We are still seeing more and more wineries opening up all over North America. In addition, there is a great deal of growth in the craft breweries and small distilleries industries, and I don’t see that it’s going to stop any time soon, which means that you may be getting less attention and fewer visitors at your winery.
Lately, I have been speaking with winery owners and managers who are concerned that they are not seeing as many people in their tasting rooms as they had in the past. It’s not that there are less people out and about tasting wine, but that there are a lot more wineries to visit in any given area. As more wineries open up, there are more choices for consumers, so it’s even more important to differentiate your winery from others around you.
Many consumers plan holidays and day trips through the Internet to help them decide on the location as well as the activities. Take a look at the websites of wineries and similar businesses around you. Do you see anything special that makes them stand out or offers a different experience from other businesses in your area? Then take a look at your website. What are you offering? Are your offerings very much in line with other wineries in the area, or do they invite and encourage consumers to visit you?
Remember, it’s not all about the wine. Add to your website other reasons for people to visit. Are there other activities that would interest visitors who come to your winery? Add those to your website and link with those businesses, so you are also added to their website. Lots of people travel with their children, so listing family activities can be helpful.
It’s going to be a great summer and a big year for wine sales.
A tip of the glass from me to you!
In Short Direct Marketing 