“Taste Wine with a Pro” Registration Closes November 7th
Are you struggling to market wine to the younger generations? Recently, “Business of Drinks” (@bizofdrinks) posted an infographic on the results from the published study, “Millennials and Gen Z: A Comprehensive Study of Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Beverage Purchase and Consumption Behavior.” The findings indicated Millennials and of-age Gen Z wine consumers select wines through:
- Recommendations from friends/family (50% of Millennials, 46% of Gen Z’s).
- Social media.
- Wines tried in a restaurant.
I’m hoping you’ll notice that “gold medals” or “scores from critics” or “wine magazines” aren’t on that list.
And if I’m purely honest, as an older Millennial, I have to admit that I myself fall into those patterns listed above. (Now, I’m likely a slightly different clientele as I do still read wine scores for business purposes, but when it comes to selecting wines for myself personally, I do tend to avoid wines with wine scores or medals from wine competitions.)
So how do wineries sell wine to me?
How do wineries sell wine to Millennials or Gen Z consumers that are of age to drink wine, but are not yet exploring various brands?
The Power of Wine Suggestions
Learning to communicate to wine consumers was the inspiration behind the upcoming “Taste Wine with a Pro,” a virtually led tasting group, hosted by yours truly.
“Taste Wine with a Pro” Virtual Tasting Group
Event Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (EST)
Wine Theme: Sparkling Wine
Cost: $37
This series is sincerely designed to introduce attendees to new wines, expand their palate and their wine narrative, build their tasting memory, enhance their wine prowess, and provide them with the details they need to better engage with your consumers. This gives them the power to make accurate, spot-on suggestions to your customers, and captivate them with your brand.
“Cheers” to a New Way of Learning About Wine
I’m launching “Taste Wine with a Pro” in a way all wine events should start: with bubbly in celebration of a new beginning.
During my days in the tasting room, I found it was always easier to sell wine to customers when I could relate to their preferences, knowing various wine brands or styles they talked about during their visit. To become a better taster, having a solid tasting memory is advantageous.
True story: The second time I worked in a tasting room, one advantage I had was that I tasted a lot of wine. I quickly learned to match people’s preferences to what the winery offered. So if someone came into the tasting room at a Pennsylvania winery asking for a red wine that tasted like Yellow Tail Shiraz, I could immediately speak to A) why we didn’t have something exactly like Yellow Tail Shiraz, but B) could I interest them in a Pennsylvania Syrah which featured some of the alternative Shiraz/Syrah flavors or C) the biggest, boldest wine we could offer due to our terroir? Options. Listen to their feedback. Pivot as necessary.
Your employees could do this, too.
You could do this, too.
I can give you the tools to start to do this.
On November 9th, our virtual tasting is going to feature Sparkling Wines: all sparkling wines! From traditional method wines to forced carbonated – we’ll cover topics that can help your tasting room staff understand more about sparkling wines and preferences their customers may express while visiting. This includes topics like:
- A brief history on sparkling wine
- Reviewing Champagne vs. Cava vs. Prosecco and other sparkling wines
- Alternative terminology for “Méthode Champenoise”
- The difference between “Brut,” “Extra Dry,” “Extra Brut,” and other sweetness levels for sparkling wines
- Knowing where to find the sweetness indication for sparkling wine without memorizing all of the meanings
- Ideas for when to serve sparkling wine and how to serve sparkling wine
- Get your questions about sparkling wine answered!
- Plus, we’ll see what everyone is tasting that night and get new ideas for future tastings!
These classes are also great for tasting room personnel to expand their palates and improve their general wine knowledge. Come learn, discuss, and share wine!
How Does this Tasting Group Work?
It’s really very simple.
Register (1) for the class (or classes) of your choosing.
1
Register for the Tasting Event!
2
Receive an Invite
3
Select Your Wine for the Tasting Event
4
Join the Event!
As the date approaches, you’ll receive an email (2) from me that provides some details about the tasting and options of wines I can recommend for tasting event. However, you can select (3) whatever wine you’d like to taste for this group. It should be a wine that appeals to you! The point of these tastings is not to taste the same wine; the point is to taste a wine within the style that we’re discussing for that day. You’ll have to put some faith in me that this is going to make the event interesting.
On the day of the event, log into our virtual meeting room (4) and enjoy the event!
Take notes, sip on your wine, learn something new about what to expect from the wine you’re tasting, and enjoy!
No pretension.
All levels of wine knowledge welcome.
Over time, you’ll be amazed with what you’ll learn.
Event Details
Event Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (EST)
Wine Theme: Sparkling Wine
Cost: $37
(You also have the option to purchase 4 consecutive classes for $148)
Close to the event date, you’ll get an email from me with any last minute details before the event starts.
Bring your wine.
Enjoy!
The views and opinions expressed through dgwinemaking.com are intended for general informational purposes only. Denise Gardner Winemaking does not assume any responsibility or liability for those winery, cidery, or alcohol-producing operations that choose to use any of the information seen here or within dgwinemaking.com.
