7/05/2004

Wine Clubs Would Be Win-Win for Oklahoma

A Long Island Food and Wine Blog, called Lenndevours, has posted an excellent article on the booming wine industry trend of wine clubs. Although they are a big hit with consumers across the country, Oklahomans are forbidden by law from participating in wine clubs. Don't like that? Make your voice heard! OGGWMA is working to collect signatures to put the issue to a vote of the people...and they could use your help!

"Well, yes. Long Island winemakers are truly thankful for the support they receive from wine lovers, and club members really reap the benefits. Many vineyards host free (or affordable) members-only events, such as barrel tasting tours, wine dinners featuring the cuisine of top Long Island chefs, and wine appreciation classes where you get to meet the winemaker.

Put it all together - the discounted wine, the members-only events, the exclusive access to special wines - and there's really no downside. You really become a part of the winery when you join. You'll start to feel very "at home" in the tasting rooms. You'll get to know the people pouring and making your favorite wines. And they'll get to know you."


In most wine clubs, a bottle or two of wine is shipped directly to your home either monthly, quarterly or seasonally. Membership is usually free and you just pay for the wine you are sent (at a discount that helps offset the shipping costs). You get the best and hardest to find wines from your favorite vintners, many that are not even available to the wine buyer.

For real wine lovers, the deal becomes irresistible when you toss in extra rewards like seasonal barrel tasting events, dinners and wine appreciation classes. For winemakers, they get a real insight into what their most loyal customers prefer. They also get their new wine introduced to the market more quickly and inexpensively and a growing number of sales they can count on from one month to the next. Wine clubs are win-win deals for consumer and producers alike.

Considering the many miles of bad roads between Oklahoma wine lovers and the Oklahoma wineries that serve them, our state could really benefit from the kind of legislative reform OGGWMA is pushing for.

The Club Scene - Long Island Wine Clubs (from Dan's Papers)

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