The top-level domain (TLD) .wine is an internet domain that is used primarily by businesses, organizations, and individuals within the wine industry. According to ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the .wine TLD falls under the category of “Generic” top-level domains (gTLDs) that are identifiable with a specific theme or market sector (Icann.org).
The .wine TLD was proposed by an American company named Donuts Inc., which is the largest operator of new gTLDs. According to Domain Incite, the .wine gTLD was approved in 2015, after some controversy over whether or not certain wine regions should have exclusive rights to their geographic names. The rights to the .wine and .vin (wine in French) domains were granted to Donuts Inc. after it has agreed a few safeguards with governmental advisory committees to protect these geographic indications (Domainincite.com).
Having a .wine domain allows those in the wine industry to associate their online presence directly with the product they sell. It offers online users more specific and reliable search results, making it easier for them to access information about wine or find a wine vendor. For example, a vineyard might use the .wine domain to market its product, while a wine shop could use it to sell directly to consumers. Decanter, the world’s leading wine media brand, uses the .wine domain (Decanter.wine).
Individuals or businesses looking to obtain a .wine domain can do so through several domain registrars that sell it, such as GoDaddy, NameCheap, and others. Prices vary depending on the chosen registrar and the specifics of the domain. Notably, some highly competitive .wine domains are held by premium domain holders who sell them at higher prices.
The use of TLDs reflects an ongoing shift from generic .com, .net, and .org domains to more industry-specific URLs. It benefits users by providing a better idea of what content they will access on a website, and industries by giving them an instantly recognizable online brand.
Another noteworthy aspect is the increased security that new gTLDs provide. Registrants of .wine and other new TLDs must comply with all the applicable ICANN Policies and Terms and Conditions which include safeguards to prevent domain misuse.
In conclusion, the .wine TLD represents a more tailored internet experience for users and offers businesses an opportunity to create a unique online brand identity. With increasing interest in .wine domains and other gTLDs, the online environment continues to become more diverse and consumer-friendly.
Sources:
- “IANA — .wine Domain Registration”. IANA. Retrieved from https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
- “ICANN Approves .wine and .vin Domains”. Domain Incite. Retrieved from: http://domainincite.com/19173-donuts-signs-three-more-not-com-wine-contract
- “What is the New gTLDs Program?”. ICANN New gTLD Program. Retrieved from: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
- “How we’re enacting safeguards for consumers.” From Donuts.domains. Retrieved from: https://donuts.domains/what-we-do/policy-and-compliance.
