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Overview

Importing and distributing wine isn’t all traveling and tasting. To become a successful wine importer/distributor, you need a comprehensive understanding of warehousing, budgeting, time management, marketing, branding, packaging, pricing, licensing, regulations, shipping, and working with wholesalers and retailers.

In this class, you’ll learn how to create a strong business model and start building a portfolio to match. You’ll also learn about different resources that wine industry professionals have used to build their businesses. Through real-world advice, guided wine tastings, and a close examination of different brands, styles, and packaging, you’ll learn what it takes to stand out in a crowded field and find success in importing and distribution.

What You Will Learn

This intensive course covers the following core areas of wine importation and distribution:

Creating a Scalable Business Model

  • Learn how to establish a viable import and distribution business framework from the ground up.

  • Understand the components of a business plan, portfolio strategy, supply chain model, and long-term growth planning.

Licensing, Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge

  • Navigate the legal intricacies of wine importation and distribution, including federal, state, and international licensing requirements.

  • Gain insights into compliance regulations such as NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) permits, label approvals, customs duties, and more.

Warehousing, Shipping & Logistics

  • Understand how to source, ship, and store wine products efficiently and safely.

  • Explore strategies for managing temperature-sensitive shipments, bonded warehousing, customs clearance, and freight forwarding.

Building Your Portfolio

  • Learn how to identify, evaluate, and curate wines and producers that align with your brand and market positioning.

  • Analyze consumer trends, wine styles, regions, and pricing tiers to build a diverse and appealing product line.

Marketing, Branding & Packaging

  • Discover how to market your wines in a way that resonates with both retail buyers and end consumers.

  • Develop your brand identity, label design strategy, and storytelling approach to stand out in a crowded market.

  • Explore packaging innovations and compliance with international packaging standards.

Working with Wholesalers & Retailers

  • Gain practical knowledge on how to build strong partnerships with wholesalers, on-premise accounts (restaurants, hotels), and off-premise outlets (retail stores).

  • Learn negotiation techniques, pricing strategies, sales forecasting, and distributor management skills.