Wineries produce several types of wine including white and red wine. Wine lovers distinguish red and white wines by the type of grapes used, the way the grapes are fermented and their resulting flavor.

Red wines are produced from grapes with red skin. During fermentation, additional pressing causes the grapes to release many colors and flavors. The wine ages in oak barrels for several months. This helps contribute to the full, rich, flavor of red wines. Red wine varieties include cabernet savignon, syrah, pinot noir, merlot, sangiovese and barbera.

White wines come from grapes that have mostly white skins. Unlike red wine, white wine typically ferments in oak barrels for a much shorter period of time. The result is a light, crisp and fruity flavor. The main varieties of white wine include Chardonnay, Muscat, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer.

When you start a wine business, the choices in wine are extensive and your shelf space is likely limited. Keep the following things in mind to maximize your profits:

1. Wine comes in many varieties including red wines, white wines, blushes, dessert wines and sparkling wines.

2. Wine preferences vary widely between geographical regions and socio-economic statuses.

3. Wine specialty items help increase sales and give you access to customers who don't drink wine.


Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Offer customers special promotions to increase wine sales. Market research indicates that special promotions offered through simple wine tastings increase the sales of featured wines. In addition, these promotions do not typically detract from regular wine sales.

The official source of Starting a Wine Shop is the Wine page at Business.com