Starting a Wine Distribution Business

In wanting to open a wine distribution business, you should get information on the advantages of starting a wine distribution business first.

More and more entrepreneurs engage venture into various kinds of businesses every year.

And, if you are a novice in entrepreneurship, chances are high that you may not consider being in the wine industry. Yet, it is surprising enough that a certain number of newbies took the courage and entered the competitive world of the wine industry, particularly in the field of distribution.

Starting a wine distribution business surely has its advantages. For one, unlike in franchising and opening conventional retail store, you will not be tied to fixed working hours and a need for a number and permanent flow of workers and employees. To further enlighten you with the highlights of starting a wine distribution business, read on below:

  • Wine distribution is recession-proof. You will not get affected by whatever happens during these low times.
  • A wine distribution business does not require you to have too many employees to pay. In fact, it can be operated by just one or two persons. It could be you or a trusted family member.
  • Engaging in wine distribution is regulated in such a manner that your protection is given consideration. You deal with everyone who has proper licensing and stores that comply with necessary regulations. As far as financial protection is concerned, stores are required to pay for your goods within a maximum of 30 days.
  • It is a low-cost start-up investment. It is also hundred percent guaranteed to be tangible. The only costs you can anticipate include those of inventory management, display racks, and as well as proper licensing.
  • Since this is not a franchised business, you can expect no other fees. You will not be required to pay an ongoing royalty which is usually a percentage of your gross profit. In a wine distribution business, you keep all your earnings.
  • In terms of return of investment, you can be assured that what you invest, you will reap more. The ROI for this type of business is usually high and strong. It can be up to 45% more of your initial investment and can be gained just within 90 days of operation.
  • It is a low overhead business. This only means that you will only need to stock items or inventory that is in your display.
  • Unlike other stores, you will enjoy freedom in a wine distribution business. You need not go on long hours. You will also not be required to report on weekends as well as on holidays.
  • Being in the wine industry comes with its prestige. Because of this, you will have to be the center of attention of other entrepreneurs who would want to know more about the business. Aside from that, engaging in a wine distribution business is also fun.
  • You get to know the vintners of your place. This makes you popular with them. And, you are assured that you only deal with professionals in terms of wine.
  • There is a large market for wines. Figures show that over 70 million people all over the world are fascinated and love wine!
  • There is wide distribution opportunities for you as you can sell wines to liquor stores, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, and golf and country clubs.

