Joining online wine clubs allows you to taste the wines of Italy, Chile, France and Spain without ever leaving the comforts of your home. Membership to such clubs is a great gift for yourself or for a loved one. But before your sign up for anything, there are some things to consider when looking for the perfect online wine club.

Cost. Naturally, you have to consider the price of joining such a club. Remember that the membership fee is not the only cost to consider. Usually, you need to factor in the shipping fees and taxes.

Variety. Before you sign up with an online wine club, be sure that they have variety of the wine sources. Make sure their wines coming from several vineyards, and not just one.

Shipment policies. Most online wine clubs adhere to all federal, state and local laws on shipment, but beware; there are other clubs that circumvent shipping laws to decrease taxes, etc. Other wine retailers, online or otherwise can ship to certain states and deliver products even without a signature of an adult. Twelve states prohibit retailers from shipping the wines directly to the consumers. These include Arkansas, Georgia, Alaska, Kansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Dakota, Tennessee and Utah, among others. Some online wine clubs do not deliver to certain states even when wine delivery is allowed because the market is too small. Be sure to clarify if the club delivers to where you are located before signing up for membership.

Inventory policies. There are also laws that govern how retailers manage their inventory in various states. In some cases, it is illegal for retailers to move their wines from one state to another state. Some states have signed mutually beneficial agreements enabling retailers to deliver wines to consumers between states. Ask the online wine club customer representatives about how these inventory policies may affect you.