Naked Wines

Naked Wines operates a unique crowdfunding model where subscribers ("Angels") fund independent winemakers in exchange for exclusive wines at 40-60% below retail. Choose your own bottles from 200+ wines, rate what you drink, and the algorithm learns your preferences over time.

Naked Wines launched in the UK in 2008 with a mission to change how wine reaches consumers. Rather than traditional distribution where wines pass through importers, distributors, and retailers (each taking margin), Naked Wines connects winemakers directly with consumers through a crowdfunding model.

Subscribers (“Angels”) contribute $40/month, which funds independent winemakers who couldn’t otherwise access traditional distribution channels. In exchange, Angels get exclusive access to these wines at wholesale prices, typically 40-60% below what the same quality would cost at retail. The model has attracted over 300,000 active Angels and funded winemakers across California, Australia, New Zealand, France, and beyond.

Pricing Plans

Angel Contribution: $40/month deposited to your account as wine credit.

Wine Prices: Individual bottles range from $10-40, with most falling in the $12-20 range. Angels save 40-60% compared to retail equivalents.

Example Order:

• 6 bottles at ~$15 average = $90
• Paid from accumulated Angel credit
• Same quality wines at retail would cost $150-180

Credit never expires and is fully refundable if you cancel.

What’s Included

As an Angel You Get Access To:

• 200+ Exclusive Wines: Unavailable anywhere else, from funded winemakers
• Full Selection Control: Choose exactly which bottles you want
• Rating System: Rate every wine to improve future recommendations
• Winemaker Stories: Learn about the people behind each bottle
• Money-Back Guarantee: Credit or refund for any bottle you don’t love

Wine Categories:

• Reds (Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Malbec, blends)
• Whites (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling)
• Rosé and sparkling options
• Limited releases and special collections

How It Works

1. Sign Up as an Angel Investor: Create your Naked Wines account and agree to the $40/month Angel contribution. This monthly deposit accumulates as credit toward wine purchases, think of it as a dedicated wine savings account. First-time Angels typically receive a special introductory offer such as a discounted starter case to experience the selection.

2. Explore the Wine Selection: Browse over 200 exclusive wines from independent winemakers funded by the Angel community. Each wine page includes detailed tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, and ratings from fellow Angels. Filter by varietal (Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, etc.), region (California, France, Australia, New Zealand), or price point to find wines matching your preferences.

3. Read Angel Reviews and Ratings: Before adding bottles to your cart, review feedback from other Angels who’ve tried each wine. The rating system uses a simple thumbs up/thumbs down plus written reviews. Wines with high approval ratings and positive reviews tend to be reliable choices; lower-rated wines may be hit-or-miss depending on personal taste.

4. Build Your Order Using Accumulated Credit: When you’re ready to order, add desired bottles to your cart. At checkout, your accumulated Angel credit applies automatically, no additional payment needed until credit is exhausted. Most Angels order 6-12 bottles at a time, optimizing shipping costs and ensuring wine supply between orders.

5. Receive Your Wine Shipment: Orders ship within 1-2 business days to most locations. Wine arrives in protective packaging designed to prevent breakage during transit. Depending on weather conditions and your location, shipments may include temperature control measures during extreme heat or cold.

6. Store and Enjoy Your Wines: Upon arrival, store bottles properly, ideally in a cool, dark place. Most Naked Wines are designed for near-term consumption rather than long-term aging, though some premium offerings have cellaring potential. The winemaker notes on each bottle provide serving temperature and optimal drinking window recommendations.

7. Rate Every Wine You Drink: After opening and tasting each bottle, log into your account and rate the wine. Your ratings serve two purposes: they help other Angels make informed decisions, and they train the algorithm to recommend wines matching your taste profile. Be honest, positive and negative feedback both help the community.

8. Request Refunds for Disappointing Bottles: If you open a wine and don’t enjoy it, report the bottle through your account within a reasonable timeframe. Naked Wines offers credit or refund for any bottle you don’t love, no questions asked. This money-back guarantee removes risk from trying unfamiliar wines or winemakers, encouraging exploration.

9. Manage Your Angel Membership: Your $40/month contribution continues automatically unless you pause or cancel. Log into your account to skip months (credit still accumulates), adjust contribution amount, or cancel entirely. Any unused credit is refundable upon cancellation, you’re never locked in or at risk of losing accumulated funds.

Who It’s For

Perfect For:

• Regular wine drinkers who consume 6+ bottles monthly
• Adventurous palates who enjoy discovering new winemakers
• Value-seekers who want quality wine at wholesale prices
• People who prefer choosing their own wines over curated selections
• Those who enjoy learning about independent producers

Consider Alternatives If:

• You prefer expert-curated wine selections
• You drink wine infrequently (monthly commitment accumulates)
• You want premium/collector-grade wines (limited selection)
• You prefer in-person shopping and tasting
• $40/month commitment feels too rigid

The Crowdfunding Model

Naked Wines’ approach works because:

Direct Funding: Angel contributions fund winemaker operations directly, equipment, grapes, production. This replaces traditional bank financing and investor capital.

Guaranteed Sales: Winemakers have pre-committed customers, reducing risk and allowing focus on quality over marketing.

Lower Costs: Eliminating importers, distributors, and retailers removes 40-60% of typical wine pricing markup.

Quality Feedback: Thousands of ratings per wine create accountability, poorly rated wines get discontinued, while popular ones expand production.

The model isn’t without critics who see it as marketing spin, but the math generally checks out, Angels do receive wines at significantly below typical retail prices for comparable quality.