Hi.. I'm pretty new to wine (but I do like the reds) and I'd like to learn by tasting various kinds of reds...

are there any good wine clubs that I could subscribe to for a decent price to better learn red wines or should I just keep buying one bottle at a time randomly?

and I guess if it helps, I'm from Orange County, CA

THANKS!

Denner in Paso Robles is making some fantastic wine at reasonable prices ($30-$45 per bottle). Wife and I are part of their wine club (which I think ships only twice a year), and their wine club has a 2 bottle per shipment option, which will certainly help keep costs down. You can also elect the "reds only" option.

Welcome to the wonderful ever changing world of wine!! Before joining a club have u taken wine classes? I took different classes from different wine shops (wines from Spain,Italy, French vs California etc) from there, the reps can hook u up with what u like and what clubs they may sell to or are familiar with.
Haappy sipping!!

K&L has good clubs, but I cannot say I have been happy with every selection. I also don't think they are the best way to become acquainted with wine. IF you live in Orange County just go to Wine Exchange and start with a mixed case of Cab, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot and whatever else interests you.

Before you go wasting your time and money w/ wine clubs I agree w/ Liz & spo about educating yourself more first. Classes are good. IMO just go to as many differant tastings as you can (not familiar with your area, but I'm sure they exist). They're a lot cheaper (if not free w/ purchase) and expose yourself to a wide variety of wine with little commitment. Also, don't shy away from the whites. I found it wasn't until I developed my palate that I truly appreciated white wine.

It all depends on how new you really are to wine. Have you tasted enough that you know what your (current) preferences are for wine varietals and areas - and I say current because it WILL change over time.

If you know, in general, what you like, then tell us and we can give more specific suggestions (although more likely for specific mailing lists rather than wine clubs). If not, then follow the suggestions to attend tastings and also buy a wide variety of wines to taste for yourself. Personally, I know what I like (currently), but I still love the variety that the world of wines brings.

quote:

Originally posted by MS:
Hi.. I'm pretty new to wine (but I do like the reds) and I'd like to learn by tasting various kinds of reds...

are there any good wine clubs that I could subscribe to for a decent price to better learn red wines or should I just keep buying one bottle at a time randomly?

and I guess if it helps, I'm from Orange County, CA

THANKS!

MS,

There are some great places in OC for wine tastings. The more you taste the more you will learn! Try the tastings that are offered at Hi Times in Costa Mesa, The Wine Club in Santa Ana or Wine Exchange in Orange. They all have very knowledgable staff that are happy to talk with you and help you figure out what you like.

Yep, agree with suggestions for tastings. I think they are the best way to rapidly learn a bunch about different wines. I hit every big local retail tasting I can, and get little pours of a BUNCH of different stuff, usually for a small or no fee.

The key is to taste as many different wines as you can. Unless you have very deep pockets (and a strong liver), buying dozens and dozens of random bottles yourself doesn't make any sense.

Re: Wine clubs. I've only been a member of one, the Calfornia Wine Club (maybe eight years ago), and didn't care too much for the selections, but they may have changed.

hello i have latest information about various types of wine in the world if want to know about???

Hey MS,

I am also from Orange County, CA. There are several places where you can taste wine in the area so that you have a better idea what to purchase when you go for a full bottle or a case. I find that tastings are a great way to learn and save you disappointments in the future.

Some reasonable tastings are offered by the Wine Exchange in Orange. (I have no affiliation to them, just buy a lot of wines in that place - among others).

Finally, if you store your wine in some places (i.e., the Wine Cellar Club in Irvine) there are often impromptu tastings where each person brings a bottle and those are a lot of fun too.

In general, most wine clubs are not the best ways to learn, in my humble opinion. Go for the tastings. For example, most wine clubs will never ship you an aged Bordeaux, which is a great experience to taste for the first time.

Hope that you find this thought helpful to your wine enjoyment process.

I live in a state where it's a constant challenge to get my hands on anything non mainstream. Any advice for someone in my predicament?

Move to another state?

quote:

Originally posted by DoubleD:
Move to another state?

Ding! We have a winner.

Another option is to run for office and get things changed.

quote:

Originally posted by bootlegger:
I live in a state where it's a constant challenge to get my hands on anything non mainstream. Any advice for someone in my predicament?

There are places that will ship to OK, some are wineries some are retail stores, won't name them on line.

Another option is to have it shipped to family or friends in another state, I have my stuff shipped to Dallas.

sean is right on both accounts. Best to ship to a friendly State and pickup as convienent.

Some wineries are starting to ship to (somewhat) local area repackagers in bulk who then breakdown and reship to individual. No tags of alcohol on pkges. You might quietly ask your winery if they provide this service. You will also get a better response in person than over the phone or email. I've spent time in a forbidden State and many of the wineries want to take care of their better customers.