Wine on the web

Wines & Vines, March, 1998 by Larry Walker

We asked the following questions:

1. Do you now have a web page?

Every winery that responded did have a web page or had a page under development.

2. How often is it updated?

Answers here ranged from daily to monthly to "irregular." The most common update period was monthly.

3. Do you have anything for sale on your web page?

Just under two-thirds of respondees offer items for sale, ranging from tasting room merchandise to wine.

4. How many visits do you get on a monthly basis?

We now realize that this question was phrased ambiguously, so that respondees could include either hits or page access numbers. The figures ranged between 10,000 to 50,000.

5. Do you consider your web page a direct sales tool or a promotional tool?

Over 90% considered it a promotional tool.

6. Are you satisfied with your web page on a cost/performance basis?

Answers here were mixed with the general response being either yes or that it is too soon to tell. There was only one "no."

7. Is your page designed to get direct feedback?

Almost 100% answered yes.

8. Is your web page designed to get information on those who visit which might be useful for marketing?.

Almost 100% answered yes.

9. Do you plan to expand internet operations in the future?

This was 100% yes, but a few were qualified.

10. If so, will this involve direct sales where legal?

Among those who answered "yes" or "no", 85% planned to move into direct online sales. The rest of the responses were in the "to be determined" category.