Winery jobs offer an ideal opportunity to build meaningful connections in an engaging community and discover an occupation that makes you happy. bevForce recognizes this connection between work passion and happiness and specializes in connecting beverage professionals to niche job boards.
Brokerage firms and negociants also provide bulk wine purchases through custom crush services provided by brokerage firms and negociants, whereby buyers specify exactly which wine profile they need – known as the ‘whisper market”. All purchases conducted under such terms remain strictly confidential.
Website
Websites offering wine business classifieds can connect buyers and sellers. Newcomers to the industry can also use them to get started; some brokerage firms offer custom crush services where buyers provide details of the wine they would like, and a winery then produces it for them; this may also provide international bulk producers an avenue into the US market (though this option might cost more). These websites can also serve as useful resources when looking for jobs within winery environments or equipment sales opportunities.
Social media
Social media provides an ideal means of reaching both wine buyers and sellers, providing an effective means of connecting with an audience and building brand loyalty among consumers. Social media also connects wineries and shares news of new releases while offering customer feedback and research that allows you to adjust your marketing strategy as required.
Wine is a luxury product, and its market depends on various factors. As the global economy strengthens, more people can afford expensive products like wine. Furthermore, emerging markets with fast-growing middle classes will drive demand for wines. In the past, marketing focused on print media or direct mail; although these methods were effective, they can often prove too costly for small wineries.
Trade shows are another method for wineries to market their product. Trade shows provide wineries with an invaluable opportunity to interact with potential customers while sharing product knowledge; however, these events can be expensive and time-consuming, with little way of tracking results from them afterward.
Wine bars can be an effective marketing strategy for wineries. Offering an intimate setting and top-tier customer service, they are often located in highly trafficked areas and can host tasting events and other special occasions. Before opening one in your community, however, make sure you know who the target market is and the competition in the area – otherwise, attracting customers may prove challenging, and you must offer something exceptional to stand out.
Contests
Contests provide an ideal platform to introduce your wines to an expanded audience, increase brand recognition, and generate additional sales. Before participating, however, thoroughly research each competition beforehand – such as checking judging panel credentials and audience size as well as the tasting process and evaluation methods used by judges evaluating wines submitted for submission – before making your decision. Also, read all applicable rules and regulations before submitting any wines offered for competitions.
The Intercollegiate Wine Business Invitational is an exciting competition between teams of hospitality management students. Designed to expose them to the realities of running a business, groups must develop a business plan and financials for an imaginary $25-40 wine label, which includes cost of goods, verbiage, label graphics, and legal information – this year, WSU took home first place!
Wine Business Monthly hosts another incredible contest – their wine packaging competition judged by industry professionals across five packaging design categories. Winning designs will be featured in the September and October issues of Wine Business Monthly!
New wineries typically need licenses and permits in addition to having a tasting room and online store, including general business licenses, beverage distribution licenses, and premises licenses. Health and safety, zoning laws, and environmental requirements may also need to be addressed as regulations vary between states; advertising guidelines from each state are essential – many share similar rules; others change frequently, so it is wise to stay abreast of them all! Social media channels also count as advertising, so ensure compliance.
Testimonials
Testimonials from your customers are an invaluable way to market your wines. Ask customers to record a testimonial by phone or write reviews on Tripadvisor and Yelp; these recorded testimonials can then be played back while people wait in line at your business phone or printed into books in your winery or store so people can read them while waiting their turn to be served. Wineries have recently seen growth of sales for wines priced over $25 accelerate significantly, while deals under $10 have seen a decrease.
