What if every sip of wine shared a story people never forgot?
The winery world is growing fast, turning tastings into moments of connection and joy.
With wine tourism on the rise, guests now look for experiences that feel personal—something special they can take with them long after the visit ends.
But behind every relaxing visit is careful planning and hard work. And it all starts with a solid winery business plan.
In this post, we’ve created a simple and practical winery business plan example to help you shape your vision and build a brand that lasts.
Ready to begin? Let’s get started!
Winery Business Plan Sample
Let’s explore a sample business plan of Vireo Ridge Winery to better understand the most important steps and elements required to build a successful vineyard business plan.
1. Executive Summary
Business name: Vireo Ridge Winery
Location: 957 N Bear Canyon Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA
Business structure: Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Owner: Elena Marquez
Business Overview
Vireo Ridge isn't just a place to drink wine—it's a place to learn about it and enjoy it.
We offer tastings where we walk people through each wine and explain what makes it different. Guests can stroll through the vineyard to see the grapes up close or sit in on a short class about how wine gets made.
We also host harvest dinners and casual talks with our winemaker. These events give people a real feel for the place. A lot of them come back because of it.
Target Market
Vireo Ridge Winery will serve:
- Wine lovers and collectors who want rare wines
- Tourists in Sonoma who want true vineyard visits
- Local people who enjoy tastings and events
- Wine club members and direct buyers
- Gift buyers who want handmade local wines
Why Vireo Ridge Winery Stands Out
We stand out in the Sonoma wine market because:
- We harvest our grapes and produce the wine right here in Sonoma.
- We use solar power and organic compost to keep the soil healthy and waste low.
- We often host small vineyard walks and see how we make each batch.
- Our harvest dinners, live music, and winemaking sessions consistently bring people together.
- Club members get first pick of new wines, home delivery in Sonoma, and invitations to private tastings.
Marketing Strategy
We will grow sales and brand by:
- Posting on Instagram, TikTok, and blogs with wine stories and news
- SEO to rank for “best winery in Healdsburg” and “Sonoma vineyard tours”
- Partnering with local shops, hotels, and influencers
- Hosting vineyard events that create word of mouth
Financial Highlights
We’re trying to raise about $800,000 to get things rolling at Vireo Ridge Winery. That’ll cover the tasting room, new vines, online setup, and a small starting crew.
We expect things to grow bit by bit through wine club membership and direct sales. Maybe around $250,000 in year one, $420,000 the next, and close to $650,000 after that if more visitors hear about us and come back.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $250,000 | $420,000 | $650,000 |
| Gross Profit | $165,000 | $280,000 | $430,000 |
| Net Profit | $35,000 | $100,000 | $170,000 |
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2. Company Overview
We started Vireo Ridge because we love the land and good wine. We’re a small, family-run vineyard outside Healdsburg. We also make Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé in small lots.
We farm with passion—using compost, fewer chemicals, and solar energy. These steps keep the soil healthy and make our wines taste true to Sonoma.
Guests visit for more than wine. We host tastings where we share the story behind each bottle. Some people walk through the vineyard, while others join short talks about how wine is made.
We also host dinners, music nights, and friendly talks with our winemaker. These evenings feel warm and relaxed, and guests often come back.
For us, making wine means respecting the land, enjoying the wine, and welcoming everyone who visits. We even offer:
- Wine tastings at our vineyard for walk-in guests and returning visitors.
- Wine club memberships that ensure repeat sales and customer retention.
- Direct shipping and online orders that reach customers beyond Sonoma.
- Private events and collaborations with local chefs, restaurants, and tour operators.
By combining handmade wines with fun and learning experiences, Vireo Ridge Winery creates both emotional and economic value—a model small wineries can follow to attract visitors, build community, and grow steady sales.
Mission Statement
To craft expressive, sustainably produced wines that celebrate Sonoma County’s terroir and inspire genuine connections with nature and community.
Vision Statement
To be recognized for producing exceptional, environmentally mindful wines and delivering inviting tasting experiences that leave lasting impressions.
