Wine Clubs

[Vbort44]

Hello,

I am new to the wine world, but very interested and enthusiastic about exploring wines of the world. I have been surfing the web for a wine club. I am looking for a club that offers international wines, monthly, at a decent price. I live in Canada and I am struggling to find a wine club that ships here. Are wine clubs worth it? Does anyone have any good advice to which clubs offer good value in Canada?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[wondersofwine]

Welcome to the board.
I would mildly discourage the idea of a wine club at this point. Shipping costs add to the price and some companies may not operate in Canada. Probably better to find a wine shop with friendly and knowledgeable staff and ask their recommendations. You could try a book like Andrea Immer's "Great Wine Made Simple." It suggests tastings you can arrange as a couple or a group of friends to contrast cool climate white wines versus warm climate white wines, etc. It's a good way to learn how the different grape varieties taste and which types you prefer. She makes some general and specific suggestions. Once you find several wines you like, the store clerk can help you find more that might please you. Also, I don't know about the government-regulated stores in Canada, but do they have wine tastings with open bottles to sample? Are restaurants allowed to have wine tastings? This is also a good way to sample a number of wines before purchasing something you might not enjoy.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 01-23-2006).]