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SoFlo Wine Network is an innovative resource into the South Florida fine wine and culinary lifestyle. With a focus on next generation wine consumers and collectors, the website acts as a portal into learning about, experiencing and enjoying fine wine and foods locally.
 The purpose of SFWN is to provide a benefit to consumers through interesting information, wine collector services and a fun and interactive wine club. The site will feature retail shops/markets, restaurants and wineries with an objective eye seeking out fun and interesting experiences for you the consumer.
Would you like some tasty wine recommendations from our local experts? Do you have a wine cellar or collection and could use some help finding top rated wines? How about a look at some fun new local spots to visit for great food and wine? Ever thought about joining a wine club?
SoFlo 2011 Kickoff event coming Soon!
submit your info to be notified by e-mail time, place details.
Have a look at the SoFlo Wine Network and come enjoy!
How do we find/shop for wine here in South Florida? We are flooded with selections of wine at large chain box stores, grocery stores and regional wine/liquor chains. A lot of choices! I simply want to point out a couple smaller retail stores with unique atmosphere, smaller artisanal wines and very good customer service. See: Local Hotspots section.
"Battle for the Consumers All-Mighty Dollar"
Purchasing Wine through Wholesale/Retail channels vs. Direct from Winery (DTC)
We as consumers here in Florida have the choice to buy our wine from our local retailers or we can purchase directly from the winery (online, by phone, etc.). The December issue of Wine Spectator describes the latest round of the battle to control alcoholic beverage sales.
"The conflict goes back to the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution which repealed prohibition and put states in charge of regulating alcohol. Most created a three tier system: Producers sell to wholesalers, who in turn sell to retailers.
Direct-Shipping supporters point out that times have changed since 1933. There are more than 6,000 wineries in the United States. New craft breweries and micro-distilleries spring up everyday. But the middle tier has consolidated. The top 10 wholesalers controlled 56 percent of the market in 2009. Consumers complain that local wholesalers don't carry the wines they want. Producers complain about regulations such as franchise laws, which make it nearly impossible for a producer to end a contract with a wholesaler. The current House Resolution 5034 that is being pushed for passage would make it harder to challenge those rules in court."
So, after growing up in Sonoma wine country and spending 15 years selling wine within the three tier system I offer this humble web portal as a source for the wine consumer to enjoy selecting from both the retailer and also direct from winery. Use your power wisely! LOL
Winery Direct
Try something different for a change! Buy a mixed case of wine online (produced in the US, easier for shipping). There are many good wineries to sort through over the internet. How do you know where to begin. I would start with a state, then narrow down by region, then by type or varietal. You could Google something like Oregon wine regions and Bam! you have a wine map with names and web links.
For a huge list of California wineries (listed under members tab/members list) check out Wine Institute
"I want to "be a Winemaker and make my own wine!"
Have you ever thought about it? Being a winemaker and making your own wine? You can be your own "virtual winemaker"and make your own wine while sitting on your living room sofa. You could even create a winery business (minus the infrastructure) with your wine brand, licenses and sales channels. There is a very cool company out of San Fransisco doing this called "Crushpad" and they leverage the latest technology and extensive wine country connections to help make beginner winemaker dreams come true.
http://www.crushpadwine.com/
As SoFlo Wine Network evolves out of its "formative stages" there will be more cool info and links to help you.
If you want to enjoy trying new and interesting wines with a fun group of people then I encourage you to join our SoFlo Wine club...It's free!
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