Facebook Group "Deals from the Vines" Connects Consumers with Wine at Unbeatable Prices

If you like wine deals and you're on Facebook this one may be for you. Deals from the Vines is a Facebook Group that's been connecting wineries and retailers directly with consumers since October, 2010. The group is administered by VinTank - a Digital Think Tank for the Wine Industry. According to the Rules of Engagement for the group, VinTank takes no commission for running the deals.  They seem to be doing this as an experiment in social commerce.

The first deal they announced was quite attractive. The 2005 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon carries a release price of $120/btl -- they offered it for $50/btl with free shipping via WineTasting.com.

Many of the deals can't be shipped to Massachusetts, but when they're compelling enough I'm sure a lot of us would find ways to get our hands on them. The winery-direct shipments are mostly from California wineries that have a relationship with VinTank -or- are favorable predisposed to trying something like this.  Most include free shipping and favorable discounts.

A deal I took advantage of recently was on a unique red wine from Piedmont. The 2004 Gianpiero Marrone Langhe Sancarlo is a blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto from the Langhe region. I really like Barbaresco so I wanted to try this wine. I couldn't find much information on it though - no Wine Spectator or Wine Advocate review.  It didn't even have a CellarTracker entry until this deal was offered. The retail was said to be $44.99 and the wine was being offered at $35.99/btl with free shipping. I bought a couple bottles.

The wine arrived about a week later. I popped a bottle open last night and thought it was outstanding. It was interesting trying a wine without preconceived notions of what it would be like, especially since the blend of grapes isn't common. I think it's a nice bottle of Italian red wine priced below what similar quality Barbaresco typically goes for.

If you're interested in joining Deals from the Vines point your web browser here -or- search for "deals from the vines" in the Facebook search bar. Ask to be added to the group and they'll let you in.

You can read more about Deals from the Vines in this blog post from VinTank's Paul Mabray.

If you're a winery or a retailer and would like to run an offer through Deals from the Vines, contact Peter Alig at VinTank. 

Question of the Day: What do you think of the Deals from the Vines model?  And their deals? What are some of your favorite sources of wine deals lately?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/PqgLS10RS6I/facebook-group-deals-from-vines.html

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