Looking for that special bottle that’s hard to find? Buying wine online has gotten a lot easier, and there are some great places to hunt down those rare varietals. We checked out a few popular spots to help you buy wine online and find exactly what you’re after.
K&L Wine Merchants
K&L Wine Merchants might have a website that looks like it’s from the early 2000s, but don’t let that fool you. This place is a powerhouse when it comes to selection, especially if you’re hunting for those harder-to-find bottles. They’ve got over 10,000 wines listed, with a real focus on regions like California, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley, plus Oregon.
What really sets K&L apart is their ‘Direct Buy’ section. This shows you wines they’ve imported themselves, which often means better value or access to something unique. They also have a good chunk of their inventory under $25, which is nice, but be aware that a good portion of their overall selection is priced above $30.
Selection and Focus
- California
- Bordeaux
- Burgundy
- Rhône Valley
- Oregon
- Old and Rare Wines
Features
- Over 10,000 wines available
- Sort by clearance, direct buys, organic, and wine scores
- Tasting notes included
- Auctions
- Wine clubs with various price points
- Personal sommelier service available
K&L is a go-to for serious collectors and also for those just starting to explore beyond the usual suspects. The sheer volume of wine means you’re likely to find what you’re looking for, even if it takes a bit of digging.
Pricing and Value
- 66% of wines are over $30
- Over 2,000 wines are available for under $25
- Good overall value, especially on their direct import wines.
WineBid
WineBid feels a lot like eBay, but specifically for wine lovers. It’s a place where collectors often list their bottles, and you can find some really interesting stuff, including those hard-to-find bottles. It’s a great spot for serious collectors looking for rare and collectible wines. The site itself isn’t super fancy, but it gets the job done. You can find wines from importers and distributors too, which is pretty neat.
Key Features
- Auction Format: Most wines are sold through weekly auctions, so you might snag a deal if you’re lucky.
- ‘Buy It Now’ Options: They also have a ‘Buy It Now’ section where you can find some good deals, sometimes even under $20.
- Tasting Notes: You can usually find tasting notes to help you decide.
- Cellar Management: For a yearly fee, you can even use their tools to manage your own wine cellar.
- Selling: If you have wine you want to sell, WineBid offers a way to do that too.
It’s worth noting that sales are final here, so make sure you know what you’re bidding on. If you’re looking for those special bottles that are tough to track down, WineBid is definitely worth checking out. You can explore their weekly auctions to see what’s available.
The user experience might feel a bit overwhelming if you’re new to buying wine online, especially since it’s geared more towards experienced collectors. But if you know what you’re after, it’s a solid platform.
Wine.com
Wine.com is a pretty solid place to start if you’re looking for a wide variety of wines, especially if you’re into California and other New World stuff. They’ve got a huge selection, like over 7,000 bottles, so you’re bound to find something.
One of the cool things they have is this ‘Chat with an Expert’ feature. I tried it out, and honestly, the people on the other end seemed to know their stuff. It’s like having a sommelier on call, which is handy if you’re not sure what to pick. They also have a bunch of ways to sort through their wines, like by reviewer, rating, or even flavor profile. Makes it easier to find what you’re looking for, or just stumble upon something new.
They also offer wine club memberships, which can be a good way to get regular shipments of wine you might like. It’s not always the cheapest option out there, especially for wines under $20, but the convenience and the help you can get make it worth considering for some people.
StewardShip Program
Wine.com has a program called StewardShip. For a yearly fee, you can get free shipping on your orders. It’s a good deal if you plan on buying wine online pretty regularly.
Expert Assistance
As mentioned, they have people you can text with who know a lot about wine. This is a big plus if you’re new to wine or just want some guidance. They can help you pick out bottles based on your taste or for a specific occasion.
Search and Sort Options
This is where Wine.com really shines. You can sort wines by all sorts of things: who reviewed it, its rating, its flavor profile, and even if it’s a charitable wine. They also have an advanced search function that lets you get pretty specific with what you’re looking for. It makes browsing their massive inventory a lot less overwhelming.
Wine Library
Wine Library is a name that many wine fans recognize, partly because of its founder, Gary Vaynerchuk. He really built this place up from the ground floor. If you’re looking for good prices on wines from the Old World, this is a spot to check out. They have a solid selection, with over 3,000 different wines available.
