Owning a winery is a dream that many wine lovers have, but how realistic is it? While owning your own winery isn’t impossible, it does require a lot more than just a passion for wine. Read on to learn what you need to know before starting your own winery.
Skip the Main Character Syndrome
When you’re starting a new business, it’s easy to fall prey to something called main character syndrome. In business, this is when you assume that your unique passion for your product is all you need in order to be successful. In reality, your passion probably isn’t as unique as you think it is. In order to be successful, you’ll need these other things and more:
- Good business sense
- Innovation
- Ample funding
- A clear business plan
- A properly identified market
Don’t Skimp on Branding
To be a successful business owner, you need to have good branding. A brand is like your company’s face. It’s the logo people see, the atmosphere you create through your design choices, and the language you use to reach your target audience. When you’re just starting out, it’s important to give out winery swag and partner with local businesses to help people connect with your brand.
Know That Wine Takes Time
Unlike a lot of other businesses, starting a winery takes a long time. You have to grow your product in the form of grapes, which you then have to turn into wine. There’s a lot that can go wrong during the process, and no amount of money can make it happen overnight. When you make your financial plans, you’ll need to take into account how long it takes to make good wine.
Remember That Wine Is Heavily Regulated
Like all kinds of alcohol, wine comes with a lot of regulations. To own a winery, you’ll need to navigate a variety of federal, state, and local permits and licenses. Without them, you could lose your entire business. Make sure you work with a lawyer and become well acquainted with the laws that will apply to your business.
We hope this list of what to know before starting your own winery is helpful. Follow this guide to turn your passion for wine into a successful business.
Dianne Pajo is a writer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.
