FAQ
Q: Why is Vineration only available in Florida?
A: Florida is the 3rd largest state in the country and has sophisticated wine consumers, but a surprisingly poor selection of domestic wines. Being a Florida native, I was spoiled by the quality of wine I could easily find in California. After moving back east, I created Vineration to address this problem. Our club may expand into other southeastern states in time, so tell your friends and family about us!
Q: What makes vineration unique from other wine clubs?
Vineration has a real and active connection to many of America's wine regions. We don't choose wines through a catalog online - we personally know the winemaker. We want YOU to know them, too.
Many popular wine subscription clubs buy bulk wine and bottle it themselves under made-up brands. The origin of the wine and the winemaking technique is kept secret. It could be from an incredible vineyard or it could be heavily-doctored cheap junk. There is simply no transparency. By joining Vineration, you can be certain you’re supporting independent winemakers with your purchase.
Vineration will only offer wines from small-scale domestic wineries that meet authentic origin and production standards. We want the "small-guy/gal" to acquire lifelong devotees and their businesses to thrive. The more success they have by chipping away at corporate wine, the easier their wines will be to acquire and the more competitive prices become.
Many popular wine subscription clubs buy bulk wine and bottle it themselves under made-up brands. The origin of the wine and the winemaking technique is kept secret. It could be from an incredible vineyard or it could be heavily-doctored cheap junk. There is simply no transparency. By joining Vineration, you can be certain you’re supporting independent winemakers with your purchase.
Vineration will only offer wines from small-scale domestic wineries that meet authentic origin and production standards. We want the "small-guy/gal" to acquire lifelong devotees and their businesses to thrive. The more success they have by chipping away at corporate wine, the easier their wines will be to acquire and the more competitive prices become.
Q: Why do you only feature American wines?
A: Many other online wine clubs offer predominantly European wines. Yes, Europe produces great wine of value. But this neglects the exciting innovation happening in the U.S. wine industry. On one hand, I focus on startup wineries that source grapes from renowned vineyards and challenge the status quo of winemaking styles. I also spotlight older family-operated wineries which fly below-the-radar because they resist corporate acquisition and prefer hands-on small production. These wines are only available to savvy visitors, wine club members, or well-connected sommeliers who have a direct link to the winery.
Q: Why aren't there Club options for Reds or Whites Only?
A: Vineration currently only offers one club option: 2 wines of our choice. Usually, monthly releases will be mixed: 1 Red & 1 White. However, we will also regularly choose 2 Reds or 1 Red & 1 Rose. I personally love white wine, and would love a 2 Whites option, but I know many have a white wine issue. No matter what, we focus on putting the best juice in your glass. We look forward to expanding our club types as we grow.
Q: How does vineration set pricing?
A: To give you a predictable subscription, we set a fixed price for our membership of $67 plus $10 shipping. This really is a "sweet spot" to obtain the highest quality-to-value wines in America. We never charge a premium above retail price; in fact, you'll usually receive a discount off retail. We strive to curate wines that not only deliver quality, but do so at the best possible price.
Q: Why isn't shipping free?
A: Florida is physically very distant from the wine-growing regions of America. As you're quite aware, it's also a VERY hot place. Therefore, wine shipping is absurdly expensive. We wish we could offer free shipping, but the logistics just don't work. We do, however, substantially subsidize our shipping to give you the best fixed rate possible.
Q: Why can't I find these wines locally?
A: The alcohol industry is sandbagged by the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition, and subsequent case law interpretations. It allows every state to write their own alcohol laws and created the "three tier system". Wine must be sold through from wineries, to distributors, to retailers, to you - and independent winemakers have difficulty getting their wines picked up for distribution. Twenty years ago, the U.S. had around 1,800 wineries and 3,000 distributors. Today that ratio has flipped to over 9,200 wineries but just 1,200 distributors. Essentially, you have more options for good wine yet fewer opportunities to find them. Large distributors continue to merge into giant corporations which are focused on volume sales, not putting high quality wine in consumers' glasses nor representing small business people.
Q: What's up with "natural" wines? Does Vineration feature them?
A: "Natural wine" is an amorphous marketing term that was coined with the best of intentions but has been given a life of its own by the media and uninformed consumers. Here's the rough definition:
1. The grapes were grown at least organically, if not biodynamically. (Biodynamics is a whole other can of worms.)
2. They were picked by hand.
3. The grapes were crushed and allowed to ferment solely with native yeast - the yeast that occurs naturally in the environment of the vineyard and winery.
