Since 2002, I’ve been reviewing wine subscription services here at WineClubs.net, and over the years I’ve seen clubs come and go. The Zagat Wine Club was one of those services that made an impact during its run, and I wanted to share my experience with it for historical context and to help you understand the evolution of wine clubs in the market.
I paid $69.99 plus shipping to join the Zagat Wine Club and test it firsthand. Full transparency: this review contains affiliate links for current wine club recommendations, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through them. My opinions are always honest, regardless.
Important Update: Club No Longer Operating
On May 23, 2014, Direct Wines (the company managing the Zagat Wine Club) announced that the club would cease operations. However, the good news for anyone who enjoyed this service is that it was essentially identical to Laithwaite’s Wine Club, which is still operating today and also managed by Direct Wines.
The wines, selection process, pricing structure, and membership benefits were virtually the same between the two clubs. If you’re interested in the type of experience the Zagat Wine Club offered, Laithwaite’s Wine Club provides that same value proposition.
About the Zagat Wine Club
The Zagat Wine Club leveraged the trusted Zagat brand—known for restaurant and wine ratings—to offer curated wine selections delivered directly to members’ doors. The club focused on providing exceptional value through introductory offers while exposing members to unique wines they wouldn’t typically find in retail stores.
Managed by Direct Wines, one of the largest wine merchants in the world, the club combined expert selection with convenient delivery and satisfaction guarantees. The business model was straightforward: attract new members with compelling introductory pricing, then retain them with quality selections and ongoing discounts.
How the Club Worked
The Zagat Wine Club operated on a quarterly delivery schedule, shipping 12 bottles every three months. Members could customize their cases by selecting all reds, all whites, or a mixed case.
The introductory offer was the main draw: 12 bottles for $69.99 (under $6 per bottle) plus $19.99 shipping. After the first case, members received 20% off future cases, which were priced at $139.99 plus shipping.
Each shipment included detailed tasting notes, food and wine pairing suggestions, and educational materials to enhance the tasting experience.
What I Appreciated
Outstanding introductory value – At less than $6 per bottle, the first case represented exceptional value for quality wines
Unique wine selections – The wines were carefully curated and difficult to find in typical retail stores, offering genuine discovery
Expert curation – Selections were made by wine professionals, ensuring quality and interesting variety
Wide availability – Delivery was available to most states across the country
Premium welcome gifts – New members received four wine tasting glasses exclusively made by Luigi Bormioli, a renowned Italian master glassmaker
Educational materials – Each shipment included comprehensive tasting notes, food pairing charts, and wine terminology guides
Ongoing savings – Members received 20% off all future cases after the introductory offer
100% satisfaction guarantee – Any wine you didn’t enjoy would be refunded, no questions asked
Cancellation flexibility – Members could cancel at any time without penalty
Convenience – Wines delivered directly to your door, eliminating trips to the wine shop
The Limitations
Shipping costs – The $19.99 shipping charge was separate from the introductory price, adding to the total cost
Quarterly only – No monthly delivery option was available; shipments came every three months
Signature required – Someone 21 or older had to be home to accept delivery, though FedEx pickup was an alternative option
Limited shipping states – Not available in all states due to wine shipping regulations
My Ordering Experience
The ordering process was refreshingly simple—everything completed on a single screen. I selected my case preference (reds, whites, or mixed), provided my information, and confirmed the order. No complicated multi-step checkout or unnecessary upsells.
I created an account during checkout, which proved valuable. The account dashboard allowed me to track my order status and see exactly which wines were being shipped. This level of transparency was appreciated.
One interesting detail: when I entered my zip code, a pop-up appeared showing the name and location of the specific retailer that would be assembling and shipping my case. While unexpected, this added accountability and gave me a direct contact if any issues arose.
Immediately after ordering, I received a confirmation page with an Order Reference ID, customer service phone number, and an estimated shipping date—just five days out, despite the website stating 10-14 days. I was pleasantly surprised but skeptical.
Delivery Experience
My skepticism was unfounded. Within days, I received an automated call from FedEx notifying me that my wine would arrive the following day. They reminded me that someone 21 or older needed to be present to sign for the delivery.
The wine arrived exactly as scheduled. The packaging was sturdy and professional, with proper bottle protection. All 12 bottles arrived in perfect condition with no damage.
The shipment included the four Luigi Bormioli wine tasting glasses, comprehensive tasting notes for each wine, a food and wine pairing chart, and educational materials on wine tasting techniques and terminology. The attention to detail in the welcome package exceeded my expectations.
The Wine Quality
The wines themselves were the real test, and they delivered. Each selection was unique and represented good quality for the price point. These weren’t wines I would have easily found at my local wine shop, which made the experience feel like genuine discovery rather than just convenient delivery.
The tasting notes were accurate and helpful, providing context about each wine’s origin, winemaking process, and suggested food pairings. This educational component elevated the experience beyond simply receiving wine—it was about learning and exploring.
At under $6 per bottle for the introductory case, the quality-to-price ratio was excellent. Even accounting for the $19.99 shipping (bringing the total to about $7.50 per bottle), it represented solid value for curated, unique wines delivered to my door.
Zagat Wine Club Photos
Final Assessment
While the Zagat Wine Club is no longer operating, my experience with it was overwhelmingly positive. The combination of exceptional introductory value, unique wine selections, premium welcome gifts, and straightforward ordering process made it a standout service during its time.
The club succeeded because it focused on the fundamentals: quality wine at fair prices, convenient delivery, and genuine customer value. The satisfaction guarantee and cancellation flexibility removed purchase risk, while the educational materials enhanced the overall experience.
For those interested in this type of wine club experience today, Laithwaite’s Wine Club offers an essentially identical service. Same management company, same selection philosophy, similar pricing structure, and the same commitment to introducing members to unique, hard-to-find wines.
The legacy of the Zagat Wine Club lives on through its successor, and the model it established—combining expert curation with aggressive introductory pricing and quality guarantees—continues to define successful wine club operations in today’s market.
For California natives like myself who’ve relocated to North Carolina, wine clubs like this provide access to diverse selections that might not be available locally, all delivered conveniently to your door with the assurance that if you don’t enjoy something, you’ll get your money back.