Before 2020, online retail was already thriving industry. Since the onset of the pandemic, however, buying goods online has become a critical part of our day-to-day lives. We now buy everything from groceries to clothes, electronics, furniture and most importantly, food and wine.
While venturing out to the bottle shop and perusing the shelves can be an enjoyable experience, nothing quite compares to the convenience of buying from an online wine store. Additionally, your local store may not stock the bottle you’re after or enough variation to select from.
So, what benefits come with buying wine online? Read on to find out.
Convenience:
The convenience of online retail is unmatched. The ability to order anything at the click of a button has revolutionised the way we approach goods and services – And the world of wine and alcohol is no different. Instead of trawling out to the bottle shop and braving the weather, all you’ll need to do is sit back and wait for your box of brand-new wine to arrive.
Buying online is particularly beneficial for special occasions. Whether you need a bottle of the
best organic wine for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or a family event, you can order ahead and sure you never miss out on your favourite drop of wine. You might also have the wine delivered right to the recipient’s door.
Giving Yourself Enough Time to Choose:
Unless you know exactly what you want beforehand, selecting from a wall of wine in person is often a daunting task. Add in time pressure and the decision becomes even more difficult. For many of us, everyday obligations of work and family leave us seriously time-poor.
By opting for the online path, you can venture through all available options from the comfort of your home. This approach also allows for easy research into wine reviews, product descriptions, brands and prices. In contrast, in-store wines may be no more than a label with little background details available.
Deals and Specials:
Of course, deals and specials are not only exclusive to online – the same offers are often found in-store as well. However, if you’re strapped for time, too far away or simply want to get in before the shelves clear, buying wine online is always a safe bet.
Ordering ahead allows you to beat the weekend rush to access wine you actually want, not just what’s left on the shelf. Subscribing to the online wine store’s newsletter or alerts will also give you quick notifications for current/upcoming specials.
Accessing Your Favourite Flavours & Blends:
In an overall sense, the layout of online retail often gives you a clear picture of all the options available. On the other side of the coin, it can be incredibly easy to miss a bottle/blend when walking through the wine store. All too often, this leaves you ultimately unsatisfied with the final purchase made.
Another benefit of the online experience is that wines are typically grouped by style, price, region, and more. In addition, you can also readily access flavour descriptions, online reviews and information on the winery/vineyard of origin. This all equates to informed decisions based on what you really want, not simply the first option spotted on the shelves.
Tips & Advice:
To save you time, we have compiled a short list of tips and techniques to apply as you navigate the world of online wine.
- Buy in Bulk: Nothing is better than arriving home to a fresh box of wine, especially after a long week of work. Regardless of whether you prefer full-bodied reds, vibrant whites or both, buying online allows you to select an array of different styles and combine them in one order. As we noted earlier, buying in bulk is a great way to access deals and discounts. Wine sellers regularly offer excellent savings when you order bundles of 3, 6 or 12 bottles for pickup or delivery. While wine cellars typically trade exclusively in wine, an online wine store with physical bottle shop locations may also house beer and spirits that can be added to your order.
- Order Ahead: When ordering through an online wine store, home delivery isn’t your lone option. Ordering online for pickup is an excellent approach if you’re able to access their physical store/location. Reserving your favourite wine for pickup is incredibly simple and easy, and many of us are now well accustomed to the entire click and collect process. Arranging pickup works great for gifting purposes. Ordering online can save you from frantically rushing around from store to store.
- Consider Online Membership & Loyalty Programs: If you’re a regular wine drinker who loves to sample various varieties and flavours, many online wine stores offer membership programs just for you. Under these arrangements, members are the first to access ongoing deals, discounts and exciting new additions to the store.
- Check Locality: Locality plays an important role in this equation, particularly if you desire fast and no-fuss delivery. While some specialist wine cellars offer delivery across Australia, shipping can often take longer than 5 business days. All you need to do is search for “alcohol delivery” or “wine delivery” and your suburb. This will direct you towards a variety of wine sellers who serve your local area and can therefore offer prompt delivery.
Start Exploring:
Purchasing wine online is a gamechanger. Whether you opt for home delivery or click and collect, the online process not only saves time but also opens a world of choice. If you’re able to find a local location that operates as an online wine store, the process only gets better and better. Some online wine stores even offer same-day delivery for orders placed in their local suburbs.
No longer do you have to trudge down to the bottle shop and desperately search for something to your liking. Buying wine from an online platform is simple, easy and most importantly, super convenient. In addition, it may result in the discovery of a delicious wine that you can order over and over again.
