Much like craft beer, there’s something to be said about a wine brand that never hits the big-time distribution chain. The winery is able to preserve its somewhat elusive, regional appeal, and when enthusiasts finally get their hands on a bottle, a placebo effect on the palate sets in — as if a product really does taste better when enjoyed in its home territory.
On the other hand, you’d be hard-pressed to find a winery that doesn’t want to get its products into as many markets as possible. After all, many producers would kill for a bump in brand awareness and the chance at getting their wines in restaurants all across the country. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, and it’s ultimately tough to say in which direction the scale tips.
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss whether individual wineries, or even entire regions, should be focusing more on their local and regional markets, as well as trying to bring in tourists, as opposed to attempting to get their wines into markets around the country. Is that a fruitless chase that ends up costing more money than it could ever generate? Tune in for more.
Zach is drinking: Cadillac Margarita
Joanna is drinking: Bourbon Renewal
Adam is drinking: Paloma
