Best Laithwaites Alternatives (2026): 5 Clubs for Variety and Value
Laithwaites is a UK-origin wine club that ships mixed cases of internationally sourced wines with frequent promotional pricing. It's been operating for decades and has a loyal customer base that values variety and value.
What people like about Laithwaites: diverse mixed cases spanning multiple countries and regions, promotional pricing on introductory orders, a large wine selection beyond the club shipments, and an established brand with European roots. What drives some members away: pricing that fluctuates with promotions (hard to know your "real" rate), and cancellation and shipping policies we haven't been able to fully verify. These five alternatives provide similar variety with more transparent terms.
Pricing verified as of April 2026. Laithwaites pricing and policies are unconfirmed — we've flagged this in our directory and recommend verifying directly.
Quick Comparison
| Club | Price/Shipment | Bottles | Cost/Bottle | Focus | Cancel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSJ Wine | $184.99 + $19.99 ship | 12 | ~$17.08 | International mix | Phone only |
| Firstleaf | $99 | 6 | ~$16.50 | Personalized mix | Online |
| Naked Wines | $40/mo deposit | Varies | ~$10-$18 | Independent winemakers | Online |
| Gold Medal (Gold) | $49 + ~$12 ship | 2 | ~$30.50 | CA award winners | Online/email/phone |
| Plonk | $134.99 | 4 | ~$33.75 | Organic/natural global | Online |
WSJ Wine Club — Most Similar Format
If you like Laithwaites' large mixed cases of international wines, WSJ Wine is the closest format match. Their ongoing cases include 12 bottles from a range of countries and regions at ~$17.08/bottle delivered. The intro case at $79.99 for 12 bottles (~$6.67/bottle) is a better entry point than most Laithwaites promotions.
How it compares to Laithwaites: Same mixed-case, international sourcing model. More predictable pricing (the intro and ongoing prices are clearly posted). Brand credibility through the WSJ name.
The catch: Phone-only cancellation — the biggest downside. Ships to only 42 states, which may be more limited than Laithwaites' coverage.
Cancellation: Phone only. No confirmed minimum.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 12-bottle international cases like Laithwaites | Phone-only cancellation |
| Clear, posted pricing | Only 42 states |
| Strong intro deal at ~$6.67/bottle | 156% price jump to ongoing rate |
Read about WSJ Wine alternatives
Firstleaf — Best for Personalized International Mix
Firstleaf sends 6 personalized bottles from a range of international sources. The personalization quiz adds a dimension that Laithwaites' curated cases don't offer — your selections improve as you rate bottles.
How it compares to Laithwaites: Smaller shipments (6 vs. 12+ bottles), but personalized to your palate. At ~$16.50/bottle ongoing, the pricing is transparent and competitive. Online cancellation is a clear upgrade.
Cancellation: Online, anytime. Ships to 48 states.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Personalized picks improve over time | Smaller shipments than Laithwaites |
| ~$16.50/bottle with free shipping | Private-label wines in the mix |
| Cancel online, ships to 48 states | 120% price jump after intro |
Naked Wines — Best for Build-Your-Own Variety
Laithwaites offers a large catalog beyond the club shipments. Naked Wines takes that further — you build every order from their full catalog of independent winemakers' bottles at Angel prices (~$10-$18/bottle).
How it compares to Laithwaites: More control over selection, similar per-bottle price range, named winemaker profiles with community ratings. International sourcing from independent producers worldwide.
The catch: $40/month deposit model. Credit withdrawal takes 30+ days if you leave. Ships to 44 states.
Cancellation: Online, no minimum.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full catalog access, international range | $40/mo deposit model is unusual |
| Named winemakers, not private-label | Slow credit withdrawal on exit |
| ~$10-$18/bottle at Angel prices | Need to actively choose — no auto-curation |
Gold Medal Wine Club — Best for Quality Focus
If Laithwaites' variety sometimes felt like quantity over quality, Gold Medal flips the equation: 2 bottles per shipment, both from named, award-winning California boutique wineries. Less variety, more quality assurance.
How it compares to Laithwaites: Completely different philosophy — depth over breadth. Higher per-bottle cost (~$30.50), but every bottle has a verifiable pedigree.
Cancellation: Online, email, or phone. No minimum. Ships to 44 states.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Named, verified award-winning producers | Only 2 bottles — far less variety |
| Transparent, consistent pricing | ~$30.50/bottle is premium |
| Multiple cancellation methods | California only — no international |
Plonk Wine Club — Best for Global Discovery
Laithwaites' international sourcing is one of its main appeals. Plonk matches that global reach but through a natural/organic lens — wines from small producers in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, and beyond. If you want variety with a philosophy, Plonk delivers.
How it compares to Laithwaites: Similar global sourcing, but exclusively organic/biodynamic/natural. Higher per-bottle cost (~$33.75 vs. Laithwaites' promotional pricing). More adventurous wine styles.
Cancellation: Online, anytime. Ships to 45 states with free shipping.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Global organic/natural sourcing | ~$33.75/bottle — pricier than Laithwaites |
| Named small producers | Only 4 bottles per shipment |
| Free shipping, cancel anytime | Natural wine can be polarizing |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laithwaites' current pricing?
We haven't confirmed Laithwaites' current pricing — it changes frequently with promotional offers. Their model typically involves a discounted introductory case followed by higher ongoing pricing. Check their website directly for current rates and terms.
Is Laithwaites a good wine club?
Laithwaites has decades of history and a loyal customer base. The wines are internationally sourced from named producers. Our concern is that we haven't been able to verify their current cancellation method or shipping coverage. We recommend confirming these details before joining.
What's the best Laithwaites alternative for international wines?
WSJ Wine Club offers the most similar format — 12-bottle international mixed cases at ~$17.08/bottle ongoing. For independent winemakers worldwide, Naked Wines at ~$10-$18/bottle gives you full selection control.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you join through our links. Rankings are editorially independent.