Background History
Vireo Ridge began with a small idea: make wine that feels like the place it comes from. Elena Marquez grew up near farms and always liked working with the soil. She spent years helping at nearby vineyards and trying things on her own. Some attempts failed. Some worked. She learned from both.
Seeing Sonoma’s vineyards and meeting local growers gave her the push to start. She drew a simple plan, planted the first rows by hand, and built the winery little by little. It was slow work, but it felt right. Vireo Ridge opened as a small, warm place made with care.
Future Goals
Vireo Ridge Winery will focus on guest experience, operational growth, and a stronger market presence in Sonoma and beyond. Over the next five years, our measurable goals are:
| Goal Area | Target / Objective |
|---|---|
| Profitability | Achieve profitability by Year 3 through steady wine club growth and better sales margins. |
| Revenue Growth | Increase yearly revenue by 25–30% by expanding direct-to-consumer and event sales. |
| Production Capacity | Boost production by 40% within five years while keeping small-batch quality. |
| Community Engagement | Host 20 vineyard events each year (tastings, dinners, and private bookings) to build local ties and repeat visits. |
| Market Expansion | Enter two new California regions by Year 5 through wholesale and online sales partnerships. |
3. Industry and Market Research
Industry Overview
The global wine market is valued at about $167.1 billion. It’s expected to grow by around 5% each year from 2024 to 2029. This growth comes mainly from online wine sales, vineyard visits, and direct sales to customers.
The chart below shows how the market has grown from 2019 to 2029, showing steady progress over time.
Sonoma County plays a key role in U.S. wine growth. It helps both winemaking and wine tourism grow together.
Sonoma offers wine lovers a diverse array of flavor profiles and spectacular views. More than 425 wineries are spread throughout the county’s 19 distinct regions. Together, they produce about 6% of California’s total wine, making Sonoma one of the top wine regions in the country.
Sonoma focuses on green farming and direct sales to customers. These efforts follow global trends and help the local wine industry grow stronger each year.
Market Trends
The wine market is growing across the world. More people now buy wine from wineries and from online shops. Wine tourism is rising as visitors want vineyard tours and local tastings. Many people prefer small-batch wines, green farming, and simple tasting events. These trends support the growth of boutique wineries like Vireo Ridge Winery.
Target Market
Vireo Ridge Winery will serve many wine lovers. We focus on people who want fine wines and a warm visit.
Our customer groups are:
- Wine lovers & collectors: People who want estate wines to keep or enjoy.
- Tourists in Sonoma County: Visitors who come for tours, tastings, and wine lessons.
- Local people & event guests: Neighbors who join tastings, dinners, and small events.
- Wine club & direct buyers: Customers who want wine bottles shipped and special wines.
- Gift buyers & event shoppers: People who need wine for weddings, parties, and gifts.
4. Competitive Analysis
Sonoma County has all kinds of wineries, some very large and others quite small. A few bring in visitors from everywhere, year after year.
Here are a few wineries people talk about a lot:
1) Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate
Everyone knows it for the Chardonnay. People like to stop in for a glass of wine, maybe grab a bite, and hang around for a class. It’s just a nice spot to relax.
2) Rodney Strong Vineyards
Big name for Cabernet Sauvignon, but what people really mention is how they care for the land. They farm in a clean, thoughtful way, and folks respect that.
3) Jordan Vineyard & Winery
They make Bordeaux-style wines and treat guests really well. It’s quiet there, calm, and feels like home. People often stay longer than they plan.
4) Ferrari-Carano Vineyards
The gardens are beautiful. Some folks even visit just to walk around before they try the wine. There’s a lot of choice here, which keeps everyone happy.
5) Ridge Vineyards
Known for Zinfandel. Been around for years, steady and trusted. Locals say it never disappoints.
Competitive Edge
Vireo Ridge works because we don't just sell wine—we give people a reason to keep coming back.
We grow our own grapes and make everything in small batches. That keeps the quality steady and the taste real. We use solar power and compost too, which a lot of customers appreciate.
