Discover the unspoken secrets of a wine merchant: what he never tells you about your favorite bottles
The captivating world of wine holds many secrets that only true enthusiasts can uncover. As a wine merchant, we are the guardians of this ancestral knowledge, always ready to share our expertise with amateurs in search of new discoveries. Let's dive together behind the scenes of this constantly evolving profession, where in-depth knowledge of wine blends with the subtle art of personalized advice.
The evolution of the wine merchant profession in the face of modern challenges
The wine distribution landscape has changed considerably in recent years. According to the 2019 Sowine barometer, 50% of French people prefer supermarkets for their wine purchases, while 29% turn to wine merchants . Faced with this increased competition, we had to rethink our approach to create real added value.
Our main mission is now to guide and advise our customers in the discovery of wine. We no longer just sell bottles; we pass on our passion and knowledge. This evolution has led us to develop new concepts to attract and retain our customers:
- Organization of thematic tastings
- Introductory wine tasting workshops
- Meetings with passionate winegrowers
These initiatives help create a stronger bond with our customers and offer them a unique wine experience. Our role as a knowledge broker has become essential in a market where information is omnipresent but not always very clear.
Expertise at the heart of our business
To meet the increasingly demanding expectations of our customers, we must constantly refine our knowledge. Our expertise covers a wide spectrum of areas:
| Area of expertise | Related skills |
|---|---|
| Oenology | Grape varieties, winemaking, terroirs |
| Tasting | Sensory analysis, food and wine pairings |
| History and geography | Appellations, vineyards, producers |
| Market trends | New products, organic wines, spirits |
This in-depth knowledge allows us to select a diverse and coherent range that meets the varied expectations of our customers. We regularly travel the vineyards in search of nuggets, always on the lookout for new vintages that will delight the most demanding palates.
As wine adventurers, we know that each bottle tells a unique story. Our role is to pass on these stories, to pass on the soul of the terroirs and the passion of the winemaker that are hidden behind each label. It is this human dimension that makes all the difference in our profession.
Diversification and innovation: the keys to our success
Faced with the overall decline in wine consumption in France, we have had to be inventive to sustain our business. Here are some telling figures that illustrate this trend towards diversification:
- 24.2% of wine merchants offer a wine bar activity
- 60.5% of points of sale include delicatessen products
- 80% of wine merchants are present on the internet (website or social networks)
This development has allowed us to position ourselves in promising segments, such as organic, biodynamic or natural wines.
Innovation also involves the digitalization of our business . By developing our online presence, we reach a wider clientele, eager for wine discoveries. Social networks have become an essential tool for sharing our passion and creating a community around our cellars.
As wine ambassadors, we are proud to contribute to the democratization of wine culture. Our profession is constantly evolving, but our mission remains unchanged: to transmit our love of wine and guide each wine lover towards new taste experiences. It is this perpetual quest for excellence and sharing that makes our profession beautiful.
