One thing I learned many years ago is joining a wine club keeps me connected to wine country even when I can’t be there. I’ve had many different clubs over the years, some come and some go, but there have been a few that have staying power. Here’s a list of my current clubs.
Jessup Cellars
I’m currently in the My Jessup Cellar 12 club, which means I get a case in the spring and a case in the fall. What I love is I get to pick exactly what I want in my case. In the spring I load up on white and in the fall I pick my favorite reds. I always pick a bottle of Table for Four and Juel in each of my shipments to keep my cellar stocked. Jessup assigns a wine concierge to take care of you when you are not in Napa. Mike Lutz is my concierge and he knows my likes and reaches out when my favorites are released. I don’t have a wine from this winery that I don’t like, but my absolute personal favorite is Manny’s Blend. You have to be in the club to get it, but this blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah are an amazing combination. This is my go to with anything barbeque–ribs, pulled pork or brisket, but it is also a wine I can drink by itself without any food.
The tasting room staff at Jessup is the best I’ve found in all of Napa. A very fun and knowledgeable group that will teach you about their wine and make it interesting. I love Carlos, Grant, Laurel, Whitney or Matt, but any of the staff will be very helpful.
I also love that they will come to you, I’ve hosted two in home tastings with Jessup Cellars in Wisconsin. They have been extremely well attended and it’s fun to share this wine that doesn’t get distributed. I cannot recommend this winery enough!!!
Miner Family Winery
I joined this club in 2018 after visiting for the second time last year. I originally was in the 4 bottle club, but this spring I upgraded to the 6 bottle club. The shipments come quarterly so it keeps my cellar stocked. I like that I can choose what I receive, so if the standard shipment contains something I may not want, I can switch it out, the only caveat is I have to spend the same amount as the standard club shipment.
This is the club with The Oracle, their red blend similar in style to Insignia from Joseph Phelps. The cabernets, pinot noirs, syrah, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are all really good. There are not many from this winery that I don’t like.
Bennett Lane Winery
I joined this club probably 4 years ago, originally I was in the Club Maximus, but switched last year to the Sunbelt Club. I like getting just two shipments per year with 6 bottles each. I enjoy both the red and white Maximus blends and the cabernets are very consistent year over year. This year they released a Rose which is very good, I was able to attend their Rose release party in the Spring. If you visit Bennett Lane, request Donna, she’s my favorite person in the tasting room and will provide you excellent customer service.
Joseph Phelps
This is one of the first clubs I joined and I love visiting this winery on my trips to Napa. This club ships 4 times per year that include 3 bottles. You also get the opportunity to purchase Insignia futures a year prior to the wine being released. These futures purchases have kept me in the club. Getting Insignia at a discount that is greater than the club discount is worth staying in the club. The Terrace Tastings are relaxing and provide gorgeous views of the vineyards.
Silver Trident Winery
I joined this club in the spring after trying this winery. I had the wine at a lobby tasting at the Napa Valley Lodge last year on my visit, they poured the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. After that quick tasting, Silver Trident went on the list for a visit. I had the opportunity in May 2019 to do a full tasting with food pairing.
I joined the Flagship Club which ships 4 bottles 3 times per year. You always have the opportunity to add wine to your shipment. I’m excited to received the my first club shipment in October.
Castello di Amorosa
I’m in the La Regina club, which is an annual purchase club. When I visit the winery I easily ship a case if not two after each visit. The price points for the quality of the wine make it a good value. La Fantasia an effervescent rose is a favorite by itself or for sangria. The Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernets are consistently good.
Other clubs I’ve been a member of in the past include:
Far Niente/Nickel & Nickel
Whitehall Lane Winery
Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Duckhorn Vineyards
Andretti Winery
I highly recommend joining wine clubs that don’t distribute to your home state, that way you are getting wine you can’t get at your local wine shop or at a Total Wine. Having a piece of Napa delivered to Wisconsin is always a way to have a new wine without the travel. Cheers to trying new and interesting wine.