Vinfolio launches all new version of its free web-based cellar management application, VinCellar

Intuitive online application offers increased performance, enhanced analysis, expanded community and better integration with Vinfolio's services

San Francisco, July 8th, 2008 - Vinfolio, the foremost fine wine and collector services company, today announced the launch of the all new VinCellar, its free, easy-to-use web-based cellar management application that promises to revolutionize how wine lovers and collectors view their wine collections. Integrated with Vinfolio’s online wine store and extensive collector services, VinCellar provides comprehensive cellar tracking data and tools, automatic cellar valuation based on retail or auction pricing, content integration with major wine reviewers and a robust online community.  As a browser-based application, it is accessible online anytime from anywhere.

VinCellar was initially launched in late 2004 in response to Vinfolio’s CEO and founder, Steve Bachmann’s own frustration as a wine collector with over 7,500 bottles. Managing his collection across three locations; tracking futures purchases; and integrating reviewers’ scores, reviews and drink dates, among other tasks substantially reduced his available time for enjoying his wine.  VinCellar’s comprehensive approach to cellar management has attracted tens of thousands of users since its inception giving them the tools to more efficiently manage their collections regardless of whether they are customers of Vinfolio’s retail or collector services.

“The new VinCellar application is the easiest and most powerful way to manage a wine collection of any size – from 10 bottles to 20,000,” says Bachmann, “The new version of VinCellar keeps the core features so valued by our users and adds enhanced functionality and a strong community component, all in a much easier to use interface."

To rebuild VinCellar, Vinfolio tapped HYDRANT, an e-commerce and user experience consulting and design firm, whose founder and principal, Alder Yarrow, writes the award-winning wine blog, Vinography. HYDRANT worked with Vinfolio to create an intuitive and feature-rich application that meets the diverse needs of collectors and enthusiasts at all levels. 

“We’ve focused on turning the process of managing a wine collection into a pleasurable, even exciting experience,” says Yarrow. “The new VinCellar lets wine lovers interact with their wine at whatever level they’d like, from simply browsing through their collection by label image, to performing detailed analysis and tracking of a segment of their collection.”

Key areas of enhancement in the redesigned VinCellar include: the integration of a community for writing and sharing tasting notes; advanced tools for more flexible and in-depth cellar analysis; and overall improved performance and ease-of use. In addition to the increased responsiveness and interactivity, the new VinCellar enables new users to start quickly by directly importing their wines and tasting notes from existing spreadsheets or other cellar management software. Vinfolio also offers an on-site inventorying service to jumpstart the use of VinCellar for clients with larger collections or not enough time to enter their wine directly into VinCellar.

Vinfolio will continue to expand its community offering as well as adding multi-currency capability later this year to support expansion into the Asian wine market.

About VinCellar VinCellar is a free, comprehensive web-based cellar management application that makes it easy for wine enthusiasts and collectors to manage their wine collection. Available online anytime and from anywhere, VinCellar provides comprehensive cellar tracking data and tools, automatic valuation, content from major reviewers, and a robust community.

About Vinfolio Vinfolio is the foremost fine wine and collector services company serving wine lovers, enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. With an extensive selection of over 2,000 wines and a full complement of services and resources to find, buy, sell, manage and enjoy fine wine, Vinfolio delivers on its commitment to “fine wine, finer service.” Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company will open its Hong Kong operation in Fall 2008 to service the Asian wine market. For more information, visit www.vinfolio.com.

For immediate release contact:
Elizabeth Olson
Double Forte
415-848-8116
eoslon@double-forte.com

Rachel Blatt
Vinfolio, Inc.
415-946-1344
rachel@vinfolio.com