FabstWines is a community-driven platform that aims to redefine wine selection in the digital age. Founder and CEO Fabienne Stanitz tells us more about the startup’s participation in Fit 4 Start, its recently launched MVP and its offline events.
Luxembourg’s wine market is on the rise, fueled by a growing preference for high-quality wines, boutique wineries, and an increasing interest in sparkling varieties. The country’s rich wine culture, coupled with factors such as social drinking occasions and dining out, has been driving the demand.
“When you browse a wine menu or apps for recommendations, you often encounter information that doesn’t truly reflect your tastes and preferences. Everything is generalised.”
Fabienne Stanitz, founder of FabstWines.
Founded in 2023 by Fabienne Stanitz, FabstWines is a rising star, helping people interact with fine wines in a new way. With a strong focus on building a global community of wine lovers and delivering exceptional experiences by bridging the gap between wine enthusiasts and winemakers, the company has taken significant strides in recent months.
FabstWines caters to a wide array of preferences, ensuring that specific ingredients, desired taste or flavour profiles, preferred textures or aromas, as well as external factors such as weather, mood, or seasonal aspects are all taken into account.
Business model evolution
Initially focused on user experience and providing personalised recommendations, FabstWines is now evolving its business model to prioritise winemakers, and sellers from Luxembourg and the EU region.
The aim is to help winemakers import and export from regions of their choice, find interesting markets for them and become more sustainable. Additionally, promote Luxembourg wine globally.
The platform is focused on facilitating increased seller visibility in the market, connecting with wine enthusiasts, and subsequently boosting sales while reducing waste. By bridging the gap between producers and consumers, FabstWines offers a targeted approach to connecting the right clients with premium wines.
Recent developments
FabstWines recently launched its MVP, inviting users to test the platform’s functionality and explore its offerings. With piqued interest from reviewers, the company has also gone offline in the city, hosting offline events, fostering a vibrant community of wine enthusiasts and bringing an experiential twist to wine-tasting gatherings.
“One notable achievement for FabstWines is its recognition as the second winner of the Creative Young Entrepreneur Luxembourg (CYEL) award, making it the youngest startup in luxury history to claim this honour,” added Stanitz.
Differentiation and Initiatives
Currently participating in the Fit 4 Start program – Luxembourg’s leading startup accelerator programme, FabtsWines aims to enhance its testing capabilities in the coming months. By targeting wine events in the region, leveraging its innovative platform, and introducing AI for modish curation, the company wants to offer incredibly tailored personalised wine suggestions based on individual flavour preferences.
Other exciting initiatives include their offline meet-up ‘Wine Up Wednesday’ a series of outside-the-box tasting events, as well as collaborations with luxury wine brands and makers from around the world.
Future growth plans
Looking ahead, FabstWines envisions a global expansion with plans to enter international wine regions such as Argentina, Australia, and South Africa. The company aims to establish a private member club for wine connoisseurs and expand its presence in top cities worldwide.
Fabstwines will officially launch in November ’23, followed by an exclusive debut in Luxembourg by the year’s end.
