Wine clubs help broaden oenophiles' palates, social circles

Wine lovers tend to gravitate to one

Wil di

another. I've seen this first-hand as I recently noticed that almost all of my close friends choose wine over beer or more potent spirits. Although I don't lack for drinking companions, I find the concept of a wine club appealing and so, apparently, do a lot of other people.

Why not just sit around the living room with friends and drink? Because whether you're a novice or a long-time devotee, clubs provide a great way to learn more and find still more friends with like palates.

There are several clubs around Southwest Florida, ranging from those that cost nothing to join to those that require an investment of some degree. Here's a sampling of clubs operating in the area. If you don't see one that suits you, check with your local wine purveyor to see if there are others that might be a better match. And if that doesn't pan out, you can always start your own.

• Naples Tomato Wine Club

This club has 4,000 members. There's no charge to join. All you have to do is provide your e-mail address. Events include wine dinners and wine tastings. Members can purchase featured wines through a retail partner that works with the club. "We send out special promotions to members, often involving specially featured wines on our enomatic dispensers," says Robert Fairbrother, general manager of Naples Tomato. For example, one recent promotion rewarded members who put a balance of $1,000 on their enomatic wine dispenser debit cards with another $500 worth of credit. Members could then use that $1,500 to enjoy any of the dozens of wines Naples Tomato dispenses through its enomatic machines. The wine club exposes members to a broader spectrum of wines than they might ordinarily find on their own, Mr. Fairbrother said. Naples Tomato, 14700 Tamiami Trail, Naples, (239) 598-9800, or www.naplestomato.com.

JIM MCCRACKEN/FLORIDA WEEKLY Frank Pulice • Commanderie de Bordeaux aux États- Unis d'Amérique

Devoted to Bordeaux wines, this international group has some 1,100 U.S. members, including about 32 in the Naples chapter. The initiation fee is $2,000, which buys a share in the group's 1,700-bottle collection; the $500 annual dues are used to replace wine consumed at the group's events. Each year, the club holds four lunches for members and three dinners for members and their wives at restaurants and clubs such as Bleu Provence, Mediterra and Colliers Reserve. At each one, they sample several Bordeaux, along with a white wine or champagne. "Not only do you get to drink great wines, you learn a lot about them," Mr. Beronja says. "You trade information. We have some people who are really good at pairing food and wine and you learn all of that. The Commanderie also has great camaraderie. It's a nice group and a good way to spend a day a month with other wine lovers." Admission by nomination. Contact Don Baumgartner at (239) 352- 1558 for details.

• Austin's Wine Cellar

Membership in this wine store's club is free. As at Naples Tomato, members join by supplying e-mail or snail mail addresses. In return, they receive a monthly newsletter. Events include two wine seminars per month, limited to about 12 people. Participants learn about the district, viticulture and regulations of the featured wines and taste several varieties from the featured district. "Our seminars are designed for wine lovers with a wide range of knowledge and experience," owner Frank Pulice says, adding beginners as well as more seasoned members enjoy them. The newsletter also lets members know about wine dinners, special promotions and fun facts about their favorite beverage. Austin's Wine Cellar, 12377 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, (239) 275-7200 or www.austinswinecellar.net.

• New Leaf Wine Club

Club membership is open to residents of Bonita Bay Group's nine communities. Monthly wine classes take place in various clubs, followed by tastings during which participants learn about the winemaking, growing and individual terroir of each wine. When the winemakers are available, they often conduct the classes. "We are committed to providing a unique experience for our members, says Eric Truglas, Bonita Bay Group's director of club operations. "The winemakers can add something special to the class and that is a passion for their wine. They put their sweat and blood into the wine." The club also sponsors an annual trip to a popular wine destination. Last year, 20 couples went on an Austrian wine tour; the next trip heads to Napa Valley, where Bonita Bay Group has partnered with the Vintners Collective, which represents about 25 boutique wineries in Napa Valley. "These wineries are special because you cannot purchase the wines at local wine shops," Mr. Truglas says. "Most of the wineries do not have tasting rooms, so this is a centralized location in downtown Napa for tasting their products." Another bonus for club members: wine dinners attended by the winemakers. "Our tastings and dinners are always booked," says Mr. Truglas. "Wine helps bring our members together." Residents can obtain details about the club through the food and beverage director at their development.