Tiny Wine, a newly launched company, is revolutionizing the world of fine wine by making it accessible to a wider audience. Traditionally, enjoying prestigious wines like Pétrus has been an exclusive privilege reserved for the wealthy and famous, due to the prohibitive cost of full bottles. Tiny Wine utilizes innovative technology from Coravin, a leading wine preservation company, to offer these exclusive wines in smaller 100ml servings. This “fractionalization” process allows wine enthusiasts to sample a variety of high-end wines without the significant financial commitment of purchasing a full bottle. This approach democratizes the fine wine experience, opening the door for a new generation of wine lovers to explore the nuances and complexities of these prestigious labels.
The company’s initial offering focuses on the renowned Bordeaux region, presenting a curated selection of tasting boxes featuring a range of grape varieties and sub-regions. These curated boxes, available at varying price points, aim to showcase the diversity of Bordeaux wines, catering to both novice and seasoned palates. The “Select” box, priced at £72.99, offers a mix of red and white wines, while the “Explorer” pack, at £116.99, delves deeper into red varietals. For the discerning connoisseur, the “Somm” box, priced at £374.99, includes a sample of the highly acclaimed Margaux 1990, a wine that has received a perfect 100-point score from renowned critic Robert Parker. This tiered pricing structure allows customers to explore their preferences and gradually delve into the world of fine wines at their own pace and budget.
The Coravin Vinitas technology employed by Tiny Wine ensures the preservation of the wine’s quality and integrity throughout the fractionalization process. This technology, typically reserved for high-end restaurants, allows for precise pouring without removing the cork, preventing oxidation and preserving the wine’s delicate flavors and aromas. By utilizing this cutting-edge technology, Tiny Wine delivers the same high-quality experience one would expect from a full bottle, making it a game-changer in the accessibility of fine wines. This eliminates the barrier of high markups typically encountered in restaurants, making these exceptional wines accessible for at-home enjoyment.
Beyond the tasting boxes, Tiny Wine also offers exciting opportunities to win full bottles of rare and sought-after wines through prize draws. Their inaugural draw features a magnum of the iconic Pétrus 1988, a vintage described as “reassuringly outstanding” by wine critic Robert Parker. This particular vintage is highly coveted, making it both expensive and difficult to acquire. Tiny Wine is offering the chance to win this prestigious bottle for just a £5 entry fee, further democratizing access to the world’s finest wines. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to making these exceptional wines accessible to a wider audience.
Tiny Wine’s co-founder, Harry Crowther, with experience in both the luxury wine market and wine production, emphasizes the company’s mission to bridge the gap between wine enthusiasts’ curiosity and the often-prohibitive cost of experiencing truly great wines. By sourcing wines directly from private collectors and Château producers, Tiny Wine ensures the authenticity and quality of their offerings. This direct sourcing also contributes to the affordability of the tasting boxes and prize draws. Crowther’s vision is to empower wine lovers of all backgrounds to explore the world of fine wine without the traditional financial barriers.
The company’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond the fractionalization of wines and affordable prize draws. They also prioritize proper storage and handling of their wines. Tiny Wine partners with London City Bond (LCB), a respected wine storage facility, to ensure that their wines are kept in optimal conditions. This meticulous approach guarantees that the wines retain their quality and are ready to be enjoyed at their peak. Winners of the prize draws have the option to have their wines delivered directly, stored at LCB, or even sold on their behalf by Tiny Wine, providing a comprehensive and convenient service. The company’s attention to detail, from sourcing to storage, assures customers of a premium wine experience.