122 Comments

  • Gbolahan Laniyan said on December 4, 2010
    Nice article on Wine distribution, thanks a lot, though it would need to be adapted to Lagos, Nigeria where I live.
  • Reggie Hickman said on December 29, 2010
    Very informative web site. I need to know how can I obtain more information on getting started in the Wine Distribution business.
  • Evelyn Josey said on January 25, 2011
    Info on starting a wine distributing business in Houston, TX.
  • Steven James said on February 12, 2011
    Need more info to start up in Connecticut.
  • Bob French said on April 21, 2011
    I am interested in starting a wine distribution business in Atlanta or there abouts
  • Dunedin Hervias said on June 7, 2011
    I very interested in starting a wine distribution business in Chicago, ILL.
  • robert wilson said on June 20, 2011
    hello ~ i am interested in starting a wine distribution business in southern california. could you please give me advice.
  • Anita Hans said on July 18, 2011
    I am very interested in starting a wine distribution business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Would you be able to provide some advice? Thanks much
  • nontsikelelo said on August 24, 2011
    I would like to start a wine wholesale in Mbabane Swaziland
  • Ari Rubinstein said on August 24, 2011
    Very informative web site. I need to know how can I obtain more information on getting started in the Wine Distribution Business. I live in Los Angeles CA 90049. I have an extensive background in outside sales.
  • liam harvey said on October 12, 2011
    I wish to start up a wine distribution business in Ireland. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
  • Percival Selelo said on October 18, 2011
    I would like to setup a wine distribution business in Gaborone, Botswana. Please advise
  • William said on November 4, 2011
    Wow,i worked in a bottle-store for a long time but i never thought of going into this kind of business. Please send more information so i can get started. I'm from Naturena, South African.
  • narayan said on November 10, 2011
    i would like to start wine distribution in Bangalore , india. please advice
  • praveen kumar said on December 22, 2011
    i m interested to start this wine distributing business at my home town in nirmal mandal, dist: adilabad,andhrapradesh.india-504106. give me more details about this plzzzzzzzzzz
  • mike said on December 26, 2011
    CAN YOU GIVE ME TRAINING ON HOW TO START WINE DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS IN NIGERIA? I LIVE IN IKEJA AREA OF LAGOS NIGERIA.
  • Maria said on January 18, 2012
    Hello, I am living in Austin, TX and plans to start my own business as wine distributor in Philippines. I wanted to get information on how to distribute wines outside US. Currently I already have prospect that are planning to order from me & aside from that my sister and I are planning to open a bar in Philippine as well. Please send us information, I am eager to learn about the in and outs in this field. You can also reach me @ marife1318@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you soon, Maria
  • Olanrewaju hamis said on February 18, 2012
    I really love to start a wine business right here in lagos nigeria where there is a large market and a lot of competition.
  • kim Hill said on April 14, 2012
    interested in starting a wine distribution in the orlando florida area
  • queen moupo said on May 8, 2012
    I am interested in starting a wine distribution business in Gaborone Botswana
  • tebogo hlahla said on May 10, 2012
    I would like to start a wine distribution business. I am based in South Africa, Gauteng province, city of Pretoria.
  • Judge Sosibo said on May 19, 2012
    Hi thank you very much for the very informative article. my name is Judge Sosibo,I would like to start a wine distribution Business in Newcastle, KZN, South Africa. Thank you again.
  • Roger Almeida said on May 20, 2012
    Hello, My name is Roger Almeida, I would like more information on wine distribution of domestic and imported wines. I would like to start my business before the fall season, I am based in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
  • amit goyal said on June 30, 2012
    Hi i am amit pls. tell me step by step how can i do this business, delhi, country india
  • an actual wine distributor beginner adviser said on July 24, 2012
    1. The recession has impacted consumer spending in restaurants. They don't buy as much wine as they used to. This has led to distributors sitting on tons of inventory that they just can't move.
    2. The wine business is relationship based. You need salespeople working different territories if you want to make real money. Wine buyers buy from salespeople they can see on a regular basis, not t
