First Impressions is a series that (re)introduces and reviews new brands to My Subscription Addiction, drawing from readers' requests for an insider's first look. Interested in seeing more reviews from this brand, or have another box in mind that you'd like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.
Winc is a wine subscription box that reimagines the traditional wine club experience. Instead of the same predictable bottles, you’ll receive a regularly rotating selection of unique, small-production wines sourced directly from independent vineyards and talented winemakers.
As the internet’s #1 wine club, Winc makes discovering great wine simple and exciting. Signing up takes just minutes—so you can start enjoying expertly selected wines delivered straight to your door.
This box was sent at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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Winc shipments arrive in a sturdy, well-constructed cardboard box designed with both durability and protection in mind. Inside, custom molded inserts securely cradle each bottle in place, minimizing movement and preventing breakage during transit. The thoughtful packaging not only keeps your wine safe from bumps and temperature shifts along the way, but also ensures it arrives at your doorstep in perfect condition—ready to be enjoyed.
The Process
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Winc is always improving—their process, wine selection, and website are better and more user-friendly than ever. I was a subscriber about three years ago, and the updates they’ve made have truly streamlined the ordering experience. Not only is the site easier to navigate, but their inventory has expanded significantly, offering even more variety to explore.
Getting started is simple. You begin by taking a quick survey about your preferences—your favorite foods, flavor profiles, and current go-to wines. Based on your answers, Winc curates six personalized selections from their inventory. You can either keep those tailored picks or swap them out and choose your own bottles.
If you decide to trust Winc’s recommendations, the entire process—from quiz to checkout—takes about three minutes. Prefer to browse? You can take your time exploring and hand-selecting each bottle to create a box that’s perfectly suited to your taste.
Shipment
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Since it had been a while since my last Winc subscription, I decided to fully trust their expertise and let them curate my selections based on my taste preferences. I was excited to see how closely their picks would align with my palate—and the entire process was impressively quick and effortless.
With extra time to explore, I browsed the site a bit more and was thrilled to discover a non-alcoholic wine option. I immediately added it to my shipment for my husband, who doesn’t drink. It was such a thoughtful and unexpected find.
After spending more time exploring their expanded selection, I can confidently say my wine wish list has grown significantly. There are so many incredible options to try—I’m already looking forward to my next box.
Paper Tiger Sustainable Mourvèdre France 2024 - $22.00 (Member Price $17.60)
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- Body: Full
- Sweetness: Dry
- Alcohol: 13.5%
Don't fear the Paper Tiger. A Mourvèdre may sound intimidating and unfamiliar, but don't make a judgement based on your first impression. Step out of your comfort zone, and you'll see that this is a rare, enticing varietal full of brambly notes of black cherry, blackberry, and black plum. This full-bodied wine is certified sustainable and vegan-friendly. Pair it with dishes like herb-crusted lamb, grilled eggplant, or a mushroom and lentil stew for a decadent, delicious meal. Sip confidently and never let the fear of the unknown stop you from trying something new.
When I completed my survey, I selected the “Mostly Whites with a Few Reds” option. Red wines aren’t usually my first choice—I often find them a bit too bold for my particular palate—but I’m making an effort to expand my horizons. So, I decided to keep the two red selections Winc recommended that aligned with my flavor preferences.
While herb-crusted lamb wasn’t on our dinner menu, we did prepare an elk stir-fry, and this Mourvèdre turned out to be a surprisingly great match. Its dry profile complemented the richness of the meat and the crisp, flash-fried vegetables beautifully. Beneath that dryness, I could detect subtle fruity undertones, and the slightly higher alcohol content added a warm, satisfying depth to each sip.
Although it’s not a wine I’d reach for when I want multiple glasses, I genuinely enjoyed savoring a small pour with dinner. It’s the kind of bottle I’d gladly bring to a dinner party—the refined flavor profile, paired with the eye-catching tiger design on the label, makes it feel both sophisticated and memorable! (Cue Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, please!)
