or sparkling is guaranteed to have 90+ points. 

Best for: Those who enjoy limited-edition, premium wines – and won’t need new bottles every month. 

Ships to: All states in the Continental US except for AL, AR, KY, MI, MS, SD & UT.

Wines included: Mixed bottle (red, white, rosé, and sparkling) and red-wine-only options available.

Quantity: Choose from 3, 6, or 12 bottle shipments. 

Price: $50 – $180 per season

Other details: Wines ship every March, June, September, and December with free shipping on 12 bottle shipments. They offer both prepaid and gift card payment options. 

7. WSJwine Premier Club

Want a luxury wine club gift backed by a 100% money-back guarantee? Then take a look at The Wall Street Journal’s WSJ wine Premier Club.

Each shipment of limited-release wines is painstakingly selected from exceptional estates in Bordeaux, Napa, Tuscany, and beyond. 

Give your giftee special access to the world’s most sought-after wine styles, personalized to their preferences.

Best for: Elite wine connoisseurs and those who appreciate a bit of luxury. 

Ships to: All states in the Continental US except for AL, AR, DE, IA, RI, and UT.

Wines included: Premium red, whites, or a mix of both.

Quantity: 12 bottles every 3 months.

Price: $259.99 per shipment

Other details: Your gift recipient will receive a preview of each shipment. They can change the mix, skip cases, or alter delivery times whenever they want. 

8. Ownroot Collective

The Ownroot Collective offers members the opportunity to purchase exclusive wines from entrepreneurial winemakers. Twice a month, the recipient will receive an email introducing an exciting winemaker and their brand. They’ll then have the unique opportunity to purchase their wine.

If they decide to purchase, they will then be invited to join the winemakers for virtual tastings. It’s also a chance to pick their brains on the winemaking process. This provides an amazing educational opportunity.

You pay for the access, and can also include a gift card for wine purchases.

Best for: Those who want to be the first to discover new talent from California – and get access to wine and information they literally cannot find anywhere else. 

Ships to: Most places in the US that allow reception of wine from out of state.

Wines included: All varieties (and often rare ones) from California vineyards.

Quantity: Dealer’s choice! Up to 12 bottles twice a month. 

Price: Membership is just $8.95 monthly or $89.95 annually. Wines are full-priced and range from $25-$45 per bottle.

Other details: This is an automatically renewing subscription, so keep in mind that you must cancel it if you don’t want the gift to keep giving!

9. Wine Down Box

Wine Down Box isn’t just about high-quality wines. It’s about expertly curated wine pairings. Each gift box includes a bottle of small-batch California wine as well as artisanal cheese, handcrafted charcuterie, and crackers made from scratch. Perfect for any party or picnic. 

At $70 or less per box, it’s a fabulous deal. 

Best for: The distinguished foodie in your life. 

Ships to: All states in the Continental US except for AL, AR, DE, FL, IA, KY, MS, RI, SD, and UT.

Wines included: Limited-edition California wines in any variety. These include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quantity: 1 bottle per month

Price: $63 – $70 per month

Other details: Wine Down Box offers premium pairings at affordable prices. From Chardonnay with sage and herb cheese to Sonoma Zinfandel with aged cheddar and Sopressa, there is something to savor for every taste. 

10. Halleck Vineyard Inner Circle Wine Club

The best wine clubs are more than just a subscription. Halleck Vineyard is one of the best wineries in Sonoma County, and our Pinot Noir wine has been ranked the top in North America.

When you gift a membership to the Inner Circle, you’re gifting far more than wine.

The Inner Circle is incredibly exclusive. We offer limited and rare selections meticulously chosen for our members. These are then twice yearly in the Spring and Fall. Membership also includes private tastings, either at the Halleck family estate – or in the giftee’s own home! 

In addition to the intimate tasting experiences, the Inner Circle offers incredible travel opportunities to its members. Your giftee can enjoy a culinary tour of Cuba or a wine adventure on safari in South Africa. You never know where Halleck Vineyard will take you next!

Best for: Pinot Noir lovers (especially Russian River Valley Pinot Noir) and anyone who loves finding hidden gems.

Ships to:

Wines included: All Pinot Noir or a mix of red and white wines from the family estate in Sonoma.

Quantity: 2, 6, or 12 bottles

Price: There is absolutely no fee for membership. You only pay the price of the wine – which runs $29 to $110 per bottle.

Other details: As if all the perks above weren’t enough, Halleck Vineyard will work with your gift recipient to offer an auction lot that supports their favorite charity. Halleck has raised over $750,000 for the organizations their members love.

Now the gift ideas are flowing. And you officially have the best way to purchase and present your wine of the month club gifts.

Now there’s just one important detail left – which wine club gift to choose! 

Our picks: the 10 best wine clubs in Sonoma right now

We named these the best wine clubs for a variety of reasons, not just the esteem of the wines themselves.

A wine club is about so much more than just the wine. It’s about the culture, the environment, and the community that the club creates. (And, sometimes it’s about the amazing benefits too.)