    3. 30 days... LOL! Maybe if you live in a state that requires the customer to pay up front or COD you don't have anything to worry about but if there is no law, you will eventually get stiffed or waste time trying to collect instead of selling.
    4. Low startup cost... As a distributor you need to buy wine, that means laying out some dough up front. If you know what your margin is you should know how much wine you need to sell to make the amount of money you want. That's your startup cost, at least.
    5. ROI is not that high. Margins in the wine industry are razor thin. This is highly documented.
    6. No long hours? No weekends? Please... you do have to put in some night work and weekend work at tastings and events, even selling sometimes.
    7. Next time let someone in the business tell the people interested in entering the wine industry the real scoop. Not this sugar-coated version.
  • racheal rowel said on August 1, 2012
    80 Orudu street Ajegunle,lagos i will like to go into this business (wine supply)
  • pradhansuhas said on September 14, 2012
    hi i am willing to start wholesale wine business in bangalore so please kindly give the info about how to get license and how to start. this is my dream
  • Jane said on September 15, 2012
    Michigan, I'm interested in the sale of a particular wine. What is needed to distribute wine in Michigan? I can see where one would have to beet the streets or stores, restaurants, and hotels. thanks
  • SHARAFAT HUSSAIN said on September 30, 2012
    Sir, we want a license for any LPG gas agency in shishgarh bareilly, UP for LPG distribution please advise me that the process this matter. regards, Sharafat Hussain +91 9735644308, 7567372844 Mail id sharafathussain15@gmail.com
  • aradhya said on October 8, 2012
    i want to open distribution business of wine in Jharkhand. help me to make it possible
  • wesley cupido said on October 9, 2012
    Would like to start a wine distribution business in Cape Town South Africa. How do i get started. Any licensing needed or how do i obtain a license.
  • JoAnnCelestine said on October 13, 2012
    I would like to start a wine distribution business in Houston Texas.So what do I have to do
  • prince said on October 14, 2012
    Help on tips to go about a wine shop in yenagoa and portharcourt city
  • Arturo Leal said on October 23, 2012
    I would like to start a wine disribution in houston ,tx .So what do I have to do?
  • Bill Humble Chieke said on October 26, 2012
    I stay in Lagos Nigeria, I need to know how to setup a wine distribution warehouse, can you enlighten me more.
  • thulani said on October 31, 2012
    I'm looking @ opening a new wholesale and liquor distribution in eastern cape how much will that cost me
  • shanti said on November 5, 2012
    want to go into foreign wine biz. like how much can start with. based in portHarcourt
  • Bhuwan said on November 18, 2012
    i want to do wine distribute business in kathmandu, nepal. how can i started it. please suggest me.
  • Prince said on November 20, 2012
    Hi My Name is Prince and i live in Italy, i am Into wine supplies and currently setting up a wholesale outlet in Africa, i can also supply to other parts of the world if the need should arise, i can make business plans for set up of business how and what to do but it all should depend on the sector of the market you are looking at... Email me if you want to know more princebuadu@hotmail.com, skype princebuadu
  • Prince said on November 20, 2012
    Bhuwan all you need to do is look at the types of wines you want to go into and then what are the group of people your location too counts but first you need a business plan in other to know what and how to go by.
  • Dabang simon said on November 25, 2012
    I am based in Abuja Nigeria & interested in the wine distribution business. Your advice and guidance will b appreciated. Thank you
  • Emie said on December 10, 2012
    We are looking for distributor/reseller/agents to our saki wine products made from Japan. If you are interested email me at emie_yam@yahoo.com. Thanks and more power for this website.
  • Dieter beginner adviser said on December 30, 2012
    Hi, I'm living in France. I have some very interesting links with French wine producers and french quality products in general. So I can help you start your business. You can contact me at dieterherr44@gmail.com but consider #25 message is telling the truth, you need cash to buy the stock, need a minimum culture about wine. You'll also need a good social network, quality promotional flyers, know how to sell... well it's a real job !

