Convenience, choice, value are just three good reasons to buy your wine online. But what does a successful online wine shop require? A great range is not sufficient. An online wine shop needs to provide easy access to its stock, key product information should be displayed prominently, and an easy checkout experience. While many wine shops have a superb range of wines, it's the basics which are letting them down.


These are three of the best out there:


1. Curiouswines.ie


Brothers Michael and Matt Kane launched their website from Bandon in late 2008 with the ambitious goal of bettering anything else that was out there in the Irish marketplace. In that short space of time, it's fair to say they've achieved that goal with a range of over 300 wines, monthly discounts and free next day delivery.


Michael Kane says honesty and integrity are essential. "This is acutely pertinent in the wine industry where we're bombarded with disingenuous discounting, irresponsible advertising and below-cost selling.


"From day one, we championed fast, free delivery on cases of wine, as well as a 100% guarantee and free returns service."


Online shop: www.curiouswines.ie


Blog:www.curiouswines.ie/blog/


Twitter: twitter.com/curiouswines


2. Karwigwines.ie


Joe Karwig is a Bremen native and has carved out a niche for all things wine in his adopted home in Carrigaline. Back in the '90s, Karwig Wines had one of the first online wine shops. Spearheaded by marketing manager, Maurice O'Mahony, they've relaunched recently.


O'Mahony says details are important. "Wine is all about people and place. The soil, the varieties, the winemakers and their outlook are so important. Wine should reflect its origins, its location and the people who make it."


Online shop: www.karwigwines.ie


Blog: karwigwines.wordpress.com/


Twitter: twitter.com/karwigwines


3. obrienswines.ie


In October 2009 O'Briens redeveloped its site to improve key areas based on customer feedback. They've also integrated their popular loyalty scheme allowing customers to earn and spend loyalty points online. The site is clearly easier to navigate too. "With over 1,000 wines available it was clear to us that navigation was of prime importance and so we introduced a product filtering system that allows customers locate exactly what they're looking for" says Grattan O'Brien.


"Our winemakers will blog for us from and provide greater insight to the journey from their vines to your glass."


Online shop: www.obrienswine.ie


Blog: blog.obrienswine.ie


Twitter: twitter.com/obrienswine


Lar Veale runs Irish wine blog, sourgrapes.ie