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Everyone knows about credit cards with cash-back or travel perks. But wine lovers can seek out cards that promise access to private tastings, custom glassware and more. Here are three to explore.
Grand Reserve World Mastercard
Designed for wine lovers, Grand Reserve Mastercard offers five-times points on purchases from more than 450 partner wineries and triple points on any other wine purchase, including from bars and restaurants. A wine advisory board vets every offer, and cardholders can redeem points for sommelier-curated products and experiences from the Grand Reserve catalog. So far, it has included a tasting with a New Zealand Master of Wine and an at-home Sonoma tasting led by the winemaker. When you sign up, you’ll also get a pair of European hand-blown Grassl Glass as a welcome gift and a one-year priority wine pass for tasting discounts.
Requirements: 720 or above credit score
Fees: $0 for the first year, then $149.00 annually. APR is between 14.99% and 22.99%. Late payment fee up to $25. Returned payment fee is up to $37.
American Express
Cardholders are eligible for wine-related Amex Offers and Amex Experiences, but specific promotions depend on your card. For Amex Offers, one of the discounts released this year is a $30 statement credit when you spend $30 at certain retailers like Wine Insiders. Past offers have included higher cash-back amounts on wine purchases and up to nine-times points on wine purchases. Amex Experiences are usually pretty pricey, but they include tastings with U2’s Bono, a skiing tour led by winemakers, a wine-focused trip through France and at-home wine tastings and classes with top sommeliers.
Requirements: 700 or above credit score
Fees: Annual fees range from $0 to $550, depending on the card type. APR is up to 23.99%. Late and returned payment fees are up to $40.
Visa Signature and Visa Infinite
Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards both offer buy-one, get-one free wine tastings from more than 50 wineries in Sonoma. Wineries in the network also run special deals for cardholders, like same-day wine discounts and special pricing on reserve, special-edition or limited-run wines. If you attend Taste of Sonoma and buy tickets with one of these cards, you’ll get a discounted price and access to a private lounge with exclusive wine and snacks. Be sure to call or ask wineries in advance to make sure their perks haven’t changed.
Signature Requirements: 700 or above credit score
Signature Fees: Vary per issuing bank, but generally between $0 and $99. APR is up to 25.90%. Late and returned payment fees are up to $40.
Infinite Requirements: Must have 720 or above credit score and high net worth; some issuing banks offer the card by invitation only
Infinite Fees: Vary per issuing bank, but generally between $400 and $595, plus $95 for each additional card. APR is up to 23.99%. Late and returned payment fees are up to $40.
Published: March 10, 2021