Even if we wanted to, we couldn’t possibly list all the fantastic vineyards in the area. You should come to Northern California and enjoy wine tasting in Sonoma County so you can explore them for yourself.

So, ready to get started?

If you live in Sonoma, or are heading there for vacation soon, and are wondering “Where are the best wine clubs near me?” This is the list for you.

The amazing range of microclimates and soil composition is just one thing that sets Sonoma County apart from any other wine region. And that means these California wine clubs are one of a kind too. So without further ado, here are some of the best wine clubs to join in 2021.

1. Jordan Vineyard & Winery: Jordan Estate Rewards

• Why we chose it: The culinary experiences at Jordan are unparalleled, and with the loyalty programs, they can even be free!
• Who it’s for: Foodies and fans of sustainable practices alike.

Get ready for the culinary experience of a lifetime when you set foot on the grounds of Jordan Vineyard & Winery. The sustainable culinary program is at the core of everything they do. They have an on-site garden promising only the freshest ingredients. And their elegant Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons are crafted specifically with delicious food pairings in mind.

Sustainability is another foundational part of every practice at Jordan Winery. It runs almost entirely on solar energy, and more than ¾ of the 1,200 acre estate is dedicated to wildlife conservation.

As if that weren’t enough, a large portion of profits go to the John Jordan Foundation. This nonprofit organization helps to fight poverty in local communities through education and health services.

But Jordan Winery is all about giving back to you too. They offer four Jordan Estate Rewards options where you can accrue points to be redeemed for exclusive experiences. Rewards include private events, formal dinners, shipping offers, and overnight stays at the estate.

2. Matanzas Creek Winery: Wine Club

• Why we chose it: Sustainably-farmed vineyards, breathtakingly beautiful gardens and lavender fields.
• Who it’s for: This is one of the best wine clubs for conscious consumers. It’s also great for lavender lovers and anyone looking for an idyllic and relaxing get-away.

Tucked in the middle of Bennett Valley, is the most gorgeous little vineyard you ever did see. Matanzas Creek Winery boasts grounds bursting with lavender fields, oak and olive trees, native grasses, and of course – grapes.

It is for this stunning scenery that we have put the Matanzas Creek Winery on our list of the best Sonoma California wine clubs. This is the perfect place to have a picnic and enjoy a glass of refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot.

When you sign up for the Matanzas wine club you’ll get to see more of this beautiful winery. This includes tickets to special events, private estate tastings, and up to 25% off all wine and merchandise.

3. Schermeister Winery: Magnus Vinum Society

• Why we chose it: Schermeister Winery has a little something for everyone, and personality in SPADES.
• Who it’s for: Anyone who loves chocolate, dogs, art, and laid-back boho vibes.

When you visit the creekside tasting room at Schermeister Winery, you will be lulled into a state of utter relaxation. First, by the floating lounge music and sounds of flowing water. Second, by the wine selection.

Not only do the beautiful sights and sounds delight the senses, there is even a room dedicated to smell.

You can explore wine in a fun and interactive way with the Aroma Bar. Get ready to test your wine savvy by identifying the aromatic components of different varietals. This is an immersive experience we simply haven’t seen anywhere else.

And can we talk about the art?

The Schermeisters are artists in more than just winemaking. They designed the entire property themselves, from the walls to the wine labels. They also feature work from local artists for purchase. We’ve seen some incredible wooden boards and bowls that would be perfect for your next wine and cheese night.

When you join the Magnus Vinum Society by Schermeister Winery, you’ll get complimentary tastings, which can be paired with local artisanal chocolates. You’ll also get special prices on private events, free or discounted shipping, and guaranteed access to limited releases.

An added bonus: When you go for a visit, you’ll be given an extra warm welcome from the adorable vineyard dog, Eli.

4. Truett Hurst: Family Wine Club

• Why we chose it: Fun pick-up party mixers and events at a club that feels like family.
• Who it’s for: Those who love friendly farm animals – or are party animals themselves!

Truett Hurst feels like home away from home, with a tranquil creek-side setting, picturesque gardens, and cute farm animals from ducks to sheep. Members of this biodynamic vineyard’s Sonoma California wine club enjoy exclusive club seating on the serene shores of Dry Creek.

But that’s certainly not all they enjoy. Wine club members get shipments of special selections and limited production wines, free wine tastings, and discounted tickets to events. They also enjoy free access to Club receptions, pick-up parties, and the annual Club Appreciation Holiday Bash

On top of all that, members can reserve the Tasting Room and grounds for private events. You’ll also have access to complementary events and tastings at sister winery VML. And finally, you’ll receive special accommodation pricing and upgrades at internationally acclaimed partner hotels.

5. Cellar Angels: Wine Club

• Why we chose it: A convenient service for discovering the hidden gems of Sonoma County.
• Who it’s for: Anyone planning a trip to Sonoma or hoping to dip their toes into the world of Sonoma wines.

Not everyone is blessed enough to live in Sonoma County, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the best wine clubs! Luckily, with the Cellar Angels Wine Club, you can get the best of Sonoma County delivered straight to your door.

