Those responsible adults who enjoy the gift of the fermented grape are growing. And industry suppliers have a bounty of useful and fun accessories that may be logo-ed for a bevy of creative promotions.
According to the article, "The state of wine drinking in America today," published on January 24, 2015 in The Week, author Liz Thach cites data from the Wine Institute that shows just how much growth there has been in the wine drinking market. In 1993, Americans consumed 1.74 gallons per capita; and in 10 years, that figure has inclined to 2.82 gallons per capita. She writes, "Wine is now becoming part and parcel of America's culture, with over 7,700 wineries across the country, in all of the 50 states. The increase in popularity is attributed to several factors, including the fact that Americans dine out more and enjoy matching wine to cuisine. Millennials have been embracing wine at record numbers."
She adds that increasingly, popular TV shows have had its characters promote wine culture. "The upward trend for wine consumption in America is positive, and expected to keep growing at a small but steady rate of around 2 to 3 percent per year. The only stumbling block to this could be changes in regulatory requirements, negative sentiments around alcohol consumption, and/or competition from other beverages such as craft beer. Many Americans seem to have embraced wine as a beverage to complement food and to help create a relaxed and fun social atmosphere with friends and family."
Ron Rosencrans of ProRose, agrees. "Wine has become very popular on many levels. Social gatherings focused on wine tastings as well as events where wine is a main focus are commonplace. Internationally vineyards are opening in all types of new places as obscure regions are looking to become the new Bordeaux or Napa Valley. As with any popular category, the promotional product industry has gravitated towards this trend and new products are being developed to support the wine industry."
Calibre (High Caliber Line) offers new items for 2016 that fit snugly into any creative wine-themed promotion. The Marseille Wine Set (# A1721) has wine bottle opening tools in a beautiful package that is easily stored. Its Gel Wine Cooler (# T160) hugs the bottle, keeping its contents chilled and can be imprinted on both sides. Also new is the Trention Wine Set (# A1720), complete with bottle opening accessories plus an eye-catching bottle stopper, packaged in an attractive wood box that can be customized.
Picnic Plus is another supplier that offers a bounty of wine accessories. To highlight a few that may work as corporate gifts: The Bouchon Wine Rack & Cork Caddy (#PSA-664) "functions as both a four-bottle wine rack and cork collector. Bottles insert securely on each side with plenty of room to store hundreds of corks. Corks are inserted through the bottle neck and gently tumble throughout the cage. Trap door allows for the convenience of removing your corks once the cage is full. Will add character and style to any bar, kitchen, and countertop. Perfect for the wine enthusiast and collector."
There's also the Grapevine Wine Glass Holder Ground Stake (# PSM-401) which is geared towards outdoor wine enjoyment. This hand-painted grape and vine metal sculpture is 41" tall and holds one stemmed wine or beverage glass.
The company's Wine Trail Coasters (# PSM-171) are hand-carved drink coasters that are laser etched with a wine glass and grape design. This set of four rubberwood coasters come with matching wood holder. This may be sold as a gift for home entertaining, picnics, outdoor concerts, or wine events. Design coordinates with Picnic Plus' Wine Trail Cheeseboard.
As more and more wineries open tasting rooms for tourism and wine enthusiast business, the trend of special weekends featuring concerts and other activities, plus wine tours where visitors go to several wineries over a weekend, has risen sharply. So, wine promotions can certainly go beyond just accessories for the wine proper and into related products.
For example, Picnic Plus provides an array of promotional items that may pair synergistically with wine promotions, including picnic sets, totes and cheeseboards, among others.
ProRose offers several wine-related products starting with its plastic wine glasses. "We have a 2-oz. mini tasting glass, and carry four styles of full size wine glasses that we customize with advertisers' logos or messages," Rosencrans explains. "We also offer cutting boards that are ideal for wine and cheese serving. Our newest item is a full size wine carafe."
Baltimore Glassware Decorators offers 26 different styles of wine glasses. Stemless glasses include the 5.5-oz. Stemless Wine Taster (#WN-2015), the 17-oz. Stemless Wine (#WN-221) and the wider 16.75-oz. Stemless Red Wine (#WN-222). "Imprinted promotional stemware is outstanding as employee appreciation gifts, business exposure, or wedding toasts and favors."
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When it comes to the vino proper – no need for your clients to run to the liquor stores or wineries! A Plus Wine Designs actually has a bursting cornucopia of wines, all of which can be customized in a number of ways, showcasing your client's logo or message. This supplier provides your clients with choices including cabernet, merlot, chardonnay, and champagne in its private label wines. Any name brand wines that are widely distributed are also available with an upcharge. To further help you successfully sell its personalized wines, A Plus Wine Designs has many market flyers: automotive, construction, corporate, entertainment, financial, healthcare, legal/law firms, real estate, sports, technology, and university.
EtchedWine.com is another option for personalized wines. The company is one of the few original etched wine companies around and its client list is broad – with numerous companies, celebrities, athletes/teams, heads of state and more. The company gets its wine from its wholly owned Miramonte Winery in Temecula, CA. It offers house wines (California coastal collection) and reserve wines (California reserve collection). It can also etch other brand wines as well.
There are many potential applications for sales of wine accessories and personalized/etched wines. Beyond the obvious (wineries in your area), there are the numerous charitable foundation chapters that host gala planning events, from kickoff meetings through the final event. There are the corporate gifts and company stores, there are the pool/landscape design companies that want to promote outdoor entertainment ("outdoor living rooms"), high-end developers and real estate sales, and many more. And don't forget local or regional tourist bureaus!
Says Rosencrans, "The wine marketers would be the obvious businesses to use wine accessories to promote themselves, but we find a lot of special events and festivals are using wine related products to promote their event. Many events use co-sponsorships such as a wine brand and local advertisers branding the items with both of their messages. As products go home and get re-used, these advertisers get ongoing exposure and goodwill."
And of course, good times – Salud!