Wine Insiders, a Monthly Wine Club

Several years ago I decided to join a wine club. My reasoning was that it would give me the opportunity to try some different wines than what was readily available at my local market. I was in a rut, always buying Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. The few times I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something different, I wound up with something I didn't like. So, when I received an informational sales packet in the mail from a wine club called: Taste of California (now renamed Wine Insiders), I decided to call the toll free number and ask some questions.

My first question was what types of wine do you sell? I like dry wines and didn't want to get stuck with some overly sweet Lambrusco. I was assured all the wines offered were dry and that I had a choice of red only, white only or mixed. My second question was whether or not there was a contract for a specific amount of time. I was assured that I could cancel at any time or that I could call and put my account on hold for a month or two if I was overstocked. I decided to give Wine Insiders a try. The customer care specialist set me up with a mixed shipment (1 red, 1 white) per month and explained that they could ship to work or home but that an adult over 21 needed to be there to sign for delivery.

My first shipment came and included a Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Inside the box was the newsletter that described the winery background, the tasting panel's notes, recommended food to enjoy each wine with and cellaring information. There was also a recipe and some information about John Davis, Founder of Wine Insiders. I had never had a dry Zinfandel, so I opened that first and found it to be a very full bodied, dry red wine. The Chardonnay was refreshingly crisp and clean. I liked both wines so well that I called the toll free number and set up my next shipment for 4 bottles, 2 of each.

I have been a loyal customer of Wine Insiders now for 5 years. They stock every wine shipped so that you can call and re-order a 6 pack or case at a reduced price. I have re-ordered my favorite wines on many occasions, saving up to $30.00 or more. The best part though, is that I've been able to sample some varieties that I never would have bought on my own such as Sirah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chenin Blanc. The Wine Insiders tasters really know what they're doing, too. I have never received a wine that tasted bad. Never.

Wine Insiders offers a choice of 4 different clubs. California club is the best of the golden state. International club is a cross-continent tasting journey. World Classics club are favorites from around the world and Connoisseur's club offers rare and extraordinary wines. If you belong to one club (like I do), you still have the option to buy wines at reduced prices from one of the other clubs. Customer care specialists are knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help. They offer different payment options and can combine 2 more clubs for additional savings.

Wine Insiders customer care center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached at 1 800 615-7304. They have a website at: www.wineinsiders.com.