12 Comments
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PR's avatar

I like this because it means maybe there would be small groups going to wineries? I want to go to wineries I like but I’m shy and awkward. (I was in Austria 2 years ago — in no small degree because I love their wine — but I chickened out. Ugh. )

Mark Spivak's avatar

Excellent idea!

Jon M's avatar

Been to two already - Blenheim and William Chris. Hoping to stop by L'Ecole in Woodinville in August. Already had some of their wines over the years. They might be right - could consider a membership with the reciprocal benefits.

Jon M's avatar

Joined the 'localish' Blenheim and took advantage of our Atlas membership at L'Ecole. They logged into the system, found us and provided their member benefits to us - free tastings and the member discount on any/all bottles we wanted. Going (back) to Blenheim today. Highly recommend this if you are interested.

Dan Redding's avatar

I like this concept. I do wish it was reciprocal with other Va Wineries - link groups together to increase traffic among all of them. And maybe introduce wineries from less well known regions/states for shipment features to broaden their exposure?

Dave McIntyre's avatar

They do plan to expand, but not to ā€œfloodā€ an AVA. Since Blenheim is a founding member, they won’t be adding other Monticello AVA wineries, at least for now. That wouldn’t stop other wineries from forming their own groups. Locally, that would be like a Monticello Wine Trail program. This is National in scope.

Catania Larson's avatar

This honestly sounds like a great idea. I'm new to wine. And then, to make matters more difficult, I live in PA where there are strict alcohol-sales rules. My options are to go to the supermarket or the state alcohol store. (Fine Wines and Spirits) ... And then, there are a few wineries, but those sell their wines, exclusively.

So, I feel kind of lost at times. Yes. I loved the wine I got from a local place, but it would be great if I could get a subscription to a few wineries. I'll have to look into this more!

chef Harrison's avatar

These wineries sound amazing!!

Suraag Srinivas's avatar

This is a fantastic idea. Particularly excited given several of these places I’ve followed closely for quite a few years but haven’t been able to justify individual memberships to.

Here’s hoping that the wineries will maintain accessible individual memberships as well and that they are willing to invest in the partnerships beyond the inevitable mismatches between demand and supply common for the initial years of partnerships like this.

Mark A. Nelson's avatar

Great idea. Will run into lame state distribution laws but I really hope it works!, But does everything have to labeled "sustainable" these days - especially when most claims are false?

Dave McIntyre's avatar

These wineries already have DTC programs, so compliance shouldn’t be much of a problem