It's like having a personal wine shopper!

Most companies offering Wine of the Month Clubs purchase "exclusives" on a large quanties of particular wines. They get these wines from producers or importers who are desperate enough for a big sale to sell their wine cheap. This allows the company to sell at huge mark ups, since few, if any, retailers carry the same wine. They decide what you'll get each month, no matter what your personal preferences are in terms of style.

How the Cellar Rat Wine Club is different

We start with a survey of your personal preferences. Would you like only reds, only whites, any mix of the two? Do prefer the richly fruity style exemplified by California and Australia? Do you prefer the classically dry, earthy style of Italy and France? Are you open to trying wines with some sweetness? Are there cuisines that you eat very regularly that you'd like the wines to compliment? If you're buying the membership as a gift, we'll start with a variety of styles but the recipient can change the membership preferences at any time. Think of it as having your own personal wine shopper.

We pick the same great, estate grown and bottled, natural wines from family owned firms that we sell every day in our store. These wines are not close outs. There are no outrageous mark ups on unknown brands. I select all of the wine based on my 20 years of tasting experience using the same criteria- I'm looking for exceptional values in classic, elegant styles. Looking for the huge, overblown wines that get big scores? Maybe this isn't the wine club for you!

You get a BETTER price on the wine for being a club member. 5% off of our regular bottle price for your monthly purchase with a six month membership. 10% off each bottle with a one year membership. Want to order more of something we sent you? You'll get 10% off your first re-order.

We're local. "Club Rat" is for Chicagoans. So, if you get a corked bottle, bring it in, I'll replace it. Want to change your preferences? Just give me a call or send an email.

How it works...

1. Call, stop in the store or email the downloadable form to let me know your preferences.
2. Wines will be ready for pick up in the store on the first Friday of each month. If you chose the monthly payment option, your card will be charged at this time.

Delivery in the Chicago area can be arranged through a messenger service. Costs vary depending on location. Please call to inquire. We do not ship (UPS, FedEx, etc.) to locations outside Chicago.

How much does it cost?

You will be charged no more than $20 per month per bottle, plus tax. It will be a slightly different total each month, depending on the bottles I choose. If you're giving a membership as a gift, you have the option of paying for the full term in one payment. I offer memberships in 4, 6 and 12 bottle per month quantites. So, the prices for each quantity are:

• 2 bottles per month - no more that $40 plus tax
• 4 bottles per month - no more than $80 plus tax
• 6 bottles per month - no more than $120 plus tax
• 12 bottles per month - no more than $240 plus tax

You can choose 4 month, 6 month or 12 month terms.

Why the $20 price point? I regularly find wines that I consider truly distinctive and delicious in the $15-25 range. Below that, I can find tasty, solid every day wines but the idea of the club is to turn you on to some really special bottles.

Would you prefer a different price range? A different number of bottles per month? Have a better idea? We can customize the program to suit your needs.

Questions? Call Dean at 773-489-2728 or send an email!