A strong website helps your winery customers understand your brand better and brings the experience of your winery to their home. In this digital age where mostly every company has a website, it is crucial to have a high-functioning modern design meant to extend the brand to your costumer’s palm.
Here are the 5 main things wine connoisseurs look for on a winery website:
1. A Mobile Friendly Design
Often times people will be navigating to your website for the first time from their phones while on site. Having your winery website designed for mobile responsiveness is the best way to keep your customers happy and sipping. In fact, 60% of people will leave a website that is not optimized for mobile.
Schnebley Winery in Miami, FL has a great mobile friendly design built for easy access on the go. Key features include a responsive menu, cart access, and high-quality images.
2. Food & Drink Menus
77% of guests check restaurant and winery websites before visiting – primarily to review food and drink options available. A digital menu version on your winery website will perform better than a picture of your physical menu. Be sure to highlight seasonal menus and options for dietary restrictions. You can also highlight guest favorites based on consumer data.
Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton, MA presents their digital wine menu on their website in a clear high-resolution PDF. They also have price transparency so guests know what they can expect on site.
3. Digital Winery Map
Consumers are more likely to support and trust a brand if they can experience the process or source of the wine. Offering a digital map of your winery helps users experience the full picture of your brand. Looking to add a personal touch? Self-guided audio tours are a cost-effective way to help relay your message.
Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton, California displays a map of their available wines and where they are grown on the vineyard. You can also include event spaces or wine making cornerstone locations.
4. Adding Your Story to Your Winery Website
Making your winery’s history readily available to your guests help convey your message and build a deeper understanding of your brand. Many times, the property or family running the vineyard has a deep root and interest in the wine making industry. Tell your guests what makes your brand unique to build meaningful connections.
Westport Rivers Winery in Westport, MA highlights their sustainability, local ties, and methodology on their “Our Story” page of their winery website.
5. Events Calendar & Things to do
Does your winery often host live music, paint and sip events, dance nights, or specialty food trucks? Make sure there is an up-to-date responsive calendar on your winery website and on your social media channels. Customers plan trips around events, and often times come back routinely to do the same type of activity. Do you offer ongoing things to do like pairings or tastings? Having a clear section on your website that highlights activities at your winery will create a local buzz.
Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery in Saylorsburg, PA does a great job displaying their events in a calendar format. Using this format better helps guests plan their visit.
Getting Started with your Winery Website
Whether you have a website already and are looking to make improvements, or are just getting started in the digital world, your website should be as unique as your blends. Don’t settle for the templated websites that stir you up with your competitors. Talk to IQnection today about showcasing your winery brand to the right audience.
