Like having an in-house sommelier at your fingertips, wine and beer clubs are a convenient (for just one fee, the goods are delivered to you) and economical (the value often exceeds the cost) way to uncork a new adventure every month. Let the knowledgeable experts with the buying power sift through all the intoxicating offerings as you sip away with perks, learning the buzz about new beverages.
Gary’s Wine and Marketplace, Wayne, Madison and Bernardsville;
888-99-GARYS, garyswine.com
Gary’s offers four wine clubs, ranging from everyday wines ($25 a month) to cellar starters ($125 a month), as well as a Case Club, featuring three 12-bottle cases a year for $495. And for those who know exactly what they like, the clubs can be personalized as strictly red or white. All club members receive a monthly newsletter featuring tasting notes, winery information, food-pairing suggestions and more. Members are also privy to advance sales and special pricing as well as invitations to Gary’s wine and food events.
Wine Library, 586 Morris Ave , Springfield;
888-980-WINE, winelibrary.com
Wine Library offers two sets of monthly wine clubs, one from Wine Library and one with owner Gary Vaynerchuk. Wine Library’s three monthly clubs include a One Bottle Club for $22, a Two Bottle Club (one white, one red) for $39 and a Two Bottle high-end Collector’s Club for $89—all accompanied by a description of the wines. For the adventurous, Gary’s three monthly clubs feature “secret packs” —one month you could receive one bottle, the next, six. You won’t know until that month’s package arrives. Gary’s clubs range in price from $32 to $100, increasing in value as they increase in price, and are each paired with a 3-minute online video explanation of his monthly offerings.
Amanti Vino, 30 Church St , Montclair;
973-509-9463, amantivino.com
Amanti Vino offers two monthly wine clubs: Goda (Italian for “enjoy”) at $40, and Collettore (Italian for “collector”) at $90. Goda features off-the-beaten-path choices or previews of new vintages, while Collettore delivers a pair of limited-production, high-quality finds, many of which are exclusive to club members. All club members receive newsletters detailing background information as well as tasting notes, food pairings and recipes. There are also 10-15 percent discounts on purchases and free delivery to restaurants in downtown Montclair. For $20 a month, Amanti Vino also offers Club Birra (Italian for “beer”), delivering two to four artisanal beers from around the world that are new to Amanti Vino or limited-edition beers that won’t ever see the shelf. Amanti Birra members also receive an informational newsletter with tasting notes and production methods, as well as priority registration in classes, beer-pairing dinners and brewery tours.