Wine Berserkers - international wine social media, online community, and discussion

Dan Hammer wrote: ↑February 26th, 2021, 9:30 am I got what I Deserve.

FYI.
My bill came in the mail today. The return address is marked Deserve. Under normal circumstances, I would have tossed this with the other junk mail. Good thing I didn't. It's the bill from my new card.

Mark Morrissette wrote: ↑February 20th, 2021, 9:48 am One oddity on the Gabriel Gold glasses is that ordering a 6-pack costs more than ordering 3 two-packs. Only 100 points more, but still odd.
Anyway, order in, and I am very pleased!

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 6:34 pm

Ken Strauss wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 6:29 pm

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 9:14 am I know, I bought one of those packs, but they don’t always have them.

They have them now.
Why would you make that post knowing that they cost $300?

Because that’s what they cost. Even at 300 it’s still the best value on there IMO.

Ken Strauss wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 6:29 pm

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 9:14 am I know, I bought one of those packs, but they don’t always have them.

They have them now.
Why would you make that post knowing that they cost $300?

Ken Strauss wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 6:29 pm

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 9:14 am I know, I bought one of those packs, but they don’t always have them.

They have them now.
Why would you make that post knowing that they cost $300?

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 9:14 am I know, I bought one of those packs, but they don’t always have them.

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 7:23 am

Dan Hammer wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 6:02 am

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2021, 6:24 pm Sensory 4 pack seems like the best deal.

I tasted these wines at a local NYC tasting several years ago. Craig from Sojourn suggested it.

I’m referring to the conterno sensory glass. The 4 pack is usually ~400 so that’s about 0.8 cpp, or ~5.6% on the 7x pts.

Dan Hammer wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2021, 6:02 am

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2021, 6:24 pm Sensory 4 pack seems like the best deal.

I tasted these wines at a local NYC tasting several years ago. Craig from Sojourn suggested it.

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2021, 6:24 pm Sensory 4 pack seems like the best deal.

Li Chen wrote: ↑February 21st, 2021, 9:33 am Brian, thanks. It's not yet posted to my account. Maybe it takes a few days.

Li Chen wrote: ↑February 21st, 2021, 9:05 am Copy-pasted from GrandReserveCard.com

"Earn an additional 2 points per dollar at your top wine merchant (the winery or wine merchant where you spend the most) each month"

Li Chen wrote: ↑February 21st, 2021, 8:00 am Has anyone received the monthly 2X after statement posted? I do not see mine.

Mike C. wrote: ↑February 18th, 2021, 10:29 pm The Nez du Vin aroma kit came back but unfortunately the point value was raised by nearly 10K points (I think it was 66.5K when I applied and now it is 75K). Still put in the order but not a great look.

Brian Tuite wrote: ↑February 16th, 2021, 8:27 am Little snippet of info for you all. If you make your payment on acct with a checking acct ACH transaction your acct is not credited with the payment for 7-10 days. So, although I have paid my acct on 2-11-21 (prior to the statement even hitting) I have no open to buy until 2-23-21.

So, in essence, if you pay a balance that is 1/2 or more of your credit line with your bank acct your card is only good for 20 days a month.

This is the first card or credit acct of any kind that I have ever had that has this kind of policy. Very consumer unfriendly. Thanks but no thanks.

Dan Hammer wrote: ↑February 14th, 2021, 5:21 pm

matthewgoldman wrote: ↑February 14th, 2021, 1:48 pm Hi all - a quick note since a few folks asked and our catalog availability has improved again; thank you for your patience. I think all of the items that were mentioned are back as well as some other great new items such as SippingTHIS coasters, Glasvin Glasses, and some nice chocolates.

We always welcome your feedback on the catalog. If you want to see something please let me know and we will see if we can make it happen! Cheers!

When can we expect to see travel items, such as hotels back up?

matthewgoldman wrote: ↑February 14th, 2021, 1:48 pm Hi all - a quick note since a few folks asked and our catalog availability has improved again; thank you for your patience. I think all of the items that were mentioned are back as well as some other great new items such as SippingTHIS coasters, Glasvin Glasses, and some nice chocolates.

We always welcome your feedback on the catalog. If you want to see something please let me know and we will see if we can make it happen! Cheers!

JDavisRoby wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 6:43 pm
I have no dog in this fight other than a quixotic belief the world can return to a more civil place someday.

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 4:24 pm

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 1:14 pm

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 6:00 pm

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

I think you are still missing something here. Yes, I understand that the cashback value of the expiring program is 0.4. However, redemption value for something like Riedel Sommelier is 0.6. So, 7 x 0.6 is 4.2.

