A recent Stanford University study claims that there is no connection between quality and price. Ahem. [level-members] They “proved” this by having people drink from two bottles of wine after being told that one cost $5 and the other $45. Everyone liked the $45 bottle more. Surprise, surprise. Of course, it was the $5 wine […]
Archive for July, 2014
Retail Wine Shop Business Tips: The Quality / Price Connecti
July 15th, 2014Retail Wine Industry News – Constellation Brands’ Project Geno
July 14th, 2014Constellation Brands’ Project Genome is a wealth of interesting information for wine retailers who want to know more about their consumers and how to attract them. We’ll dive into this important report over the next few weeks in a variety of posts, but even without our guidance and interpretation, it’s a worthwhile read. [level-members] You can […]
Food & Wine Pairing: Grilled Lobster Tails and Chori
July 11th, 2014How about living a little high on the hog with lobster tails and chorizo on the grill? [level-members] The May 31, 2014 issue of Wine Spectator includes a nicely different take on lobster, Grilled Montauk Lobster Tails and Chorizo. I don’t really think they need to be Montauk lobsters, but hey, who knows how naunced […]
What Your Wine Shop Customers Are Reading – Wine Spectator 7/31/
July 10th, 2014Wine Spectator for July 31, 2014 is all about Chardonnay. They rate 250 2012 bottlings and the cover story is on Napa’s John Kongsgaard. “A Chardonnay Master in Cabernet Country.” Before we get to the features, let’s take a look at columns and departments. [level-members] First, a report that 2013 Bordeaux futures are not selling well. […]
Online Reviews for Wine Shops: The Good, The Bad, and The Ug
July 9th, 2014Online review sites like Yelp are a fact of retail life these days. You can ignore them if you like, but they’re not going away. Here’s how to deal with them effectively in all their frustrating glory. [level-members] First, forget that bit about ignoring them. Whether it’s review sites or social media channels, the conversation […]
Wine Shop Business Tip: Pricing Strategi
July 8th, 2014It’s easy to get in a rut. You’ve always charged X for this product, so you keep charging X for this product. Sure, if there’s a big increase from your distributor, you’ll address the change immediately, but the smaller changes you may be tempted to ignore. [level-members] And that makes sense, particularly if you price […]
Protections Sought for Wine Industry TLDs (Top-Level Domain
July 7th, 2014In a recent article on Drinks Business Review’s website entitled, “Noted American Wine Regions join forces to protest ICANN’s release of .wine and .vin domain names,” we learn that roughly 2,000 wineries across the country have, through their regional wine associations, made their opposition known to ICANN’s plans to let the .wine and .vin TLDs […]
What They’re Reading – Bon Appetit, July 20
July 3rd, 2014This month’s issue of Bon Appetit promises 55 “grill-tastic” recipes, a great burger makeover, the fastest salsa recipe ever and how to make the coolest cocktails. First, the front of the book. [level-members] Bon Appetit poses a question to its staffers, and prints some of the answers on their masthead page. It’s a nice way […]
Wine Shop Marketing Tips: Eliminate Competition by Filling a Nic
July 2nd, 2014What’s the best way to deal with your competition? Eliminate it. Here’s how wine shop owners can compete in crowded markets. [level-members] Don’t get us wrong – we think competition is healthy, even desirable for your business. It keeps you on your toes and pushes you to think about what you do and strive to […]
Wine Shop Business Tips – Coupons Good or Evi
July 1st, 2014A few thoughts on coupons, Groupons, and other discount programs. [level-members] Coupons are so common in our culture that many of us don’t give them much thought. A subset of that group would no sooner whip out a coupon than beg for change on the streets. For others, coupons are a way of life. (Think, […]