What really makes us different is what we do beyond the tasting room. We run guided tastings, walk people through the vineyard, and teach short classes on how wine gets made. We throw harvest dinners and music nights. Wine club members get first access to new bottles.
These things build loyalty. They also drive sales. People who visit once usually visit again. Repeat customers are what keep us going.
We're not trying to be huge. We're trying to be the place people remember and tell their friends about.
5. Product Offerings
At Vireo Ridge Winery, we craft small-batch wines that highlight sustainable farming and the pure essence of Sonoma’s land. Guests can enjoy Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé—wines appreciated for their balance, flavor, and quality.
Sample Menu
Here’s a sample menu with our main offerings. It’s designed for casual visits, wine lessons, or private events. Whether it’s a short tasting, a long vineyard afternoon, or a celebration, Vireo Ridge Winery is ready to serve.
Additional Services
At Vireo Ridge Winery, we give more than wine. Our extra services include:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Hosting | Vineyard dinners, weddings, and small company gatherings with custom wine tastings. |
| Wine Club | Access to reserve wines, discounts, and special bottle releases. |
| Private Tours | Guided vineyard walks and simple winemaking lessons. |
| Partnerships | Collaborations with local chefs, restaurants, and event planners. |
6. Sales and Marketing Strategy
The sales and marketing plan of Vireo Ridge Winery is to build guest ties, join the local wine scene, and grow a clear brand in Sonoma County. We’ll use digital ads, local partnerships, and wine club offers. This approach helps us draw visitors, keep them coming back, and grow our audience.
Here’s a breakdown of our plan:
Online Marketing
Vireo Ridge Winery uses the most effective online platforms to bring in guests, grow awareness, and spark interest in our wines.
- Social media – We post on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. We share vineyard views, tasting events, and guest stories. We also show new wines and small-lot releases to keep things fresh.
- Website & SEO – A simple site with wine lists, hours, bookings, and our story. It’s built to rank for search terms like “best winery in Healdsburg” and “Sonoma wine tours.”
- Email – We send monthly emails with offers, club news, and wine releases. These emails also share event invites, seasonal updates, and winemaker notes.
Promotions and Loyalty
Vireo Ridge Winery keeps guests coming back with rewards and deals. This makes each visit more worthwhile.
- Members can enjoy discounts, try new wines first, and receive bottles throughout the year. The club also adds small perks, like surprise offers and limited releases.
- When guests bring friends or family, they can join free tastings or get a discount. It’s a simple thank-you that also brings in new wine fans through personal invites.
- We set special prices for visitors, locals, and event guests. These offers make it easy for people to try our wines and often bring them back again.
Partnership Marketing
Vireo Ridge Winery teams up with local spots to meet more wine lovers. We work with nearby hotels, restaurants, and tour guides who include our tastings in their guest plans. These small tie-ups bring a steady stream of visitors and help new people discover our wines.
Targeted Ads
We use both online and local ads to reach wine lovers. These ads help remind people about Vireo Ridge Winery and bring in new visitors.
- Social media & Google – We run ads based on location, so tourists and local wine fans see our events, tastings, and wine club offers.
- Local print – Ads in wine magazines, travel guides, and event lists help us reach people planning visits to Sonoma. These print ads also build trust because readers often look for real, local suggestions.
7. Operations Plan
Vireo Ridge Winery is committed to smooth and thoughtful operations. We focus on making wines with care, running daily activities in an organized way, and giving every guest a warm and memorable visit.
Below is how we manage our operations:
Daily Operations
Vireo Ridge Winery is open five days a week for tastings, tours, and events. We also host private groups and wine club get-togethers.
Each morning, our team gets the tasting room ready. We set out the pairings and check the wine stock before guests arrive.
We’re open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and stay later when we have holidays or events.
Staffing & Training
Our team has vineyard workers, tasting hosts, and event staff. We train everyone on wine-making, guest care, and safety so visitors feel welcome and happy. We make sure every guest feels cared for and welcomed.
