Since 2002, I’ve been reviewing wine subscription services here at WineClubs.net, and every so often I encounter a wine club that’s doing something genuinely different. The Roscioli Wine Club, founded by Alessandro Pepe and Lindsay Gabbard, represents a new paradigm in wine subscriptions—one that combines authentic Italian wine discovery with cutting-edge technology, sustainability commitments, and a genuine community experience centered around their Rome location.
This isn’t just a wine club—it’s an immersive Italian wine and culture experience that brings Italy directly to you through innovative approaches like QR codes on every bottle linking to winemaker videos, exclusive private label collaborations, and even wine shipments via sailboat to reduce environmental impact.
Sing up now at https://www.roscioliwineclub.com
About Roscioli Wine Club
Roscioli Wine Club is revolutionizing how wine enthusiasts experience Italian wine by bridging the gap between Italy’s artisan winemaking culture and wine lovers worldwide. Founded by Alessandro Pepe (the savvy Italian side) and Lindsay Gabbard (the balanced and bright American side), the club marries the best qualities of both worlds to create something unlike any other wine subscription.
Unlike many online wine clubs that exist purely in the digital realm, Roscioli has a physical home: Rimessa Roscioli in Rome, Italy, staffed by an entire team of sommeliers waiting to connect with members in person or virtually. This brick-and-mortar foundation gives the club credibility and creates opportunities for real-world engagement that purely online operations can’t match.
The club’s mission extends beyond simply delivering wine—they’re focused on preserving beauty from local landscapes to communities to the planet itself. Their commitment to sustainability, artisan winemakers, and authentic Italian culture permeates every aspect of their operation.
What Makes Roscioli Truly Different
QR Codes Linking to Winemaker Videos
Every bottle in your shipment features a private QR code that, when scanned, shows you a video telling the wine’s story. You’ll learn about the territory, history, the winemaker’s personal story, food pairing recommendations with regional recipes, when to drink the wine, and more.
This isn’t a gimmick—Roscioli has the largest and fastest-growing winemaker video collection in the world. They’ve visited over 600 wineries, almost exclusively artisans, creating an authentic Italian experience that takes you directly to the vineyards, cellars, and the true story behind each wine. New videos are published weekly.
As they note, knowing what’s behind the wine brings more pleasure and enjoyment to every sip. This technology transforms wine drinking from simple consumption into an educational journey where the winemaker becomes the protagonist of your tasting experience.
Exclusive Private Label Collaborations
Roscioli creates super boutique collaborations made exclusively for members that don’t exist anywhere else on the market. Sometimes they have ideas on how to improve a wine. Sometimes a winemaker believes in doing something but fears the risk or market constraints.
Together, Roscioli and these winemakers create bottles that challenge the status quo, available only to club members. These aren’t just relabeled existing wines—they’re unique expressions created specifically for the Roscioli community.
Physical Connection in Rome
This isn’t an online-only operation where your only connection is through chatbots or customer support. Members receive a complimentary Wine & Food Tasting Dinner at Rimessa Roscioli in Rome, hosted by one of their sommeliers or Masters of Wine. Collector’s Club members are invited to a special “Taste the Legends” experience.
This real-world connection point—the ability to visit, taste, and engage with actual wine professionals in Rome—adds tangible value that purely digital clubs can’t replicate. It transforms membership from a transactional relationship into a genuine community connection.
Revolutionary Sustainable Shipping
Roscioli is revolutionizing wine shipping through their partnership with Grain de Sail, using sailboats to transport wine across the Atlantic Ocean. They’ve completed their third transatlantic shipment this way, minimizing traditional air and sea freight.
They protect wines during transit with recyclable materials and are transitioning to even more eco-friendly materials. They’ve migrated their website to a carbon-neutral server and continuously implement changes to reduce their carbon footprint while supporting local Italian communities.
The Club Membership Options
Roscioli offers three membership tiers, each paid quarterly (four times per year) with two shipments of 12 bottles delivered per payment period—totaling 24 bottles annually. All tiers include shipping to the US and EU.
Essential Italian Wine Club
199€ ($230 approx.) paid quarterly
Two shipments of 12 bottles = 24 bottles per year
For everyday wine lovers. Features organic and artisan Italian wines that you cannot easily find outside of Italy. These are boutique wines that are more ready to drink now, perfect for those building their appreciation of authentic Italian wine without the premium price tag.
At approximately $230 per quarter for 12 bottles (6 bottles per shipment), this works out to roughly $19.17 per bottle with international shipping included—exceptional value for organic, artisan Italian wines with full winemaker video content.
Premium Italian Wine Club
269€ ($310 approx.) paid quarterly
Two shipments of 12 bottles = 24 bottles per year
For wine enthusiasts. Their premium selection of organic, artisan Italian wines featuring more full-bodied and complex wines that you can drink now or cellar for years to come.
At approximately $310 per quarter for 12 bottles, this works out to roughly $25.83 per bottle with international shipping included. For age-worthy, complex Italian wines from artisan producers, this represents strong value.
