The best wine clubs for beginners

By Rate This Wine editors · Updated Oct 10, 2026 · How we rate

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The best beginner wine club isn’t the fanciest: it’s the one that teaches you what you like. These clubs use taste quizzes, rating apps and tasting notes so each box gets closer to your palate.

The full list

Best overall for beginners

Firstleaf

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.3 · Best for beginners who want someone to learn their taste for them

Simple quiz, cheap intro box, and your thumbs-up/down ratings shape every future shipment.

Per bottle (approx.): $14.99
Bottles per box: 6 or 12
How often: Every 1, 2 or 3 months
Shipping: $9.95 on 6 bottles; free on 12

From $39.95 per shipmentSee current offer Full review

Best for learning

Bright Cellars

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.9 · Best for curious beginners who like a guided, learn-as-you-go box

Small monthly boxes with cards explaining why each wine was matched to you.

Per bottle (approx.): $17
Bottles per box: 4 or 6
How often: Monthly
Shipping: Included on 4+ bottles (check at checkout)

From $80 per shipmentSee current offer Full review

Best once you know your favorites

Naked Wines

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for people who want to choose every bottle and pay less for it

Member reviews and ratings help you choose: great once you’ve figured out a few styles you love.

Per bottle (approx.): $13
Bottles per box: You choose (orders of 6+)
How often: $40/month deposit; order whenever you like
Shipping: Free on orders of $200+

From $40 per shipmentSee current offer Full review

Best low-commitment box

The California Wine Club

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.9 · Best for fans of small, family-owned California wineries

Two bottles at a time, with the story of each family winery.

Per bottle (approx.): $24.50
Bottles per box: 2, 4, 6 or 12
How often: Monthly, every 2 months or quarterly
Shipping: Same fee for 2-6 bottles; free on 12

From $49 per shipmentSee current offer Full review

Compared at a glance

Wine club	Our rating	From	Per bottle	Bottles	Frequency	Shipping
Firstleaf	4.3/5	$39.95	$14.99	6 or 12	Every 1, 2 or 3 months	$9.95 on 6 bottles; free on 12
Bright Cellars	3.9/5	$80	$17	4 or 6	Monthly	Included on 4+ bottles (check at checkout)
Naked Wines	4.4/5	$40	$13	You choose (orders of 6+)	$40/month deposit; order whenever you like	Free on orders of $200+
The California Wine Club	3.9/5	$49	$24.50	2, 4, 6 or 12	Monthly, every 2 months or quarterly	Same fee for 2-6 bottles; free on 12

Checked Oct 10, 2026. Details change: confirm on the provider’s site.

How to get the most from a beginner club

Rate every bottle. It’s the only way personalization works.
Write two words about each wine you like (“smooth, cherry”), or use our Rate this wine scorecard.
Learn the basics of the styles you enjoy in our wine guide.
Try one new grape per box: you’ll be surprised.

Frequently asked questions

What wine should a beginner start with?

Approachable, fruity styles: Pinot Noir, Merlot or Malbec for red; Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or off-dry Riesling for white; and a dry rosé.

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