Imagine having fine wine you might not come across readily delivered right to your doorstep – and without costing a fortune. That’s what our new ST Wine aims to deliver.
In collaboration with Robert Parker Wine Advocate – internationally renowned for its 100 point wine rating system – ST Wine will work with reputable wine merchants here to package and deliver a special selection of highly rated wines for our readers.
From tomorrow (Dec 12), readers will be able to purchase wine subscriptions, choosing to have two, three or four bottles delivered to them every month. In addition, their subscriptions will come with free access to the Robert Parker Wine Advocate online portal, which offers reports on wine vintages and tasting notes that wine lovers will find useful. An annual subscription to this wine portal normally costs about $140.
With a ST Wine Club subscription, readers can look forward to a pleasant surprise package arriving at their door each month. These will be top-rated “outstanding wines of exceptional complexity and character”, with scores of RP90 points and above.
Readers can chose from three subscription plans: Gold at $128 a month, for two bottles of wine from mostly the “New World” vineyards in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and South America; Platinum, at $188 a month, for fine wines from France, Italy and Spain; and a Starter pack at $88 for a one-off, two-bottler sampler of wines rated RP85 to 89 points, meant for those who are just starting to discover the joys of wine.
ST Wine is the latest initiative under the ST+ programme, which aims to offer more value and benefits to both subscribers and readers alike. Just last month, The Straits Times launched its revamped ST Food website and its ST Videos programmes.
Said ST Editor Warren Fernandez, who is also Editor-in-Chief of SPH’s English, Malay, and Tamil newspapers: “We know that many of our readers enjoy a drink with their favourite foods, from wines to whiskeys. We want to make discovering great wines fun and fuss-free for more of them, and this ST Wine Club will do just that.”
Mr Patrick Sauze, Robert Parker Wine Advocate’s Associate Director for Sales and Business Development, said; “We are delighted to work with The Straits Times for ST Wine. Quality Robert Parker rated wines are now more accessible with ST Wine, showcasing a wide range of wines RP90 pointers and above.”
As part of the partnership, every subscriber of ST Wine will get a monthly access to robertparker.com, which will give them insights to the exquisite wines reviewed by independent reviewers from The Wine Advocate. “While we don’t profit from the wine sales from ST Wine, this partnership allows Robert Parker Wine Advocate to remain the consummate authority as the world’s wine guide post. Indeed, with ST Wine and Robert Parker Wine Advocate, wines are now accessible for every palate and pocket,” he said.
ST Wine is also launched with support from Official Card American Express and Official Beauty Partner Elizabeth Arden.
Mr Cheng Heng Chew, American Express’ Country Manager, said: “American Express is all about delivering the extraordinary customer experiences and giving our card members what they want. One of Singapore’s national pastime is enjoying great food and drinks; and we have been offering our card members exclusive experiences at Singapore’s top restaurants and bars with our Love Dining and Chillax programmes. Partnering ST Wine is a natural extension of this and a great opportunity to show our support for Singapore’s love for wining and dining.”
As a special treat to those who sign up for the 3-month and 6-month packages which already comes with better savings, Elizabeth Arden is giving each subscriber a goodie bag with more than $250 worth of cosmetic and treatment packages.
Its brand manager, Ms Vanessa Mok, said: “Wine and dine is very much an aspiring lifestyle that we believe our customers subscribe to, just like how we believe to be beautiful is the birth right of every man and woman. We are delighted to partner ST Wine on this journey and we look forward to welcome its subscribers to a world of indulgence and pampering treats from Elizabeth Arden,”
By early next year, subscribers of ST Wine will also be treated to offers and special privileges at various fine restaurants around the island.
“No wine offer is complete without dining specials. We will be working with various restaurants and partners to introduce special privileges and dining experience for all our members,” said Mr Tan Ooi Boon, senior vice-president for Business Development for the English Malay/Tamil Media Group.
“This is just the beginning. We will work hard to deliver more and more benefits under the ST+ programme for all our subscribers and readers. It is our way of saying a big Thank You to everyone for being with us.”
Go to www.stwine.sg to sign-up and for more details. For enquiries, call 6319-5076 during office hours or email stwine@sph.com.sg
