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Wine Clubs
updated: Mar 06, 2011, 1:18 PM
There are numerous winery "wine clubs" all over SB County, but Santa Ynez Valley has the most.
Typically you join for free and receive up to four free tastings per unlimited visit, but have to purchase the bi-monthly offering which isn't cheap. Sunstone for example winds up costing about $60 every two months for their two bottle "Club Release."
Some wineries sponsor free club member events where you receive some pretty nice food, lavish holiday party party at no additional cost, additional wine tastings and special "members only" deals on their private, limited stash of extra special vintages.
What wineries/vineyards offer the best package for the price? Are there wineries that also allow you to taste at a "sister" vineyard? Or, are these "wine clubs" best to avoid and just purchase the wine at the steepest discount you can locate like Costco or ?
Places People Are Talking About:
What People Are Saying:
COMMENT 151415
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2011-03-06 01:23 PM |
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Funny - I wanted to ask a related question this AM. I am just looking for a good case price on a decent red. Any recommendations? We are not highly educated in wines just want something nice with dinner.
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COMMENT 151418
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2011-03-06 01:49 PM |
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To the OP - our favorite is Gainey. The wines are consistently very good to excellent, and they treat their Wine Club members very well! To 415 - Get yourself over to BevMo before the 21st of the month. They have a great selection of wines. Better yet, they have a 5-cent sale on about 200 of their wines - buy one at the regular price, and get a second bottle for just a nickel. The staff is really knowledgeable, and they will be happy to point you to a wine that matches what your preferences are.
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COMMENT 151421
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2011-03-06 02:05 PM |
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Gainey does not require that you stay in their Wine Club for any specific period. You change back and forth at will between their several Clubs (for example, from White to Limited to Red and back again). They have special events for Wine Club members only. Their very nice Cellar Room is for tastings for Wine Club members only (reservations sometimes needed). Gainey wines may not be the cheapest, but they are among the best. And I think they are clearly the best value.
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COMMENT 151423
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2011-03-06 02:15 PM |
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We belong to Foley's for Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, very good. We also belong to Firestone who was purchased by Foley's and has improved significantly. They have a lovely private tasting room and nice events for members.
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COMMENT 151428
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2011-03-06 02:34 PM |
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Most are similar. They usually require a 2 shippment comittment. Some ship twice a year, some three times, and some four times or more. Each shippment ranges in price from $60.00 - $200.00 depending on the club. Most offer 20% off wine sales. Most offer complimentary wine tasting at their tasting rooms. Most offer special invitations to their parties and events. Most offer access to specialty wines that aren't commercially available otherwise. I belong to about 6 clubs. The cheapest is Brander Vineyard - I pick my wine up twice a year and it costs about $120/year. They have nice wine. Beckmen is very good, but more expensive. Foxen is very good but expensive. Margerum Wine is excellent and expensive. And Zaca Mesa is really good and not terribly expensive.
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COMMENT 151458
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2011-03-06 04:43 PM |
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We love Palmina Wines in Lompoc. The shipments are very reasonable in price. Their write ups give you lots of insight into the region of Italy. They always include recipes to go with each wine. The tasting room is a little enoteca with very friendly staff!
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PATRICK
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2011-03-06 04:54 PM |
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It isn't local, but we love Caparone in Paso Robles (club and reds). Very reasonably priced.
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COMMENT 151483
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2011-03-06 07:30 PM |
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skip the wine club commitment and check out Touring and Tasting magazine's warehouse sales for wine at prices far below what you'd pay at the winery, even with the wine club discounts - every three months down on quarantina st
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COMMENT 151500
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2011-03-07 07:15 AM |
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YMMMMM, Caparone!!!
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COMMENT 151504
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2011-03-07 07:21 AM |
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Wandering Dog Wine Bar offers a selection of boutique wines from various vineyards and some fun special events. It's a real plus not to be tied to one label. The owners are very knowledgeable about Central Coast wines as well as some international wines from newer markets like Argentina.
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COMMENT 151508
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2011-03-07 07:33 AM |
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Join a winery that has a tasting room in SB. Get an "Urban Wine Trail" brochure from one of the tasting rooms downtown. I would suggest trying SB Winery. Their wines are good and they are very friendly.
