South American wines have made an impact on the wine markets of the world. It is a New-world wine -producing nation, whereas the European countries are considered the ‘Old world’ wine producing nations. There are several wine regions in South America, each with their own flavor and style of wine. A couple of the major wine-producing regions are Argentina and Chile. The grape varieties and methods are essentially the same as used around the world, but the climate and other factors add the subtle differences that make the drink more interesting!

The Chilean red wine has vastly improved in quality and they offer a wide selection of including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and others produced by joint ventures between Chilean wineries and foreign investors. The wines range from light bodied to full-bodied with rich crimson colours that delight the eye as well as the palate.

Apart from this, South America is the oldest of the wine producing countries outside Europe; some unusual varieties of grapes still are cultivated here, making wines that are distinctive in flavour and character. A wine connoisseur’s delight in the discovery of subtle flavours is fulfilled by a good quality South American wine.

Argentina, Chile’s neighbor also produces wine that has improved in quality .The vineyards extend from the foot of the mountains up to about 4000 feet above sea level, with the highest, cooler vineyards being more suitable for white varieties. Like Chile, Argentina has many unusual varieties of grapes, for example, Torrontes, a white grape variety with an interesting character. This variety produces fresh and aromatic wines, when crafted well by a good wine maker. Among the red wines, Argentina has its own French variety, Malbec, like the Carmenère in Chile. These unusual varieties have produced interest in the wine circles and created a niche market for South American wine.

Uruguay also has a say in the South America wine production. It specializes in Tannat, a grape variety that can be rather tough and demand long ageing, so many producers blend with other varieties to make a more approachable wine. These wines are also creating ripples in the international markets.

With emergence of new markets, South American wine is increasingly finding a place on tables all over the world and steadily gaining in popularity. The wine label of a bottle of South American wine is uncomplicated and has all the information which makes it easier to expect what is in the bottle.

Wine clubs have become very popular over the past decade and are a great gift idea for family members, business associates, or as a gift for yourself. The best wine clubs send you high-quality wines for a great price. Many clubs have outstanding introductory offers that allow you to experience the quality of their selections and are an unbeatable value. With all the different clubs available, how do you choose the best wine club?

* Compare the quality of the selections. The best clubs will offer an introductory promotion so that you can taste their selections yourself at a very inexpensive price. These are the wine clubs that are confident of their product and know that once you try them out, you’ll be a loyal club member for a long time.

* Compare the prices of the wine clubs. Prices range from $69.99 for a case to hundreds of dollars for two bottles of a truly special vintage suitable for a collector. The best wine club is the one that allows you to enjoy good wine without breaking your budget.

* Consider what type of wines you usually enjoy the most. Do you prefer a white or a red? Do you savor the bouquet and flavor of a good zinfandel? Are you happier with a large variety of different styles to have in your wine rack? The best wine clubs will have choices that can be personalized for the individual who is the member of the club.

* Are you interested in tasting wines from unusual regions and discovering new varietals that you may not have encountered before? Then you might want to consider a club that has international selections, allowing you the opportunity to enjoy varietals from all over the world.

* Are you a novice to the world of wine or are you already an expert? Many clubs offer excellent educational materials. These can include extensive tasting notes, history of the wineries, and notes from the winemakers themselves. Some clubs will even include information about specific grapes and growing regions that will increase your general knowledge.

* Look to see if there are value-added products included with your club membership. For example, some clubs include a good quality bottle opener or a set of professional tasting glasses for new members. These promotions are especially nice when you are giving the club membership as a gift. Even after the vino is just a good memory, they will have a gift to remember your thoughtful, special present.

Choosing the best wine club depends on the individual tastes, interests and budget of the wine lover. Like any other organization, a wine club combines a shared interest, with a social aspect to get people interested. A wine club is very valuable and enriching, introducing and effectively marrying the idea of wine and friends.