4. Zero commercial additives were put into the wine.
5. The final wine should be unfined and unfiltered, leaving sediment and particles (and more complexity) intact.
6. No SO2 (sulfur dioxide - a preservative) should be added to the wine. Some SO2 occurs naturally, and that should be enough.
In theory, all wine ought to be "natural". In fact, I know many winemakers who make wine naturally yet refuse to be marketed as such. Nobody wants additives like liquid oak essence, gum arabic, Mega Purple concentrate (google it), or other chemicals put in their wine. We want to enjoy the purity of the wine based on the skill it took to craft it, not to doctor it to cover up poor quality. However, Vineration does not adhere to the dogmatic approach to only feature wines which market themselves as "natural". Many times, we will feature natural wines, other times, we'll feature wines of high quality that are made "conventionally".
1. The grapes were grown at least organically, if not biodynamically. (Biodynamics is a whole other can of worms.)
2. They were picked by hand.
3. The grapes were crushed and allowed to ferment solely with native yeast - the yeast that occurs naturally in the environment of the vineyard and winery.
4. Zero commercial additives were put into the wine.
5. The final wine should be unfined and unfiltered, leaving sediment and particles (and more complexity) intact.
6. No SO2 (sulfur dioxide - a preservative) should be added to the wine. Some SO2 occurs naturally, and that should be enough.
In theory, all wine ought to be "natural". In fact, I know many winemakers who make wine naturally yet refuse to be marketed as such. Nobody wants additives like liquid oak essence, gum arabic, Mega Purple concentrate (google it), or other chemicals put in their wine. We want to enjoy the purity of the wine based on the skill it took to craft it, not to doctor it to cover up poor quality. However, Vineration does not adhere to the dogmatic approach to only feature wines which market themselves as "natural". Many times, we will feature natural wines, other times, we'll feature wines of high quality that are made "conventionally".
Q: How do I resolve a billing/shipping issue?
A: Contact [email protected]. We're here to help.
Q: How do I cancel my membership?
A: We're sorry you've chosen to leave the Vineration club. You can cancel anytime by emailing your request to [email protected]. We like to handle it personally so we can gather feedback to improve our services. Thanks!
Q: How does Vineration pick the producers/wines?
A: We have visited over 200 wineries and tasted thousands of wines throughout the USA and world. We leverage those relationships to gain access to the most interesting wines in the country. But basically:
1. Chiefly, it's gotta be damn good wine! The wine must be varietally correct, complex, and dance across our palates. We prefer wines with solid acidity - a key structural backbone.
2. The wine must be made transparently. We can point to a map and show you precisely where those grapes were grown. We care about what gets put into the bottle. There are dozens of things that can be legally added to your wine. We avoid wines with unnecessary additions like grape concentrate, gum arabic, fining chemicals, or nutrient boosters. Some additives are traditional and not harmful, like tartaric acid or bentonite clay for fining, so we're not 100% dogmatic. Overall, we believe the best wines are made in the vineyard, i.e. that high quality farming practices yield superior grapes which require no chemical compensation.
3. The winemakers/owners must be interesting, genuine, and ethical people. At the end of the day, business is about people. We prefer to support good, hardworking winemakers and farmers.
1. Chiefly, it's gotta be damn good wine! The wine must be varietally correct, complex, and dance across our palates. We prefer wines with solid acidity - a key structural backbone.
2. The wine must be made transparently. We can point to a map and show you precisely where those grapes were grown. We care about what gets put into the bottle. There are dozens of things that can be legally added to your wine. We avoid wines with unnecessary additions like grape concentrate, gum arabic, fining chemicals, or nutrient boosters. Some additives are traditional and not harmful, like tartaric acid or bentonite clay for fining, so we're not 100% dogmatic. Overall, we believe the best wines are made in the vineyard, i.e. that high quality farming practices yield superior grapes which require no chemical compensation.
3. The winemakers/owners must be interesting, genuine, and ethical people. At the end of the day, business is about people. We prefer to support good, hardworking winemakers and farmers.
Q: I only Drink Cabernet Sauvignon (Or I never Drink Chardonnay). Is Vineration for me?
A: Maybe not. Vineration is a wine exploration club which introduces you to new, delicious styles of wine and varieties about which you've never heard. Drink with an open mind! We hope you'll find your next favorite wine through us. challenging and limits my options
