I’ve done a lot of catering work in the past and one thing I learned is that all wines are definitely not created equal. It’s interesting also, that the most expensive are not necessarily the best. So many factors go into creating a wonderful wine. I sometimes had a hard time choosing wines with so many options out there.
For years Pam and Bruce Boring, proprietors of the California Wine Club also were frustrated trying to find truly great wine. They realized that the ones they liked most were ones their friends had recommended. And, this is how The California Wine Club began, a wine of the month club that in their words was just like “one friend recommending a great bottle of wine to another friend.”
This is one of my favorite aspects of this particular club. Now in their 20th year of business, they love to travel California’s wine country searching out the wineries and meeting the families behind the vineyard, and getting to discover some of the very best.
What a great idea for the holiday season. You can gift friends or your spouse or yourself! It’s a unique gift because each wine comes from an artisan hand-picked winery. I love the idea of having wine packaged beautifully and delivered to your home each month at reasonable rates. I love discovering varieties I might never have found. And, most of all, I love sharing it with family and friends.
There are four options to choose from, for every taste and budget:
The Premier Club: The most popular plan with handcrafted award-winning wines and their Uncorked magazine
The Signature Series: For the collector or connoisseur featuring the highest rated wines from California
International Selections – a global wine adventure featuring ‘mom and pop’ wineries from around the world
Aged Cabernet Series – Napa Valley’s most prestigious Cabernets aged 8-12 years
I was sent two bottles to sample, both from the Robledo Family Winery.
First up, we tried the Robledo Family Winery 2008 Lake County “Seven Brothers” Sauvignon Blanc.
Their description
Aromas of honeysuckle and mango waft from your glass of this yummy Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, green tea, citrus and lemongrass make this white a rich and complex.
Bronze Medal, 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
I enjoyed this wine, finding it to be a refreshing complement to a late summer or early fall light meal. I would pair it with light salads and seafood. I loved the fruity, crisp taste.
On a different day, we tried the Robledo Family Winery 2009 Napa Valley “Seven Brothers” Tempranillo
Their description:
This wine has a bright ruby color with heavy aromas of cranberry, blackberry, cinnamon, spice and toasted oak. The flavors of dried black fruit, toasted cedar and tobacco mingle with great acidity and strong tannins to produce a long, rich finish.
I did prefer this one of the two, though both were very good. This is a great wine to pair with Italian food or meat.
This wine is rich and full-bodied and perfect for Fall and Winter, perfect for sipping by the fire.
I very much recommend the California Wine Club. I lived in Napa Valley for a few years and it is one of the most gorgeous places in the world. I can see why the owners love to explore there and the surrounding areas and we get to experience their adventures each month delivered to our door. Fabulous!
Oh, and did I mention that membership costs nothing, you can cancel anytime, and every wine is 100% guaranteed.
You can check them out at www.cawineclub.com, on Facebook and on Twitter.
I’m looking forward to next month’s shipment. And, in December, I’ll also be offering a giveaway so you can experience the California Wine Club’s artisan wines for yourself, so stay tuned!
Cheers!
This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received a 2 month Membership to the California Wine Club for the purpose of this review.
I liked the red wine better this time.
What a great idea for a gift.
This is a great gift idea for my Aunt! Thanks for sharing!
I love this as a Christmas gift. Some people are so hard to shop for and just about everyone would be happy with a gift like this!
I know a few people who this would be the perfect gift for!
This would be a great gift for my mom!!
I have always wanted to join one of these clubs. Like this one a lot since reading your review. Great way to try new wines!
I love the white wine myself. It was great with spicy tacos.
I need to renew my membership to the club!
My nephew loves wine and I think this would be a great gift for him for his upcoming birthday!
These sound really yummy. I enjoy many different wines.
I know quite a few folks who would enjoy this.
That would be a nice gift.
I myself dont drink wine but I know people who do . This would be a great gift for them. I never know what kind to buy and I dont want to ask either , it may be to obvious . So this solves one problem of what to buy .This company been in business for 20 years. The wine of the month club is nice because you can pick the types of wine you want to have sent. Thanks for the info
I would have LOVED this when I drank wine, I adored dark reds! But I can’t drink anymore, but this is a great gift idea for the wine drinkers I know, thanks!
I absolutely love wine, and this would be awesome for me. Thank you for the review!!! myahugz@gmail.com
I know nothing about wine. Thanks for an informative article.
This would be a great gift for me.
Wine and cheese is great!
I’m trying to decide which wines to order and it is a hard decision.
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I tried them once. The only problem I have is that they want to send what they want, from whatever winery they’re promoting. I like to choose what wines I have personally sampled and would like. The only option is that if you like the wine they sent you, then you can re-order it but you still get different wines you may not care for when you join their club. I guess you have to be an adventuous soul. I’m not, especially if I’m having company. I like tested & true.
I won two bottles. I wasn’t impressed. I wish I would’ve had a choice in the selection.
This sounds FABULOUS! I will definitely have to check. Love the fact that you’re stuck in a membership contract and can cancel at any time.
This is a wonderful idea for me as a gift for my mom, she loves wine-but I never have a clue what to get. Enjoyed the review-thank you,(Raine on rafflecopters)
I’m still looking for a good wine. I lie champagne and pink wine any suggestions?
This is a great way to give a gift as well – My daughter and son-in-law entertain quite a bit and this would be wonderful for them and eliminate all the trips to the liquor store.
My sister tried to get me to join I might now that ive read your review I think it would be better if they gave you choices rather than it being surprise