What are subscription wines?
A comprehensive guide to wine subscriptions
When it comes to wine, there are many ways to acquire rare and popular wines. One of the most innovative and convenient methods is through wine subscriptions. In this blog post, we'll take an in-depth look at the concept of subscription wines, highlighting the benefits and challenges of this method, and helping you make the best decisions for your wine collection.
What is a wine subscription?
Subscription wines are wines offered through a subscription or pre-order. Buyers have the opportunity to receive a regular selection of wines, often directly from the producer or through specialized wine merchants. This form of wine purchasing has gained popularity in recent years and offers numerous advantages for both wine collectors and producers.
The subscription process
The process of subscribing to wines is relatively simple:
Registration: Interested buyers register with a subscription wine provider. This could be a winery, an online retailer, or a specialized subscription model.
Selection: After signing up, buyers select their preferred wine styles, regions, or price ranges. Some providers also offer personalized recommendations based on the customer's preferences.
Delivery: The selected wines are then delivered regularly (monthly, quarterly or annually) directly to the buyer's address.
Rating: Buyers often have the opportunity to rate the wines delivered and provide feedback, which helps the supplier adjust future deliveries.
Subscription to En Primeur wine
Also read: What does en primeur mean in wine?
En primeur wines from Bordeaux are often offered two years before they go on public sale. By subscribing to a wine subscription, you can secure coveted wines before they're bottled. However, these subscription wines are usually not delivered to you until two years later.
Example: The 2024 vintage of Château Angelus can be purchased or pre-ordered through a subscription order as early as 2025. However, the wine will not be shipped to you until 2027 and will not be available in stores until 2027. If you pre-order this wine through a subscription, the 2024 vintage of Château Angelus will be shipped to you upon its market launch.
The advantage of an en primeur wine subscription is that you can secure rare wines and various bottle formats in advance. Often, sought-after wines are already sold out as soon as they become available in wine stores. This form of wine purchasing also offers the advantage that en primeur wines are more affordable than when they become available later in wine stores.
The disadvantage of buying en primeur wine through a subscription is that you pay upfront and may have to wait two years for delivery.
The advantages of subscription wines
1. Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of subscription wines is convenience. Instead of going to the wine store or searching online for individual bottles, you receive a regularly curated selection delivered directly to your door. This saves time and effort.
2. Access to exclusive wines
Many subscription wine providers work directly with winemakers and offer exclusive bottlings not available in retail stores. This allows buyers to discover special wines and enrich their collections with unique wines.
3. Cost savings
Subscription wines can often be cheaper than buying them individually in a store. Many retailers offer discounts for subscriptions or special offers for members. They also waive shipping costs for regular deliveries.
4. Education and discovery
Another advantage is the opportunity for wine education. Many vendors provide not only bottles but also information about the wines' origins, tasting notes, and food pairing recommendations. This promotes understanding and appreciation of different wine styles and regions.
The challenges of subscription wines
Despite their many advantages, there are also some challenges when purchasing subscription wines:
1. Lack of control over selection
A common concern with subscriptions is the lack of control over the wine selection delivered. While many providers try to offer personalized options, buyers may sometimes receive bottles they don't like.
2. Long-term commitment
Some subscriptions require a long-term commitment or minimum term. This can be problematic for buyers if they find the offering doesn't meet their expectations.
3. Quality assurance
Not all suppliers guarantee consistent quality in their deliveries. It's important to choose a trustworthy supplier and consider reviews from other customers.
Also read: What quality levels are there for wine?
Tips for buying subscription wines
If you're thinking about diving into the subscription wine space, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Research providers: Compare different subscription wine providers in terms of pricing, selection, and customer reviews.
Read the small print: Pay attention to contract terms such as notice periods or minimum terms.
Try out different styles: Consider using trial subscriptions or test packages from different providers to find out which ones you like best.
Provide feedback: Take advantage of the opportunity to rate the wines you have delivered – this will not only help you with future orders, but also the supplier in improving their offerings.
Be open to new things: One of the best things about subscription wines is the chance to discover new tastes and styles – be willing to try new things!
Conclusion
Subscription wines represent a modern and convenient way to enjoy high-quality wines while discovering new tastes. With a variety of providers on the market, wine collectors can enjoy customized experiences and regularly receive new bottles delivered directly to their homes.
While there are some challenges—such as lack of control over selection or long-term commitments—the benefits, such as convenience and access to exclusive offers, often outweigh them.
So, if you're a wine lover or simply curious about new taste experiences, a wine subscription might be just the thing for you! Dive into this exciting world of wine subscriptions and enjoy every moment!
