I have been into trying different kinds of wines here lately. The problem is I never know what is good and what I should try so I end up just buying some random bottle and praying. If it's bad I have to drink it anyway because I'm not made of money after all.
It sometimes makes me wish I had some knowledgeable wine guru in my closet whispering to me what to try. Luckily, I was introduced to Uncorked Ventures.
Uncorked Ventures is a different kind of wine of the month club. Why you ask? Well, for one they are a family business that puts their hearts and souls into what they do. Unlike other wine clubs they spend time in wine country getting to know winemakers, vineyard owners, farmers and others directly involved in the creation of what's in your glass instead of buying wine through middle men and distributors. Now that's love!
This dedication allows the founders of Uncorked Ventures, Matt and Mark access to limited production wines that other wine clubs just can't get their hands on. Putting your everything into something really does pay off, doesn't it!?
Uncorked Ventures Wine Club offers three different wine club subscriptions – one for any budget. There's Explorations, Special Selections, and Reserve Selections wine clubs that you have the option of ordering one time, monthly, every other month, or quarterly as you desire. Their wines come from California, Oregon, & Washington’s best wine producers so you know you're bound to get something good.
- Explorations Wine Club ($40): 2 bottles of wine – 1 red and 1 white; sometimes there are two red wines
- Special Selections ($95): 2 Bottles of red wine – limited production, high demand boutique wines; Occasionally an excellent white wine is substituted
- Reserve Selections ($195): 2-3 Bottles of red wine – limited production, high demand boutique wines; rare, world class wines.
In my Explorations Wine Club box I received 2013 Sola North Coast Chardonnay and 2009 Thomas Alexander Les Origines which I of course opened with my handy Ozeri Extravo Electric ine Opener. They were both packages nicely and securely. Have no fear about your precious wine bottles breaking!
Let me start by saying I am far from a wine connoisseur so bare with me. I am a beginner.
The 2009 Thomas Alexander Les Origines is 50% SYRAH, 42% GRENACHE, and 8% MOURVEDRE from 1400 ft elevation Shallow soil on limestone bedrock. It has a fruity, berry taste that got better with time. Probably could benefit from an aerator.
The 2013 Sola North Coast Chardonnay had a slight white grape juice taste to me (that's a novice for ya) but Sola says it has an:
Initial impression of rich floral and apple notes that translates into a lightly toasted almond, slightly creamy citrus finish.
Now that sounds so much better and elegant! It amazes me what people can detect in their wine!! My nose and palate isn't up to snuff, yet.
Yes, they are a startup but we all have to start somewhere and I have to say it's a great start! I am so happy to of had the pleasure of trying Uncorked Ventures Wine Club. I would highly recommend them to novice wine drinkers like myself to learn and try exceptional wines to connoisseurs. They have something for everyone!
Oh this must have been the post my comment got vaporized :-)) I had said that this is awesome that you joined a wine club, Krystle! You can learn so much and find out that it’s really easier than you think to learn about pairings and certain tastes vs “blind” purchases. Very excited for you 🙂
I still do blind purchases Mike. Well, some. I just pick something that sounds good on the bottle lol. Not very scientific, huh?
For someone who wants to try new wines but doesn’t know that much about them yet a wine club sounds like the way to go. Particularly this club, they sound like they really put thought and effort behind their selections. I’ll be interested to hear what you like going forward.
Yes, I think it’s a great idea for novice wine drinkers too Susan 🙂