"The access to fine wines here actually surpasses what's available in traditional wine regions," was recently overheard at one of our tasting events. Our weekly tastings regularly fill with former California, Oregon, and Virginia wine club members who've found a new home for their wine passion. Rather than missing their old memberships, they're discovering the freedom of exploring wines from every corner of the world, guided by our expert sommeliers.
This sentiment echoes throughout Asheville's growing community of wine lovers. As our mountain city continues to attract newcomers from across the country, many are discovering that Metro Wines' Case Club and personalized sommelier service offer advantages that traditional winery clubs simply can't match. Let's explore why more and more wine enthusiasts are making the switch.
The Evolution of Wine Club Memberships
Traditional winery wine clubs have their charm. There's something special about supporting a favorite vineyard and receiving their carefully crafted selections throughout the year. However, as the wine industry has evolved and consumers have become more sophisticated, the limitations of single-winery clubs have become increasingly apparent.
When you join a winery club, you're essentially committing to receiving multiple bottles from one producer, typically three to six times per year. While this works well if you're deeply passionate about that particular winery, it can become restrictive for those who want to explore the vast world of wine. You might receive six bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon when you're craving a crisp Sancerre, or find yourself with multiple bottles of the same wine when you'd prefer variety.
The Metro Wines Difference: Flexibility Meets Expertise
At Metro Wines, we've reimagined the wine club concept to better serve modern wine enthusiasts. Our Case Club offers several key advantages that set it apart from traditional winery memberships:
1. World-Class Selection:
Unlike winery clubs that limit you to one producer's portfolio, Metro Wines can source virtually any wine from anywhere in the world. From cult Napa Cabernets like Spottswoode and Ridge Montebello to prestigious European estates like Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Giuseppe Quintarelli, our ability to source exceptional wines is virtually unlimited. As we like to say, "We got that!" And if by chance we don't have a particular bottle in stock, we'll make every effort to find it for you.
2. Personalized Curation:
Perhaps the most significant advantage of our Case Club is the personal sommelier service. Every case is hand-selected by our experienced team, led by professionals like Andy Hale, a Certified Specialist of Wine with nearly two decades of industry experience, including time as a sommelier at the prestigious 5-Star Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island.
3. Flexible Options:
Members can choose from various configurations to suit their preferences:
- All red wines
- All white wines
- A mix of both
- Integration of rosé and sparkling wines
- Regular or Premium tier options
- Custom case selections tailored to individual tastes
4. Educational Component:
Each case includes detailed descriptions of the wines and food pairing suggestions, transforming every bottle into an opportunity for learning and discovery. This educational aspect is further enhanced by access to the Asheville School of Wine, founded right here at Metro Wines.
Beyond the Box: A Community Hub for Wine Lovers
What truly sets Metro Wines apart isn't just our selection or service—it's our role as a community hub for Asheville's wine enthusiasts. For newcomers to the area, this aspect is particularly valuable. When you join our Case Club, you're not just signing up for monthly wine deliveries; you're becoming part of a vibrant community of wine lovers.
Our shop on Charlotte Street (conveniently located on the way to the Grove Park Inn) has become a gathering place where wine enthusiasts can:
- Attend regular tasting events and educational seminars
- Consult with sommeliers about building their home cellars
- Meet fellow wine lovers and share discoveries
- Learn about food and wine pairing from experienced professionals
- Explore new regions and varieties in a welcoming, unpretentious environment
The Sommelier Advantage: Expert Guidance at Your Service
One of the most significant benefits of choosing Metro Wines over a traditional winery club is the constant access to sommelier expertise. There's always a sommelier on duty at Metro Wines, each bringing retail and restaurant experience to help you select the perfect bottle for any occasion.
Our team includes professionals like:
John Kerr: Born in Napa, John brings a lifetime of wine knowledge and insight to every interaction. His extensive understanding of both wines and the market helps ensure we can source even the most sought-after bottles for our clients.
Andy Hale: As our Director of Education, Andy brings his sommelier experience and Certified Specialist of Wine credentials to help members expand their wine knowledge and appreciation.
This level of expertise means that whether you're:
- Planning a dinner party and need perfect pairings
- Looking to start a serious wine collection
- Seeking to explore a new wine region
- Simply wanting to find a great everyday drinking wine
You'll have access to professional guidance that goes far beyond what any winery club can offer.
Value Beyond the Bottle
While winery clubs often provide member discounts, Metro Wines offers competitive pricing that frequently beats internet prices. Our Case Club members enjoy:
- 15% discount on case purchases
- Priority access to rare and allocated wines
- Special pricing on educational events
- Convenience of local delivery or pickup
- Flexible membership terms
- Access to custom case services
For New Asheville Residents: Your Gateway to Wine Country
If you're new to Asheville, you might be surprised to learn that our mountain city has become a serious destination for wine enthusiasts. Metro Wines has played a significant role in this development, having been voted the #1 wine shop in Asheville for seven consecutive years and earning recognition from both The Wall Street Journal and Wine Enthusiast.
For newcomers, our Case Club offers an ideal way to:
- Connect with fellow wine enthusiasts
- Learn about local food and wine culture
- Discover new favorites while maintaining access to familiar wines
- Build relationships with knowledgeable wine professionals
- Become part of Asheville's vibrant food and beverage community
The Adventure of Discovery
One of the most exciting aspects of our Case Club is the element of discovery. While we ensure each selection aligns with your preferences, we also occasionally introduce members to lesser-known gems that expand their wine horizons. This might mean trying a Barbera when you usually drink Cabernet or exploring a boutique producer from an up-and-coming wine region.
This spirit of adventure is balanced with our deep understanding of classic wines and regions. Whether you're interested in collecting prestigious labels like Harlan Estate and Château d'Yquem or discovering the next great value wine, our team can guide you on your journey.
A Commitment to Service
At Metro Wines, we believe wine is about community, family, and friends. This philosophy influences everything we do, from the way we select wines for our Case Club to how we interact with our customers. Our commitment to service extends beyond simply selling wine—we aim to enhance our members' enjoyment and appreciation of wine through education, guidance, and community.
Making the Switch
If you're considering making the switch from traditional winery clubs to Metro Wines' Case Club, the process is simple. Our team will work with you to:
- Understand your wine preferences and priorities
- Explain the different membership options
- Set up a profile that ensures your selections align with your tastes
- Arrange convenient delivery or pickup
- Provide ongoing support and guidance
Conclusion: The Future of Wine Clubs
The world of wine is vast and ever-changing, and the way we experience and purchase wine continues to evolve. While traditional winery clubs will always have their place, more wine enthusiasts are discovering the advantages of a more flexible, comprehensive approach to wine buying and collecting.
Metro Wines' Case Club represents the future of wine clubs—one that combines the personal touch of a neighborhood wine shop with the expertise of professional sommeliers and access to the world's finest wines. For Asheville residents, both new and established, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore, learn, and enjoy the world of wine in a welcoming community setting.
Whether you're a serious collector, an adventurous explorer, or simply someone who appreciates good wine, Metro Wines offers a club experience that goes beyond the traditional winery model. As Sarah and Michael discovered, sometimes leaving behind familiar wine country connections leads to even better wine experiences in unexpected places.
Visit us at 169 Charlotte Street in Asheville or call us at (828) 575-9525 to learn more about our Case Club options and experience the Metro Wines difference for yourself. After all, wine is about community, and we'd love to welcome you to ours.