Virtual wine tastings for on-trade

In a UK first for the company, Heritage Wines has launched a “virtual tasting” of its portfolio aimed at the on-trade.

A series of online videos feature managing director Guy Adams tasting and highlighting the selling points of each wine on Heritage’s lists.

The videos are designed as visual aids for on-trade managers looking for new wines to add to their lists or as teaching tools for staff training days.

The initiative is a response to this month’s WSTA conference, which raised the issue of the growing need for greater online customer engagement in the drinks industry, particularly the on-trade.

Director Toby Mason said: “The majority of our wines come from high quality, enthusiastic wineries with superb reputations for creating great wines. Virtual tastings help to bring the credentials of each wine to life. Now, our customers are able to get first-hand tips on describing and selling each wine whenever they want.

“They can also use the Virtual Tasting footage to assist them with inspiration for new lists. It’s a great facility we’ve brought to our customers and hits on a growing trend for making wine information accessible and convenient too.

"Obviously, it doesn’t quite beat tasting a wine yourself, but it’s a pretty close second.”

For more information visit www.heritagewine.co.uk.

Rupert Millar, 21.09.2010