In 1990, there were less than 2,000 wineries in the United States. Nearly 20 years later, there are more than 5,500, and as the number of wineries has grown, so have the number of wine clubs. Not all wine clubs are created equal, but whether you are an avid wine collector or simply looking to build a modest cellar, a club can be a worthwhile investment. Identify the winning attributes, and you’ll be on track to gain access to the best wines in the country.

Pick the right club, or right mix of clubs

Wine club memberships generally fall into one of four categories, each with their own qualities: winery clubs, allocations, retailer clubs and finally, the experience club. Depending on your aim, you may belong to one or even all four at any given time. Think of it as if you’re managing your financial portfolio. You want to fill your cellar with quality, variety and one-of-a-kind bottles, so diversify your memberships to strike the right balance.

Winery Clubs

Generally, a winery’s club will offer a selection of wines shipped from the winery on a preset schedule with no fee over and above the cost of the wines and shipping to join. Whether the winery has a large production or is more boutique in nature, most will also offer members perks. Expect exclusive invitations to dinners and membership parties, discounts on reorders and event tickets, free or discounted tours and tastings and limited wines sold only to club members. These “winery only” bottles are where the true value lies since these are wines you cannot find at your local retailer or favorite restaurant. Judge the quality of the club on the number of limited edition wines offered, but you’ll find that even the largest wineries offer unique wines to club members. For example, Beringer Vineyards, a grocery store staple, includes limited-production chardonnay, zinfandel and even cabernet sauvignon that aren’t available in general distribution.

Getting on the best lists

Wine Allocations

An allocation or list membership allows you the chance to purchase a set number of bottles of a vintage during a given time period. Instead of shipping wines automatically, wineries offer list subscribers a first come, first-serve opportunity to purchase bottles of what are often very small production quantities (less than 10,000 cases). That said, getting onto some lists can prove quite challenging. Take Harlan Estate and Colgin Cellars, two Napa Valley heavy hitters. If you contact these wineries today, you will be graciously added to a list that may have you waiting for that first allocation for the next five—or even ten—years. Once you’ve managed to move from the waiting list to allocation, you’ll want to exercise your options early and often. The more you purchase one year, the more you will be allotted in future vintages. At Colgin, expect to pay $350 to $475 per bottle, and $500 for a bottle of Harlan Estate. Pass on your subscription and you risk losing your allocation in future vintages. Napa wineries aren’t the only ones that sell by allocation, of course. Other examples are Sea Smoke from Santa Rita Hills, Williams Selyem in Sonoma, and Red Car in Santa Maria, Calif.