In the interest of learning, how do you know beforehand that CSR would give you 3% at a winery before you make the charge?

Also, on the point of the previous program -- why not redeem whatever points you have from the old program for something you want? Whatever is left is likely too insignificant even if you were to get 0.4 cents/point.

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 1:14 pm

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 6:00 pm

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 4:17 pm


Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

Eric Z. wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 1:22 pm

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 1:14 pm

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 6:00 pm

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

CSR actually did bump up their price to $550 in Jan 2020 and if you open up a browser to apply it says $550. They clawed it back with a $100 statement credit upon renewal for a time and just expanded that for another wave of those who are set to renew. Does skew your math a bit but I am a fanatic about credit card points as my wife and I have traveled the world for free so yes I'd take CSR or Amex MR over points in any specific sector. Not bashing this product but its why I do not collect United Miles or Delta Miles but you collect transferrable currency so when someone changes the game, you go elsewhere. Here - the game changed it seems and you are now in their new program without much options.

I am sure there is a break even point if you spend a lot with the select wineries you'll come out ahead. If you are truly into the points game you likely have more than 1 piece of plastic in your wallet any given time!

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 1:14 pm

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 6:00 pm

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 4:17 pm


Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 6:00 pm

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 4:17 pm

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 10th, 2021, 3:09 pm I am hoping the experts here would advise us on the thoughts below.

What are the best redemption values for GR Wine Points? Is it Chris' fantastic glasses, ProofLoyalty? Something else?

I missed the BD12 boat for spending. What expenses are you putting on this card?

Some point systems allow combining points across multiple accounts. I was wondering if our friend Won H. Lee might be allowed to combine points across multiple accounts into a single one. It would be a great selling point for the card and make Won happy.

Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

D@ve D y r 0 f f wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 11:42 am My sign-up bonus hasn't come through yet, but while I wait I only see the one BD12 special in the catalog - 75k for 12 stems. I filled out the survey for the half-deal at 37.5K for 6, will that be appearing soon?

Thanks!

bradkaplan wrote: ↑February 12th, 2021, 11:11 am Thanks Matthew - I just placed an order but honestly don't recall what my filled out form indicated I wanted! I PM'd Chris to clarify what I would like, but if there's a better way to do that, please let us know.

matthewgoldman wrote: ↑January 27th, 2021, 3:01 pm

Mike C. wrote: ↑January 27th, 2021, 2:34 pm What happened to the wine scent kits on the reward page? I saw it last week as a redemption option before I applied but now they are all gone.

Temporary stock issues...some should re-appear shortly! We try not to show out of stock items.

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 4:17 pm

Kedar Dubhashi wrote: ↑February 10th, 2021, 3:09 pm I am hoping the experts here would advise us on the thoughts below.

What are the best redemption values for GR Wine Points? Is it Chris' fantastic glasses, ProofLoyalty? Something else?

I missed the BD12 boat for spending. What expenses are you putting on this card?

Some point systems allow combining points across multiple accounts. I was wondering if our friend Won H. Lee might be allowed to combine points across multiple accounts into a single one. It would be a great selling point for the card and make Won happy.

Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 11th, 2021, 4:18 pm

matthewgoldman wrote: ↑February 10th, 2021, 12:53 pm

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 10th, 2021, 12:44 pm


correct, you were allowing this company to have free access to your data, in return for providing meager point. I signed up also because, heck google has all my info anyway. So grand reserve mined the data, likely spun that to sell for profit, and now are discontinuing that to force people to either lose point, or cash out at ridiculously low $per point, or get their credit card with crappy value. yay

I do want to make clear that we do not sell user data. No profit was earned from the Grand Reserve Link program.

I want to make sure I heard you correct then. You have ran money losing business all this time prior to credit card program. That the ability to acquire partnership with wineries were NOT based on spending pattern analysis from your members or any of their personal data?

matthewgoldman wrote: ↑February 10th, 2021, 12:53 pm

Won H. L e e wrote: ↑February 10th, 2021, 12:44 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑February 10th, 2021, 11:00 am

I just received the email, trying to figure it out as well. To me it seems like it is the former program, where you just linked another card to the rewards program (like I had), but that earned very little in terms of points, by my experience anyway.

correct, you were allowing this company to have free access to your data, in return for providing meager point. I signed up also because, heck google has all my info anyway. So grand reserve mined the data, likely spun that to sell for profit, and now are discontinuing that to force people to either lose point, or cash out at ridiculously low $per point, or get their credit card with crappy value. yay

I do want to make clear that we do not sell user data. No profit was earned from the Grand Reserve Link program.