Join This: South Loop Wine Cellar Wine Club

By Anthony Todd in Food on Apr 10, 2009 6:00PM

Since their opening last year, the South Loop Wine Cellar has become a fixture of the neighborhood. Owner Amy Garman holds regular tastings that draw large crowds, and the store is gaining a reputation for stocking really excellent wines at prices that won’t break the bank.

Now the deals are even better. South Loop Wine Cellar’s wine club allows patrons to receive 2 bottles of wine a month, chosen by Amy, and guaranteed to exceed the cost of membership. For $30, you receive a “Silver” membership and for $50 a “Gold” membership - the only difference being the price of the wines. You can chose two reds, two whites or one of each, and she will take into account any strong personal preferences. We got our first two bottles of red last week, and for $15 each, we were very impressed.

The wine isn’t the only thing membership gets you. You get a 5% discount on all other purchases in the store, invitations to special events and free access to the weekly tastings held in the store. The club members will occasionally receive coupons and special offers via email.

For us, the idea of joining a wine club in a recession occasioned a moment of fiscal/food reflection. Would we rather buy 5 bottles of cheap wine with our $30 and be very drunk, yet unsatisfied, or spend the same amount of money to be exposed to 2 bottles of good wine every month? We chose the latter. Any wine lover should join us.

The South Loop Wine Cellar is located at 1442 S. Michigan Avenue.