The Cellar Angels team finds the finest limited production bottles of wine from Sonoma and Napa, sending them to club members in quarterly shipments. Membership also includes behind-the-scenes video interviews with winemakers, and there is absolutely no contract commitment.

Best yet, if you’re taking a trip to Sonoma, Cellar Angels will help you plan everything! They offer a luxury car service for their California wine club members and will zip you from tasting to tasting in style. They’ll even suggest wineries to visit and set up VIP private wine tastings.

6. Woman-Owned Wineries: Wine Club

• Why we chose it: We love empowering women-led wineries.
• Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to support some talented women and enjoy delicious wine in the process.

Woman-Owned Wineries (WOW) was launched in 2017. Its goal was to help create greater equality in the wine industry. WOW has a directory of over 600 women-led wineries, and offers curated monthly delivered from female vintners.

WOW also prioritizes wines that reflect ethical farming practices in Sonoma County and beyond. When you sign up for a wine club membership, you get options. You can choose from a monthly shipment of three wines or opt for à la carte orders.

7. Ownroot Collective: Wine Club

• Why we chose it: We want to support our talented new neighborhood winemakers.
• Who it’s for: People who want to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of budding winemakers – and be the first to discover new Sonoma talent!

If you’re looking for a unique concept in our list of Sonoma California wine clubs, this is it!

The Ownroot Collective offers members the opportunity to purchase high-quality, exclusive wines. These exclusive bottles come from entrepreneurial winemakers hustling to produce their own wine brands while working for larger brands in their day jobs.

Members are invited to join these the winemakers for virtual tastings. They also enjoy discounted shipping, great content and education, and access to wine they literally cannot find anywhere else.

8. Gloria Ferrer: Wine Club

• Why we chose it: This is the holy grail for Sonoma County sparkling wine.
• Who it’s for: Sparkling wine enthusiasts near and far!

If you like a little bubbly, look no further than Gloria Ferrer – the first winery to produce world-class sparkling wine in Carneros. Gloria Ferrer is an icon of Sonoma Valley, and has three collectives to choose from for your wine club experience.

This is the best Sonoma California wine club for sparkling wine connoisseurs. It offers access to award-winning wines at preferred pricing. Additional benefits include access to exclusive events, wine and cheese experiences, and weekend brunch pairings. Plus, there’s even a credit for referring new wine club members!

9. Foley Sonoma: Wine Club

• Why we chose it: This Sonoma California wine club gives you great bang for your buck.
• Who it’s for: Those looking to maximize on their wine tasting opportunities across Sonoma.

If you want a California wine club with some versatility, the Foley Sonoma Wine Club is a solid choice. Members enjoy complimentary tastings at any of the sister properties with up to four guests. Plus, you’ll enjoy a 10% discount (or more) on wine at every location.

The reason that’s so great? There are SO many sister properties, including Acrobat, Banshee, Chalk Hill Estate, Chalone Vineyard, Firestone Vineyard, Foley Estates, Foley Johnson, Headturner Wine Co. Kuleto Estate, Lancaster Estate, Lincourt Vineyards, Merus Wines, Roth Estate, Sebastiani, The Four Graces, and Three Rivers Winery.

That wine tasting alone could keep you busy for weeks!

10. Halleck Vineyard Inner Circle Wine Club

• Why we chose it: We don’t want to brag, but we think the Inner Circle has the best wine club benefits in Sonoma County.
• Who it’s for: Pinot Noir enthusiasts, social butterflies, and anyone with the travel bug.

Of course, we couldn’t conclude our list of the best Sonoma California wine clubs without mentioning our own. If you’re looking for one of the best wine clubs around, then you need to be a part of the Inner Circle.

This wine club is so much more than a wine club subscription. When you join the Inner Circle, you’ll immediately get our limited Estate Grown Pinot Noir. We also offer our members complimentary shipping and access to exclusive dinners and parties all around the country. Let’s not forget to mention that our private tastings in our vineyard home are free for our members. This is not a tasting room or hospitality venue: it’s our home and you are welcome.

And, for those who like to travel a little further afield, we even have a travel club for our Inner Circle members. Our members get fun a slate of annual Sonoma wine club events to travel with us and sip the best bottles of wine in idyllic locations like Italy, Kenya, Cuba, South Africa and New York City. But not only that. You can also enjoy local activities like kayaking, hiking, and sailing.

We’ll even work with you to create an auction lot in support of whatever charity is nearest and dearest to your heart. The Inner Circle has it all!

And, if you can’t come to us, let us come to you! Halleck Vineyard offers virtual wine tastings for you to enjoy with friends and family from the comfort of home.

Get out and enjoy these California wine clubs

As you can see, the best wine clubs in California deliver more than just amazing wine selections.

Want beautiful views while sipping chardonnay? Desire a budget friendly price point without sacrificing taste? Or do you want an award-winning culinary experience to go with that glass of sauv?

There is sure to be a place on our list of the best Sonoma California wine clubs that calls out to you. So check out the list above and let us know if we helped you find a new favorite!