New York Wine Clubs... From Ukraine to the Finger Lakes
The Dutch immigrants' wine production around the New York area in the 17th century was not intended for commercialization, which only started locally in the 19th century. Nevertheless, you might be surprised to find out that New York was home to the first American winery to work under the modern federal bond system.
With the aid of a Ukrainian and a Frenchman, New York state wines flourished in the 20th century, with the plantation of vitis vinifera vines leading the way. The Finger Lakes region is currently the top wine region in the state, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and other varietals that are made from vitis vinifera.
With such a remarkable history, and being one of the great cosmopolitan capitals of the planet, New York is not lacking in wine culture. When it comes to wine clubs, New York has it all: from the regional to the international, and from the provincial to the exotic.
If you want to learn more about New York wine, I suggest you check out Uncork New York. It is the best online source of information on the subject. My favorite feature was the wine locator, which can guide you through wineries and retailers which may have the New York wine you are looking for stashed away somewhere.
A New York Wine Club for Everyone
If you are looking for a New York wine club, the first question to ask is whether you are interested in finding a local wine club in New York, or simply a wine club that delivers locally. Fortunately, there are abundant options in both categories.
Among the New York-based international wine clubs, one of the most famous has to be
The New York Times Wine Club
. Continuing in the tradition of other periodicals, such as the Sunday Times of London, the New York Times decided to launch their own wine club, by teaming with the Global Wine Company. The result is a popular New York wine club, which claims to include only the best wines from boutique wineries around the world in their monthly offerings.
Judging by its latest selections, this is truly an international wine club; they included French, an Argentinean, and a Spanish wine, mixed with some local American ones. Needless to say, the club's information and wine education aspects are well taken care of.
Wine and the City
If you are looking for something totally fun and different, you should check out Imbibe New York's wine club. This is not a traditional wine club; it functions in the way of monthly meetings/parties to taste one different type of wine each month. I myself wish I had been there for their rosé summer tasting last August. Judging by the pictures, it looks like they had a glorious time. Besides, what is better than a cool rosé in the summer? In short, if it is the social aspect of a wine club that you value the most, you should definitely check them out.
As far as New York wine clubs go, the New York Vintner's wine club is a more traditional option. Its various wine plans feature wines from around the world.
Again, more in the social vein, the Tasters Guild of New York offers regular tastings and events, as well as wine party planning.
The NYC wine club also offers a great social network and a choice of fun and enriching events.
New York and Beyond
Basically, the bulk of
American wine clubs
will deliver in New York, so, as a local New Yorker you will have a great choice of wine clubs.
However, joining a local New York wine club can be a great chance to find some fellow wine lovers, who will accompany you in your adventures around the city's vibrant wine bars, attending fancy wine tastings, and, perhaps, learning to tell Tannat from Tannat-Merlot in the process. :-)
