Traveling Vineyard Review - Wine & Spirits MLM | Trust Score & Ratings

Founded2001

HeadquartersIpswich, Massachusetts

Trust Score90/100

About Traveling Vineyard

Traveling Vineyard is a wine direct sales company based in Ipswich, Massachusetts, founded in 2001. They specialize in hosting in-home wine tastings, allowing guests to sample and learn about wines in a relaxed setting.

Their product line includes a variety of wines sourced from around the globe, catering to different tastes and price points. Independent Wine Guides earn a commission of 15-25% on sales, plus team overrides and bonuses, making it an enticing MLM opportunity.

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a trust score of 90/100, Traveling Vineyard stands as a solid choice for those looking to enter the network marketing space, although it's crucial to be aware of licensing requirements in the wine industry.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

A+ BBB rating
Traveling Vineyard has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which suggests they handle customer complaints well.
Low start-up costs
Joining requires a relatively low initial investment, usually under $200 for a tasting kit.
Flexible schedule
You can work on your own time, making it easier to balance with other commitments.
Fun product
Selling wine through home parties can be enjoyable, making it feel less like a traditional sales job.
Residual income potential
You can earn residual income from wine club subscriptions, which adds a passive income stream.

✗ Cons

Licensing issues
Selling wine requires compliance with state laws, which can be complicated and vary widely.
Limited market
The market for wine parties can be niche, making it harder to find potential customers.
Commission structure
The commission rates (15-25%) may not be high enough for some to make significant income.
Team reliance
Success often depends on building a strong team, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
Mixed reviews on support
Some reps report feeling unsupported by the company in terms of training and resources.

Verdict: Traveling Vineyard has solid potential for those who enjoy wine and social selling, but it’s not a guaranteed path to riches. If you’re ready to navigate state regulations and build a team, it could be worth exploring.

Best for: This opportunity is best for social butterflies who enjoy wine and have a network to tap into. If you’re looking for a quick buck or dislike sales, this isn’t for you.

Risk Analysis

Traveling Vineyard has a low risk profile due to its solid reputation and positive BBB rating. However, potential consultants should be aware of the licensing requirements related to selling alcohol.

Key Concerns

Licensing requirements for selling alcohol moderate
Wine requires proper licensing, which varies by state and can complicate operations.

Positive Indicators

A+ BBB Rating
This indicates a strong commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining a good reputation.
Established company since 2001
Over 20 years in operation suggests stability and reliability in the market.

Consumer Advice: If you're considering joining Traveling Vineyard, make sure you understand the licensing requirements in your area. The business has a solid reputation, but it's crucial to be aware of potential legal hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling Vineyard

Is Traveling Vineyard a legitimate MLM company?

Yes, Traveling Vineyard is a legitimate MLM company. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Ipswich, Massachusetts, they focus on the direct selling of wine through home tasting events.

What products does Traveling Vineyard sell?

Traveling Vineyard sells a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling options. They also offer accessories like wine glasses and corkscrews, making it easy to host wine tasting events.

How much can you make with Traveling Vineyard?

You can earn between 15% and 25% on your personal sales with Traveling Vineyard. Plus, you can earn 3% to 7% on team sales through overrides, depending on your rank.

Are there complaints about Traveling Vineyard?

While most reviews are positive, some consultants express frustration with the sales pressure. However, the company maintains a solid BBB rating of A+, indicating that they address customer concerns effectively.

What’s the compensation plan like for Traveling Vineyard?

Traveling Vineyard uses a Unilevel compensation plan. This means you'll earn commissions on your sales and a percentage from your team's sales, plus bonuses for selling the tasting kits and recurring income from their wine club.

How much does it cost to join Traveling Vineyard?

Joining Traveling Vineyard usually costs around $179 for the starter kit. This kit includes everything you need to get started with your wine tasting events.

What is Traveling Vineyard's BBB rating?

Traveling Vineyard has an impressive BBB rating of A+. This reflects their commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining a high level of service.

Are there alternatives to Traveling Vineyard?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Traveling Vineyard in the direct wine selling space, such as WineShop At Home and Scout & Cellar. Each has its own compensation plans and product offerings, so it's worth comparing them.

Compensation Plan

Plan Type

This is a Unilevel Plan. In simple terms, it means you can earn money based on your own sales and the sales made by people you recruit, but there’s no complicated structure to it.

How Earnings Work

Retail Profit: You earn 15-25% on every bottle of wine you sell directly to customers. The more you sell, the higher your commission rate.
Team Commissions: When you recruit others to sell wine, you can earn an additional 3-7% on their sales. This is called a team override.
Tasting Kit Bonuses: You can earn bonuses when you sell tasting kits. These are the starter kits for new sellers.
Wine Club Residual Income: If people join the wine club through you, you'll earn ongoing commissions from their memberships.