Why I Joined the K&L Champagne Club
K&L's Champagne Club delivers two hand-selected Champagnes every other month at a member discount, plus club-wide wine discounts, free tastings, and early entry to K&L's annual Champagne Tent Event.
Why I Joined the K&L Champagne Club
When we were brainstorming ideas for this week’s newsletter, a colleague asked whether we should mention the Champagne Club. I practically leapt out of my chair. The truth is, the Champagne Club is 100% of the reason I came to work for K&L Wine Merchants.
Champagne is my favorite category, hands down. Before I joined the team, my close friend—a fellow sommelier—brought a few bottles from K&L to dinner. I was blown away by the quality-to-price ratio; everything drank far above its price point. When I discovered that joining the Champagne Club offered even bigger savings on wines I already wanted to buy, I signed up without a second thought. Every other month, my shipment arrived like a thoughtful little gift to myself.
What I didn’t fully appreciate as a customer is how far the value goes. Membership in one club unlocks discounts across all of our wine clubs and access to free club tastings. In addition, members get coveted perks like early entry to our annual Champagne Tent Event—an incredible opportunity to meet growers, connect with producers, and taste through an unparalleled lineup. For Champagne lovers, it’s essentially the Super Bowl of bubbles.
The Value Philosophy Behind Every Bottle
Personally, I don’t get excited about an $80 bottle that tastes like an $80 bottle. Give me a $40 bottle that tastes like an $80 bottle and I’m thrilled. That is the magic of this club, and it’s a reflection of K&L’s core ethos. Our Champagne buyer, Gary Westby, has spent decades building direct relationships with family growers and producers and finding remarkable wines that deliver genuine value. K&L could easily charge more for these bottles, but they don’t. That is the kind of company I sincerely wanted to be a part of.
It took a few tries to get here. After more than twelve years in wine retail, I applied to K&L and went through the interview process, only to find out I didn’t get the job. I tried again. And again. On my third attempt, I finally got the call to interview for a role in the Marketing Department. When I was offered the job, it felt like I had been handed a golden ticket.
Five years later, with that golden ticket firmly in hand, I remain fortunate to work at K&L, where I have a front-row seat to all the wonderful new acquisitions our buyers bring to the market. With my husband’s birthday next week, I already have a bottle picked out to celebrate.
This Month's Champagne Club Shipment
And that bottle would from this month's Champagne club shipment, a K&L Direct Import: the 2019 Lété-Vautrain "Echo" Blanc de Noirs Champagne $49.99 (Club $39.99), a blend of 75% Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir, that aged a minimum of six years on its lees. It’s currently $10 off for Club members.
My first impression was, “Oh. Wow. This is unique indeed.” My palate raced past the usual golden apple, crème anglaise, and lemon notes, wanting to cozy up to the sensory notions lingering in the shadows. Quince, honey, ginger, and orange blossom water—oh, hello there. It took a few sips to capture, but this is exquisite. The bead is so fine. It’s perfect for those who think they’ve tasted it all in Champagne.
The second bottle in this month's shipment is the Baron-Fuenté "Quinconce" Grand Cru Brut Champagne $49.99 (Club $39.99), also available at a $10 Club discount. Finding Grand Cru Champagne for under $40 is becoming as rare as hen’s teeth. This bottling falls squarely into the best-value category for elevated everyday sipping. It’s dry yet remarkably generous thanks to seven years of beauty sleep on its lees. Notes of golden apple, toasted brioche, Marcona almond, and candied lemon peel provide a beautiful lift and freshness to its racy, lightly textured frame. Pair with friends and a charcuterie board for a lovely evening.
Every bottle in our various wine clubs tell a story, curated through deep relationships and brought to life by an incredible team that I am honored to call colleagues. And to you, dear reader, thank you for being the best part of the K&L journey. Let’s pop a cork and savor these wines together—Santé!
- Kerry Kennell, Editor & Writer
Champagne Club FAQs
What does K&L's Champagne Club include?
Membership unlocks discounts across all of K&L's wine clubs, access to free club tastings, and early entry to the annual Champagne Tent Event.
How often does the Champagne Club ship?
Shipments arrive every other month.
What's in this month's shipment?
The 2019 Lété-Vautrain "Echo" Blanc de Noirs Champagne (a K&L Direct Import, 75% Meunier / 25% Pinot Noir, aged a minimum of six years on its lees) and the Baron-Fuenté "Quinconce" Grand Cru Brut Champagne (aged seven years on its lees) — both $10 off for Club members.
What is the Champagne Tent Event?
K&L's annual event where Champagne Club members get early entry to meet growers, connect with producers, and taste through an extensive lineup.
Who selects the Champagne Club wines?
K&L's Champagne buyer, Gary Westby, who has spent decades building direct relationships with family growers and producers.