GrowYourWine

What's in the box: Bottles of wine made from the grapes of your adopted row of vines, plus updates on how the vintage is progressing.

GrowYourWine is less a monthly box than a vine adoption scheme. As a member you are linked to a row of vines. The estate's winemaker looks after it through the growing season, harvests the grapes and makes the wine right up to bottling, so you end up with your own personal vintage. The idea is that you follow each stage of production instead of simply receiving a case of wine. The site also lists holiday options, a winery tour, wedding and special occasion vines, corporate events and partnerships with hotels and restaurants. It leans heavily toward gifts and experiences, which makes it an unusual present for a wine lover, a couple or a company looking for something memorable. The downsides are practical. The site does not state prices, how many bottles a membership produces, or how delivery works, so read the terms or contact the company before you commit. Several sections still refer to 2012, which suggests parts of the website have not been updated in years and makes it harder to judge how current the offer is. You also have no hands-on role unless you visit, because the winemaker does the work. If you value the story behind a bottle and don't mind asking questions first, it is worth a look.