Inventory & Equipment
We use software to track wine, stock, and supplies. Our storage rooms and cellars stay climate-controlled, which keeps the wine fresh. The tasting room has glassware, pairing tools, and checkout systems that make service smooth.
Location & Facilities
The tasting room stays open most days, and anyone can drop in—people on tours, club members, or just locals passing by. The vineyard’s a calm place where folks like to try wine outside, take a short walk, or join a small event now and then.
Sometimes we host weddings or dinners, even work gatherings. We often team up with nearby chefs and restaurants so guests leave with a moment they’ll talk about later.
8. Management Team
Vireo Ridge Winery is run by a skilled team focused on making great wines, giving guests strong tasting experiences, and growing steadily. Each person brings skills that keep daily work smooth, money managed, and the brand moving forward.
Key Managers
Elena Marquez – Founder & Owner
Elena sets the vision and leads the winery. She focuses on green farming, winemaking quality, and brand growth. Her drive for true, expressive wines keeps the winery on track.
Liam O’Connell – Operations Manager
Liam runs vineyard work, guest service, and events. With extensive experience in vineyards and hospitality, he makes sure production runs well, and guests enjoy their visits.
Priya Nair – Finance Manager
Priya manages finances, budgets, and costs. With her skills in small business, she helps the winery stay profitable, steady, and ready for future growth.
Maya Lewis – Receptionist & Admin
Maya handles bookings for tastings and events. She greets visitors at the front desk and helps with customer questions. She also manages payments, keeps things organized, and takes care of office work, including emails and records.
Dr. Kendra Lucille – Advisor
Dr. Lucille is a branding and hospitality expert. She advises on winery growth, brand image, and marketing. Her advice strengthens the winery’s identity and supports the goal of being known as a trusted boutique winery.
9. Financial Plan
The financial plan explains Vireo Ridge Winery’s goals, startup costs, and growth plans. It includes an income sheet, cash flow sheet, balance sheet, and funding details.
Income Statement
This sheet lists the expected income, costs, and profit for the first three years. It helps plan growth and shows how the winery can keep a stable income.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $250,000 | $420,000 | $650,000 |
| - Tasting Room Sales | $120,000 | $180,000 | $270,000 |
| - Wine Club Sales | $60,000 | $110,000 | $180,000 |
| - Event Income | $40,000 | $70,000 | $120,000 |
| - Merchandise & Tours | $30,000 | $60,000 | $80,000 |
| Cost of Goods Sold | $85,000 | $140,000 | $220,000 |
| - Grapes & Ingredients | $35,000 | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| - Bottling & Packaging | $25,000 | $40,000 | $70,000 |
| - Distribution & Shipping | $15,000 | $25,000 | $40,000 |
| - Supplies & Materials | $10,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Gross Profit | $165,000 | $280,000 | $430,000 |
| Operating Expenses | $130,000 | $180,000 | $260,000 |
| - Salaries/Staff | $40,000 | $60,000 | $90,000 |
| - Bottling & Supplies | $25,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| - Marketing | $20,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 |
| - Website & Tech | $6,000 | $8,000 | $10,000 |
| - Facility Costs | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| - Insurance/Legal | $6,000 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| - Miscellaneous | $18,000 | $26,000 | $44,000 |
| - Utilities & Maintenance | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Net Profit | $35,000 | $100,000 | $170,000 |
Cash Flow Statement
The cash flow sheet tracks money coming in and going out. It helps make sure the winery always has enough cash to work and grow.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Inflows | $250,000 | $420,000 | $650,000 |
| - Tasting Room Sales | $120,000 | $180,000 | $270,000 |
| - Wine Club Subscriptions | $60,000 | $110,000 | $180,000 |
| - Event Revenue | $40,000 | $70,000 | $120,000 |
| - Merchandise & Tours | $30,000 | $60,000 | $80,000 |
| Operating Expenses | $130,000 | $180,000 | $260,000 |
| - Salaries/Staff | $40,000 | $60,000 | $90,000 |
| - Bottling & Supplies | $25,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| - Marketing | $20,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 |
| - Website & Tech | $6,000 | $8,000 | $10,000 |
| - Facility Costs | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| - Insurance/Legal | $6,000 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| - Miscellaneous | $18,000 | $26,000 | $44,000 |
