Online Wine Business

2 Online Wine Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: October 6th, 2024

Starting an online wine business can be exciting and scary. However, if done right, the online wine shop can be profitable. To start an online wine business, identify a niche and conduct market research. Navigate the licensing, permits, and taxes and create a simple but functional website.

Whether you have your wine production plant or a dropshipper, focus on delivering quality service.

In this list, you'll find real-world online wine business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a online wine business that makes money.

1. The Wine Spies ($12M/year)

Red, the founder of The Wine Spies, came up with the idea for his business after working in high-tech and eCommerce. He partnered with a friend from a previous project and realized that there was a need for a trusted online source for fine wines. Red went door to door, convincing wineries to join their flash sale business model, and eventually earned their trust and built a loyal customer base. The Wine Spies became profitable within six months and continues to grow today.

How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 6

How I Started A $400K/Month Selling Wine Online

The Wine Spies is an online wine marketplace, founded in 2007, that only sells wines it loves and has a fiercely loyal customer base that has kept the company profitable and growing steadily with over a decade of exceptional service and value.

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2. CoolerSomm Limited ($1.8M/year)

Sarah Newton, a marketer in the travel industry, launched CoolerSomm after her salary was cut due to the pandemic. Utilizing her eCommerce experience, she created an online store selling wine accessories. Within a week of launching, the business was already turning a profit, thanks to effective Google Adwords campaigns.

How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
How many people on the team: 1

This Solo Founder Bootstrapped A $600K/Year Wine Cooler Brand

Solo founder Sarah Newton launched online wine accessories business CoolerSomm during the pandemic and was able to turn over $50,000 in its first full month of trading online, with an average margin per sale well in excess of £100, thanks to her eCommerce experience from previous roles and businesses.

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Read by 6,333 founders