Crushpad wins Wine 2.0 business plan competition

Crushpad, the profitable San Francisco startup that lets consumers make and sell their own wines at urban wineries, has been named winner of the Wine 2.0 business plan competition, the latest online video pitch contest on Vator.tv. 

As CEO Michael Brill explains in the company's video pitch, Crushpad is "restructuring the wine industry around the consumer" with a mix of technology, a passion for winemaking and its social networking component, called Crushnet.

The company, which employs 30 people, operates a winery in San Francisco and has plans to open more in other large cities.

Crushpad's pitch was viewed 2,636 times, more than any other competing pitch, and generated 18 comments which reflected the enthusiasm of those who've used its service to stomp, store and ship their own custom wines. In addition to catering to wine hobbyists, the company has helped launch 85 commercial wine brands. The pitch received more than 200 votes, and a 4.62 rating out of 5, based on  the average of 99 people who rated.

Crushpad was chosen the winner by venture capitalist Chris Moore of Redpoint Ventures, who will meet with the company's executive team.

Second place went to Vino Veritas, which builds environmentally-friendly wine cellars, while OpenBottles.com, a social networking site for wine enthusiasts, captured third.

Congratulations to the winners! To the participants and those who helped drive awareness to the companies, we'd love to hear your feedback about the competition.