By Diane, Wine Services
At Wine Services, identifying and selecting restaurants and wine shops is where a strategic presence begins. With a rigorous methodology that pairs technology with on-the-ground expertise, we capture complete, reliable market data - so every bottle lands where it can earn the most visibility and sales.
Selecting on-trade points of sale (restaurants)
Our restaurant selection runs on strict quality criteria built for premium brands. We focus on venues that reflect the prestige and quality of your wines:
- Michelin-starred restaurants - symbols of fine dining, and ideal showcases that tie your brand to excellence.
- Palace and 4-5★ hotel restaurants - a demanding, international clientele and the perfect setting to reinforce a high-end image.
- Wine bars and trend-forward restaurants - frequented by guests looking for new tasting experiences.
- Upscale restaurant groups - names like The Palm, Morton's, or Paris Society put you in front of a knowledgeable, affluent audience across multiple venues.
- Renowned chefs' restaurants - association with chefs like Yannick Alléno, Joël Robuchon, or Alain Ducasse adds legitimacy to your premium positioning.
How we select restaurants
We draw on trusted references - the Michelin Guide, Wine Spectator Awards, and World's 50 Best Restaurants - and round them out with specialist sites and titles like Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes. Our teams also work LinkedIn and Instagram to surface new venues and influential sommeliers. We then cross-reference all of it with a close read of each wine list, prioritizing venues whose offer aligns with premium wines.
Selecting off-trade points of sale (wine shops)
For wine shops, we aim to cover the full landscape - independents, chains, and department stores - focusing on the most respected names with a varied, quality offer.
- Specialist reviews and importer sites - rankings from titles like Falstaff and importer portals like Kobrand help us spot top retailers.
- Online research and local validation - Google Maps, Instagram, and LinkedIn surface promising shops, which we then validate with local contacts or client data.
How we validate wine shops
We prioritize shops with a broad offer and a strong reputation - references like Wally's Wine or K&L Wines. We read the wine list to ensure exposure to a passionate, informed clientele, and we weigh location, with particular attention to upscale and business districts where fine wine sells.
Tools and methodology
We've built internal tools to speed up data collection across thousands of restaurants and wine shops worldwide - filtering venues by average price, distinctions (Michelin stars, Wine Spectator Awards), and the quality of the wine list, and keeping our panels current. The tools automate the repetitive work; the final call stays human.
Local contacts where it gets hard
In some markets - notably across Asia - reliable information is harder to capture, with language and cultural barriers and venues that lack full websites or email. We clear those hurdles with local contacts and specialist partners who validate information on site. By territory, we adapt: email and phone in some markets, a physical presence in others.
A proven method to maximize your visibility
With our blend of technology and field expertise, strict criteria, and thorough validation, Wine Services ensures every bottle gets the best possible exposure - whether in a starred restaurant or a renowned wine shop. Reach out to learn how we can position your wines in the world's most prestigious venues.