Wine 2.0: 6 best websites to discover wine with Web 2.0

Posted on June 28, 2007
Filed Under web 2.0 news |

Wine industry all over the world has been growing faster and faster. Companies are trying to attract customers in very sophisticated ways, one of which is to create complex websites with different functions and options. Generally the big players are using technology to change the way wine is made, marketed, advertised and sold.

Therefore it comes as no surprise that more and more Web 2.0 websites are coming up. Some of them are really worth being described. Let me tell you about 12 of them, those that I consider to be the best.

1. Appellation America

That’ s a website that covers North American wine. Personally I really like Californian wine, but it seems that they discuss almost any kind of wine from that region of the world. Editorials are very well written and those guys really add content to the site. They manage to provide interesting data about something that is not very well known, appelation.

Businesshackers’ mark: 8/10

2. BottleNotes

That’s a group of wine clubs, 5 to be precise, which is supposed to gather people, who share common interests and hobbies. Personally, I really like the Explorer’s club, as it includes italian wine. In a nutshell, a nice site even though it could be more descriptive as far as wine is concerned.

Businesshackers’ mark: 7/10

3. Boutique Wine

That’s a platform based in San Francisco, that is supposed to make companies and clients come together. Good design and usability, but I would expect a bit more content on such a site. If you are looking for good pictures that’s a great site for you.

Businesshackers’ mark: 5/10

4. Crushpad

Crushpad is another San Francisco based company that has adopted a different business model. Basically Crushpad provides grapes from the West Coast’s vineyards. Most of them are pretty good, but you need to know at least a bit about how to make wine. It would be nice if they added a howto section with videos.

Businesshackers’ mark: 6/10

If you work in the Wine industry check it out. It gives you a good idea on how to arrange direct sales and improve your business. Not particularly useful for private customers, but really helpful for companies. Very good usability, and very well built business partnerships.

Businesshackers’ mark: 7/10

6. OpenBottles

First of all, the name is really cool. Who wants a closed bottle, no one, right? On this website the best thing you find are reviews written by people who tried given wines. I hope they are objective in what they say. It reminds me of Facebook for wine enthusiasts.