As the summer draws to a close, there's never been a better time to join a wine club. Receiving a crate of wine on your doorstep at a time of your choosing? We can't think of a more enjoyable entry point into the world of reds, whites and champers.

Like any hobby worth investing in, fostering an appreciation for wine requires time, effort and a keen enthusiasm. Developing a broad palette doesn't happen overnight. It's the product of hundreds of bottles tasted over hundreds of nights (not consecutively, more's the pity).

But why should you join a wine club? Can they teach you to appreciate the nuances of a bottle of red? And how will you know which wine club's the perfect fit for you? Read on and find out.

And if the many benefits of wine clubs take your fancy, then check out our exclusive deal with Naked Wines, offering you £75 off your first order.

Discover new wines

If you're a beginner in the world of wine, then a wine club is the perfect way to dip your toes in uncertain waters. You'll receive a new selection of bottles from around the world every week, hand-picked to improve your drinking experience and to broaden your knowledge and palate.

But that doesn't mean wine clubs lack flexibility. Companies like Naked Wines, for instance, offer a curated service called Wine Genie, which enables you to participate in the wine selection process as much or as little as you want.

New to the wine game? Then leave it to the pros. Know the difference between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Noir? Then tell the Genie your preference and it'll be delivered to your door.

Enjoy great discounts

The main competitor for wine clubs is the high street and its rock-bottom pricing, and as such wine clubs take great pains to keep their prices fair and competitive. Many do this by working with independent wine suppliers directly, consequently keeping costs down and passing those savings onto the consumer. So find the right club and you'll receive a better bottle at a fairer price.

Learn a little

A crate of wine delivered to your door doesn't only give you plenty of booze for your next dinner party or barbecue. It's also your chance to understand how wine is made, the overtones and undertones of the taste, and to wrap your head around the intimidating terminology that accompanies an average wine-tasting session.

Learning how to express your feelings about wine will impress your friends and make you appreciate a bottle all the more. Any wine club worth its salt will also include information about the drinks you've been sent. Read them and you'll be a pro in no time. To get you started, we wrote this tips guide on how to get smart about wine.

Get flexibility

Wine clubs are about empowering the consumer. You can cancel an order when you like, pick between white, red or prosecco, and increase or decrease the frequency of deliveries. All from the comfort of your home.

Save the hassle

The long line of wines on supermarket shelves can be mind-bogglingly complex to the uninitiated. 'More expensive' doesn't always equal 'better' and a £7.99 bottle of white could be the best wine in the store. Wine clubs cut the hassle of figuring out the haves and the have-nots, giving you fermented bliss every time, and helping you discover new favourites without any leg work.