2021 Snapshot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Lodi - $23.00 (Member Price $18.40)
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- Body: full
- Sweetness: dry
- Alcohol: 13.89%
Those picture-perfect moments deserve an equally memorable wine, like Snapshot. This luscious Cab shows off juicy fruit notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, and just a hint of cedar, perfect for cozy campfire nights, a romantic dinner, or a rom-com movie marathon with friends. Whatever your special moment is, make it last with Snapshot.
The second—and final—red wine I received this month was another beautifully dry selection. This one felt slightly less bitter, yet delivered a more pronounced, full-bodied flavor overall. I could clearly detect notes of blackcurrant and cherry, and I especially appreciated the subtle hint of cedar, which added depth and complexity.
Since wine pairings aren’t exactly my specialty, I turned to the Winc website for guidance. Their suggestions included burgers, red-sauce pasta, barbecue, and cheese, so I decided to try it alongside a burger. It turned out to be a fantastic choice—the wine’s brambly character added a rich, layered element that complemented the savory flavors perfectly.
Like the first red, this bottle also had a relatively high alcohol content. While it’s not something I’d sip more than a glass of in one evening, I was genuinely impressed. For someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward red wines, this one was a standout. (Am I getting more mature?!)
Ville Basse Sauvignon Blanc Pays d'Oc France 2024 - $20.00 (Member Price $16.00)
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- Body: dry
- Sweetness: semi-sweet
- Alcohol: 12.8%
Bright, crisp, and refreshing, the 2024 Ville Basse sauvignon Blanc is your ultimate warm-weather white wine. Frankly, it's so good, we understand if you end up drinking it year-round. Pour a glass and you'll quickly notice tantalizing notes of white peach, green apple, and lemon zest. It also shows some nice mineralogy. This easy-drinking French white goes well with a nice charcuterie plate (with lots of Brie, please!) as well as sushi, grilled chicken, or seared scallops, if you're feeling fancy.
Now, this is a wine that’s much more my style! While still dry, this fruity selection has a noticeably lighter feel compared to the reds we received. I loved its flavor profile—it was so approachable that it went down a little too easily! I didn’t have a charcuterie plate or seared scallops to pair it with, but I enjoyed it alongside a chicken and fruit salad, and the combination highlighted the wine’s bright, refreshing flavors beautifully.
Cheeky Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rose Spain NV - $23.00 (Member Price $18.40)
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- Body: light
- Sweetness: semi-sweet
- Alcohol: 0%
You're the life of the party, no alcohol needed. And just like you, this cheeky sparkling drink doesn't need that nonsense either. Strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry notes dance across the tongue like you dance down grocery store aisles when Beyonce plays over the speakers. With those juicy fruit flavors and fizzy effervescence, this drink is a right punchy potion. But remember, you'll find no hangovers or hedonism at the bottom of the bottle. If you're still making friends in bathrooms, oversharing with Uber drivers, or hitting the drive-through at 1 AM, that's 100% you. And there's nothing wrong with that.
As I mentioned earlier, I mostly went with Winc’s suggested selections, though I did add one extra bottle. My husband stopped drinking about three years ago, and while he’s discovered Athletic NA beer, I was thrilled to find a non-alcoholic wine we could enjoy together on a date night. Some might dismiss it as “expensive juice,” but it genuinely felt like wine—and it was delicious. Far from Welch’s sparkling grape juice, this bottle had a sophisticated flavor: perfectly balanced sweetness while remaining dry.
I also loved the presentation—the label was adorable, and the wire-cage top made for a fun “pop” moment when opening it. This thoughtful addition truly made our date night feel special, and it was the perfect option for my non-drinking husband.
Guest Check Sauvignon Blanc Lake County 2024 - $20.00 (Member Price $16.00)
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- Body: medium
- Sweetness: in-between
- Alcohol: 12.4%
Okay, let me tell you about this Sauvy B. Guest Check Sauvignon Blanc, our first collaboration with Laundry Room Studios, is basically your new go-to white wine. It's got all the vibes - super chill, easy- drinking, and it smells amazing. The moment you open the bottle, it's like a wave of citrus, green apple, and white peach just bites you. Oh, and there's a little gooseberry too. (Fancy, right?) It's dry but still has that juicy feel. Highly recommend pairing it with a Caesar salad (because health), fries (because balance), or sushi (because yum). And you're obviously serving it chilled because that's the only way to do it. Honestly, it's a total mood in a bottle. We know you're going to be obsessed as we already had to order more for a new vintage!
