Wine trial vials, Chile, Grape Stories, class action – sipped and spit

SPIT: volume (how vial!)
Two companies have developed oxygen-free, trial-sized bottles, 50ml in size (1/15th of a normal bottle). The goal is to send samples more easily from wineries to consumers. But don’t try to share this bottle over candlelight with your romantic partner unless you want the evening to end before it starts. Perhaps the best use would be a 100ml size since that is the maximum liquid allowable on planes. Ziploc, anyone? [AP; Wines & Vines]

SIPPED: a new look
Eric LeVine, who won the voting here to become the wine person of the decade, has rolled out a gorgeous, comprehensive redesign with new functionality of cellartracker and on the URL grapestories.com.

SIPPED: Recovery
Chile’s wine industry is digging from the massive earthquake. According to an official statement from Wines of Chile the total damage 125mln liters, 12% of last year’s harvest, and valued at $250 million. They state that the industry’s exports “will return to normal within a very short period of time and without major difficulties.”

SIPPED: the ride continues
Consumers have filed a class-action lawsuit in California against E&J Gallo over the faux pinot, Red Bicyclette. [PRweb.com]

7 Responses to “Wine trial vials, Chile, Grape Stories, class action – sipped and spit”


  1. The most impressive thing about Eric’s redesign is the unbelievably collaborative way he’s going about the “beta” testing of the new site. He’s made very clear that he wants to hear from anyone with something to say about the new design — good or bad. He’s promised to incorporate that feedback into the final version and has already made a myriad of changes to what was launched just a few days ago. I wish all service providers were so responsive.


  2. Tyler, thanks so much for the mention.
    Peter, thank you as well for the very kind comments. I have plenty of work to do before it is really done and dialed, and the feedback to date has been incredibly useful. I can’t imagine launching this any other way than how I am doing it, in parallel with the current site, so that people can ease in, give feedback, see it incorporated etc. The changes to date are just teensy nibbles–I have some solid bites to take still based on the feedback. The good news is that I am very confident I can cater to the current users who are very comfortable and familiar with the current CellarTracker. Expect the iteration to continue through at least midyear.

    Thanks,
    -Eric LeVine


  3. Err, I didn’t quite finish the thought above..

    The good news is that I am very confident I can cater to the current users who are very comfortable and familiar with the current CellarTracker WITHOUT compromising the design for all of the new users.

    Thanks,
    -Eric


  4. I actually really dig the new little sample bottles. I think they’re a great marketing thing – though sure, not something you’re going to think of for a special occasion… though being the nerd I am, I just might include a mini wine flight during a romantic evening.


  5. The Chilean wine industry is in deep trouble. There are two huge problems: 1. Many irrigation systems have been destroyed. 2. Because of damage to roads, the workers who pick the crop at harvest time (now) cannot get to the vineyards.

    There are many other problems. For example, Montes suffered some damage to the Apalta location, and their office in Santiago was essentially destroyed. But water and labor trump everything else.

    And, as I’ve posted elsewhere, the easiest and most effective way to support the Chilean wine industry in this time of disaster is to buy their products.


  6. […] intent of winemakers, and I’m sure the airline industry doesn’t advocate this, but 50ml wine sample bottles may soon be put into regular production. 50ml? 50ml is certainly below the TSA’s 100ml […]


  7. […] intent of winemakers, and I’m sure the airline industry doesn’t advocate this, but 50ml wine sample bottles may soon be put into regular production. 50ml? 50ml is certainly below the TSA’s 100ml […]


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