Selection and Focus
Wine Library really shines when it comes to wines from Napa Valley and Burgundy. You’ll find a good range here, and it’s a great place to explore if those regions are your jam. They also have tasting notes on most of their wines, which is super helpful when you’re trying to decide.
Pricing and Value
About half of their wines are priced under $30, so there are definitely options for different budgets. Overall, the value here is considered very good. It’s not just about the price, though; it’s about what you get for your money.
Features and Experience
They make it pretty easy to sort through their wines, letting you filter by reviewer, wines that offer free shipping, or those with high ratings (90+). They also have a blog that’s pretty engaging and geared towards sales, plus a daily deal section. For those who remember, WineLibraryTV was a big thing too, with tons of episodes.
They even have a smart shipping feature where they’ll hold your wine if the weather is bad, so it doesn’t get damaged. That kind of attention to detail is pretty rare.
If you’re interested in some unique finds, you might want to look into their Nostalgia Wines collections. It’s a good way to discover something new and special.
Total Wine
Total Wine
Total Wine & More is a pretty big name in the wine world, and for good reason. They’ve got a massive selection, and while they might not be the go-to for super obscure, rare bottles, they do have a decent range that can surprise you, especially if you’re looking for American wines or just good value. Their sheer volume means you’re likely to stumble upon something interesting.
What I like is that they have a lot of wines under $30, and even a good chunk under $10. It makes trying new things less of a financial risk. Plus, they have tasting notes on most of their bottles, which is super helpful when you’re browsing online and can’t actually taste the wine.
They also sell beer, cigars, and other accessories, so it’s kind of a one-stop shop if you’re planning a get-together. One of the best things is that they ship to all 50 states, which is a huge plus if you’re not near one of their physical stores. You can even pick up your order in person if you live in one of the 15 states where they have locations.
- Selection Size: Over 7,500 wines available.
- Price Point: About 72% of their wines are priced under $30.
- Shipping: They ship to all 50 US states, with various options available.
- In-Store Pickup: Available in 15 states.
While the website can sometimes feel a bit slow to load, the checkout process is straightforward. It’s a solid option for everyday drinking wines and discovering American producers without breaking the bank. You can explore their award-winning wines at Total Wine & More.
They do have a lot of wines that are just okay, so you do have to shop smart to find the real gems. But if you’re patient and do a little digging, you can find some great deals here.
Millesima
Millesima is a serious player in the fine and rare wine market, especially if you’re hunting for something specific from France. They’ve been around since 1983, so they know their stuff. Their cellar is pretty impressive, holding over 2.5 million bottles, all kept in top-notch conditions. This means they’ve got a deep bench of wines from all the classic French regions – think Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône, Alsace, and of course, Champagne.
What They’re Known For
Millesima really shines when it comes to older vintages and wines that are a bit harder to track down. They source directly from producers, which is a good sign for authenticity and provenance. If you’re looking for specific bottles, especially from top French appellations, this is a place worth checking out. They also carry a good range of international wines, but their heart seems to be in France.
Selection Highlights
- Champagne: They have a particularly strong selection of Champagne, including some really sought-after bottles. You can find a great range of Dom Perignon here.
- Bordeaux & Burgundy: Expect a solid collection of top-tier wines from these iconic regions.
- En Primeur: They are known for their en primeur (wine futures) sales, allowing you to buy wine while it’s still in the barrel.
Buying Experience
The website is pretty straightforward. You can sort and search, and they provide tasting notes on many of their wines. They’ve made over 300,000 international deliveries, so they have experience shipping globally. Just be prepared, as their focus is on the higher end of the market, so prices can reflect that.
Millesima is a go-to for collectors and serious enthusiasts looking for well-stored, hard-to-find bottles, particularly from France. Their commitment to provenance and their extensive cellar space make them a reliable source for fine wine.
Italian Wine Merchants
Italian Wine Merchants
If you’re on the hunt for top-tier Italian wines, especially those harder-to-find bottles, Italian Wine Merchants is a place worth checking out. They really focus on the high-end Italian market, so don’t expect a huge selection of everyday drinkers here. Most of their bottles are priced over $100, but if you’re serious about Italian varietals and looking for something special, this is a good spot.