Collector’s Italian Wine Club
500€ ($540 approx.) paid quarterly
Two shipments of 12 bottles = 24 bottles per year
For wine collectors. Spotlights only those hard-to-find, world-class wines from Italy and sometimes France. These are wines you don’t share with just anyone—collectible bottles designed for serious enthusiasts.
At approximately $540 per quarter for 12 bottles, this works out to roughly $45 per bottle with international shipping included. For rare, world-class Italian wines that rarely leave Italy, this pricing is competitive with what such bottles would cost at retail—if you could even find them.
Sustainability at the Heart
Roscioli’s commitment to sustainability isn’t performative—it’s fundamental to their operation:
Artisan partnerships – They only work with artisans and families who take maximum respect for their land through sustainable farming
Organic focus – All wines are organic, sometimes biodynamic, with low or no added sulfites
Vineyard preservation – They work with artisans saving and recuperating old vineyards with 50-70+ years of age
Community investment – They’re buying small vineyards for their winemakers to help maintain sustainability of local communities
Eco-friendly packaging – Wines are protected during transit with recyclable materials, transitioning to even more eco-friendly options
Sailboat shipping – They’ve used sailboats for transatlantic shipments, minimizing carbon footprint from traditional freight
Carbon-neutral digital – Their website runs on carbon-neutral servers as their standard approach
As they state, “In Italy, land is our future.” This philosophy drives dozens of initiatives, large and small, that reduce their carbon footprint while supporting local Italian communities. Their mission is to preserve beauty—from local landscapes to communities to the planet itself.
The Winemaker Network
Roscioli has created a network of over 600 artisan winemakers across Italy. These aren’t just suppliers—they’re family, where business and pleasure blur beautifully as Roscioli’s team strolls through vineyards understanding each story.
The winemaker is always the protagonist. Roscioli’s mission is sharing these stories so members can learn and appreciate the origins of what’s in their glass. This philosophy results in authentic connections between members and the people actually making their wine.
The video collection documenting these relationships is unprecedented—the largest winemaker video library in the world, with new content published weekly. This isn’t marketing material; it’s genuine documentation of Italy’s artisan wine culture.
What I Appreciate
Authentic Italian focus – Exclusive focus on artisan Italian wines that rarely leave Italy creates genuine discovery
Revolutionary technology – QR codes linking to winemaker videos transform every bottle into an educational experience
Sustainability leadership – Sailboat shipping, carbon-neutral operations, and organic-only wines demonstrate real commitment
Physical location – Rimessa Roscioli in Rome provides real-world connection and credibility
Complimentary tasting experience – Members receive wine and food tasting dinner in Rome hosted by sommeliers or Masters of Wine
Exclusive collaborations – Private label wines created specifically for members that don’t exist on the market
International shipping included – Shipping to US and EU included in membership price
Community investment – Buying vineyards for winemakers to sustain local communities goes beyond typical business relationships
Vineyard preservation – Focus on 50-70+ year old vineyards preserves Italy’s winemaking heritage
100% quality guarantee – Full satisfaction guarantee with no contracts ever
Educational resources – Free 101 guide to Italian wine covering all 20 regions with 25€ discount for new members
Masters of Wine access – Team includes Masters of Wine, not just sommeliers
Celebrity validation – Even Anthony Bourdain loved Roscioli
Quarterly payment structure – Paying four times per year rather than monthly reduces transaction frequency
Ready-to-drink and age-worthy options – Different tiers accommodate those who want immediate enjoyment versus cellaring
The Limitations
Higher initial investment – Quarterly payments of €199-€500 require larger upfront commitment than monthly clubs
Italy-only focus – If you want variety from multiple countries, this single-region specialization may feel limiting (though Collector’s tier occasionally includes French wines)
Limited customization – Each tier has a defined profile; you can’t mix tiers or customize bottle counts like some clubs
Bi-annual shipments only – Two shipments per quarter means less frequent deliveries than monthly clubs
International operation – Based in Rome, so customer service operates on European time zones
Currency conversion – Prices in euros mean exchange rate fluctuations affect actual cost for US members
Preorder model – Must preorder selections in advance (e.g., “Preorder Spring 2026 selection now”)
The Community Experience
Roscioli describes itself as “More than wine club. A community. An experience.” This isn’t empty marketing—the structure supports genuine community building:
The physical location in Rome creates a destination for members to visit, taste, and connect with sommeliers and Masters of Wine in person.
The winemaker video content creates shared knowledge and appreciation across the member community—everyone learns the same stories and develops deeper understanding together.
The exclusive collaborations give members something unique they can’t find anywhere else, creating shared identity around these special bottles.
The sustainability mission attracts like-minded members who value environmental responsibility and community preservation, creating values alignment within the membership.
As they note, “We believe wine is a vehicle to nature, humanity, culture, socialization, travel, experience, and deeper connections.” This philosophy elevates wine from beverage to cultural bridge.
Educational Value
Beyond the QR code videos on every bottle, Roscioli provides substantial educational resources:
Their free 101 guide to Italian wine introduces winemaking history, common grapes, and pairing recommendations from all 20 Italian regions. This comprehensive guide is available for free download and includes a 25€ discount code for new members.
