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The Values
Honest Wines
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The Philosophy
Vineration exists to broaden your exposure to small-production, independent American winemakers and help you to enjoy wine on an authentic level. Real wine, from real places, made by real people.
Despite being the third largest state, Florida is under-served by the wine industry, mostly due to its distance from domestic wine-producing regions. Wine must be sold through the "Three Tier System" - from wineries, to distributors, to retailers, to you - and small independent winemakers have difficulty getting their wines picked up for distribution. Twenty years ago, the U.S. had around 1,800 wineries and 3,000 distributors. Today that ratio has plummeted to just 1,200 distributors serving over 9,200 wineries. Furthermore, the top 14 mega-producers sold 79% of all wine by volume in 2017. That means those other 9,186+ wineries accounted for just 21% of America's wine. The scales are firmly tipped toward "Big Business". Essentially, you have more hypothetical options for good wine, yet less availability and fewer opportunities to find them locally.
The only exceptions to the Three Tier System are Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) sales, which means you can purchase directly from the winery. However, because most small wineries don't have a marketing rep in Florida, the only way you'd discover them is by tracking them down in person. Vineration emerged to fill that void and offer you access to otherwise unattainable wines straight from the winery.
Other wine clubs source from all over the world, which detracts attention from the exciting innovation in the American wine industry. Even worse, some online wine clubs fabricate bogus brands and slap a catchy label on bulk wine, thereby concealing the wine's origins and production methods.
By joining Vineration, you can be certain you’re supporting independent winemakers with your membership. Great wine is made in the vineyard, not just the winery. We vet our wines for the purest level of farming practices with an environmental focus. They exhibit a real "sense of place", which the French call terroir. In the end, we only feature wines made with the highest quality techniques, produced with integrity, and possessing an authentic origin.
Despite being the third largest state, Florida is under-served by the wine industry, mostly due to its distance from domestic wine-producing regions. Wine must be sold through the "Three Tier System" - from wineries, to distributors, to retailers, to you - and small independent winemakers have difficulty getting their wines picked up for distribution. Twenty years ago, the U.S. had around 1,800 wineries and 3,000 distributors. Today that ratio has plummeted to just 1,200 distributors serving over 9,200 wineries. Furthermore, the top 14 mega-producers sold 79% of all wine by volume in 2017. That means those other 9,186+ wineries accounted for just 21% of America's wine. The scales are firmly tipped toward "Big Business". Essentially, you have more hypothetical options for good wine, yet less availability and fewer opportunities to find them locally.
The only exceptions to the Three Tier System are Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) sales, which means you can purchase directly from the winery. However, because most small wineries don't have a marketing rep in Florida, the only way you'd discover them is by tracking them down in person. Vineration emerged to fill that void and offer you access to otherwise unattainable wines straight from the winery.
Other wine clubs source from all over the world, which detracts attention from the exciting innovation in the American wine industry. Even worse, some online wine clubs fabricate bogus brands and slap a catchy label on bulk wine, thereby concealing the wine's origins and production methods.
By joining Vineration, you can be certain you’re supporting independent winemakers with your membership. Great wine is made in the vineyard, not just the winery. We vet our wines for the purest level of farming practices with an environmental focus. They exhibit a real "sense of place", which the French call terroir. In the end, we only feature wines made with the highest quality techniques, produced with integrity, and possessing an authentic origin.
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About Brian
Brian Seel - Owner & Wine Curator
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certified
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certified
I’m a Florida native who has visited over 230 wineries around the globe over the past five years. In 2015, I took a yearlong sabbatical, visiting 27 countries... including 11 rising wine regions. I became entranced by the wines of Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Croatia, and more. I even tried Moroccan, Cambodian, and Bosnian wine along the way. I'm a wayfarer at heart who loves the discovery of the up-and-coming. Established wine regions and brands are renowned for a reason, but the adventurous spirit and innovation of newer producers is inspiring.
Following that wine odyssey, I landed in Sonoma, CA and became equally captivated by American wine. During three years of exploring the West Coast's many wine regions, I discovered compelling wines of serious value which rarely make it past their state lines. I built friendships with winemakers, assisted with crush, walked countless vineyards, and took wine certification courses. Upon moving back to my home state of Florida, I became determined to offer curious drinkers the same access to wines and winemakers that I enjoy. The history, culture, science, and artistry of winemaking fascinate me like nothing else ever has, and I'm excited to share that passion with you.
Following that wine odyssey, I landed in Sonoma, CA and became equally captivated by American wine. During three years of exploring the West Coast's many wine regions, I discovered compelling wines of serious value which rarely make it past their state lines. I built friendships with winemakers, assisted with crush, walked countless vineyards, and took wine certification courses. Upon moving back to my home state of Florida, I became determined to offer curious drinkers the same access to wines and winemakers that I enjoy. The history, culture, science, and artistry of winemaking fascinate me like nothing else ever has, and I'm excited to share that passion with you.
