Avalanche PR logo

Press release / New site makes wine shopping a more social business

A wine website which encourages enthusiasts to connect and inspire each other to try something new has launched this month

Offering a twist on the online shopping experience, winegrapevine.co.uk combines online social networking with wine choosing.

“Research shows that the people who are most likely to value your opinion on wine are your family and friends, so we have made the sharing easier” commented co-founder, Mike Denman.

The concept is based around removing the traditional snobbery from consumer wine buying and winegrapevine.co.uk features around 200 award-winning or highly acclaimed bottles at the most competitive prices online*.

To make the choice even easier, a personal shopper facility provides specific recommendations to site visitors, according to their personal or gift-buying requirements. Complementing this, the designer dozen service allows customers the option of being sent regular mixed cases tailored to their wine preferences and budget.

Winegrapevine.co.uk is the brainchild of husband and wife team Mike and Jo Denman, who share a passion for trying and enjoying wine.

“Open-mindedness is key to food and wine appreciation, but without some form of credible advice, it’s all too easy to miss out on the good stuff” commented Mike.

After being inspired by a local wine merchant when living in London, Mike and Jo moved to the South Cotswolds to raise their young family and start their former business, Badminton Wines.

“We decided that it was again a time for a change.   Wine Grapevine takes wine buying to a new level and I believe that engaging with social media is the way forward for wine buying and appreciation.

“By narrowing down the selection we offer to wines which have recently won an award or received critical acclaim makes it so much easier for consumers to buy with confidence.

“However, with social media shaping the way people behave and opinions are formed, both online and offline, we really felt that shoppers would benefit from the inclusion of our social network – the grapevine.  After all, the enjoyment of wine is primarily a social activity, so it seemed a logical feature.”

Mike and Jo select wines based on the merit of their specific vintage, distinguishing them from many other wine merchants, who select according to brand.

Critics and influencers the winegrapevine.co.uk favours include Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, The Wine Spectator, Decanter Magazine, jancisrobinson.com, the International Wine Challenge, the Decanter World Wine Awards, the Sommelier Wine Awards.

The UK website also offers mixed case options, gift purchases and a cork point loyalty scheme, enabling buyers to save further money on future site purchases.

– ENDS –

* winegrapevine.co.uk prices are set accordingly by carrying out regular price comparison checks on www.wine-searcher.com