Direct Shipping & Distributors

I think this is a good view on the future of wine retail and distribution. (Click on the Title Line.) In particular, the following observation rings true although I would add that the retailer could order directly from the winery if it can do so economically by ordering in quantity:

"People are already buying all kinds of items over the Internet, such as clothing, office supplies, computers and consumer electronic equipment, but if they can buy wine online, they are likely to become bigger consumers, he said. They'll buy wine online, drink it, go to the supermarket or wine shop, ask for the wine they discovered on the Internet, and if it's not there, will ask the storekeeper to order it, and the retailer will get it from a wholesaler."