The California Wine Club vs Gold Medal Wine Club
The California Wine Club
Gold Medal Wine ClubWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
The California Wine Club edges it overall, winning 4 of 4 rating categories.
Choose The California Wine Club if…
You’re fans of small, family-owned California wineries. Family-run since 1990, it ships wines from small California wineries you won’t find in stores. The Premier Series starts at $49 for two bottles.
See current offerChoose Gold Medal Wine Club if…
You’re gift-givers and fans of award-winning California wines. A tiered club of competition-winning wines from small California producers, from the entry Gold Series (two bottles) up to limited-membership collector tiers.
See current offerSide by side
| The California Wine Club | Gold Medal Wine Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Wine quality | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Choice & personalization | 3.4/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Flexibility | 4/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Starting price | $49 | $49 |
| Approx. per bottle | $24.50 | $24.50 |
| Bottles per shipment | 2, 4, 6 or 12 | 2 to 12 depending on series |
| How often | Monthly, every 2 months or quarterly | Monthly, every 2 months or quarterly |
| Shipping | Same fee for 2-6 bottles; free on 12 | Extra; varies by state |
| Intro offer | - | - |
| Guarantee | Replaces any wine you don’t love | Satisfaction guarantee |
| Skip / cancel | Change or cancel by phone or online | Change or cancel by phone |
| What you can choose | Reds, whites or mixed; other series for international and collector wines | Several series from everyday to collector (93+ point) wines |
| Ships to | Most US states | Most US states |
| Best for | Fans of small, family-owned California wineries | Gift-givers and fans of award-winning California wines |
The California Wine Club: pros & cons
- Two-bottle boxes, so wine doesn’t pile up
- Small, family wineries with the story behind each
- Long-running, well-reviewed gift club
- Replaces any bottle you don’t love
- Around $25 a bottle before shipping
- Shipping isn’t included under 12 bottles
- California wines only in the Premier Series
Gold Medal Wine Club: pros & cons
- Award-winning small-production wines
- Good range of tiers for gifting
- Detailed tasting notes and winery profiles
- Shipping is extra
- Top tiers get expensive fast
- Not much personalization