2 Online Wine Business Success Stories [2025]
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
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.
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
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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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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