2004 Sample bottles - poll

[Tom Archer]

Further to the thread on 2004 sample bottles, I thought I'd launch a poll to gauge the level of interest.

Very much ball-park figures at this point, but assume that:

1) We can get small VP samples from 20 quintas/shippers

2) That the cost per selection box, tax paid and delivered, will be about:

Europe - 150 -200 euros
UK - £100 - £130
USA - $220 - $300

(sorry, Fred, but I know very little about getting stuff into Canada!)

[Derek T.]

Tom,

How did you calculate the costs? Do they include distribution to individuals within each country or is this just the cost of getting all samples from Gaia to London, NY, etc

Derek

[Tom Archer]

I worked on the basis that we would get volunteers to redistribute at cost, using regular carriers.

I also worked on the basis that we would offer to pay the quintas 5 euros per sample bottle "ex quinta" to cover their expenses, although I suspect some would not trouble to charge us.

Tom

[Tom Archer]

Noticing Roy's latest note about bottle sizes on the original thread, I was surprised that so many samples were full size - they must hold him in high esteem!

My estimates assumed samples would be halves, or smaller.

Tom

[Derek T.]

Tom,

If most use 750's as samples then perhaps one or more tasting events in each country would be more attractive and feasible rather than trying to persuade 20 shippers to hand out a few dozen bottles each.

For example, 12 Forum members in the UK could sample all houses from 1 bottle from each - much less hassle and risk for the shippers and probably more fun for us 8)

Derek

[Tom Archer]

Derek,

If they don't like filling small bottles, then this is the sensible alternative.

Tom

[Frederick Blais]

Thanks Tom for including Canada, but it will never happen here the same way it can in UK.

Each producer has its own importer. So any sample will be sent to them as some as done already, else I'd have to go with the monopoly and samples will cost me extra taxes. One importer was kind enough to give me a few. It is final blend sample though but in previous year bottles.

Is there unique importers for each producer in UK, probably working with them would be a good idea because after all, they'll make money of it if you liked what you have tasted.