Vino Virtuoso – Host wine tasting parties and get paid

I was looking around for a different type of direct selling that could more interesting and unique than selling makeup and Tupperware.  And success! I stumbled on Vino Virtuoso, which is a company specializing in wine tastings for homes and offices.

According to their website, 87% of all the wine consumed in the U.S. today comes from just 75 wineries, despite the presence of over 6,500 wineries in the U.S. alone.  And since these smaller wineries might not have the ability to gain access to major market shelf space like the big players, Vino Virtuoso’s goal is to increase exposure for the smaller, family owned boutique wineries to wine enthusiasts through the power of direct selling.

As a Wine Educator, you will work alongside hosts to plan the details of the Tasting, including the level and type of wine education desired. That way, the lesson is advanced enough for the wine experts in the group but basic enough for all the wine-newbies!  Wine Educators can earn commissions as guests order a bottle or two of their favorite samples, any wine club subscriptions, online sales with your own website, and by signing up other Wine Educators.

It’s not necessary to be a current wine expert at the level of a sommelier.  Training is provided through various channels, including hooking you up with other Wine Educators in your area, providing continuous support.  Training will include wine IQ, tasting basics, and a mentorship program.

Here are some highlights of how it works (from the website) –

• Hosts select a designated Tasting Flight of five (5) full bottles of wine pulled right from our cellars. Each wine in the Tasting Flight consists of a different varietal/blend and is sourced from a different winery.
• In addition to the Tasting Flight, Hosts can choose their own Host Complimentary Bottle—on us!
• The Tasting Flight and Host Complimentary Bottle are shipped directly to you prior to your Tasting!
• During the Tasting, your Wine Educator provides a fun, accessible education on general concepts in wine as well as a thorough presentation of each wine in your Tasting Flight.
• Your Wine Educator will supply high-quality, professional tasting glasses, so no worries there!

There is a cost for the host (not the Wine Educator) of around $50 for the hosting party supplies.  Details from the website –

• For just $24.95 (plus taxes & $19.95 S&H), Hosts receive a Tasting Flight and Host Complimentary Bottle, which together retail for up to $165, representing a $140 value and savings of about 85% off!
• All wine orders from a Tasting receive an automatic discount of 10% or more off normal retail prices!
• Additional specials and discounts are often offered at Tastings!
• As a special thanks, Hosts of a Vino Virtuoso™ Tasting can receive up to 2 additional complimentary bottles of wine through our Host Benefits Program!

This is definitely a bit more exclusive product in the direct selling market.  You might already have weekly happy hours at various friends houses, this could provide an opportunity to bring in more variety of wines not sold at your local store and have fun that was planned anyways!

Website links:

Vino Virtuoso

Become a Wine Educator