Why Local Wineries Matter

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Wine products cultivated and produced at the local level generally require locally grown grapes. However, unlike fresh, perishable produce farmed at the local level, wine production more closely resembles cheese production.

Both wine and cheese are crafted from delicate ingredients with a short shelf life. Both processes are the result of human ingenuity, where fresh ingredients are converted into a different and more durable end-product.

Wine can be crafted from any fruit but is mainly produced using the many available varieties of grapes.

Wine is and has always been an integral part of the local community’s fabric. Wine and local produce often combine to fortify the relationship among the people who live, visit and work in their shared community.

The local cuisine and culture are often defined by their locally-made products, which generate traditions. Over time, the practice of a tradition reinforces a strong sense of community. Many food authorities argue, with great conviction, that the public greatly benefits when supporting local businesses and agriculture.

Local wine is where you can visibly see the tremendous amount of work that is required to craft a great bottle of wine. While large corporations mass-produce to cut costs, they also tend to select wines that are easily recognized by consumers.

This is where the boutique, local wine producer can often be overlooked. Consider the following suggestions for consumers who want to support local wineries and businesses during rough economic patches.

How to Support Local Wineries

Order Directly From Local Winery Websites

Most local wine growers and distilleries maintain a website for informational and sales purposes. Some local wineries are small and cannot generate a large enough product to be of interest to retail stores. As a result, ordering online is the perfect way to support a local winery business.

Join a Wine Club

Wine clubs are a smart way to sample products crafted by local wineries. A wine club can be like a meetup or a delivery service that adds convenience as well. Wine Clubs often provide discounts to their members, monthly deliveries, and even free tastings when in season. Local wineries often employ sommeliers, who have the palate and training to provide detailed explanations as to the taste and depth of the wine being offered to members from local wine producers.

When Dining Out, Select a Local Wine From the Restaurant’s Menu

When dining with friends and family, choosing a local wine from the local restaurant offers two benefits –

• This simple choice helps boost sales for local wineries.
• It also helps restaurant owners recognize the popularity (and value) of carrying local wine options on the menu.

Using Social Media, Add to the Local Winery’s Brand By Posting Updates About a Favorite Local Winery

This can simply be a picture snapped at a tasting or a written recommendation on the website of the local wine distributor or maker. Share why you recommend this wine.

Why It is Important to Support Local Wineries

As noted above, smaller wineries and local farms are essential for a community. Smaller businesses tend to operate as more environmentally friendly operations – which meets the growing need for all companies to consider a stronger initiative regarding sustainability in their business plans.

Supporting local wineries, like KC Wine Co., also eliminates the need for long-distance transportation of heavily weighted bottles of wine. This automatically removes the transportation expense and reduces the carbon footprint of both the winery and its consumers.

The Take-Away

Local wines cannot replace the many wines from around the world. However, the choice to buy a local product from a locally-owned winery will only help to strengthen the ties that bind members of the same community – often the foundations for its culture, and cuisine, among others.

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