Americans consumed 949 million gallons of wine in 2016 alone. If you were to do the math, this means every American consumes a little less than 3 gallons of wine per year.

Of course, not all Americans drink wine. But lots of people love it and drink a lot of it (and probably more than 3 gallons of it per year).

Then there are those who have a burning passion for wine, and you may be one of them. What better way to share and spread your love and knowledge of wine than by starting a winery?

You might already know a thing or two about wineries and vineyards. But like hidden grapes on a grapevine, there’s always more you can discover!

Why is Starting a Winery Important to You?

Running a vineyard is by no means easy. If you aren’t in it for the right reasons, you could wind up losing your momentum early on.

Lots of wine connoisseurs get into the winery business because they think it’s an easy way to get rich. But it takes lots of time to make a substantial profit running a vineyard.

You may be thinking, “What if I buy a vineyard that’s already up and running?” That’s always an option. It can take up to three years to produce healthy and mature wine grapes.

Creating delicious wine and memorable experiences may be your main objectives. You love wine and want others to enjoy it as much as you do. If those are your motives, you’ll have no problem creating a unique and special winery.

Where Will Your Winery Be?

The location of a winery says a lot about the brand itself. You may have a beautiful location in mind. But that will mean nothing if the soil is not suitable for the grapes you grow.

Grapes thrive in warm, sunny climates. That’s why wine countries like California, France, and Italy are as world-renowned as they are. So, choosing a location with a short and mild winter is a good approach.

Seek out the advice of a grape farmer and experienced vineyard owner. They’ll not only show you how to make wine. They can help you select the perfect location with the right soil.

Choosing Your Grapes

Once you have a location set for your vineyard, you’ll want to think about the most important part of all: The grapes.

Depending on your location, you may only be able to grow certain grapes. Particular grape species are native to specific locations. They may only thrive in those areas.

You may have grapes in mind before choosing a location – and that’s fine. Know which grapes are necessary for the kinds of wine you want to make. And make sure the natural soil on your vineyard can harvest those grapes.

How Well Do You Understand the Logistics of Starting a Wine Business?

It goes without saying that starting a winery is an expensive endeavor.

Not only do you need to buy land, harvesting materials, and all the tools necessary for winemaking. You also need to buy storage supplies and materials for the facility. If you plan to pair food with your wine, you’ll also need to prepare for that.

Plus, you’ll need to consider whom you’ll hire to help, such as farmers and sommeliers.

Look at your finances as you map out your vision. How much money do you have to work with now and in the next few years? It will take time to turn a profit and you want to be as prepared for anything as possible.

Obtain the Necessary Licensing

There are local and state laws you need to work in accordance with no matter where you set up. You’ll need a license to create and distribute your wine. You’ll need licensing to function as a place where people come to drink.

If you buy a winery that’s already in operation, there will be a major shift in ownership. With that comes a lot of paperwork between your bank, their bank, and all the lawyers.

If you open your own winery, you’ll still have a lot of approvals to obtain for the facility and the land. Plus, you’ll likely need to purchase your own equipment and raw materials.

A winery isn’t something you can decide to do one day and be in operation the next. It may take years before you’re ready to serve your wine to customers.

How Will You Market Your Winery?

Long ago wineries became known on a word-of-mouth basis. There was something about the elusiveness of wineries that added to their ambiance. But nowadays, marketing has become a big part of the way wineries operate.

Think about your audience. Who is going to drink your wine and how can you appeal to them?

Most people use the Internet to discover new businesses nowadays. So, having a website is crucial. But there are other mediums you can take advantage of, as well.

If your wine appeals more to older crowds, you may want to consider other mediums that they use, such as TV and radio. Social media is a great way to build brand awareness among Gen X’ers and Millennials. Google Ads, email marketing, and SEO can also go a long way.

Publish your winery’s information on local and online directories. You can use other marketing materials like business cards and flyers, as well. This is also an important time to create your winery’s logo!

Go the Extra Mile for Your Winery

Building a strong regional following is only the half of it.

Wine lovers will travel near and far to try new vineyards. You know that people will love your brand of wine and the experience you create. But you have to figure out how to make them first, discover who you are and then, how to sell them on the idea of coming to you.

But digital marketing alone won’t cut it. Your public relations campaign will need to be as aggressive as your online efforts. Networking, working at wine shows, and building relationships within the industry are key.

You may be thinking to yourself, “Marketing my winery is going to take a lot of time away from the vineyard.” And it certainly will. But hiring specialty marketers, like Marketing Wineries, could be an option.

Are You Ready to Start Your Own Winery?

Starting a winery is a vision many wine drinkers dream about. But it’s something that few wine connoisseurs ever turn into a reality. If you’re confident in yourself and are passionate, no doubt your winery will succeed.

You can never go wrong with a little worldly inspiration to help fuel your passion. As you plan and get your vineyard up and running, check out these 9 wine destinations for inspiration.