1. Tastings on Tastings
Guests are looking to eat, drink, and be merry, and what better way to do so than at your winery? You can go big by hosting an all out holiday soirée with prix fixe menus and festive swag like Blanchard Family Wines’ Winter Wine Social. Or you can partner with a local food producer for a tasting, be it cheese, chocolate, and more. Looking to showcase what’s happening in the cellar? Host an exclusive tasting—think barrel tastings or a special release—to give guests an exclusive look behind the scenes. Prime example, Brecon Estate‘s first magnum release, just in time for the season.
2. Spruce up Your Winery
Now is the time to deck the halls (or the vineyards) and make the holidays come to life. Plus, the more fun and photogenic the atmosphere, the more likely guests will snap and share to their social network. Take a note from Cuvaison’s magical string lit vineyard, a perfect backdrop for their Bright Nights tasting experience.
3. Host a Holiday Market or Open House
Connect with local artisans to create a memorable, holiday shopping experience with your wines front and center. Pope Valley Winery is transforming their three-story wine cellar into Santa’s Workshop, featuring artisan goods, mimosas, wine, and sweet treats from Santa’s helpers. Not only will Cooper Mountain Vineyards play host to 11 artists and makers for their Holiday Market, but guests will receive four tastings or a full pour of wine to sip and shop. Don’t forget to upsell your club memberships to turn new visitors into regular customers.
4. Market Your Wines
Holiday revelers are starting to ask the important questions this season: What wine will pair best with Christmas dinner? Should I bring one or two bottles to the holiday party? Do we have enough bubbly for NYE? Be the answer this season by marketing your winery offerings. Promote your new holiday collections on digital. Host a live chat with your winemaker about how best to pair your wine to any dish—turkey, cake, holiday candies, you name it. Share your exclusive releases and seasonal events via your winery email marketing efforts. And if your winery is on Tock Wine Shop, add your holiday offerings to your page for further sales. Incorporate these ideas in your winery marketing strategy for a successful holiday season.
Check out more ideas on the Holiday Prep List.
