Gelson’s launches boutique wine club

Southern California grocer Gelson’s is launching a wine club focused on offerings from local winemakers.

The club’s first release features six “well-priced, hard-to-find wines,” the retailer said last week.

The boutique club claims to offer members exclusive access to limited-production wines not typically found in grocery stores.

“The theme for this launch is simple yet elegant,” Gelson’s said in a statement. “Wines we love, crafted by rockstar winemakers who have poured their passion and expertise into creating these exceptional bottles.”

The three white wine selections are: Keever Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Chardonna and Brewer-Clifton 3D Chardonnay. The club’s red offerings are: Lamborn Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Venge Silencieux Cabernet Sauvignon and Aston Estate Pinot Noir.

The white pack retails for $200, while the red selections are $300. A mixed four-pack is $350 and the full selection is $450.

There is no membership fee to join the Gelson’s Wine Club.

Gelson’s did not respond to a WGB request for other details about the club.

Upscale grocer Gelson’s, which was founded in 1951, operates 28 stores throughout Southern California.

Wine has long been a key department at Gelson’s. Sixteen of the stores feature wine bars and each location, including those without a wine bar, staffs a Gelson’s Certified Wine Specialist to help shoppers choose the right bottle.

At stores with wine bars, Gelson’s offers a free “sip ‘n’ shop” program, enabling customers to stay at the bar while a store employee does their grocery shopping.