For the first time, European wineries can have direct relationships with customers, and lovers of many European wineries can consistently secure access to their favorite wines via the VinConnect platform.  Founder and President, Kevin Sidders, explains how VinConnect works, tells us some of the unique, rare wines that have been offered, and all the reasons how VinConnect benefits their winery partners.  Not a new way of buying wine, but bringing the American direct-to-consumer experience to European wineries. This episode is sponsored by Sonoma State University’s Wine Executive MBA program.  A 17-month, transformative program that builds leadership skills and business acumen focused on the specific needs of the world of wine.  Learn more about SSU’s Wine MBA programs here.  If this is something you’re considering, the next Global Wine Executive MBA session’s enrollment deadline is June 30, 2021, for courses starting in October!! Detailed Show Notes: Kevin’s backgroundLived in the Bay Area 25-30 years ago, discovered wine and joined mailing lists of California wineriesWas in the finance industryVinConnect founding - 10 years agoStruggled to buy and collect wines from EuropeWas on mailing lists in California and wanted the same experience for European winesVinConnect Customer ExperienceJust like signing up for a US mailing listSign up, get offers, have wine shipped to youVinConnect works as an extension of the winery, a facilitatorKey benefitsConvenience, consistent access - “never miss a vintage,” which Kevin experience himself with Domaine du PegauRelationship / communications direct from the winerySpecial treatment in hospitalityProvenance - authentic and shipping through winery approved channels (in good condition)Occasionally special goods - unique wines (including a never release bottling from Chateau Musar, formats, vintages, library winesLogisticsSupports planning, strategy, and pricing with wineries - wineries decide how they want to operate their program (communications, offers, etc…)2 models for buyingSingle national importer - who sells to distributors, then retailersVinConnect buys from importerDirect to distributors - winery may have ~30 relationships in US VinConnect buys from winery directlyAllocations - depends on the winery, some have purchase limits, some do notWine Clubs - a couple wineries run clubs on the VinConnect platformEach winery list is separate, no cross communicationWhen a new winery launches on VinConnect, all customers are notified that they have the ability to sign up - this is the only communication to all customersTypes of wineries that fit - high profile presence in US, flagship winery of their region - platform is more useful when the brand has a consumer presenceHow Consumers sign upThe winery - visits in hospitality (most European wineries haven’t been as good at this), signups via winery website, social media driving to mailing listVinConnect website - can sign up for all lists via the websiteGoogle advertisingBenefits for wineriesThey can’t do this themselves in USCreates communication channel with consumersCan create in-market events w/ consumersHave access to all customer data (via dashboard portal)65 winery partners as of April 2021 Get access to library episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.