Warm up winter with fun, local wine events perfect for date or girls’ nights!
Winter doesn’t have to mean quiet tasting rooms and sleepy weekends. In fact, it’s one of the best times to attract local wine lovers—especially those in the 21–35 age range who crave casual, social experiences close to home.
These guests aren’t looking for a big weekend getaway. They’re searching for fun, affordable things to do on a Friday night with friends or a spontaneous midweek date night. That’s where creative winter wine events come in—simple to host, easy to market, and perfectly designed to draw locals back again and again.
Here are ten engaging ideas that will keep your tasting room lively, cozy, and connected to your community all winter long.
Set up your outdoor firepits or create an indoor lounge vibe with blankets, twinkle lights, and fondue stations. Guests can enjoy a selection of cheese and chocolate fondues paired with curated wine flights. Add a touch of ambiance with acoustic music or a local DJ spinning mellow beats.
Why it works: It’s romantic, cozy, and low-cost for guests—perfect for couples or small friend groups looking for a local night out without restaurant prices or travel plans.
Pro tip: This can be done every Friday night in winter with little prep—simply rotate your fondue flavors and wine selections to keep locals coming back.
Partner with a local florist or nursery and host a workshop where guests build their own succulent centerpiece while sipping on a glass of Chardonnay or Rosé. Provide small pots, soil, and wine barrel staves as bases for a rustic, wine country touch.
Why it works: It taps into DIY culture, supports another local business, and gives attendees something to take home and show off.
Easy to host: All you need is a few tables, pre-set materials, and a partner who can lead the creative side—simple, affordable, and repeatable once a month.
Offer a casual paint night hosted by a local artist. Add unique themes like “paint your pet,” “wine country sunsets,” or “make your own wine label.” Pair each section of the painting session with a different pour—like painting with Pinot Noir in hand.
Why it works: It’s interactive, laid-back, and perfectly designed for girls’ nights out or small group gatherings.
Hosting made easy: Local artists often bring all materials and charge per head. You provide the space, pour the wine, and handle reservations through your website or CellarPass page.
Transform Valentine’s season into a wine and chocolate pairing event featuring truffles, chocolate-dipped fruit, or cacao-inspired desserts. Offer timed seatings, candlelit tables, and limited-edition pairing menus.
Why it works: It’s an easy sell for date nights and friend groups looking for something indulgent and romantic that doesn’t require travel.
Hosting made easy: Source local chocolatiers and rotate pairings each February weekend. It’s simple to scale and promotes local partnerships.
Turn your barrel room into an intimate lounge for the evening with mood lighting, cozy seating, and a local DJ spinning vinyl, house, or lo-fi tracks. Offer wine by the glass, sparkling cocktails, and small bites.
Why it works: It feels exclusive but isn’t expensive to attend. It’s an easy way to attract younger locals looking for nightlife without driving to the city.
Hosting made easy: A Bluetooth speaker setup, a playlist, or a local DJ for a few hours—and your barrel room becomes the hottest (and most affordable) Friday night spot in town.
Invite guests to become winemakers for an evening. Provide samples of different varietals, blending beakers, and a guide who walks them through creating their own red blend. Let them design a mini custom label to take home.
Why it works: It’s hands-on, educational, and social. Plus, guests get to bottle a keepsake—perfect for couples or friend groups.
Hosting made easy: Use bulk or declassified wine and set up a few stations. You can even run this monthly as a recurring event with limited seats.
Bring out the nostalgia and fun! Set up communal tables for card games, trivia, or giant board games. Think:
Offer wine by the glass and snack boards, and let groups settle in for a few hours of laughter and friendly rivalry.
Why it works: It’s approachable, social, and repeatable. Locals love having a relaxed, fun night out close to home.
Hosting made easy: You can host this weekly with almost no prep—just rearrange your tasting tables, keep the music light, and stock a few board games.
Partner with a local artisan candle maker to lead guests in crafting their own scented candle while tasting wines that match those aromas—like vanilla with Chardonnay or spice with Syrah.
Why it works: It’s sensory, creative, and pairs beautifully with the cozy winter aesthetic that resonates with the 21–35 crowd.
Hosting made easy: The artisan provides the materials; you provide the wine and ambiance. Run it on a Sunday afternoon for an easy, off-peak draw.
Celebrate friendship, not just romance. Feature sparkling flights, dessert bites, a photo booth, and a “create your own friendship toast” station. Offer group ticket discounts to encourage friends to come together.
Why it works: It’s the perfect excuse for a girls’ night or friend outing—and local guests love having a festive reason to celebrate close to home.
Hosting made easy: This can be a single-day event or a whole weekend promotion. Decorate with pink florals, balloons, and upbeat playlists.
Host an intimate dinner where guests blind-taste mystery wines paired with chef-prepared courses. They guess varietals or regions, revealing answers after each round. Offer prizes for correct guesses or funniest answers.
Why it works: It feels elevated but still approachable—perfect for date nights or foodie friend groups.
Hosting made easy: Partner with a local caterer or food truck for the meal and choose three or four wines to highlight. Keep seating limited for an exclusive, personal experience.
These kinds of events don’t require a big budget, extra staffing, or elaborate production. What they do offer is something today’s wine consumers crave: connection, fun, and accessibility.
By giving your local guests a reason to stop by on a Thursday night or Sunday afternoon, you build loyalty that extends far beyond winter. You’re not just filling seats—you’re creating a community of regulars who feel like they belong.
Because sometimes, the best wine country experiences don’t require a road trip—just a quick drive down the road and a glass in hand.
