If you’re researching the best wine subscription box and want a clear, side-by-side comparison that goes beyond pretty pictures and clever names, you’re in the right place. At Mercer Wine Estates, we’ve designed a set of flexible memberships grounded in who we are as growers and winemakers—options that meet you where you are in your wine journey, your budget, and your schedule. In this guide, we’ll compare our Classic Club and VIP Club (both part of our Carma Wine Club) and show how you can amplify either tier with Club Plus. We’ll also cover our Mercer Monthly subscription, which is perfect if you prefer a steady monthly rhythm. By the end, you’ll know exactly which plan matches your palate, price point, and delivery preferences.
Before we dig in, a little context on our philosophy: Since planting the first wine grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills back in 1972, our family has focused on what the land does best. Our rich soils and desert climate are beautifully suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, and over the decades we’ve honed an approach that emphasizes balance, freshness, and elegant tannin structures. That foundation led to the first vintage from Mercer Estates Winery in Prosser, WA, in 2005, and today we craft mouth-watering Cabernet Sauvignons alongside world-class red blends and single-varietal wines. Every club we offer is our way of putting that legacy—along with real choice—into your hands.
Comparing Price Tiers and Shipping Costs
Choosing a wine subscription should feel like picking a travel itinerary: you want the right destination at the right price with no surprises along the way. To keep it simple, here’s how our options stack up in terms of price structure and shipping expectations.
Classic Club (Carma Wine Club)
Our Classic Club is designed as the most approachable path into the Mercer portfolio. You’ll enjoy a selection of 12 of our small production, tasting room only wines that are not available on the market. If you’re new to Mercer or you’re looking for quality everyday bottles with elevated craftsmanship, Classic is your most economical door into the cellar.
VIP Club (Carma Wine Club)
The VIP Club steps things up with the 12 bottles of the same wines released in the Classic Club, with a better discount and 50% off shipping.
Club Plus (Add-on for Classic or VIP)
Club Plus is our “turn the volume up” option. Rather than being a separate club, it’s an enhancement with special bottles that can be added to either Classic or VIP to enrich your experience.
Mercer Monthly
Our Mercer Monthly wine subscription, featuring Mercer Bros wines, is the best choice for people who love everyday wines delivered to them regularly. It is completely customizable with any wine in the Mercer Brothers tier and can be skipped at any time.
Shipping Costs: What to Expect
Shipping fees depend on your location, the size of your shipment, and weather-safe packaging requirements. Because wine is regulated, taxes and adult-signature delivery rules apply in most states. The most important thing is that you see live shipping rates at checkout before you confirm your order—no guesswork. If you’re local or passing through Prosser or Walla Walla, WA, you can also ask about pickup options during club windows to save on shipping altogether. If keeping costs down is a priority, Classic with pickup is a smart strategy. We also offer a pick-up party on the West Side of the state with each release.
Customer Review Highlights
We read and learn from member feedback constantly. Here are the themes we hear most often:
- Consistency and quality: Members love that our estate expression or distinctive profile shows through across tiers—ripe fruit, balanced oak, and polished tannins—so every release feels reliably Mercer.
- Cabernet standouts: No surprise—our Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings get a lot of love for structure and age-worthiness.
- Smart value at Classic: New members often start with our Classic tier and quickly discover that even “everyday” reds often carry a sense of occasion – overdelivering on quality and making weeknight pours feel worth of celebration.
- VIP depth and discovery: Longtime fans call out VIP shipments for receiving more of the small production wines to enjoy now, but can cellar for special occasions.
- Mercer Monthly convenience: Busy households say the monthly cadence keeps their wine plan on autopilot without running out before the next dinner party.
Customization Options for Your Palate
A great wine club should feel curated but not rigid. We build flexibility into each membership because the best wine subscription isn’t just about what we think you’ll like, it’s about what you love to drink on weeknights and special occasions alike.
Classic Club and VIP: Balanced by Design
Classic shipments aim for approachability and variety. Expect a balanced spread across, depending on seasonality, with a core of wines that represent our Horse Heaven Hills roots. If you prefer to skew more red-heavy, let us know—our member services team can often accommodate preferences within the scope of the current release.
Club Plus: Enhance the Experience
Adding Club Plus to either Classic or VIP is like moving from “great” to “grander.” While the core identity of your base tier remains, Plus members often see enhanced access and benefits, which can translate into more nuanced mixes or priority opportunities when limited wines come available. If you’ve considered VIP but aren’t sure yet, Classic + Club Plus is a smart stepping stone to try the elevated experience without jumping tiers immediately.
Delivery Frequency and Flexibility
Wine needs to show up when your life needs it. Some months you’re hosting weekly; other months you’re traveling. The right plan adjusts with you.
Classic and VIP (Carma Wine Club)
These are ideal if you enjoy the rhythm of seasonal or periodic shipments that punctuate your year with a sense of occasion. Many members like to turn club arrivals into mini tasting nights—invite friends, set out a cheese board, and compare notes. If you go through wine faster, adding Club Plus or supplementing with a Mercer Monthly plan during busier seasons is a savvy move.
