The Irish Poet W.B. Yeats once gloriously wrote: "Wine comes in at the mouth. And love comes in at the eye." That's literally all I know about wine, that it comes in at the mouth.
When faced with selecting a bottle, I always felt like such an idiot, I left it for my wife to decide. Yeah, well. Our divorce was finalized six months ago. So, it was high time for me to step up to the palate. But I'd no clue where to start.
I'm a New York Times junkie. I check my phone obsessively throughout the day, every day. When an ad for the New York Times Wine Club caught my eye, I jumped in with both feet and landed firmly in wine country.
The Times Sampler Wine Club is the perfect no-pressure introduction to exclusive, world-class wines at an affordable price. Along with sampling a selection of delicious wines every month, I received quite an education about wine, about food, about cooking, about life.
It helps you learn about wine
Can't tell your Pinot Noirs from your Barolos? Not to worry. Times Tasting Notes provide an expert wine education. Their staffers are wine professionals, established sommeliers, and specialists in the art and craft of wine-making. Thousands of wines are tasted by the team and rigorously evaluated. Only one out of fifty bottles tasted is deemed fit for the club. Their wine-buyers travel to international wine fairs in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South America, and beyond, sourcing superior wines from respected wineries in over 13 countries. Let the Times Sampler Wine Club take you on a virtual tour through the world's finest wine regions, without leaving your home.
Have a burning question? Just call the Wine Concierge, or send an e-mail for individual counsel.
You have control over the type of wine they send you
Love reds and can't stand the sight of rosé? You can select your preferred type of wine. All-Red Members receive six red wines (6 unique bottles). While Red & White, members will receive six unique wines (4 reds, 2 whites). The team consistently identifies the most unique wines that express a range of varietals and terroir. Each six-bottle shipment impeccably balances quality and value. Their Customer Favorites are ideal for everyday enjoyment.
It's delivered right to your door
Each 6-bottle shipment arrives at your door every month, every two months, or every three months – the choice is yours. You can update or cancel your membership at any time.
They guarantee you'll love the bottles they send you
They've got it covered with a 100% guarantee. If you're not satisfied with a wine, for any reason, simply let them know and they'll replace it or give you credit. It's a win-win (or, should I say a wine-wine) situation.
It teaches you about food pairings
The Times Sampler Wine Club takes the time to educate and inform members so they can constantly broaden their appreciation for wine. They offer hundreds of Perfectly Paired Times recipes that you can filter to match your wine. Sip, dine, share, and celebrate the wines, the meals, and the times of your life.
Over the last few months, I've gained such confidence about my knowledge of wine and food that I invited my downstairs neighbor up for a home-cooked dinner. I served grilled tuna in flank steak marinade, roasted pesto-stuffed portobellos, and braised asparagus with . . . a 2014 Morningside Monterey Pinot Noir. We had quite a meal, quite a lot of wine, quite a few laughs, and quite a night . . .
As Mr. Yeats says, wine comes in at the mouth. And love? Well. Love definitely comes in at the eye.
UPDATE: Our friends at the New York Times Wine Club are offering our readers a special discount. Use code "FLIGHT" to get $50 off your first shipment - that's 6 bottles for only $40!