The California Wine Club vs Plonk Wine Club
The California Wine Club
Plonk 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 1 of 4 rating categories. The California Wine Club is cheaper to start ($49 vs $110).
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 Plonk Wine Club if…
You’re adventurous drinkers who want organic and natural-leaning wines. A small-team club focused on organic, biodynamic and low-intervention wines from small producers, with recipes and stories in every box.
See current offerSide by side
| The California Wine Club | Plonk Wine Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Wine quality | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Choice & personalization | 3.4/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Flexibility | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Starting price | $49 | $110 |
| Approx. per bottle | $24.50 | $26 |
| Bottles per shipment | 2, 4, 6 or 12 | 4, 6 or 12 |
| How often | Monthly, every 2 months or quarterly | Monthly |
| Shipping | Same fee for 2-6 bottles; free on 12 | Included |
| Intro offer | - | - |
| Guarantee | Replaces any wine you don’t love | Satisfaction guarantee |
| Skip / cancel | Change or cancel by phone or online | Skip or cancel online |
| What you can choose | Reds, whites or mixed; other series for international and collector wines | Mixed, red-only or white-only; organic and biodynamic focus |
| Ships to | Most US states | Many US states |
| Best for | Fans of small, family-owned California wineries | Adventurous drinkers who want organic and natural-leaning 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
Plonk Wine Club: pros & cons
- Thoughtful picks from small organic producers
- Shipping included
- Great recipe cards and producer notes
- About $25+ a bottle
- Fewer states than the big clubs
- Styles can be funky for beginners