Make Spirits Bright—and Profits Bigger: Your Guide to Hosting Corporate Holiday Parties at the Winery

With the harvest season winding down, it’s tempting to take a breath. But as the October air turns crisp, a different kind of rush is beginning: the corporate holiday party booking season. Believe it or not, companies are finalizing their December plans right now, and they’re actively searching for a unique venue to host their holiday event and impress their teams.

While they scroll past the usual sterile hotel ballrooms and noisy restaurants, your winery offers the perfect solution: an experience steeped in ambiance, sophistication, and character.

However, capturing this lucrative market requires more than just available space; it demands a strategic approach that begins today. Attracting and flawlessly executing these events means packaging your unique assets to meet the needs of a corporate client before your calendar is full. This guide provides the blueprint for turning your tasting room into the most sought-after holiday destination in the region.

Why Your Winery is the Perfect Corporate Holiday Venue

First, let’s establish your unique selling proposition. When marketing to corporate event planners, lead with the “why.”

• A Built-in Atmosphere: The warm wood of the barrel room, the elegant decor of the tasting room, or the panoramic views of the dormant vineyards offer an instant, unforgettable ambiance. You’re not just providing a space; you’re providing a destination that feels like a reward.
• An Integrated Experience: A corporate party at a winery isn’t just dinner and drinks; it’s an activity. Offer a welcome toast with your signature sparkling wine, a brief guided tasting, or a short cellar tour. This adds immense value and creates a more memorable experience than a standard open bar.
• A Signal of Sophistication: Hosting a party at a winery sends a message of class and appreciation. It tells employees that their company invested in a high-quality, thoughtful celebration.
• “Instagrammable” Moments: Corporate culture thrives on shareable moments. The beauty of your winery provides a stunning backdrop for photos, generating organic social media buzz for both the company and your brand.

The Blueprint for Success: Preparing for Corporate Clients

Corporate clients have different expectations than a wedding party or a casual tasting group. They value efficiency, clarity, and professionalism. Here’s how to prepare.

1. Create Tiered, All-Inclusive Packages

Corporate planners are busy. Make their decision-making process as simple as possible with event packages. Instead of an à la carte menu, design tiered packages that are easy to understand and budget for.

• The Vintner’s Mingle (Basic Tier): Ideal for smaller teams or more casual gatherings.
  • 2-3 hour venue rental (e.g., a semi-private tasting room space).
  • A set number of glasses of wine per person (e.g., 2-3 glasses from a pre-selected list).
  • Artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards.
  • Pricing: Per person, e.g., $75/person.
• The Harvest Table (Mid-Tier): Your most popular offering for mid-sized companies.
  • 3-4 hour private venue rental (e.g., the barrel room or entire tasting room).
  • Welcome toast with sparkling wine.
  • Open bar featuring a selection of your wines (and perhaps 1-2 local beers).
  • Catered buffet or heavy passed hors d’oeuvres.
  • Pricing: Per person, e.g., $125/person.
• The Proprietor’s Reserve (Premium Tier): The all-out celebration for top clients or company-wide parties.
  • Full evening exclusive use of the facility.
  • Premium open bar with reserve wines.
  • A multi-course plated dinner.
  • Add-ons like a guided tasting with the winemaker, live music, and custom-labeled bottles of wine as party favors.
  • Pricing: Custom quote or a higher per-person rate, e.g., $200+/person.

2. Forge Strategic Vendor Partnerships

You’re a winery, not a full-service event company. Build a trusted network of vendors to create a seamless experience.

• Caterers: Have a list of 2-3 preferred caterers who know your space, your kitchen limitations (if any), and whose food pairs well with your wines.
• Transportation: This is crucial. Partner with local shuttle or car services to offer safe transportation options. Highlighting this in your proposal shows you are a responsible host.
• Entertainment & AV: Keep a list of recommended DJs, bands, and AV rental companies for presentations or awards.

3. Market Your Space Like a Pro

You can have the best venue in the world, but it won’t book itself.

• Create a Dedicated Web Page: Optimize your site and build a “Private & Corporate Events” page on your website. Feature stunning, high-quality photos of your space set up for a party (invest in a photoshoot if you don’t have these!). Clearly list your package tiers and include a simple inquiry form.
• Develop a Professional Sales Kit: Create a downloadable PDF with package details, capacity information, approved vendors, FAQs, and testimonials from past clients. This makes you look organized and professional.
• Targeted Outreach: Don’t wait for them to find you.
  • Connect with HR Managers: Utilize LinkedIn to identify HR managers and office administrators at the largest companies in your area, and send them a personalized message.
  • Join the Chamber of Commerce: Attend local business networking events. Be the “go-to” venue for the business community.
  • Reach Out to Event Planners: Professional planners are always looking for new and exciting venues for their corporate clients.

Cheers to a Profitable Holiday Season with Tripleseat

It’s time to turn your space into a holiday event destination, and Tripleseat is here to help. Start building your packages, managing your bookings, and preparing for the holiday rush on a single platform. Cheers to a successful and profitable fourth quarter together!

Book your personalized demo with Tripleseat today!