Dear Wine Enthusiast,

Buy Wine Online or not to Buy Online. One thing is certain…the technology of the internet has certainly changed our shopping habits making it easier to buy wine. If you’re like most people, when you need to research something you want to purchase, you turn to the internet first. Why not? Shopping online is one of the fastest and easiest avenues to explore available selections, make comparisons and buy quality items at competitive prices. What could be easier at the click of a button to buy wine??

An increase of online wine purchases by 35% last year indicates that this is becoming the preferred way to purchase wine by connoisseurs and novices alike. Many wine drinkers have come to depend on the internet as their only source for buying wine. And unless you’re attending a wine tasting where you can “try before you buy”, that trip to the liquor store is a waste of time, gas and money!

Think about it…when you go to the store to buy wine, do you have a streamlined, time-tested assortment to choose from including your favourite Cabernet, Pinot, Shiraz or Chardonnay? Can you review recommendations from experienced wine experts and people who are simply wine lovers like you? Do you have someone who can put together different wines that will complement each other and the food you are planning to serve? Probably not.

Buying wine online is fast, convenient and most of all…fun! There are a vast number of sites where you can buy wine, but before you order from the first one you lay your eyes on, please consider the following.

It’s All in the Presentation. Whether you’re buying wine online for yourself or as a gift, you can find a host of well-packaged and well-presented collections to choose from, including gift baskets, themed collections and samplers for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

The Choices Really are Endless. Purchasing wine online can be fun! A visit to a site such as www.mywinedirect.com for example, yields a multitude of packages for any wine lover. You can choose from such wonderful offerings as: all red variety wines; all white variety wines; combination packs that contain both red and white wines; packs containing seasonal and holiday recommendations; “wines from around the world” collections, best sellers/members’ favorites and many, many more.

Wines that go Cross Country. Because there are shipping restrictions in some states, the source you choose for your online wine purchases should offer you a map or guideline to ordering wine in your part of the country. The site should outline overall restrictions, as well as those pertaining to particular states. And only buy wine from a company that requires the signature of someone over 21 to accept the wine when it is delivered to your home. (If that is not possible, you may want to consider having your purchases shipped to your office location.)

Less is More! If an online wine vendor has too many choices, it probably means that the wines they are offering have not been prescreened…they’re just trying to make it appear that they have more to offer. Buy wine from a source that offers a slightly scaled-down selection; the chances are better that the wines will be winners!

Which Wine When? Some sites even provide access to tasting notes and suggestions for pairing the best wine with the food you will be serving. Acquaint yourself with knowing which wines are considered to be “heavier” (and should therefore be served with your heavier foods) and the best light wines to complement your lighter meals.

Just imagine having at your fingertips a great selection of wines you can buy by ordering conveniently from your home computer!

Do You Guarantee It? Your choice for buying wine online should be focused completely on your satisfaction. If you’re not satisfied, they shouldn’t consider the sale “final” until you are. They should provide free shipping and the promise to replace or substitute any wine that disappoints you…your satisfaction must be guaranteed!

Now log online and start shopping for some wine!!

Happy Tasting!

Dan Maynard