CAROLINE LUBINSKY/TASTE OF HOME
CAROLINE LUBINSKY/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie wines
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Quality wines that don't cause hangovers
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Whites, rosés and reds
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Options to receive deliveries every one, two or three months
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You-pick format
Cons:
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Only six wine varietals offered
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No supplementary or informational materials
“Healthy” and “wine” in the same sentence? We love to see it—and so does Fresh Vine. The company, which produces and bottles its products in Napa, California, is unique in its promotion of an active lifestyle and overall health. The low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie wines curb hangover symptoms and empower wine drinkers to do it all—imbibe and thrive.
Senior Shopping Editor Caroline Lubinsky thoroughly enjoyed the brand’s Chardonnay, rosés and Sauvignon Blanc. Although she wished there were a few more varietals from which to choose (there are six static selections), she would gladly drink any of the four she tried again. Plus, you can pick any variation of those six wines each month. Want six bottles of the Pinot Noir just this once? Sure! Want one of each type the next? No prob.
The wines cost between $18 and $23, and the bottles become more discounted the more you buy. For example, if you choose a dozen for your box, each bottle will be 15% off. For those who are trying to cut down on sugary wines for personal or health reasons, it doesn’t get much sweeter than this wine service.
KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME
KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Nonalcoholic
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Provides a true wine experience
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Plant-based and gluten-free
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Each box includes tasting notes and surprise swag
Cons:
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Pricey
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Doesn't quite taste like real wine
Katie Bandurski/Taste of Home
We can guarantee one thing: There’s no hangover in your future if you sign up for Proxies non-alc wine club. This sommelier- and chef-approved service provides the full wine experience—minus the booze.Â
“I love the ritual of opening a bottle of wine after work,” shares tester and Senior Shopping Editor, Katie Bandurski. “But as a migraine sufferer, wine is one of my worst triggers. I love that Proxies comes in a real bottle—cork and all!—and looks just as good in my glass as the real deal. Plus, after tasting dozens of nonalcoholic wines, I love that Proxies is a wine alternative. This means it builds flavor with juice, herbs and tannins rather than just removing the alc (but keeping sulfites and histamines) from real wine. ”
As far as taste, Katie admits that this wine alternative doesn’t taste exactly like the good stuff. But it’s got an elevated flavor and mouthfeel that soda or juice can’t replicate. Plus, with the Proxies Club, you have the opportunity to try all sorts of varietals. “Like with alcoholic wine, it comes down to your personal flavor preference. I most loved the crispy bubbliness of the Shuru.”
Enjoy six bottles shipped to your door every three months for $175. You can expect a mix of whites, reds, rosés and even canned beverages. (Hello, nonalcoholic cocktails.) Cheers!
What to Look for When Subscribing to a Wine Club
Annamarie Higley/Taste of home
Consider numerous factors when weighing whether a wine club is right for you. In general, wine clubs are best suited for avid wine drinkers. Except for “by the glass” services, wine clubs often ship between four and 12 bottles at a regular cadence. If you’re a wine-with-dinner kind of person or a big-time entertainer, then a wine club certainly makes sense as an investment. Otherwise, you might want to stick to your periodic supermarket run when it comes to buying wine.
According to Chris, “It is important to be mindful that there are only a handful of wine subscription boxes that actually sell wines made by either wineries or winemakers that exist as brands outside of that subscription company, with most wines sold in them (alternatively) being private labels. Try to find one where, if you search for an example wine online, a production source outside of the subscription company populates, thereby allowing you to explore and discover new wines, the favorites of which you can purchase individually. This also encourages you to support smaller production businesses over mass-produced models.”
Additionally, you’ll want to consider your preexisting knowledge of wines. Some wine clubs cater to novices, whereas others appease aficionados. Seek out a club that meets you where you are. Beyond that, research the club’s wine inventory to see if it aligns with your preferences. Some users might want wines from a certain growing region, whereas some might be set on a specific varietal. Others might just be looking for discounted wine in bulk. Make sure the club and its offerings can cater to you.
How We Found the Best Wine Subscription Clubs
Annamarie Higley/Taste of Home
We found the best wine clubs by pouring, sipping and assessing, of course! Editors from our team received one or more shipments from eight plus wine subscription clubs. Then, we pared down our picks to include only the most impressive. Aside from the quality of the wines themselves, we evaluated the value of the service based on the price, the breadth of the offerings, the wine selection process, and any educational materials or resources. Clubs that ultimately ended up on this list wowed us in most, if not all of these categories. We categorized each based on their most notable features.
Why You Should Trust Us
Multiple shopping editors contributed to this piece, and collectively we bring decades of product testing experience to the table. I serve as Taste of Home’s food and beverage expert, reviewing and researching everything from probiotic sodas to meal kits. We’ve also tested other wines in our Test Kitchen, including boxed wines and the best rosés.
For this piece, we also spoke with Chris Struck, NYC wine educator and former beverage director. Chris Struck has worked in the food & beverage industry for twenty years and holds undergraduate degrees in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University, and an Executive MBA in Food Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University. He has gained industry certifications from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, Society of Wine Educators, Court of Master Sommeliers, and Deutsche Wein und Sommelierschule in Koblenz, Germany.