The weekly publication of new winemaker videos creates ongoing learning opportunities—you’re not limited to just the wines in your shipment but can explore their entire collection of 600+ winery visits.
The food pairing recommendations include regional recipes, connecting wine to Italian culinary culture in practical, actionable ways.
The complimentary tasting dinner in Rome provides hands-on education from professional sommeliers and Masters of Wine, taking understanding to a deeper level.
Value Analysis
At first glance, the quarterly payments seem substantial: €199-€500 ($230-$540). However, breaking down the value reveals competitive pricing:
Essential Club: $19.17 per bottle including international shipping for organic, artisan Italian wines with full video content and educational materials. Try finding comparable wines at US retail—organic Italian artisan bottles typically start at $20-25 before you factor in shipping.
Premium Club: $25.83 per bottle for age-worthy, complex wines from premium producers. Comparable bottles at retail would likely cost $30-40+, and you’d lack the winemaker stories and exclusive access.
Collector’s Club: $45 per bottle for world-class, hard-to-find wines that rarely leave Italy. For collectors, finding these bottles at all is the challenge—price becomes secondary when availability is the real constraint.
The included international shipping is tremendously valuable. Shipping wine from Italy to the US typically costs $50-100+ per shipment, which Roscioli absorbs. This alone justifies the membership cost.
The complimentary wine and food tasting dinner in Rome for members (or special “Taste the Legends” experience for Collectors) adds hundreds of dollars in value for those who take advantage of it.
The QR code technology and video content represent investments most wine clubs don’t make. Creating and maintaining the world’s largest winemaker video collection isn’t cheap, yet it’s included in membership.
Who This Club Is For
Italian wine enthusiasts – If you’re passionate about Italian wine specifically, this club offers unparalleled depth and authenticity
Sustainability-conscious consumers – The genuine commitment to organic farming, sailboat shipping, and community investment aligns with environmental values
Experience seekers – Those who want more than just wine—who want stories, connections, and cultural immersion
Technology-appreciative members – The QR code innovation appeals to those who appreciate technology enhancing traditional experiences
Rome travelers – The complimentary tasting experience in Rome provides extra value for those who visit Italy
Collectors – The Collector’s tier provides access to wines that rarely leave Italy and can’t be found through normal channels
Community-oriented wine lovers – Those who value being part of something larger than just receiving bottles
Authenticity prioritizers – Members who want direct connection to artisan producers rather than mass-market brands
The Founders’ Vision
Alessandro Pepe and Lindsay Gabbard bring complementary strengths—Italian insider knowledge combined with American entrepreneurial approach. This bi-cultural perspective allows them to bridge Italian artisan culture with international wine club expectations.
Their statement that “we are leaders in the Italian wine industry—focused on artisan wines—on a mission to open up a world of beauty and Italian culture to you” isn’t just positioning—it’s reflected in every aspect of their operation, from the 600+ winery relationships to the sailboat shipping to the Rome tasting room.
The promise that “this will be the most all-encompassing wine club you’ll ever be part of” is bold, but the evidence supports it. The combination of physical location, video technology, exclusive collaborations, sustainability leadership, and authentic artisan focus creates something genuinely comprehensive.
Riscioli Wine Club Photos
Final Assessment
Roscioli Wine Club represents the future of wine subscriptions—technology-enhanced, sustainability-focused, community-oriented, and authentically connected to source. This isn’t just a fulfillment operation shipping bottles; it’s a mission-driven organization preserving Italian artisan wine culture while making it accessible to international members.
The QR code innovation alone sets them apart—transforming every bottle into a gateway to the winemaker’s story, territory, and culture. No other club I’ve reviewed has invested this heavily in educational technology that genuinely enhances the tasting experience.
The sustainability commitments are real and comprehensive, from sailboat shipping to carbon-neutral operations to buying vineyards for winemakers. This isn’t greenwashing—it’s fundamental to their business model.
The physical presence in Rome, staffed by sommeliers and Masters of Wine, provides credibility and opportunity for genuine connection that online-only operations can’t match. The complimentary tasting experiences add tangible value for members who visit Italy.
The exclusive focus on Italian artisan wines—specifically those that rarely leave Italy—creates genuine discovery rather than just convenient delivery of wines available at retail. If you’re passionate about Italian wine, this depth of specialization is invaluable.
The pricing is fair when you factor in international shipping, organic certification, artisan production, video content, educational resources, and exclusive access. For what you’re receiving, the value proposition is strong across all three tiers.
For California natives like myself who relocated to North Carolina and have limited access to authentic Italian artisan wines, Roscioli provides something special—direct connection to Italy’s winemaking culture with educational depth that transforms appreciation.
If you’re looking for a generic wine club delivering bottles from multiple countries at the lowest possible price, Roscioli isn’t for you. But if you’re passionate about Italian wine, value sustainability, want authentic connections to artisan producers, and appreciate technology that enhances rather than replaces traditional culture, Roscioli Wine Club deserves serious consideration.
This is wine subscription reimagined—community-focused, mission-driven, and genuinely innovative. Alessandro and Lindsay have created something that honors Italian winemaking tradition while pioneering new ways to share it with the world.
—Brendan Monahan, WineClubs.net