Turn off-season slow days into buzz—5 ways to lure wine consumers into the tasting room!
The off-season in wine country doesn’t have to mean slow days and empty tasting rooms. In fact, savvy wineries and tasting room owners know that this quieter time of year is the perfect opportunity to strategize, engage with guests in unique ways, and set the stage for a successful high season.
Here are five activities that can keep wine consumers excited, engaged, and coming back for more—all while leveraging tools like CellarPass to reach new audiences.
The off-season is ideal for creating experiences that feel intimate and exclusive. Think private tastings, winemaker-led tours, or barrel room access that guests can’t get during the busy summer months. Offering limited experiences not only adds a sense of urgency but also creates memorable moments that encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
Use the off-season to craft special wines or limited-edition releases that create excitement and urgency. Seasonal releases, small-batch wines, or experimental blends give guests a reason to visit your tasting room, both to taste something new and to feel like they’re part of an exclusive experience.
Off-season events give visitors a reason to make the trip when the crowds are gone. Consider wine-and-food pairings, cooking classes, holiday-themed celebrations, or harvest storytelling events that showcase your winery’s personality.
Pro Tip: Make your events bookable on CellarPass. It’s more than just a ticketing platform—it’s a way to engage new guests, expand your reach, and turn one-time visitors into regular patrons.
With fewer visitors in the tasting room, it’s the perfect time to strengthen your online presence. Update your website, launch email campaigns, create engaging social media content, or start a blog highlighting your wines, stories, and upcoming events. Virtual tastings and live-streamed vineyard tours can also keep fans connected to your brand from afar.
Pro Tip: Use CellarPass to showcase upcoming events and experiences online. Wine lovers browsing the platform are actively looking for tastings—this gives you a direct line to an audience ready to engage.
The off-season offers time to refresh your tasting room and create a warm, inviting environment for guests. Consider redesigning your space, adding cozy seating, updating signage, or testing new tasting menus. A welcoming and polished tasting room encourages guests to linger, purchase, and share their experience with others.
