Amazon Moves Into Wine Country

One bottle of your finest Amazon reserve label wine, please?

This is now a reality for the eCommerce giant as it rolls into the winemaking realm. The Next Wines brand of wines has been specifically developed by private label vineyard King Vintners on behalf of Amazon. Currently, Next Wines is offering up three bottles, which include the 2016 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, 2014 Columbia Valley Red Blend and 2015 Oregon Pinot Noir. Four additional brands will be added down the line.

While the wine is not owned by the eCommerce giant, it is being sold as Amazon Wine and is sold exclusively through AmazonWine.com. And, wine buyers rejoice: Cities that have Amazon Prime Now delivery service will be able to get the wine delivered within two hours or less.

Many in the retail industry are wondering whether or not this is the first step in Amazon moving its private label offerings into Whole Foods grocery stores following the recent acquisition. This notion is strengthened by King Estate’s Co-Founder, Ed King III, commenting on news of the partnership with Amazon.

“When people lived in the same village, the wines and cuisine developed together,” said King. “Today, that direct link is at risk of being lost. We’re launching NEXT on Amazon to re-establish the connection between winemaker and wine lover in today’s ‘digital village.’”

At this point, some may be asking whether or not there’s any shopping-related industry that Amazon can’t work its way into. Following its Whole Foods acquisition, we may see more partnerships created with the sole purpose of integrating more Amazon private labels into brick-and-mortar locations.