City Winery Barrel Program

What's in the box: VIP+ members get a monthly selection of City Winery's own small batch wines, though the site does not say how many bottles are included.

City Winery is a chain of urban wineries that are also concert venues and restaurants. Locations include New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and the Hudson Valley. The wine is made on site, and that is the main appeal: you are buying from a working winery, not a reseller. City Winery has long been linked with a barrel program that lets members take part in making wine. The main site does not feature that offer right now, so ask your local venue whether it is available before you count on it. What the site does promote is Vinofile VIP, a membership with early ticket access, no ticket fees and rewards on visits. A VIP+ upgrade adds monthly wine, exclusive tasting events and other perks. The online shop sells small batch bottles and ships nationwide. The site does not state prices, how many bottles come in a monthly shipment, or how the wines are chosen. Membership is set up by location, so it is worth more if you live near a venue and go to shows. If you want to learn winemaking yourself at home, this is not that. It is a way to enjoy a winery's own wine and events. Regular concertgoers near a location will get the most from it.