The Wine Society (Australia)

What's in the box: A selection of Australian and imported wines chosen by the retailer's tasting panel, with the exact mix depending on which of the four Panel Picks subscriptions you choose.

The Wine Society was founded in 1946 and became one of Australia's best known member wine clubs. In July 2020 it went into administration and was sold to Wine Collective Holdings. The website now trades as The Wine Collective, and visitors to winesociety.com.au land on that store. Today it is mainly a large online wine and spirits retailer. It sells red, white, sparkling, premium wines, mixed cases, mystery deals and spirits, and it runs a loyalty points program. Subscriptions are one part of a much bigger shop. The current offer is the Panel Picks Tasting Club, which the site describes as four new subscriptions chosen by its in-house tasting panel. The homepage does not explain how the four options differ, how often boxes ship, or what the terms are, so check those details before signing up. The long history and broad range count in its favour, and the mystery wine deals suit drinkers who like trying unfamiliar labels. Buyers who remember the old member-owned society should know that the ownership and character of the business have changed. Treat it as a commercial retailer with a subscription option rather than a cooperative club.