Long Island Wine Clubs: Membership Has Its Benefits

You love wine. You enjoy everything that has to do with it…wine tasting, pairing, learning how it was grown, made, bottled, etc. You revel in the experience of it and don’t have one specific varietal that you drink all of the time. Your repertoire reaches from Sauvignon Blanc to oak-aged Chardonnay; and from bold Bordeaux blends to smooth Merlots. Of course, it all depends on what you are eating, what time of year it is and which occasion you are celebrating. If this description fits your wine-ing habits, then you need to be a part of a wine club (or two).

East Enders may feel that they don’t need to join a club at a Long Island winery because they “are already out here” and “why should they have wine shipped to them?” Well, shipping is not a reason to join or not to join. That’s a factor that’s not even necessary. So, what value do these memberships hold for all of you?  

A Long Island wine club membership is a VIP card to your enjoy your favorite wine at a raised level of inclusion, service, discounts and availability of special vintages and varietals. It benefits the local to join because one could truly take advantage of everything a club as to offer. Most East End vineyards offer this special amenity. By taking a look at a few, we can get a clearer picture of what it’s all about.

At Raphael, their appropriately named Reserve Club boasts more than just access to exclusive reserve labels that are locked away in the wine library. Upon joining, with no membership fees applied, you commit to four bottles (either picked up or shipped) four times per year from a pre-selected menu inclusive of new releases and member-only library wines. Upgrades are always available. Reserve Club wines along with all wine and gift shop purchases are at a 20% discount. Membership also entitles you to free tastings anytime for member and guest; two complimentary tickets to a barrel tasting with the winemaker; specials throughout the year and free concierge service to area restaurants, lodging and attractions.  

Other vineyards offer discounts at 20% as well via their wine club, such as Clovis Point. Signing up for their club includes shipments or pick-ups four times per year, discounts on limited production wines, pre-release access, free tastings, club-only events and even a dedicated club e-line.

Jamesport Vineyards features a wine club of four bottles, every two months, free tastings, pre-release option, 20% off of wines (including internet purchases) and 5% off of site fees to host events at the vineyard, discounted admission to events, and winemaker’s pairings and notes.

Some vineyards offer an open wine selection plan for their clubs as long as you commit to a certain number of bottles purchased within the year. They also have different levels of membership such as gold or platinum and may offer special dinners out and about on the North Fork. No matter which Long Island wine club you choose, you are sure to receive the best of their wines, service and unique privileges. It’s a choice for those who enjoy wines of all kinds, vineyard-based events and family-like treatment while visiting.

Personally, before working full-time within the Long Island wine industry, I had been a part of two different clubs – Martha Clara Vineyards and Macari Vineyards. Both of which were excellent. Each had their own features that I enjoyed and I would recommend membership to any wine enthusiast out there— especially North Forkers.