The Pros and Cons of Buying Wine Online
As with almost any product, wine can be purchased online. While this offers a convenient alternative to driving to the local spirits retailer, it also comes with its own set of concerns.
Online shopping, in general, introduces new risks. There is always the possibility of identity theft and unauthorized access to your credit card information. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious about which websites you visit and where you make purchases. It pays to be an informed consumer in this market.
Understanding the Perks and Pitfalls
Shopping for wine has been made incredibly easy through a number of websites and wine clubs. These platforms offer a wide range of shopping experiences for wine enthusiasts, from corkscrews to rare vintage bottles. However, there are some key factors to keep in mind before making a purchase.
The perks of buying from an online winery are numerous. You can often find discounts on many bottles, as well as gain access to wines that haven’t been released to the general public yet. Some wineries also offer wine club memberships, which will send you various wines each month. While this can be exciting, it’s a bit more of a gamble—you won’t know what wines you’re getting until they arrive, and there’s always the risk of not liking the selection. While the price may be tempting, it’s advisable to research the wines included in the club membership before committing.
Shipping Concerns and Restrictions
When ordering wine online, you may find that shipping charges can sometimes exceed the cost of the wine itself. Additionally, how the wine is shipped is another concern—especially if you’re ordering during hot months. You don’t want your precious bottles sitting in a sweltering transport vehicle during the summer.
Another potential headache is shipping restrictions. These vary and can be quite complex, so it’s crucial to check these details before making a purchase. Different websites ship to different regions, and the costs vary accordingly. Some sites only ship wine within the same state, while others may allow interstate shipping. Currently, thirty-three states permit interstate wine shipment directly from a winery to an adult consumer over the age of 21. However, only twelve of these states allow retailers to ship wine across state lines. Seventeen states have made it illegal to ship wine from out-of-state. These states include: AL, DE, GA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MS, MT, NJ, OK, PA, SD, TN, UT, VT.
The Benefits of Wine Websites
Wine websites offer more than just a range of products—they often provide valuable information about the wine’s region, the winery, food pairings, and ratings. While this information may be somewhat general, many local retailers can’t afford to provide the same level of customer service. Large wine warehouses or discount retailers are typically not equipped to handle these kinds of questions.
Shopping with an online retailer offers the benefit of no pressure to buy a particular product. This means the buyer never feels pushed toward a specific vintage or region. Online shopping can also help the buyer find exactly what they’re looking for, even if they aren’t entirely sure what that is yet. Instant access to wine data is a key advantage for many buyers.
Online or In Person?
If you already know what type of wine you’re looking for, online shopping can be a breeze. However, if you prefer to sample wines before purchasing, visiting your local wine shop is the best alternative. This is one of the most common sentiments shared by wine enthusiasts. Many feel that buying wine online takes away from the dignity of the wine experience, while others find it frustrating that all states don’t allow wine shipments across the country. With the increasing availability of hard-to-find wines through online retailers, many wish for nationwide wine shipping to become the norm.
