For years, your winery has been delighting guests with rich reds, crisp whites, and perfectly balanced rosés. But have you ever thought about adding another dimension to your business? More and more wineries are expanding their offerings by incorporating breweries, and for good reason. The combination of wine and beer under one roof creates exciting new opportunities for brand growth, profitability, and customer engagement.
Diversifying your beverage selection isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about maximizing your business potential. Here’s why blending beer with your existing wine operation makes sense:
Expand Your Brand Awareness
By introducing craft beer, your winery can attract a broader audience, including beer lovers who may not typically visit a winery. A great example is Winery on the Bay/Dog’Gone Brewery, a Texas-based business that successfully offers both wine and craft beer, giving them an edge in reaching a more diverse customer base.
Adding beer to the mix also creates more reasons for people to visit. Some guests might come for the beer and stay for the wine—or vice versa. The more options you provide, the greater your word-of-mouth exposure and social media buzz.
Increase Profitability
Let’s face it—craft beer is booming. According to industry reports, small-batch breweries continue to thrive, with demand for unique, locally brewed beers at an all-time high.
Winemakers who have embraced brewing, like Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, have seen the financial benefits firsthand. A wider drink selection means more sales per visit and more opportunities to host special events, tastings, and brewery tours.
Offering both wine and beer also makes your establishment more appealing for weddings, corporate events, and group gatherings. Some guests prefer wine, some prefer beer—why not cater to both?
Take Full Advantage of State Production Licenses
Depending on your location, state regulations may allow you to brew beer and produce wine under the same business license, saving you the hassle of dealing with separate permits. States like Texas and California have streamlined licensing processes that make it easier for wineries to add brewing operations.
For example, Rising Sun Vineyard took advantage of state licensing laws to incorporate brewing into their business, giving them greater flexibility and increasing their overall production capacity.
Before making the leap, check with your state’s alcohol licensing board—you might be surprised at how simple it is to expand!
Appeal to a Wider Audience
A winery with a brewery is the ultimate destination for mixed-interest groups. Some visitors might love wine, others prefer beer, and some might be curious to try both.
Adding beer allows you to get creative with pairings, tasting flights, and even beer-wine hybrid drinks. Establishments like Yequa Creek Brewery have tapped into this idea by crafting unique beverage experiences that cater to all palates.
This variety keeps your menu fresh, attracts repeat customers, and encourages guests to try something new with each visit.
Ready to Brew?
Turning a winery into a brewery (or adding a brewery to your winery) is an exciting way to diversify your business, grow your brand, and boost profits. If you’re ready to make the leap, EZBrew’s automated brewing system makes it simple to get started—no brewing experience required.
Let’s talk about how EZBrew can help you craft the perfect addition to your winery. Reach out today and start brewing up new opportunities!
