Wine samples in a tube?

[El Presidente]

This photo was sent to me earlier today by a good mate in the trade. He will be bringing a few for me to try when in the warehouse this week.

100 ml (one standard drink) is supposedly high end Bordeaux wines.

Not sure what to think of it. Would it be a good way to sample a nice Bordeaux before committing to a bottle/s purchase?

Let me know your thoughts as i am sure he would love some prospective consumer feedback.

[Ken Gargett]

we have seen some wineries try them for samples but it did not last. just did not work.

for retail, who knows? not sure how willing too many wineries would be to be bottling like that. i think, if they went retail, there is potential, especially within europe, to transgress various legislation in terms on size of bottles - yes, there is such a thing and it has prevented certain bottlings.

[Alien13]

I think that it's a great idea personally, but as Ken has said, whether or not it takes off is another question.

There's an Australian website that offers 30mL samples of scotch, which is great for trying different distilleries without having to drop big bucks on a full bottle that may or not be to your taste.

I think for the more money conscious out there, wanting to expand there horizons, these would be a godsend. But on the other hand, those that enjoy the finer (high end) things, generally have the disposable income to purchase said items.

It could go either way when hitting the market. But I imagine they would sell, if not to the connoisseur market, then to the everyday guy wanting something new to try or to celebrate with.

[Randolph]

I've never seen a good winery, French, Italian, or elsewhere for that matter put their finest into a test tube for people to have a trial run of what may be a good vintage. Similarly I've not seen the best of perfumers placing their finest fragrances in a 5ml bottle or 2.5ml sachet.

Would be interesting to know the price of the samples.... Could be quite a business...

[Fuzz]

I remember those when they first came out. As Ken said, the concept never took off. Too much cost in bottling/packaging, as you would need to modify the bottling machines for small vials. It would never be cost effective from a retail standpoint.

[srbbones]

Sounds like they are taking a cue from what a private business is doing with whiskey

[PigFish]

When the packaging becomes more valuable than the contents there is a huge potential for profits, if nothing else... Just ask Tabacuba!

Lets hope that wine drinkers are collectively smarter than cigar smokers... For the sake of the wine at least!

-the Pig

[Fosgate]

From My perspective.

Pros:

It's unique identity branding if no one else is doing it.

Exposure to a more distant market

Cons:

increase Cost of supplies, labor, time

Can it be perceived as cheapening the brand

Can the winery supply to a rapid increase in demand

Are there more cost effective ways of marketing in a way to maintain steady growth?

[MIKA27]

I like the idea. it's unique that's for sure FOR WINE...

One can grab a CC tubos and a wine Tubos at the same time... Oh... and no surprise mould

[Bill Hayes]

Might be worthwhile as a lost leader - a slight loss in profit on the product to introduce the brand to a wider market perhaps. Maybe not a long term strategy though. Could be useful in the expanding market in China to specific potential buyers and high end bottle shops. From a personal viewpoint, I'd love to try some top quality European wines. Better buy a miniature decanter.

[Smallclub]

FYI,

as I understand it so far, this packaging is an initative of a New Zealand online wine vendor:

https://drinkintube.co.nz/store

There is zero mention of this in the wine maker's website:

http://www.marielaurelurton.com/fr/

This lady is the daughter of a big owner of vineyards in the Bordeaux region.

[polarbear]

I like the idea for nights when I fancy a glass of red but do not want to commit to opening a whole bottle (it does happen)

[Fosgate]

I like the idea for nights when I fancy a glass of red but do not want to commit to opening a whole bottle (it does happen)

Good point. I'm thinking of it from just a sampling point. You're right though. Many times I never open the bottle because I don't want to drink the whole thing and it is just not the same if you polish off the rest at a later date. Would also be great to serve/smuggle into sporting events, movie theaters etc.

[sengjc]

I will always support taster samples. Besides, 100ml is a sizeable amount, I would buy these at picnics, bars and similar type outdoor events if I wanted a drink without having to buy a whole bottle - one of the reasons why I usually stick to beer by the bottle when at such events.

[ayepatz]

Surely there must be an impact on the taste with such a small bottle? Ken?

[LateApex]

One thing I like about cigars and wine: Variety

Love trying all the different flavors, aromas, etc that I'm always reading about.

If there's a newly developed way to cost effectively package a glass-ish sized sample, via tube or otherwise, that maintains the integrity of the wine I'm all for it.

[Ken Gargett]

Surely there must be an impact on the taste with such a small bottle? Ken?

over time definitely.

in the short term, probably not too noticeable. but these would not be for long term.

[ayepatz]

over time definitely.

in the short term, probably not too noticeable. but these would not be for long term.

I was told that wine ages slower in larger format bottles. I wonder how much quicker it would age in these? Lol

[Ken Gargett]

I was told that wine ages slower in larger format bottles. I wonder how much quicker it would age in these? Lol

that is very much the conventional wisdom but no one is putting these away long term, i suspect, so won't be an issue.

a magnum often considered the optimum size. sometimes larger bottles have dodgy filling and sealing practices so you need to be wary.

the only place i have come across that disputes this is in oporto - a few senior port producers insisted that the bottle aged slower than the magnum. though one believed they caught up with each other after about 50 years.