Profits by the Glass

While many clubs and resorts pride themselves on their mighty reserve wine lists, wines served by the glass often do the heavy lifting.

A well-regimented by-the-glass wine list, like the one recently introduced at Denver Country Club (DCC), offers variety and value, positions the club for better, more innovative food pairings, interweaves wine education into a meal, and showcases wine as an integral part of a the club itself.

“Members have become more sophisticated in their wine knowledge,” says Martine Bennett, DCC’s Director of Communications. “Our International Wines By the Glass list encourages members to branch out and try new wines—without having to commit to a full bottle.”

The wines that made the list were initially unveiled at a season-starting wine tasting,  where members were able to vote on their favorite wines from different countries. Today, the club’s by-the-glass list consists of 18 different grape varieties representing 11 countries.  (Click here for a PDF of the list)

“With thousands of different wines, wonderful producers, exciting growing regions and their micro-climates available, there is no excuse for not trying something different,” adds Bennett. “The list has been so successful, it has promoted repeat visits to the club and a higher overall check average.”

The list is promoted with by-the-glass and bottle options, as well as flights of three, two-ounce pours that are carried on old burgundy barrel staves—a nice touch for the visual member.

“Our mission statement is to ‘commit to creating a club atmosphere where absolute satisfaction is our highest priority,’ says Bennett. “Not only did this program create increased member satisfaction, it also enabled our staff to broaden their knowledge of our wine selection, while gaining confidence in being able to assist our members.”

The new list has been so successful with members that it led to the creation of DCC’s new wine club, dubbed “The DCC Wine Society,” which presents different vineyards every month to interested member’s.

Tags: Denver Country Club International Wines By the Glass Martine Bennett wine by the bottle Wine By The Glass