Bright Cellars is a monthly wine subscription that matches you to wine based on seven question quiz that helps to identify your wine palate.
Bright Cellars was founded by two MIT grads with a passion for wine and technology. Using your “taste palate quiz” you are given a 4-bottle recommendation to review. You can either agree with their selections and proceed to purchase, or you can switch out one or more of the bottles. Since this is my first month, I went with the recommended bottles as I was unfamiliar with the brands offered.
I love that there are options to be adventurous and that you can pick all red, all white, or a mix. I’m a white drinker – my husband a red – so I love that this one subscription can meet both of our individual needs and be flexible from month to month.
You're asked to rate each bottle using a quick survey tool to help the algorithm become smarter and more in tune with your taste profile going forward. After the first month, the system uses your ratings to improve your future matches.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Bright Cellars
The Subscription Box: Bright Cellars
The Cost: $60 + $8 shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: Get $50 off your first month! No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products: 4 bottles of wine selected based on your taste profile
Ships to: U.S. where it is legal to receive wine by mail. If you’re uncertain whether you can receive wine shipments, contact the Bright Cellars Wine Concierge at [email protected].
Good To Know: You can adjust your shipment frequency in your settings. An adult 21+ must be present at the time of delivery to sign for the shipment. There is an option to add a cheese pairing to your box for $48, this includes 4 kinds of cheese ranging in size from 5-8 oz. each.
Bright Cellars Wine Of The Month October 2018 Review
Horary! It’s wine delivery day! I always love when the FedEx person hand delivers 4 delicious bottles of wine, tailored to my tastes – and I could not wait to see what Bright Cellars had in store for me this month! As a reminder, my preferences are set for the red & white mixed-choice, and this month I received 2 reds and 2 whites.
There are usually a few partner coupon codes included in the box. This month I received a $30 coupon for Home Chef (If you’re interested check out the Home Chef reviews).
There was also a 20% coupon (& free shipping) for Dermstore, an online drugstore that sells some of my favorite beauty brands and a 20% coupon for your first month at WatchGang, a watch subscription club (check out our Watch Gang reviews).
An educational insert is also always included. This month, the theme is “Battle of the Bottle Stoppers” – which explains the difference in cork types and the pros/cons for each type.
FAIRWATER COLOMBARD 2017 (California, USA) – Retail Value $20.00
Tasting Notes: Green Apple, Lemon, Lime Zest, Nectarine, Starfruit
“The Colombard grape, while relatively unknown in the U.S., is one of the main varietals used in making French Cognac and Armagnac brandies. In this light, dry style from California, you'll notice aromas of green apple, nectarine, and starfruit, with bright citrus flavors on the palate. With its elevated acidity, this wine would pair well with fresh chevre-style goat cheese or ceviche.”
This was a very dry white wine, and I found that it had to be very cold for me to enjoy its crispness. Once the glass warmed up, I didn’t like it nearly as much – so keeping this bottle on ice is key for me. I also feel like this could be a great cooking wine.
FAIRWATER CHARDONNAY 2017 (California, USA) – Retail Value $20.00
Tasting Notes: Pineapple, Mango, Passionfruit, Yellow Apple, Lemon
“A crisp, refreshing Chardonnay from the Lodi region of California, this wine stuns with juicy, ripe fruit flavors and balanced acidity. Dominated by powerful tropical aromas of pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, this wine shows more restrained flavors of yellow apple and lemon on the palate. Try pairing this wine with creamy Brie cheese or seared scallops on a corn, bacon, and avocado salad.”
This was a standard Chardonnay, easy to drink, nice, but not memorable. I personally would have enjoyed it more if it was slightly sweeter.
WATCHKEEPER RED BLEND 2017 (California, USA) – Retail Value $20.00
Tasting Notes: Black Raspberry, Cherry, Huckleberry, Mocha, Baking Spice
“Dark and enticing, this wine has aromas of chocolate covered cherries, black raspberry, mulberry, mocha, cocoa, and baking spices. On the palate, it shows structured tannins that make this Red Blend perfect for pairing with steak or char-grilled hamburgers.”
This red blend is a beautifully, full-bodied dry red with a sweet berry flavor and balanced spices. It was easy to sip and I think it would be a crowd pleaser during a dinner party – especially if you’re serving red meat.
MOJAVE RAIN RED BLEND 2017 (California, USA) - Retail Value $22.00
Tasting Notes: Watermelon, Cherry, Raspberry, Lime, Lemon
" A well-balanced, medium-bodied California Red Blend that has enticing aromas of ripe red berries, cherry, black pepper, and mocha. Flavors of juicy red plum, fresh blackberries, and warm baking spices delight your palate leading to a smooth and lingering finish. This wine is great just on its own, or can be enjoyed with wild roasted mushrooms over polenta, meat-filled ravioli, or Italian cheeses.”
This was my favorite wine this month – I found it to be easily drinkable, medium bodied and had the perfect amount of acidity to balance the sweet fruit notes.
Verdict: The subscription cost is $60 + $8 shipping, and I received $82 worth of wine. Not only do you get a great value (~17% discount), the real value is in exploring new wines and identifying new favorites. You can also buy any of the bottles offered at a flat rate of 4 bottles for $60 + $8 shipping, keeping the cost at $17 per bottle.
The Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Because of the variation, it’s unlikely that you would get the same items that I’m showing here.
Coupon - Save 50% off your first box! No code required, just use this link!
Value Breakdown: This box cost me $60 + $8 shipping, which means you are paying approximately the following per bottle:
- Fairwater Colombard: $16.59
- Fairwater Chardonnay: $16.59
- Watchkeeper Red Blend: $16.59
- Mojave Rain Red: $18.24
Check out all of our Bright Cellars Reviews and find more wine subscriptions in the Wine Subscription Box Directory!
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Have you tried Bright Cellars?
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