Gold Medal Wine Club vs Laithwaites
Gold Medal Wine Club
LaithwaitesWe 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
Laithwaites edges it overall, winning 3 of 4 rating categories. Gold Medal Wine Club is cheaper to start ($49 vs $49.99).
Choose 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 offerChoose Laithwaites if…
You’re households that drink a case a quarter and like classic Old World styles. A big, long-established merchant with a famous intro deal: six bottles for about $50 delivered, then a 12-bottle case every three months for around $160 plus shipping.
See current offerSide by side
| Gold Medal Wine Club | Laithwaites | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value | 3.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Wine quality | 4.1/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Choice & personalization | 3.2/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Flexibility | 3.6/5 | 4/5 |
| Starting price | $49 | $49.99 |
| Approx. per bottle | $24.50 | $13.33 |
| Bottles per shipment | 2 to 12 depending on series | 6 intro, then 12 |
| How often | Monthly, every 2 months or quarterly | Every 3 months |
| Shipping | Extra; varies by state | $19.99 per case (or $89/year Unlimited) |
| Intro offer | - | - |
| Guarantee | Satisfaction guarantee | 100% money-back on any bottle |
| Skip / cancel | Change or cancel by phone | Skip or cancel any time |
| What you can choose | Several series from everyday to collector (93+ point) wines | Reds, whites or mixed cases |
| Ships to | Most US states | Most US states |
| Best for | Gift-givers and fans of award-winning California wines | Households that drink a case a quarter and like classic Old World styles |
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
Laithwaites: pros & cons
- Excellent intro value
- Lots of European wines at around $13 a bottle
- Swap bottles before a case ships
- Money back on anything you don’t like
- $19.99 shipping per case adds up
- Regular case price is triple the intro offer
- Heavy marketing emails and calls