Like many wine lovers, I am always tempted by the option to join a wine club when doing a tasting. I stop and think “hmm I really like all these wines, wouldn’t it be great to get to taste them for free all the time?” Of course, I love so many wineries and so many types of wine this never actually happens.
That said, I do belong to a few wine clubs because each of them offers something unique. My pal Whitney over at @winebywhitney said that she feels like joining a wine club allows you to feel like you’re part of a family and can build stronger connections with the winery and its staff. This is definitely true, especially if you prioritize smaller production wineries.
It goes without saying that I love all of the wine at each of the places we belong to, but I thought it would be fun to talk a little bit about what else I love about each of them:
Sophie James Wine: (I’ll be doing a more in-depth post on this special place, but felt a little preview was fine)
What they produce: Pinot Noir and Rose of Pinot Noir
Where is it located: on top of Sonoma Mountain – with actual 360 degree views of the whole surrounding area
Why I love being a member: 1) Being a member of the tribe is the only way to get the wine! 2) I drink rose and pinot more often than anything else, so getting a half a case of each is the best balance. 3) The mountaintop property is truly magical and there are some pretty epic events there (you may have seen photos of the incredible dinner party I attended.)
What they produce: Pinot Noir, Cabernet, 2 red blends, Zinfandel, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, a white blend, rose, and a late harvest riesling
Where is it located: Philo, California
Why I love being a member: 1) Bonnie & Stacie are the absolute best and I have felt welcomed into the tasting room from the days even before actually joining the wine club. 2) Greenwood Ridge’s tasting room is a beauty – a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired tasting room, complete with a wraparound deck, a pond and a beautiful little bridge. 3) Greenwood Ridge is a member of the Wilson Artisan Wineries, along with a bunch of other Northern California wineries (Wilson, Delorimier, Mazzocco, Pezzi King, Soda Rock, Rockpile, Matrix, Jaxon Keys and St.Anne’s Crossing). This means you can do free tastings at any of the properties and buy wine there for a discounted price as well -it’s kind of like having 10 wine club memberships wrapped in one!
Smith Story Wine Cellars: (this one belongs to my bf, but counting it as my own)
What they produce: Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rose, a white blend and a red blend (each named for their adorable Golden Doodle)
Where is it located: Winery in Windsor, CA and tasting room up in Philo, California
WhyI love being a member: 1) I am obsessed with the winery dog @sandwichthedoodle 2) I love being able to taste both in Sonoma County and in Anderson Valley, depending on what wine region I am off to that weekend. 3) You can tell that this is a total passion project for Ali & Eric. They have done this thing without any other employees until just a few months ago and I am constantly impressed with what they have been able to build
What they produce: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Late Harvest Viognier, Gruner Veltliner, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and some Sparkling wine
Where is it located: Santa Rosa, CA
Why I love being a member: 1) The wishing tree – on every cork of Belden Barns wine it says “wish big” and their property has a wishing tree where you can write a wish. People have wished big for babies, marriages etc in the past and it really works, the place is magic! 2) Nate & Lauren make everyone who visits Belden Barns feel like family. I went for the first time to go to their fall grape stomp and it was great to see so many families participating in the event together. 3) Not only do they produce amazing wines, but they have an actual farm with vegetables and are getting cows to start a creamery in the future.
How about you guys – do you belong to any wine clubs? Should I join some new ones in 2019? I’m always looking for the next great thing 😉
I want to visit all of these places! Can you make a reservation to taste wine at Sophie James? The property looks so beautiful!