    dieterherr44@gmail.com || Wine Distribution Business Expert

  • Vannity Mantsho said on January 2, 2013
    Hi, I'm living in Polokwane limpopo, South Africa. I'm having an interest in wine distributing business. Please assist me with information e.g. promotional material, if there is money to start this business and if your offering trainings.
  • Alex Uduebholo said on January 2, 2013
    Hi, I reside in Nigeria, in the city of Abuja where business opportunities are abound. Infact i have been waiting for an opportunity like this, because i love wine especially if they are good; so i want you to afford me more information on how to set up the distribution chain and how to get regular supply. Secondly, are you in Nigeria or can you link me if you are not in the business per se?
  • Dieter beginner adviser said on January 6, 2013
    Hello @Vannity Mantsho, or @Alex Uduebholo. Hard to assist you with such a distance but why not ! The first thing I would recommend is evaluating your local market and I would segment it in individuals and professionals. I'd start with very simple questions :
    - do you drink wine ? how often, or at what special occasion, in what quantity, where do you get it ? Do you like it ? What do you prefer white, red, rosé, sparkling... ? How much do you spend each month on drinking wine.. all these questions has to be asked to many people, including hotels, restaurants, clubs... when done, feel free to contact me

    dieterherr44@gmail.com || Wine Distribution Business Expert

  • maria said on January 11, 2013
    my mother in law makes excellent home-made wine. During Christmas,she do sell to some near by people who like her wine very much. Now she wants to start as a business. She lives in calicut (Kerala, India). Can you please advice what all things do we need to take care of and how do we get license. Your advice would be appreciable
  • Sylvia said on January 29, 2013
    I'm in Austin, Texas (USA). Please send me further info on starting a wine distribution business. Thx!
  • sanjeev said on February 1, 2013
    i am sanjeev i will do wine distribution business pls suggest i live in delhi india
  • Gwen said on February 5, 2013
    I am interested in starting such a business i live in johannesburg south africa. Please send me more info on my email address gwenoompie@gmail.com.
  • yuvraj more said on February 17, 2013
    My self Yuvraj, live in mumbai (India). i would like to start wine distribution business in mumbai. Can you help me to what is the procedure of licenses and distribution.
  • anujsingh said on February 21, 2013
    what to do to start wine distribution business in aligarh u.p india
  • Sindi Dlamini said on March 1, 2013
    I am a South African, married in Nigeria. I stay in both countries, and would really love to distribute Wine in Nigeria. How do I start, how much do I need. Can I receive any training. Your quick response will be appreciated. Thank you
  • Jess c said on March 11, 2013
    Hi, I'm here in the Philippines and my business partner is in Belgium planning to start selling French wine and champagne in the Philippines we need inputs how to distribute and tips to make it easy very new in this industry.. Would like to start wine distribution in the Philippines help us about the procedure and incenses . Thank you
  • Abraham Usifoh said on April 8, 2013
    Hi, am from lagos nigeria am interested in starting a wine distribution business pls send me more information on the business thanks.
  • VINOTH said on April 23, 2013
    hi i am vinoth. i have planned to start importing wine business. your website has been so useful to me to get info. can you please say me the amount of investment to be paid to start a business
  • capt oghenero s ejamre said on May 6, 2013
    i will like to open wine distribution business in Lagos Nigeria, so i need good source of supply please.
  • Yemi Solomon said on May 7, 2013
    I am interested in being a wine distributor in Federal Capital Territory Abuja Nigeriaand I need your assistance. Thank you for urgent response to this important matter.
  • Glory Ibanez said on May 22, 2013
    Hi my name is Glory, and I would like to start a wine distributor business in the Philippines.. I have a wide knowledge in old and new world wines. I'm currently live in Hawaii, but planning to return to Philippines soon. I been working ( more than 6 yrs)in a Italian Fine dining restaurant, where I learned and got trained about wines. Now, I'd like to put my wine knowledge into business and to be a wine distributor would be perfect. Please help me how to get started .. Thank u so much, I really appreciate it. Sincerely, Glory
  • Casey said on July 10, 2013
    I'm currently in the USA on a holiday and an importer of a very high quality wine from South Africa to Nigeria for the past four years and like to meet someone who has a qualification in marketing and willing to invest into the business of distributing in some areas in Nigeria. I also import quality whiskies and other beverages. If you are interested, please send an email to clbeagu@yahoo.com
  • khan waseem akram said on August 18, 2013
    i want to make a (petrol, diesel, gas)oil company in uttar pradesh. how it is possible make a company by own or by government help. or how get the petrol pump or gas distribution agency by government. call me 9969619733
  • mr.singh said on August 21, 2013
    i want to know how to start the business i am from kolkata, hooghly district. where should i contact to getting started. where from i get licensed to start the business. plz give proper idea.thanks.
  • Obe Tosin said on August 30, 2013
    Hi, am Tosin from Nigeria. i will like to start a wine business distributor in akure, ondo state. Nigeria. pls, brief me what i need to do and how much i have to get to start the business and where i can be booking for wines
  • chandu rao said on October 15, 2013
    Dear sir, I am coming from middle class family. M waiting for this type of business pls contact me. Banglore, karnataka, india. 9986177140
  • RK said on November 3, 2013
    I am interested to start a wine business in S. Cal. Thanks
  • angel said on November 7, 2013
    Need a wine partner to invest in setting a wine distribution for the ABC-islands and also Holland. You can live on the island. Have extensive experience and have a great network and contacts, please only serious approach, please contact me on aamaua@yahoo.com
  • Shaik Haseena said on January 28, 2014
    I would like to know about the wine bottle business. Please let me know what to do it.
  • trevor piercy said on February 14, 2014
    I have a wine distribution business in South Africa. I need people to start up a depot and sell my wines. I have exclusive brands and also bottle my own brands. The wines are well priced and there is room for you to make good profits. You need a small amount of cash to purchase some stock which you can sell. Contact me at trevor@jomarlinsa.com.
  • kgopotso said on February 20, 2014
    @ average how much will it need to start up a wine distribution business?
  • EZE OKE said on March 10, 2014
