Wine Access and the Art of Personalized E-commerce with Joe Fisch - 010

The DRINKS.com Podcast: The Business of Online Alcohol

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Joe Fisch, the CEO of Wine Access, a premier platform for expertly curated wines. Joe shares his journey from working in retail and consumer-focused roles, including Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and TWC, to his passion for e-commerce, retail, and wine, leading him to Wine Access.

Wine Access, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform renowned for sourcing the world's finest wines, offers not only exceptional wines but also rich narratives that reveal the stories behind each bottle. Joe emphasizes the essence of delivering a high-quality product, as wine transcends categories by connecting people through shared moments and cherished memories.

Brandon and Joe delve into various facets of the wine industry and customer preferences. They discuss Joe's surprises when transitioning into the wine industry, the importance of building relationships within the wine sector, and the gradual adoption of digital tools in the wine business.

Trust and relationships with vintners play a pivotal role when representing premium wine brands on platforms like Wine Access, as Joe underlines. He also sheds light on the slower pace of digital adoption within the wine industry compared to other sectors, emphasizing the need for modern e-commerce practices.

The discussion also touches on wine trends, including the popularity of grower Champagne, affordable white wines, and high-end Bordeaux. Joe explains Wine Access's approach to serving customers with varying wine expertise and introduces strategies for introducing customers to higher-priced wines.

They wrap up the conversation with insights into customer budgeting for wine, including the potential for customers to explore more expensive bottles and different wine regions and varieties.

Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the world of wine, personalization in e-commerce, navigating regulatory challenges, and unforgettable wine experiences.

Topic timestamps

🎙️ Joe Fisch's Introduction (00:00:00)

🍷 Wine Access: Unlocking E-commerce (00:04:14)

🍇 Quality's Role in Wine (00:05:47)

🥂 Wine: An Unforgettable Experience (00:06:08)

❤️ The Emotional Bond with Wine (00:09:19)

🍾 Three Tiers of Wine Sharing (00:11:05)

🚀 Transitioning to Wine (00:11:28)

🤝 Wine Industry Relationships (00:11:41)

💻 Slow Digital Adoption (00:13:40)

🌐 Challenges in Online Wine Orders (00:14:45)

👶 Younger Generations & Wine (00:16:02)

🍹 Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Trends (00:17:15)

📈 Wine Category Trends (00:20:05)

🍷 Customer Preferences & Pricing (00:21:23)

📈 Graduating to Higher Price Points (00:23:45)

💰 Budgeting for Wine (00:25:44)

💎 Personalization in E-commerce (00:26:12)

🌍 Capturing Time & Place with Wine (00:26:21)

🍷 Navigating Alcohol Shipping Regulations (00:26:50)

📚 Complexity of Alcohol Rules (00:29:45)

🧒 Generational Consumer Behavior (00:31:23)

📱 Tech's Impact on the Wine Industry (00:32:45)

🍷 Memorable Wine Experiences (00:34:48)

🥂 Favorite Wine Memory (00:35:17)

🍷 Discovering Unique Wines (00:38:31)

Chapter

1. CEO Joe Fish Explains Wine Access (00:00:00)

2. Relationships in the Wine Industry (00:09:28)

3. Emerging Trends in the Wine Industry (00:13:02)

4. Personalization in Selling Wine (00:25:22)

5. Navigating the Complexity of Alcohol Regulations (00:29:25)

6. Discovery of Surprising and Exclusive Wines (00:35:48)