5 Features of Successful Wineries

The wine industry had been a booming market over the last twenty years. However, it is speculated that the boom is coming to an end. Therefore, for wineries to remain successful, they may need to evolve how they once operated to connect with their customer in a new light since consumers nowadays have different values. The internet is used in such a complex and interactive way that wineries should use to their advantage.

Here are some strategies to help your winery keep up in this ever-changing market.

Understanding the Customer

To stand out from your competition, you will need to consider the niche and vibe that you offer customers. Would you classify your winery as classy? Casual? Cottagey? The feel of your branding and communication strategies all make a huge impact. It is important to keep your target audience in mind when setting the tone. This can be done by better understanding what they like and how they invest in experiences. Also, how do they learn about you? Whether it be while dining out, reading magazines, or on social media, the connection should feel personal. If you can authentically appeal to them, this can directly improve your bottom line.

Tell your Story

When you have a good grasp on customer relationships and make prospecting a top priority, the business can thrive. Begin by simply telling your story. You can do this on labels, in brochures, on the website, on social media, or make it a consistent thing to speak on at tastings. It is essential to keep in mind that customers will want to feel that you are taking a personal approach. They don't want to feel as if there is just a business transaction. If you can connect with your customers on an authentic level and talk about the milestones you're excited about as a grower, struggles you have to overcome to make a particular wine, or simply do what you do, you can create loyal customers.

Creating Experiences to Remember

Wine isn't just a drink; it's an experience. You can create unforgettable experiences for your customers by mastering what the tasting room can offer. If you develop friendships during tastings, it allows trust to build and for you to better understand your consumer's needs and what will keep them coming back. Consider hosting special events such as a theater dinner or a sip-and-paint party. You can even take advantage of the winery tourism market and collaborate with local tour companies or other wineries.  It is so important these days to offer a wine club.  The value of this strategy is invaluable and significantly impacts the tasting room experience.  Most members sign up in the tasting room, and these continuity sales are one of the best ways to increase revenue.

Strong Engagement

How are you engaging with consumers? You should always be looking for new ways to do so.  Repeat customers spend more than twice what first-time shoppers do, so trust and loyalty are crucial. It is helpful if staff can be good storytellers, care about what guests want, suggest new wines, how they can be used to create memorable moments, and how they use the wine. Develop social promotions that encourage others to contribute their own pictures and stories and to tag friends. Engaged followers are sometimes the best brand ambassadors. Include surveys in your shipments asking for feedback and recipes for food pairings and encourage them to connect on social media to share their experiences. It is also smart to track results. You always should know how many new followers you have on social media, new signups on newsletters, or new club members.  It is just as essential to keep up on cancellations to understand why people are dropping. This will help you determine market changes or how to alter engagement. Tracking monthly sales and tasting room conversions that turned into buyers and new members can be very beneficial.

Reward Loyalty

Loyalty programs can help your winery be successful by increasing customer acquisition—consider rewarding customers with exclusive membership events, private tours, or exclusive wines. A majority of customers seek to find a winery where they can earn customer loyalty/rewards program points and view these programs as part of their relationship with the winery. Be sure to celebrate long-time members. You can do this with a private meal with the winemaker, a special table, or a shout-out in the newsletters or social media. Remember that slip-ups and mishaps happen, which is why NJ winery insurance is so important.

About David G. Sayles Insurance Services

At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we help our clients decide which of these options is best for them based on their current situation and risk factors.  Contact us at 1-855-977-1842 or insureme@dsayles.mysites.io for a consultation!