I am interested in importing wines into the USA and want to learn the business.
It is a sad but true fact that the best way to make a small fortune in the wine importing business is to start with a large fortune!
Learning the business would best be done by gaining employment at a respected importer of scale. You also must consider how the product is distributed because distribution (not selection and importation) is the choke point in the industry. BTW that is not a very "nice" part of the business.
The wine business, perhaps exceeded only by the fashion trade, has lots of hype. What I mean here is that it is a long way from as glamorous as it looks.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
It is a sad but true fact that the best way to make a small fortune in the wine importing business is to start with a large fortune!
Learning the business would best be done by gaining employment at a respected importer of scale. You also must consider how the product is distributed because distribution (not selection and importation) is the choke point in the industry. BTW that is not a very "nice" part of the business.
The wine business, perhaps exceeded only by the fashion trade, has lots of hype. What I mean here is that it is a long way from as glamorous as it looks.
References :
I opened a wine import/distribution business and hold all the licences required to do that. My comments come from direct experience and a thorough knowledge of the business.
http://www.getgrapes.com/
http://www.business.com/directory/food_and_beverage/beverages/alcoholic/wine/importers_and_exporters/
http://www.tradekey.com/ks-import/export-of-wine/spirits/
References :