So you love wine, and you’re looking to start a business out of it, what a great idea! The great news is that plenty of other determined wine lovers have set out to do the same thing as you and have managed to succeed! However, make no mistake about it—you’ll need to work hard and know the right information like what kind of supplies you’ll need, from industrial chillers to barrels—you’ll need to make sure that you do your homework.
However, if you have enough determination and are willing to put in the work, you can surely create a successful winery of your very own. Here are some of the best tips to get your winery up and running.
You’ll Need Patience
A lot of people are so impatient to get started that they forget that a winery takes time. All businesses, regardless of the industry, take time to get off the ground, but wine in particular needs to be matured. It can take as many as five years or more to get your wine to where you want it to be, so it’s important that you keep that in mind. Because of this, you need to make sure that you have plenty of cash flow in the beginning. Since you won’t be making a profit for a while, it’s important that you can support yourself while your winery gets off the ground.
You’ll Need a Great Name
There are so many different competing wineries that it’s important you choose a name that really stands out. Before you decide on a name and go for it, it’s important that you check that the business name is available. You may be surprised to find that many names are already taken, even if you’re convinced it’s totally original. Once you choose the name, make sure that you register the domain to ensure that any customers Googling the same name will be led straight to you.
You’ll Need a Plan
Regardless of how much you know about wine, you’ll still need to know a lot about business. If you have never been to business school, then this could work against you. A business plan is an important part of developing your winery and staying focused throughout the process. The great news is that if you never created a business plan before, there are plenty of templates out there to get you started.
Get Your Licenses and Permits
Assuming you already have a location for your winery, then the next step is getting any licenses and permits that you’ll need. Believe it or not, the wine industry has a lot of regulations comma, so it’s important that you comply with all of the laws.