Wine deals

How online wine deals usually work

Buying wine online comes with a set of rules other shopping doesn't have, and most of the saving comes from understanding them. The two stores in this hub, Wine Insiders and WineExpress, sell bottles, mixed cases and club shipments, so the offers you'll see are usually a lower price on a case, a discount on a first order or first club shipment, or reduced shipping.

The deals grid above shows only offers each store has published through its affiliate program, with the end date it set. Codes for alcohol often have more conditions than most, so read the terms before checking out.

Shipping, states and signatures

Wine shipping is regulated state by state in the US. Some states allow direct shipping, some limit it, and some don't allow it at all, and the rules can change. Stores generally won't ship to an address where they can't legally deliver, so check before you plan an order or a gift.

Wine deliveries usually need an adult, 21 or older, to show ID and sign. If no one will be home, consider shipping to a workplace if that's allowed, or a pickup location if the carrier offers one. A missed delivery can mean a return trip or a return to sender.

Cases, mixed packs and price per bottle

The biggest discounts on wine are usually on cases or curated mixed packs, and shipping is often cheaper per bottle when you order more. That's a real saving if you'll drink them, but a pack is only a deal if the bottles are ones you'd choose.

The simplest test is price per bottle with shipping included. Divide the total by the number of bottles, and compare it with what you'd pay locally for wine you like.

Wine clubs and subscriptions

Many online wine offers are an introduction to a club, where a discounted first case is followed by regular shipments. Clubs can be good value and a fun way to try new wines, as long as you know the terms.

• How often it ships, and whether you're charged automatically.
• How to skip or pause a shipment you don't want.
• How to cancel, and whether there's any minimum commitment.
• What later shipments cost once the intro offer is over.

Sending wine as a gift

Wine is a popular gift, and stores often run gift offers before holidays. Check that the recipient's state allows wine shipping, that someone 21 or older will be there to sign, and that it will arrive in time, since alcohol may ship only on certain days. Gift messages and gift boxes vary by store.

If it's for a holiday, order early. For other food and drink gifts, our food and gift deals are a good next stop.

When to buy

These are patterns across the category, not promises from any one store. The end date on each offer is the one to trust.