Amazon is entering the wine game in a move that if successful may lead to decreased levels of vitamin D in already-loyal customers who rely on the service to purchase everything from clothing to books to food and marital aids, and now, vino.
Amazon Wine is the next step for the cephalopodic online retailer, with tentacles well-entrenched already in many corners of the shopping web. And just in time for Black Friday, Amazon Wine is set to begin encroaching on the less-populated online alcohol sales space, launching in 12 states to serve drinkers who are not so keen on getting down to the liquor store for their hooch.
Earlier today, Amazon Wine was announced in a press release, describing the service as well as its benefits to wine shoppers. For instance, those of us who feel woefully undereducated and intimidated by “wine rules” might be pleased to hear that pairings and suggestions are part of the service, assuring one never will be forced into a wine shop to be condescendingly pelted with talk of “oaky notes” and perplexing assertions about a wine’s “nose.” Ugh.
In the release, Amazon Wine was explained by Amazon’s Peter Faricy, Vice President of Amazon Marketplace:
“Whether it’s helping customers find a favorite varietal, shop for holiday pairings or expand their cellar with a special hand-crafted bottle, we’re excited to provide the right tools and information needed to guide them to the perfect wine … We’re thrilled for wineries around the country to share their great collections of wines with our customers through the Amazon Wine Store.”
Wine expert Tom Hedges of Hedges Family Estate in Red Mountain, Washington added:
“People love to explore wine, but it is rare to have detailed information and opinions located all in one place … What Amazon has done with their new wine store is take the experience of hundreds of tasting rooms and put them online. We could not be more excited by the possibilities of growing our business and reaching new customers.”
Amazon Wine is open now to customers in California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia to start. Shipping for Amazon Wine costs $9.99 for up to six bottles, and more states are expected to be served by the Amazon Wine Store in coming weeks.
