The Wall Street Journal has gone into the wine trade – a highly unusual step in American newspaper publishing.
The New York-based newspaper has established WSJwine, a department that offers to deliver to readers and the general public in 33 American states ‘quality wines of outstanding value,’ domestic and foreign.
Consumers can buy single bottles, regular cases and mixed cases through www.wsjwine.com, by phone or mail.
The inventory consists of everyday and fine wines as well as rarities, some that come from small-production vintners and are ‘not readily available in stores,’ WSJwine said.
Direct Wines, a firm that WSJwine says sources wines in 20 countries, is managing the sales and deliveries.
WSJwine says wines will be delivered by licensed retailers ‘in compliance with each state’s established legal procedures.’
Under its new owner, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, The Wall Street Journal is undergoing a transformation from a business to a general-news publication.
Its wine critics, Dorothy J Gaiter and her husband John Brecher, write a column that has proved popular with readers for years.
The Journal’s announcement comes days after reports that amazon.com will start selling wine online to consumers in 26 states.
Written by Howard G Goldberg in New York
