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.

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