The Wine Society

What's in the box: A case of wine picked by the Society's buyers, or a mixed case you put together yourself from its range.

The Wine Society is a member-owned wine cooperative founded in 1874, and it works differently from most wine clubs. You don't pay a monthly fee. You join once, membership lasts for life, and you can then buy from its range whenever you like. Members who want regular deliveries can sign up for its Wine Without Fuss scheme, which sends cases chosen by the buying team. Plenty of members simply order mixed cases or single bottles when they want them. The range is the main draw. It includes everyday own-label bottles such as The Society's White Burgundy and Portuguese Red, and a two-tier collection of Society and Exhibition wines. There is also a Fine Wine selection of rare and classic wines, plus an in-bond service that lets you spread the cost of a purchase and drink the wine when you choose. A short recommendation quiz helps newer drinkers find bottles to suit their taste, and the site lists events and expertise for members. Prices on the featured bottles are modest for the quality and provenance on offer, and the site advertises free UK delivery. The drawbacks are mostly about format. You have to pay to join before you can buy, so it suits people who expect to keep ordering. It is also more of a shop with a curated subscription option than a surprise box, and it is aimed at UK buyers.