| - Utilities & Maintenance | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Equipment & Setup | $20,000 | $10,000 | $8,000 |
| - New Machinery & Tools | $12,000 | $6,000 | $5,000 |
| - Furniture & Fixtures | $5,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| - Software & Licenses | $3,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Net Cash Flow | $100,000 | $230,000 | $382,000 |
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet gives a snapshot of what the winery owns and owes. It shows assets, debts, and equity over time.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | $180,000 | $310,000 | $520,000 |
| - Cash | $100,000 | $230,000 | $382,000 |
| - Inventory | $40,000 | $50,000 | $70,000 |
| - Finished Goods (Wine Bottles) | $25,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 |
| - Raw Materials (Grapes, Corks, Labels) | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| - Equipment | $20,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 |
| - Machinery (Bottling, Storage Tanks) | $15,000 | $12,000 | $9,000 |
| - Furniture & Fixtures | $5,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 |
| - Vehicles (Delivery/Utility) | $5,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| - Website & IP | $5,000 | $10,000 | $18,000 |
| - Domain & Hosting | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 |
| - Software & Licenses | $3,000 | $6,000 | $11,000 |
| - Accounts Receivable | $10,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| - Trade Customers | $8,000 | $16,000 | $28,000 |
| - Wine Club Members | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 |
| Liabilities | $50,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| - Loans Payable | $30,000 | $15,000 | $5,000 |
| - Bank Loan | $20,000 | $10,000 | $0 |
| - Equipment Loan | $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| - Accounts Payable | $20,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| - Supplier Payments | $12,000 | $10,000 | $9,000 |
| - Utility & Service Bills | $8,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Equity | $130,000 | $280,000 | $500,000 |
| - Owner's Capital | $100,000 | $200,000 | $350,000 |
| - Retained Earnings | $30,000 | $80,000 | $150,000 |
Funding Requirements
Vireo Ridge Winery is requesting $800,000 in funding to support startup costs and growth. Funds will be used in the following areas:
Download a Free Winery Business Plan Template
Want to start your own winery but not sure how to make a business plan? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! You can download our free winery business plan template in PDF format and start building your plan easily.
This easy-to-use template gives step-by-step instructions to write each part of a good business plan. You can also change it to fit your winery’s needs.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen real examples and learned the key parts of a winery business plan, it should be easier for you to create one yourself.
Still need help? Try Bizplanr—an advanced AI business plan generator that makes business plans fast and simple. Answer a few questions, and you’ll get a ready-to-use professional plan in minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to create a realistic financial plan for a winery business?
To make a clear plan for your winery’s money, follow these simple steps:
- Write down all starting costs like land, tools, tasting room setup, and licenses.
- Guess how much wine you’ll sell and at what price.
- Add monthly costs like staff pay, ads, and operations.
- Take away these costs from your income to find your profit.
- Plan your income, spending, and profit for the next 3 to 5 years.
- Check how much you need to earn each month to cover costs and make a profit.
Why conduct market research before writing a winery business plan?
Investors want to know that your winery has a real chance to succeed. Market research shows who will buy your wine, how big the market is, and how you compare to other wineries. It helps prove there’s demand for what you plan to sell and that you understand how to grow the business.
Where do I get free winery business plan examples?
You can find free winery business plan templates and samples on websites like Upmetrics, LivePlan, Bplans, and SCORE.
What mistakes should I avoid when writing a winery business plan?
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Not clearly defining your target customers and local competitors.
- Forgetting hidden costs like vineyard care, equipment, marketing, or building expenses.
- Making financial projections that are unrealistic or not based on real data.
- Not showing what makes your winery unique compared to others.
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