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COMMENT 151511
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2011-03-07 07:54 AM |
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Jaffurs. Hands down best Syrah in SB County when you consider "across the board" vintages and vineyards from the Valley. Plus Craig's a great guy, and all his staff go out of their way to make tasting in their "garagista'-style winery a fun time. Their barrel-tasting event is coming right up. Extremely educational: compare same clone, different "terroir," same clone, same vineyard, different yeast strain, same vineyard, different clone, etc. We learned a lot last time we did this. And their viognier? TDF.
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COMMENT 151517
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2011-03-07 08:19 AM |
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Summerland Winery is a fun one to belong too. You can also bring a friend in for free tasting anytime.
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EDHATBARBARA
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2011-03-07 08:34 AM |
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Try tasting at East Beach Wine Club in La Arcada -- they are very knowledgeable and will help you develop and idea about what kind of wine(s) you like most. You can pay for tastings by the pour (usually $1 or $2 each) any day of the week, or you can do a Friday tasting (I think they run from 4 pm to 7 pm) for a flat price (around $8) for several pours. Their prices are reasonable too. Until you know a style of wine and a winery you favor, it doesn't pay to join a wine club. I've done and found that I get bored after awhile. I was with Andrew Murray for several years but quit; I was with Chandon for a long time but gave it up too. I'm now with Laraneta, a very small winery in Templeton and am enjoying their variety and quality. All have websites. I also order online without being a member -- you can have one or several bottles shipped to you directly from many wineries. Rombauer makes a wonderful Zinfandel; Longoria is a fabulous Pinot Noir; many also like Fiddlehead for Pinot Noir. I agree that Jaffurs' Syrah is superb and I like that they offer half bottles, so I can enjoy one by myself without having to leave a bottle open for too long.
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EDHATBARBARA
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2011-03-07 08:37 AM |
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Also, Sanford is good for both pinot noir and chardonnay.
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COMMENT 151543P
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2011-03-07 09:40 AM |
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I belong to Kalyra, which is nice because they have a tasting room downtown SB, as well as the vineyard/tasting room in Santa Ynez. I think you can bring 6 or 8 people to the tastings, and they always have some sort of special deal for various wines. They also throw several parties during the year, and I think they have some decent wines that aren't terribly expensive compared to others. I do agree too that Gainey has some excellent wines (and they have the nice room you can reserve and order cheese plates while enjoying your tasting.) While the deals are nice, I think the important thing is that you enjoy the wines--if you don't want to go there and drink the wine, it doesn't matter if they give you free tastings or events.
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COMMENT 151551
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2011-03-07 09:54 AM |
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Edhatbarbara is right. Find a place that has at least some wines that you like. I've belonged to Alexander & Wayne for over 10 yrs (also belong Foley/Lincourt, and to Beckman and Brander in the past). Very reasonably priced, tasting room in Los Olivos. Sister winery Arthur Earl next door, and you get some discounts there, too as a member of AW.
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SBARTS
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2011-03-07 10:06 AM |
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I love East Beach wine. I buy my wines for 1st Thursday from them and have never been disappointed. They have a long rack of wines under $10...good prices and a lovely location.
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COMMENT 151578P
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2011-03-07 10:58 AM |
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Lots of good info about clubs here. My recommendation is visit the various wineries, taste their wines and join the one(s) you like the most. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a good buy right now, check out Von's in Montecito. This month all wines are 30% off (cheaper than any club) and they really have a nice selection. BTW you can get another 10% off if you buy any 12 bottles assorted.
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COMMENT 151626
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2011-03-07 01:34 PM |
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Don't forget The Wine Hound in SB. They have started their own wine club. Bob(the owner) picks 2 different labels each month for $15-$20 per bottle. You choose what club to join, red/white/1 of each. Bob writes up a summary of each wine & what best to serve it with. That way you get to try many different wines & not just the same winery each time.
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COMMENT 151641
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2011-03-07 01:58 PM |
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Kalyra is going to lower the Wine Thieves bring-your-friends-for-tasting number down a bit. The word is that it may go down to three from six. This new limit may already be in effect. I belong to the club but I wouldn't argue that their wines are in the uppermost echelons for a true oenophile.
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KATYDID
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2011-03-07 07:59 PM |
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Can't go wrong with Jaffurs in SB and Foley in the valley. Terrific wines and great tasting room experiences.
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JEDHAT
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2011-03-08 06:53 AM |
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I go to the Touring and Tasting wine sales religiously. I think they also offer a wine club for monthly mailings.
www.TouringandTasting.com
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COMMENT 151978
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2011-03-08 12:46 PM |
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Jaffurs in SB, Bridlewood in SYV. I love the beauty of Bridlewood.
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