They do have some interesting features, like wine clubs focused on Italian selections and even cellar management services if you’re really into collecting. It’s not the most user-friendly site, and finding what you want can take a bit of effort, but the curated selection means you’re likely to find some gems you won’t see everywhere else. They also carry accessories and glassware, which is a nice touch.
- Focus on High-End Italian Wines: Their collection is specifically curated for serious collectors and enthusiasts of Italian wine.
- Rare Finds: You’re likely to discover bottles that are difficult to source elsewhere in the US.
- Wine Clubs & Services: Offers specialized Italian wine clubs and cellar management options.
- Accessories: Carries wine-related accessories like glassware and antique corkscrews.
While the website’s navigation might feel a bit dated, the quality and rarity of the Italian wines they stock make it a destination for those who know exactly what they’re looking for. It’s a niche market, but they serve it well.
Italian Wine Merchants is located in New York and offers shipping, with a notable deal for first-time orders over $100. You can find a good range of their curated selections, though be prepared for a more focused, less broad inventory compared to larger online retailers. For those passionate about Italian wine, it’s a solid resource to explore Italian wine selections.
Astor Wines
Astor Wines is a pretty solid spot if you’re trying to find some less common wines without breaking the bank. They really lean into Old World stuff, which is great, and you can often snag unique bottles, like natural wines, at decent prices. It feels like a place where you can discover something new without feeling like you’re overpaying.
They’ve got a decent selection, over 1,500 wines, and a good chunk of those are under $30. So, if you’re looking for affordable French and Italian wines, this is definitely a place to check out. Plus, they throw in an extra 10% off if you buy a whole case, which is a nice little perk.
Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- Selection Focus: Primarily Old World wines, with a good showing of natural and unique finds.
- Price Point: Over half their wines are priced under $30, making it accessible.
- Case Discount: Get an additional 10% off when you purchase a full case.
- Information: You can find tasting notes and educational tidbits on many of their bottles.
If you’re the type of shopper who enjoys digging for interesting bottles and appreciates a good value, Astor Wines is worth a look. It’s not the flashiest site, but the selection can be rewarding.
They also have some interesting regional wines, like the Freisa grape from Piedmont, which is known for its strawberry notes. It’s these kinds of specific varietals that make places like Astor Wines stand out when you’re hunting for something a bit different. You can find more about this Freisa wine if you’re curious.
Finding Your Next Rare Bottle
So, you’re on the hunt for something a little different, a wine that isn’t on every corner. We’ve looked at a few places that really stand out when it comes to those harder-to-find bottles. Whether you’re into the auction scene for a real gem, or you prefer a curated list from a specialist, there are definitely options out there. It might take a bit more digging than grabbing a bottle from your local shop, but finding that unique varietal is totally worth the effort. Happy hunting for your next favorite wine!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different ways to buy wine online?
Some websites are like online auction houses, similar to eBay, where you can bid on rare wines or buy them right away. Others have a more traditional online store feel, offering a wide variety of wines from different regions. Many sites also have experts who can help you pick out the perfect bottle.
What should I look for when choosing an online wine store?
When buying wine online, it’s a good idea to check if the website offers detailed descriptions of the wine, like tasting notes or information about the region it comes from. Some sites even have sommeliers, who are like wine experts, available to chat with you and give recommendations.
Do online wine stores have wine clubs?
Yes, many online wine stores offer wine clubs. These clubs usually send you a selection of wines regularly, often based on a theme or a specific price range. It’s a great way to discover new wines without having to choose them yourself.
How does shipping work for online wine purchases?
Shipping costs can vary a lot. Some stores offer free shipping if you buy a certain amount, like a full case of wine. Others charge a flat fee per bottle or a fee based on how far the wine has to travel. It’s always best to check the shipping details before you buy.
Do I need to be home to receive my wine delivery?
Most online wine stores require someone who is 21 or older to sign for the package when it’s delivered. This is a legal requirement. If you’re not usually home during the day, shipping to a business address might be a better option.
What is the return policy for online wine purchases?
It’s important to know that once wine is shipped, most online stores don’t offer refunds if you change your mind. If you need to cancel an order, you usually have to do it very quickly, often within a couple of hours of placing it, to avoid any cancellation fees.