A Portuguese Wine-Inspired E-commerce Success Story
In the heart of Lisbon, amidst the narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked pastéis de nata, a unique business idea was born. This is the story of how a passion for Portuguese wine, a talented artist’s illustrations, and innovative e-commerce solutions came together to create a thriving online business.
The Seeds of Inspiration
The year was 2016, and Portugal was emerging from a significant economic crisis. As the country rebounded, Lisbon became a hub for entrepreneurs and digital nomads, attracted by low housing prices and a vibrant business environment. It was in this atmosphere of renewal and opportunity that our journey began.
With a strong background in print media and e-commerce technologies, I saw potential in combining these skills with Portugal’s rich wine heritage. The goal was clear: to create an e-commerce venture that would showcase Portuguese wine culture to the world.
Video with the history of the wine label Porta 6
Finding the Perfect Blend
The search for the right project led me through the winding streets of Lisbon. The question that guided me was: “What could have a soul, passion, and a well-defined target audience?” The answer, of course, was wine. Portugal, though often overlooked in favor of its more famous competitors like France, produces excellent wines at competitive prices.
In 2018, a serendipitous connection with Vidigal Wines, a major Portuguese wine producer, led to a meeting with Hauke Vagt, an artist and illustrator. Hauke’s studio, located in the heart of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, was a treasure trove of illustrations capturing the essence of Portuguese life.
The Artistic Collaboration
Hauke’s illustrations were a perfect match for our vision. His artwork, rich in irreverent details of Alfama’s daily life, resonated with both locals and tourists. Vidigal Wines recognized this potential and chose one of Hauke’s illustrations for the label of their Porta 6 wine.
This collaboration was the missing piece of our puzzle. We now had the perfect combination: Portuguese wine, captivating artwork, and the potential for e-commerce success.
Crafting the E-commerce Solution
With the artistic side secured, the next step was to build the right e-commerce platform. We needed a solution that would allow Hauke to focus on his art without worrying about inventory management or shipping logistics.
After careful consideration, we chose a print-on-demand model with Printful as our partner. This decision eliminated the need for inventory storage and allowed for quick shipping across Europe and the Americas. For the online storefront, we selected WordPress with WooCommerce, a robust yet cost-effective solution. Marketing automation was handled through Mailchimp, enabling features like abandoned cart recovery and promotional campaigns.
From Concept to Reality
The website, Atelier 49 Lisboa, quickly became a success. The Porta 6 poster emerged as the best-selling product, particularly popular in the United Kingdom, which accounts for 70% of sales.
My theory is that the success stems from tourists who visit Portugal, enjoy Porta 6 wine, and fall in love with the label. Upon returning home, they search online and discover the website, where they can purchase a poster that serves as a beautiful reminder of their time in Lisbon.
The Impact
This venture has been rewarding on multiple levels. For Hauke, it provides a steady stream of additional income, allowing him to focus more on his artistic endeavors. Customers are delighted to own a piece of Portuguese culture, displaying the Porta 6 poster in their homes as a memento of their Lisbon adventures.
For wine enthusiasts and Portugal aficionados, our e-commerce site offers more than just products – it’s a gateway to the rich culture and warm hospitality of Portugal. Each poster sold carries with it a story of sun-drenched vineyards, historic streets, and the joy of discovering a perfect glass of wine.
Looking to the Future