8 Online Wine Business Success Stories [2024]

Updated: February 26th, 2024
Start An Online Wine Business

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.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a online wine business:

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 they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 6

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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.

About
Agent started The Wine Spies about 17 years ago
Revenue
Agent grew the business to $1M/month
Read by 18,964 founders

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 they make: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 1

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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.

About
Sarah started CoolerSomm Limited almost 3 years ago
Revenue
Sarah grew the business to $150K/month
Costs
It cost Sarah $2000 to start the business
Read by 5,217 founders

So... can you actually make money with a online wine business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

So... can you actually make money with a online wine business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

6. Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast Magazine brings you acclaimed wine ratings and reviews, unique recipes ideas, pairing information, news coverage and helpful guides.

Where they're located: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Website traffic: 1.49M/month

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7. Wine Folly

Wine Folly is the best place to learn about wine. Browse our visual wine compendium or our playful weekly articles. Start your wine education today.

Where they're located: Aurora, Colorado, USA
Website traffic: 1.16M/month

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8. Wine Business

Where they're located: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Website traffic: 200K/month