This wine was easily one of my favorites. I loved the bright notes of citrus, green apple, white peach, and gooseberry, and I especially appreciated how vibrant and refreshing it tasted when properly chilled.
I paired it with venison brats and fries—because the tasting notes said I could—and it truly elevated our low-key dinner into something a little more special. The crisp acidity and lively fruit flavors balanced the richness of the meal beautifully.
I was also drawn to the “guest check” label on the front of the bottle. The artwork on both the front and back immediately caught my eye, making it as visually appealing as it was delicious. This is definitely a wine I would choose again in the future.
2022 Prismatic Chardonnay California - $19.20 (Member Price $15.36)
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- Body: medium
- Sweetness: dry
- Alcohol: 12.57%
Dare to see things differently with the 2022 Prismatic Chardonnay. Each sip unveils a new facet of this dry white wine with notes of citrus, green apples, white flowers, and wet stone. Artful and aromatic, this bright and easy-drinking wine makes every meal a beautiful collaboration, especially when combined with sushi rolls, light salads, and roasted chicken.
Of all the white wines I received this month, this one was probably my least favorite—and it was still enjoyable. It had a bright profile with a distinctly mineral finish, and the citrus notes were a bit more pronounced than I expected. While it leaned more citrus-forward than sweet, there was still a subtle sweetness that rounded it out nicely.
The flavors of lemon, grapefruit, crisp apple, and delicate white florals were easy to pick out, giving the wine a fresh, vibrant character. It paired surprisingly well with my macaroni dinner, complementing the richness of the dish with its lively acidity.
Overall, it was a solid selection—just not quite as memorable as some of the other whites I tried this month.
Sapore Locale Moscato Pavia Italy NV - $19.00 (Member Price $15.20)
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- Body: light
- Sweetness: sweet
- Alcohol: 6%
Experience the enchanting flavors of Italy with Sapore Locale, a delightful Moscato that captures the essence of local traditions and ingredients. This light-bodied white wine is a sweet symphony of tasting notes featuring luscious peach, golden honey, and zesty orange, all wrapped in a floral bouquet. Sapore Locale pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, artisanal cheese, and decadent chocolate cake, making it an ideal choice for celebrations or intimate gatherings. Let each glass transport you to the sunlit vineyards of Italy, where every taste reflects the vibrant spirit of the locale.
If you’ve ever read any of my reviews, you know I absolutely love sweet wines—and moscato is one of my all-time favorites. This one delivers exactly what I look for: it’s delightfully sweet, incredibly delicious, and wonderful in every way. I adored the lively bubbles and the beautiful notes of peach, honey, and orange—the combination felt like pure perfection. It was exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, and without a doubt, my favorite.
Verdict
We’re on the verge of spring here, but as I write this, it’s snowing and blowing fiercely outside. I’m definitely starting to feel cooped up, so I was ecstatic to receive my February Winc shipment. With an extra-crazy sports, school, and work schedule, part of my self-care routine is pouring a glass of wine and turning on a rom-com to decompress from the day.
I love the updates this subscription has implemented and am thoroughly impressed with the selections. Using this service is so much more fun than standing in a liquor store staring at labels. I was especially excited about the moscato options, as well as the non-alcoholic choice. This truly is the best subscription! I can’t wait to see what they have in store for March. What did you think of these selections?
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To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Since Winc allows you to choose your wine, you can get any combination you’d like any month. Sign up today and curate your own selection, or let them choose a few bottles for you.
Value Breakdown: This box costs around $130.00, which breaks down to a per-bottle cost of $18.57. This is a decent value given the price I would pay for a bottle of wine like any of these at my local liquor store and the convenience of being able to shop from the couch!
What did you receive in your February Winc shipment? Click below to write a review!
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