How do I become a member?
Memberships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and require a commitment to receiving 2, 4, or 6 consecutive collections. Each collection is a case of six carefully selected wines. A new collection is released every 2 months. Members can opt to receive one or two cases of the 6 wines which constitute each collection. If you cannot access the current or next collection because they’re sold out, you can commit to collections further in the future, when we’re able to source more wine and, as a result, make more memberships available.
What is a collection, and how often are they released?
A collection is a curated set of 6 wine collaborations, delivered to members every 2 to 3 months. Once delivered, the wines within a collection are not reordered, although a few bottles are kept aside for individual reorders until the next collection arrives. We might also produce occasional one-off collections based on a compelling theme. Wines from previous collections are never repeated.
How are the collections curated?
Curation happens every 3 months at Maison Vernhes in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, where the founders of MVA — known as the “Elders” — spend a week blind tasting samples sent by over 30 pre-selected wineries. The pre-selection process is ongoing, featuring winemakers from terroirs known to have the potential for great beauty. At the end of each curation week, the Elders decide which 6 wines will be included in the next collection.
Why is membership capped?
It is simply due to the nature of the wines that we pick for each collection. They come from small artisanal properties so their production is limited. It's hard to scale quality.
Why this price point for a collection?
We’re confident that this is the lowest price we can achieve while consistently delivering on our promise of quality. It’s difficult for independent, artisanal winemakers to scale the love and labor they put into each bottle. Their incredible efforts come at a cost to the consumer. Our enduring challenge is to discover unforgettable wines before their cost is driven up by hype. When we succeed, we may contribute to a wine’s rise in price and relative scarcity, but we’ll know its makers will have earned it.
Why the minimum of 2 collections?
Simply put, membership is synonymous with a continuous commitment to receive our collections. What it means to be a member will grow over time — we have ambitious plans — but it all starts with our collections. Our vision for MVA hinges on our members experiencing the wines we’ve selected and sharing those experiences with each other.
Will the price of individual collections change over time?
It might, but not during the period of your commitment. It’s hard to predict the prices at which we’ll be able to purchase the six wines we select for every collection, but we can guarantee that once you commit, your price per collection is locked in. In fact, if you commit to 4 or 6 collections, your price per case will even go down.
Why artisanal wines?
First, we’ll explain why not “industry” wines. Some wine producers are more influenced by taste trends and market analysis than by improving the quality and individuality of their product. Instead of respecting the unique local conditions of their own vineyard, they’ll use additives in an attempt to match the perceived profile of a region. This is the wine industry at work, and we reject it.
Artisanal wines are less likely to take shortcuts or indulge in these unhealthy excesses. They better reflect the singular passions of their producers and the very soil from which they came. Not every artisanal wine is extraordinary, of course. That’s why we taste relentlessly, pursuing wines that are elegant, well constructed, and that genuinely express their terroir. Our dedication ensures you’ll have the best chance of discovering wines that inspire the emotions you’re seeking.
Can a non-member buy a membership as a gift for a friend?
Absolutely. All you need to do is register and then click on ‘Gift’.
Are these wines “natural”?
In many cases, yes. But being natural doesn’t mean a wine is good. There are useful certifications (such as Demeter) that help producers communicate their approach to vine growing and winemaking. However, these certifications don’t account for taste, which is our priority. So while our values align with natural production and sustainable agriculture, we don’t allow labels to distract the unbiased judging that occurs during our blind tastings. Our focus stays solely on our senses and our emotional response.
Are these wines “bio” or “organic”?
Pretty much always, but again, we’re driven first and foremost by taste. As one of our selected winemakers puts it: “I don’t put a bio logo on my bottles because I don’t want it to be a commercial criteria for my wines. I want people to come back to my wines just because they love them.”
I don’t know wine very well. How will I know how to appreciate these?
Regardless of your expertise, all that matters is whether you like a wine, not whether you’re supposed to like it. Your taste is uniquely yours and, as you try more wines, that taste will evolve. Curiosity is the most important trait to get started. Then, as you enjoy more wines, your passion will grow and so will your knowledge. The MVA community is also here to help and share their expertise. After all, wine is all about sharing.
I know a lot about wine. What’s in it for me?
Discovery. The more you know about anything, the more you realize how little you actually know. Even the world’s foremost wine experts are in search of new wine experiences — and new knowledge. For everyone who truly appreciates wine, the eternal quest is to recapture the emotions you felt upon trying something you loved for the first time. Not everyone enjoys this exploration as much as we do, or has the time for it. That’s why it’s our mission to invite you along for the ride.
How do I invite friends to MVA?
Once you’re a member, you can invite up to 10 friends. For every invitee that becomes a member, you’ll receive an additional invitation, and they’ll receive free shipping on their first collection. If 3 or more of your invitees become members, you’ll receive a special bottle of champagne (not otherwise for sale). The two members with the most accepted invitations are invited to Maison Vernhes for the next blind tasting.
Will there be a MVA app?
Yes. The MVA app will be highly social, with features not available on the web. Members will be able to discover artisanal wine gems from around the world, share their opinions on wines selected by MVA, and connect with participating winemakers, chefs, sommeliers, and — of course — the Elders. Each member will have a simple profile with details about their taste in wines, and most importantly, will be able to suggest wines they think should be part of the selection process. If a member’s suggestion is included in a collection, they’ll be invited to the next blind tasting at Maison Vernhes.
Why the artwork on the labels?
We believe the winemakers we select are artists in their own right. To emphasize this belief, we pair each collection with a piece of visual art by an emerging artist, which becomes the background for all the labels included in the collection. Next year, MVA will launch an artist in residence program at Maison Vernhes in Val d’Orcia, giving the artists an opportunity to be inspired by this beautiful corner of Tuscany - like so many before them.
How can the astronauts drink wine with their helmets on?
Some of you may wonder about that! The best answer will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. Email astronaut@mva.wine
What’s your take on prestigious wines?
The only thing you know for sure is that you’re paying for the label. Some prestigious winemakers are trying as hard as ever, but others are resting on their laurels. Unlike in sports, they don’t have to compete for their title again the following year. When they fail to deliver, they get the benefit of the doubt, while up and coming winemakers have to patiently grind away.
I love big cabs and oaky chardonnays. Will you send me some?
Probably not. You don’t need MVA for big cabs and oaky chardonnays. Those two categories of wine are very well served in the US. In fact, most industrial wines have targeted those taste profiles and are prepared to use whatever additives necessary to replicate them. We reject that method of winemaking.
However, we do not reject power and oak. Power and concentration can be wonderful characteristics for wine, especially when combined with contradictory notions such as elegance and delicacy. And oak can be a welcome influence, but only when well integrated. If you can distinctly taste it, it hasn’t been.
When does my Membership become active?
The moment when you commit to receiving at least 2 collections, even if the first collection that you will receive is months away because collections shipping in the meantime are already allocated. Rather than creating a traditional waiting list, we implemented this version which gives you access to individual bottles before receiving your first collection.
Can I order individual bottles?
Yes, we set aside some invividual bottles from each collection to ensure that members are able to reorder a few of their favorites, before the next collection arrives.
