Commercial feature – If you love wine tasting and learning about different flavours in a glass then you might enjoy becoming part of the growing wine club trend.

Wine clubs, available via online retailers, give connoisseurs and enthusiasts the chance to order a series of wines on a monthly or quarterly basis.

This new craze for today’s wine culture makes it easier to try new kinds of wines where customers would usually have to go to the store to experience different varieties.

Once of the first wine clubs was started in 1971, by Paul Kalemkiarian, a manager of a California liquor store; Paul found that his customers appreciated him grouping wines together for them to try and purchase.

The concept of wine clubs has expanded from wineries to Internet retailers since customers continue to request and enjoy similar services. This progression to the online arena means it is easier than ever to purchase wines and also gives the opportunity to talk to people from all over the World.

Perhaps the continued success of wine clubs has to do with the experience they give wine lovers. With wine clubs, purchases are themed and revolve around the type of wine and wine region in which it was made. This is because climate and geology play a leading role in growing different kinds of grapes and creating wine varieties.

Wines offered are often grouped with all red or all white types. Sometimes, though, there is a combination of both red and white.

Wine clubs usually offer expert advice for the best wines based on each customer’s preference. This makes drinking wine a more fulfilling experience, especially as many wine club participants like to focus on a favourite type or brand and then try similar kinds.

Wine tasters are encouraged to appreciate their favourite wine type by trying multiple varieties. For example, if you love fruity white wine then you can order a few bottles of Riesling every month. This allows you to savour the different kinds of Riesling from various locations.

Those who enjoy a nice red wine with medium body will enjoy putting Merlot at the top of their list each month. Derived from the French word ‘merle’, meaning ‘blackbird’, Merlot’s name, it is believed, came from the colour of the grape. Most Merlot wines have hints of plum, berry and currant.

Merlot distinguishes itself from other red wines like Cabernet because it is a softer grape. Also, it has less of a blue and black colour than grapes used for Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes have a thinner skin and less tannin.

The red grapes in Merlot wine are used as a blending grape for other wine varieties. The grape’s softness and tendency to ripen early makes Merlot perfect to blend with those that ripen later. For this reason, it is noted and known as one of the leading red wines.

Popular Merlot wines come from the Bordeaux (Right Bank) region in France. Merlot is grown in cool climates and this is why it’s derived from the clay soils of the Bordeaux. Other popular regions for this wine are California, Washington State and Chile.

Often, wine club participants prefer to focus on region just as they might purchase wines of a certain variety. For example, many enjoy trying different kinds of South African wine.

South Africa’s southern region is perfect for growing grapes with a hot climate that is balanced by the cooling breezes from the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. Africa has a reputation for producing more white wine than red.

South African Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen, is considered an easy drinking white wine with dry and fruity notes. It has a wonderful bright green and lemon colour.

The juice of Chenin Blanc is often sweet but fresh with a cleansing acidity and also has a broad fruity palate. This type of wine is diverse since it can be produced with oak undertones and also as a sweet dessert wine.

Other favourite South African whites include Chardonnays and Sauvignons. The Sauvignons have intense fruit flavour with lots of complexity. The Chardonnays are known for having a rich texture.

South African winemakers continue to focus on improving the quality of the red wines. Red South African wines usually have a smoky and rustic flavour with a course and full-bodied texture, and popular ones include Shiraz and Pinotage.

Those who enjoy choosing wine based on grape variety and region should consider joining a wine club. Not only will you get to enjoy your favourite wines in a convenient way, but also expand your knowledge and palette for wine tasting.