    Dear Sir/ Madam, Please kindly furnish me full details of your standard products; I will appreciate it more if you can give me with details specification. I am working as an accredited commission agent and I am looking for supplier whose products is of good quality as your products are among the need items which will be purchase in a large quantities. You can reach me for business opportunities for the supply of your products. Kind Regards, Mr. Eze Oke
  • Theunis said on March 13, 2014
    I have more than 10 wine farms in south Africa that I can get wine from. please email me to get more information of how you can buy the wine from me. Email: theunissww@gmail.com
  • vincent said on March 13, 2014
    Good info but pls I will like you to explain further more because I really want to start a wine business in lagos nigeria.
  • Tola said on March 23, 2014
    Tnx 4 the info, I will like to start a wine business in Ibadan, how can I get started. tnx
  • Lerato said on April 2, 2014
    Johannesburg, South Africa. Hi, I wanna get involved in the wine business, start selling wine or rather start a win distribution business , do I need a license to sell win and how do I go about getting one?
  • Winson said on April 20, 2014
    I'm interested to be a wines distribution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Pls pm me for more info. Thanks
  • precious said on April 28, 2014
    I will like to start up a wine distribution business here in Nigeria, please send me further information on how to start it up, am interested. Tnx
  • Parttrading,Lda said on May 14, 2014
    We are a Exporter/Trader company from Portugal and we export all kind of Portuguese wines: More infos: info.parttrading@gmail.com. thanks
  • Martial mgougna said on June 11, 2014
    I am interested for the wine distribution in Dublin Ireland. please send me more info. thank you
  • shirley navarro said on June 11, 2014
    I'm recently living in France, but want to start up and sell as wine distributor in Philippines. What are the steps, need more info.. Thank you for advice.
  • Quadrant Zeta said on June 13, 2014
    Interested in distribution of our sparkling wine? Catalogue for our Wine will be send upon receipt of your request by info@quadrantzeta.co.uk. We offer one of the best prices. Also, We produce private labels wine. Send us your Labels details and we provide best rates for your private brands. Own a new brand from us today. Quadrant Zeta, United Kingdom
  • Ricky and Tammy Ray said on July 20, 2014
    I an interested in becoming a wine distributor in Youngsville Louisiana USA
  • Allan said on July 21, 2014
    hello am allan living in joburg in vanderbijlpark and i want to start a small business in wine distribution but am still a student at the university and retail business management please any one who can help me and advise me on the go about i will be grateful please contact me on my email 1999.allan59@gmail.com or 0810729448 thanks.
  • Jennifer ugwueze said on August 13, 2014
    Hello! I'm jennifer base in portharcourt nigeria, I want to star a wine business retail,distribution and I need idea on how and best way to distribute it and amount to start. Thanks
  • sriranjan said on October 1, 2014
    Hello i am looking for wholesale wine business so please give me a contact.
  • Martino said on October 16, 2014
    Hi , I living in pompano beach , Florida , I just need what kind of license I need , websites,etc. I heard s lot of stories , nothing official I like wines , I have to try this. Thank you guys
  • Dan said on November 10, 2014
    Florida. United States I am looking for wholesale wine business opportunities.
  • Ernest Mensah said on December 18, 2014
    Hello, i am Ernest based in Nigeria and i am in the business of wine importation and distribution, especially Italian Wines. If you are interested in getting into the wine business. You can reach me on my mobile 08135604676
  • Ifeoluwa said on December 23, 2014
    very informative website. I am interesting to be a wine distributor in Ejigbo, Osun State,Nigeria. can you please enlighten me on how to start it
  • Cristina said on January 12, 2015
    Please contact me about Italian Wines and Spirits crixconcept@gmail.com
  • Vijayram Manda said on January 12, 2015
    I am interested and fascinated in starting this wine distribution Business at San Jose CA 95135. Please let me know more details. Thanks, Vijayram
  • Lerna said on January 13, 2015
    I am lerna, lived in Alpharetta, GA I'm interested for the wine distribution. Can you give me some info. Do I need to get a license? Thank you.
  • Lakshman More said on January 28, 2015
    I want to start a retail bar/restaurant in the small town 10 km from Belgaum. Good scope here. Please advise how to get the bar/liquor license and what forms to fill in
  • Koni said on February 8, 2015
    I just left my top job in corporate to be a wine distributor, I live in Cape Town. My first steps, I love wine and love the vineyards, but felt that was not enough. So I am attending wine courses by cape wine academy and then start with my business plan and approach. I've learned that in life to succeed you have to work hard including weekends at times. Wine business is about relationships and networking. I don't think every thing is free, to make money you have to spend. I'm doing lots of wine tastings and traveling, to experience the wine world as I'm fairly new in this, i'm just a village girl who didn't know a thing about this. I just want to encourage everyone that we can make it, we need to support each other not like in corporate where people are pulling each other down.
  • bishal jaiswal said on March 13, 2015
    I want to open wine distributorship in Hooghly district plz contact to me.....
  • B Vishwanathan Pillai said on March 14, 2015
    i WANT TO START A WINE DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS IN COCHIN KERALA INDIA, PLEASE ASSIST ME HOW TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS BUSINESS
  • Steph said on March 19, 2015
    Anambra state, Nigeria... Hello, I have got. Wonderful proposal in wine business, am just looking for partnership. if you are interested just add me on whatsapp :08123328178 n or email me @Cindysharon94@yahoo.com.
  • michele said on April 15, 2015
    HI, i'm working in Singapore in F&B at the moment, my wife is Malaysian, and i would like to start my own business in KL. I d like open my wine retail shop. How much is the minimum capital to get the license and start up the Company? thanks
  • birendra singh said on April 20, 2015
    I am interested in foreign liquor distributor in purulia district in west bengal plz guide me
  • TARUN GHOSH said on June 17, 2015
    i like the wine distribution business. pls give me how to procedure & how much money investment this business?
  • Sony Thomas said on July 1, 2015
    I would like to start Wine and Foreign Liquor distribution in India. Please let me know the profit margin and import rules. Also let me know the channels where I can sell it. Please provide me the maximum available information. Thanks

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