Setting the scene for holiday cheer…
First impressions matter. Make sure your entrance sets the holiday tone with simple but striking elements that reflect the season’s charm. String lights, wreaths, garlands and soft lantern lighting can evoke warmth and hospitality right at the door. As guests walk in, consider adding subtle touches like pine cones, rustic holiday signage or even a small evergreen tree to reflect the season’s spirit.
For a unique Wine Country twist, wrap grapevines in fairy lights or decorate them with small ornaments and bows. These additions will make your winery feel cozy and festive, setting the stage for guests to shop and linger longer.
Inside the tasting room, holiday decor should be elegant and understated so that it enhances the wine tasting experience rather than overpowering it. Think about adding tasteful touches like candle-lit centerpieces, sparkling glassware displays, or greenery around tasting tables.
To keep the decor on-brand, choose colors that align with your winery’s style. If your winery is more rustic, earthy tones with splashes of red or gold might be ideal. For modern wineries, silver, white or deep jewel tones can add a refined holiday look. Keep in mind that the decor should enhance the ambiance without distracting from the primary focus—the wine.
Holiday shoppers often look for unique, meaningful gifts, and a wine bottle—especially with a story or special presentation—is perfect. Set up a holiday-themed gift display with ready-to-go wine gift sets, which can include bottles paired with small treats, glasses, or festive packaging. Consider including:
• Curated Gift Packs: Assemble themed baskets with a few different wines, wine glasses or local snacks to encourage people to buy multiple items in one go.
• Gift Wrapping Station: A holiday wrapping station can add a personal touch and turn a simple bottle of wine into a memorable gift. Offer stylish bags, ribbons and tags for a professional look. Adding a small fee or donation option for custom wrapping can help support a local cause, adding more value to the purchase.
• Personalized Labels: If possible, offer holiday-themed or customizable labels, adding a unique touch for those giving wine as gifts. Shoppers can make it personal and feel that they’re offering something truly special.
Holidays are the prime time for photo sharing, and wineries offer a beautiful backdrop for capturing these moments. Set up a designated photo area with subtle but festive decor—like a fireplace with holiday stockings, or a backdrop with twinkling lights and seasonal foliage. Encouraging guests to share their holiday photos on social media, tagged with your winery’s handle, can bring visibility and inspire others to visit for their own holiday photo session.
You can even incentivize photo sharing by offering entry into a holiday merchandise raffle for those who post and tag your winery. This type of organic promotion is especially effective because it taps into the joy of the season while reaching a wider audience.
Adding a holiday promotion—like a discount for buying multiple bottles, or a small gift with purchase—can encourage customers to stock up on wine for holiday gatherings and gifts. Here are a few ideas to try:
• “Buy Three, Save 15%”: A promotion on multiple bottles encourages gift giving without steep discounts.
• “Holiday Wine Club” Special: Offer a special membership deal or giftable wine club package for the holidays to encourage year-round business.
A holiday open house event can be a memorable way to kick off the season and attract gift shoppers. Set up festive decor, offer exclusive tastings, and create a joyful atmosphere with live music or seasonal snacks. An open house event encourages visitors to explore the winery, sample wines and buy bottles or gift sets.
You can also add informative signage or cards by each wine display, explaining pairing ideas, holiday recipes, or wine storage tips. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also positions your winery as a helpful, thoughtful place for unique holiday finds.
By embracing tasteful holiday decor and creating an inviting shopping experience, your winery can become a go-to destination for holiday gatherings and gifts. With just the right amount of seasonal charm, interactive displays and thoughtfully curated promotions, you’ll help visitors feel the holiday spirit and be inspired to share that joy through wine gifts. Cheers to a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and, of course, wine!
If you need a hand styling your space for the holidays, feel free to reach out! Our team of elves loves to decorate!