Laithwaites Wine Clubs Review

Best for Adventurers and Sophisticated Palates

The Laithwaite family has been in the wine business for over 50 years, and it shows. You can see it in the breadth and sophistication of the company's product selection and in the way it taps into the underlying romance of wine. It's evident in the more-thorough-than-typical questionnaire the company uses to create your taste profile. Laithwaites' expertise also shines through in the descriptions the company provides of each bottle they sell. Frankly, even if you never purchase anything from the company, its website is a great place for any wine lover to visit. You can learn something about wine-producing regions worldwide, gain a better appreciation of viniculture, and enjoy a side of history with each wine profile you read. 

Membership Policies

Members of the Laithwaites wine club receive quarterly shipments of wine in case increments. Not that we're counting how many bottles anyone chooses to consume, but that seems like a fairly small purchase commitment and may make Laithwaites attractive to more wine drinkers than monthly subscription services are. You can skip shipments or cancel your membership at any time. In addition, the company offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee on each bottle you purchase.

Laithwaites offers a large number of curated mixed cases. We give the company high marks for publishing full details on every bottle that comes in their curated cases, from flavor notes and alcohol content to suggestions on what to serve with them. Many clubs only give you a bare list of what's in the box. If you find a wine you love, you may be able to order it again in single-bottle increments, too, though the company reports that some wines are only available in limited quantities. But we appreciate that Laithwaites offers wine lovers the freedom and flexibility to explore at their own pace and in their own style.

Pricing

While you can find wines that cost as little as $11 in the Laithwaites collection, most of their bottles range from $15 to $20. You'll also find $100 bubblies and rare dessert wines that command a pretty steep price. But that's not to suggest that Laithwaites isn't the club for casual wine consumers. For wine novices, Laithwaites offers the opportunity to start out drinking high-quality wines at a moderate cost, rather than stumbling blindly in a small section of the supermarket trying to find the "good stuff." Each wine the company offers is described in detail on the site so you have a pretty clear idea of what's in the bottle before you pour it at your table, and food pairing suggestions are provided. Members also receive periodic wine gifts and discounts and can earn credits toward free bottles with successive purchases.

Product Variety

Many wine clubs feature just the best-known varietals—those that have won mass-market acceptance. But one of the best reasons to join a wine club is to expand your horizons beyond what your local supermarket or wine retailer offers. In many communities, the supermarket is the only place to shop for wines. But you'd be hard-pressed to find an Italian Aglianico or Spanish Verdejo at your local Piggly Wiggly—nor would you even know they'd be worth a try based on the fact that you enjoy Petit Syrahs or Sauvignon Blancs, respectively. Laithwaites can guide you to the wines that are likely to suit your palate. They can also take you on a wine lover's tour around the world that includes stops in lesser-known wine-growing countries like Bulgaria, Portugal, and Romania, where some great bargains can sometimes be found.

Access to Experts

Laithewaites works with small vintners around the world, many of whom have "pedigrees" from large, well-known wineries. One nice feature of Laithwaites' website is the opportunity customers have to read about the winemakers who make the wines available through the site. If you find a wine you like, you can search for more wines by the same maker. Winemakers have distinct styles. You may just develop a crush on one. 

Shipping Availability

Laithwaites ships to about 45 US states. While some wine clubs offer free delivery when you buy a case or more of wine, Laithwaites charges a shipping fee of $19.99 on the first case (up to $15 bottles) you order and $14.99 on any other cases in the same order. If you plan to order a lot of wine or order frequently, you can save on shipping costs by purchasing an Unlimited membership; for $89.99 annually, all of your wine will ship for free.  

Our Toast

Laithwaites is a great choice for wine drinkers interested in sampling the work of talented boutique winemakers and exploring a pretty wide world of wines. You may spend a little more for the privilege, but you'll be rewarded with greater wine knowledge and appreciation and an enhanced ability to select wines that suit your tastes and your table.