Mercer Monthly
If the words “set it and forget it” speak to your soul, the monthly flow keeps your rack topped up. For households that cook at home often or keep a steady social calendar, this plan prevents last-minute runs and ensures your favorites are always on hand.
Traveling or Stocked Up?
We understand life gets busy (or abundantly stocked). If your schedule shifts or your cellar is full, our team is here to help you adjust timing so your deliveries arrive when you can enjoy them. We take pride in being responsive—because the best wine subscription box is the one that fits real life, not the other way around.
Pause or Skip Month Policies
Flexibility isn’t a perk; it’s a necessity. If you’re traveling, moving, or simply catching up on your current collection, reach out before your next fulfillment window, and we’ll work with you on options to pause or skip. For Mercer Monthly, skipping an upcoming box is straightforward—just give us a heads-up with enough time to adjust. For Classic and VIP, we can offer solutions that align with the release schedule, whether that’s delaying your shipment, arranging pickup, or modifying the mix when possible. Our goal is to keep membership stress-free, so you always feel good about what’s arriving.
Which Plan Fits You? A Quick Decision Guide
If you’re still deciding, use these scenarios to zero in on your best match:
- “I want quality bottles for weeknights, casual dinners, and special occasions—without overthinking it.”
Choose Classic Club. It’s a great way to experience Mercer, with a mix that covers everything from pasta night to backyard grilling to celebrations. - “I collect Cabernet, love depth and structure, and want the best of the best.”
Choose VIP Club. You’ll see limited bottlings, vineyard selections, and age-worthy reds that reward patience. - “I’d like a little more access and extra perks, but I’m not sure about jumping tiers.”
Add Club Plus to Classic. You’ll feel the upgrade without switching lanes completely. - “We entertain regularly and constantly need to restock.”
Choose Mercer Monthly. A steady rhythm prevents last-minute scrambles and keeps your pairing game strong. - “I want premium wines and the most exclusive access possible.”
Choose VIP Club + Club Plus. It’s the most comprehensive experience we offer, perfect if you never want to miss a special release.
Why Our Clubs Deliver Long-Term Value
Heritage and terroir you can taste. We’ve farmed in the Horse Heaven Hills since 1886, and that continuity shows up in the glass: ripe fruit framed by the kind of tannin structure that makes our wines both generous now and compelling with age.
A portfolio with range. From Cabernet Sauvignon and structured red blends to crisp whites, we craft wines that suit both daily dinners and milestone moments. That range is what lets us build clubs that feel curated and personal rather than one-note.
Transparent, human support. Wine shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you want to adjust preferences, change timing, or get pairing advice for your next menu, our team is ready to help. We treat members the way we’d want to be treated—clearly, quickly, and with a genuine love for good wine and good hospitality.
No “mystery box” fatigue. Subscription fatigue usually comes from feeling like you’re stuck with bottles you won’t open. Our approach is the opposite: thoughtfully selected wines with guidance for when and how to enjoy them, plus the flexibility to tailor your experience.
Putting Price, Customization, and Frequency Together
Let’s tie it all into a practical framework:
- Start with price.
If you’re value-driven, Classic gives you artisan quality with the lowest per-shipment spend. If you’re experience-driven and want special releases, VIP is worth the step up. Use Club Plus if you want extra benefits without fully changing tiers. - Layer in customization.
Prefer reds? Let us know. Love Cabernet? You’re in good hands across all plans, especially VIP. Want seasonal whites in summer? Classic and Mercer Monthly both flex nicely. - Match your calendar.
Hosting monthly or cooking at home most nights? Mercer Monthly ensures you never run dry. If you love seasonal “drop” days with a sense of celebration, Classic or VIP keeps wine feeling special. Traveling? We’ll work with you so shipments land when you’re home. - Consider how you enjoy wine.
If you drink most bottles within weeks, Classic or Monthly is perfect. If you like to watch wines evolve, VIP provides the deeper cuts and structure you’ll want on the rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between plans later?
Absolutely. Many members start with Classic, then move to VIP as they discover favorites, or add Club Plus to test enhanced benefits first.
What if I would like to visit Prosser and/or Walla Walla?
Ask about pickup windows to skip shipping and say hello at the winery. It’s a great way to meet our team and learn more about the wines in your release.
How do I know what’s coming?
We send members updates with release timing and details. If you’d like pairing ideas or cellaring notes, we’re happy to share—just ask.
The Best Wine Subscription Box Is the One Built Around You
Whichever you choose, you’ll taste our origin story in every glass: the pioneering plantings in 1972, the lessons our desert climate taught us about tannin and texture, and the commitment that led to our first Mercer Estates vintage in 2005—a commitment we renew with each bottle we craft today.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?
Explore the Carma Wine Club—Classic and VIP, with optional Club Plus, or set your cellar on easy mode with Mercer Monthly. If you’re still undecided, reach out and tell us how you cook, host, and enjoy wine—we’ll point you toward the plan that will make your next glass the best one yet.
Join us at Mercer Wine Estates and taste why Horse Heaven Hills has been our home for more than fifty years.