Wine Buying Clubs

If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for new wines to try. The Opimian Society might just be the cellar key you’re looking for. Founded in 1973, Opimian is a non-profit wine purchasing cooperative with nationwide purchasing power.

Members (20,000 and growing) have access to this master cellar, regardless of their province of residence. Opimian wines are exclusive finds and not available through provincial liquor boards. Wine clubs are not a new phenom, but certainly not the norm in these government-barricaded waters either. According to Globe and Mail wine columnist Beppi Crosariol, the Society is “a quietly influential national wine-buying club that has done more than any politician or self-congratulatory liquor-board bureaucrat to catapult the adult-drink trade in this country out of the Dark Ages and into the 21st century.”

Members pay an annual fee (ranging from $114-125 depending on province) to gain access to the ever-changing catalogue of international wines, from the simple to the sophisticated. All wines have been tasted and selected by Master of Wine Kenneth Christie, and complete tasting notes and cellaring advice are included for each selection. There is no minimum order and wines are delivered to your door.

Here are a couple of recent wines that arrived in the mail (so convenient!).

Briar Ridge Trio 2007, Hunter Valley & Orange, Australia

True to name, this is a threesome of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Verdelho. Citrus crisp, with an oily texture and pleasant finish.

Website

Vina Echeverria Casa Nueva Reserva Syrah 2005, Molina, Chile

Jammy blueberries, smoky cherries, black pepper and leather.