Honestly, I didn’t really drink wine before I became a single mum. Not because I had anything against it ... I just never needed it. Then I found myself deep into the chaotic world of single parenthood. Suddenly, a glass of red wine in the evening seemed like a reasonable survival strategy. Enter Naked Wines Australia.
But as a single mum, I also don’t have the time (or budget) to wander the bottle shop aisles, pretending I know the difference between a $10 bottle and a $30 one. Naked Wines Australia is a local wine subscription service that promises quality wines while supporting independent winemakers. It sounded too good to be true, so I gave it a shot.
This is my honest take: the good, the bad, and whether it’s worth it for fellow single mums.
Further reading: Where to buy alcohol online in Australia: Websites and discounts
What is Naked Wines Australia?
Naked Wines Australia operates differently from your typical online wine shop. Instead of just selling bottles of wines made in the country, it runs on a crowdfunding model where members (called "Angels") contribute a monthly amount, which goes directly to independent winemakers. (In my book, that's a good company.) In return, Angels get exclusive access to 12 bottles of boutique wines at discounted prices.
The membership is $ 40 a month, which sits in your account as a credit until you decide to use it. (Essentially, the price falls at just $ 5 a bottle.) You can spend it whenever you want, and if you don’t like a bottle (or a case of wine), Naked Wines has a full refund policy.
In theory, it’s a win-win: you get access to quality wines, and small winemakers get the financial backing they need to create amazing drops. It can be the best way to buy wines. But does it really live up to the hype?
The Perks: Why I Love Naked Wines Australia
I had low expectations when I first signed up. I assumed I’d get a box of “just okay” wines, the kind that taste fine on a Friday night when you’ve survived the week but isn’t exactly worth raving about. After all, the company offers discounted wines, and I've had my fair share of horror stories when it comes to discounts and discount vouchers.
I was wrong. Happily.
My first box of wine came as a shock, with bottles like Red by Caroline Dunn Shiraz, R. Paulazzo SB Cab Petit Verdelho, and Margaret River 2nd Chap Rosé. The wines are absolutely high quality. The Tapi Organic Sauvignon Blanc was crisp and refreshing. The Army of Grapes Riesling was beautifully balanced. And the Dream Bird Pipsqueak was a light, easy-drinking red perfect for warm evenings. For me, that's good value. The quality can seriously restore your faith in Naked Wines Australia.
There's also useful information about the wines that come from the card that accompanies each bottle and also includes an onboarding booklet. This allows you to try new wines while also knowing what to expect.
Beyond the case of wine itself, here’s why I’m a fan:
- You get access to small-batch wines that you wouldn’t normally find in stores.
- It’s affordable, especially if you’re the kind of mum who likes a glass now and then but doesn’t want to splurge on hit-or-miss bottles.
- It’s convenient because the wine will be delivered straight to your home. Let’s be honest: taking a toddler into a bottle shop is a special kind of chaos.
The Criticism: What Some People Don't Like
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-great parts. If you’re new to Naked Wines, you’ve probably seen complaints about the Angel program.
I'm sorry to hear that some customers have felt misled about the automatic $40 monthly charge, not realising it was a membership rather than a one-time purchase. Some only realised this a month into their Naked Wines experience. Others have struggled to cancel the subscription, saying it wasn’t as easy as they expected.
Personally, I didn’t have these issues and am quite happy with the service. From the start, I knew what I was signing up for. I’ve found the website pretty clear. And I appreciate that you're welcome to cancel at any time. But I absolutely understand why some people were frustrated with the Angel membership. If you’re considering it, my advice is to read the fine print before you sign up.
Other downsides?
- If you don’t spend on wine often, the monthly credits can add up faster than you use them. There is such a thing as too much wine.
- The marketing emails can be a bit much. I love a good deal, but I don’t need ongoing emails about the subscription every other day.
That said, I do think a lot of the criticism comes from misunderstanding how the model works rather than the quality of the wines themselves. Please feel free to contact their friendly customer happiness team on 1300 898 677 to know more. You can also check the information on their website and reach out to customer service via email at chat@nakedwines.com.au.
Is Naked Wines Worth It for Single Mums?
If you’re a single mum who enjoys good wine at a reasonable price, I’d say yes, with a few caveats.
- It’s great if you like to try the wines without spending a fortune. You have a balance being used towards your next order.
- It’s NOT ideal if you only take wine once every few months and forget to use your credits.
- If you sign up, make sure you understand the subscription model.
If you decide to become a member, here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Use your Naked Wines balance credits strategically; wait for special deals and curated packs before you use the voucher.
- Try a variety of wines; don’t just stick to what you know.
- Pause your membership if needed; you can put it on hold rather than cancelling in case you still want the wine.
- Keeping the receipts of all orders might be a good idea.
If you're ready to place your first order, we have a discount voucher here for you! Get $100 off your first 12 wines here.
My Verdict: To Sip or Skip?
For me, being a Naked Wines angel is a win. I get better wines, I love supporting small Aussie and Kiwi winemakers, and it makes my life easier. I'm pretty happy with the service and, more so, the wines.
Yes, the marketing can be pushy, and the subscription model isn’t for everyone. But if you enjoy exclusive wine and are happy to do your due diligence, it’s absolutely worth paying the membership fee for your next purchase of wines.
Conclusion: Everything You Need to Know About Naked Wines Australia
Being a single mum is hard enough. We deserve a little treat now and then. If delicious wine is your thing, Naked Wines Australia is a fun and affordable way to enjoy different wines without the bottle-shop overwhelm.
Just read the fine print, know what you’re signing up for, and enjoy it responsibly. (Because no one wants to parent through a toddler tantrum with a hangover).
