TV channel to sell wine 24 hours a day

Published: 23 July, 2008

The team behind the shopping website jungle.com is preparing to launch a new company which will sell wine via a satellite television channel.

Vinappris is the work of Steve and John Bennett, who also set up the Gems TV channel. The venture will comprise a 24-hour shopping channel and a live video stream on the web.

Steve Bennett told Harpers: We'll have presenters tasting wine, talking about the aromas, and the studio is set in a wine bar, so we'll get tasting descriptions from people in the bar.'

Vinappris, which will start broadcasting in March, will use an 85,000 sq ft warehouse to store its wine, and Bennett added: By owning the whole process from TV production to warehousing, call centres and distribution, not only will we have total control over our business, but the consumer will have tremendous value.'

Around 50 wines a day will be featured, some of which will be in themed slots, and two people are responsible for sourcing the wine: Julian Twaits, formerly of Thresher, and Edward Bowen of Friarwood. The TV presenters do not have a wine background, but all have visited wine regions as part of their training.

For more information, go to www.vinappris.com

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