How to Get Reviews and Testimonials for a Winery

Introduction: Why Reviews Matter for Wineries

In the wine industry, reputation is everything. Guests often choose a winery based on reviews, ratings, and personal recommendations. Whether they’re deciding where to book a tasting tour, which wine club to join, or which venue to pick for an event, testimonials can make or break the decision. Positive reviews build trust, increase visibility, and serve as powerful word-of-mouth marketing in the digital age.

Gathering and showcasing this feedback strategically can transform your winery’s growth. At Marketing Empire Group, we help wineries build credibility with proven strategies that generate authentic customer feedback. Our winery marketing services are designed to elevate your reputation and drive long-term results.

Why Reviews & Testimonials Are Essential

Reviews aren’t just nice to have — they’re critical for a winery’s success. Here’s why:

• Build Trust and Credibility: Potential visitors want reassurance from past guests before booking a tour or signing up for a wine club.

  
  

• Boost Local SEO: Positive reviews on Google Business Profile improve your chances of ranking for “wine tasting near me” and similar searches.

  
  

• Provide Feedback: Honest feedback helps you identify strengths and areas for improvement.

  
  

• Influence Conversions: Glowing testimonials about wine clubs, events, and tasting experiences strongly influence new sign-ups and purchases.

  
  

Simply put, reviews act as a digital version of word-of-mouth, one of the most trusted forms of marketing.

How to Encourage Reviews from Winery Guests

The best reviews come from guests who are excited about their experience. The key is asking at the right time and making the process as easy as possible.

1. Ask at the Right Time

Timing matters. The ideal moment to request a review is immediately after a tasting, tour, or event, while the experience is still fresh. Train staff to politely encourage guests to share their thoughts, and send follow-up emails within 24–48 hours. Include direct links to your Google or Yelp pages to simplify the process.

2. Make It Easy

Remove barriers that discourage guests from leaving feedback. Use QR codes at your tasting room that link directly to review platforms, or set up automated reminders via email or SMS. The easier you make it, the more likely guests will respond.

3. Offer Incentives

While reviews must remain authentic, small perks can encourage participation. Examples include discounts on a future tasting, a complimentary glass of wine, or entry into a “review & win” contest with winery merchandise as the prize.

Leveraging Testimonials for Marketing

Collecting reviews is only the first step — showcasing them effectively is where they generate the most value.

• Website Integration: Feature testimonials prominently on your homepage, tour booking page, and wine club sign-up page.

  
  

• On-Site Signage: Display quotes or star ratings in your tasting room to reinforce credibility.

  
  

• Video Testimonials: Record short clips of guests sharing their favorite moments and post them on social media, YouTube, or your website.

  
  

• Email Campaigns & Ads: Incorporate testimonials into newsletters or highlight positive feedback in paid ads to build trust with new audiences.

  
  

• Wine Club Stories: Showcase the experiences of your wine club members. Their testimonials can be particularly persuasive for prospects on the fence.

  
  

By weaving testimonials into multiple touchpoints, you ensure potential guests see social proof at every stage of their journey.

Handling Negative Reviews the Right Way

No winery is perfect, and negative reviews are inevitable. What matters is how you respond.

• Respond Quickly and Professionally: Thank the reviewer for their feedback, apologize for their experience, and explain how you’ll address the issue.

  
  

• Use Feedback to Improve: Treat criticism as an opportunity to refine your service.

  
  

• Show Transparency: Publicly responding to reviews demonstrates accountability and builds trust with potential guests.

  
  

A respectful, solution-oriented response can turn a dissatisfied guest into a loyal customer — and it shows future visitors that your winery genuinely values satisfaction.

Best Platforms for Winery Reviews

Not all review platforms carry the same weight. Focus on the ones most relevant to wineries:

• Google Business Profile: Critical for SEO and “near me” searches.

  
  

• Yelp & TripAdvisor: Popular among tourists researching wineries in a region.

  
  

• Facebook Reviews: Easy to share and widely trusted within social networks.

• Vivino & Wine Apps: These niche platforms connect directly with wine lovers and collectors.

  
  

Having a presence on multiple platforms ensures your winery is visible to different audience segments.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Reviews and testimonials are among the most powerful marketing tools a winery can have. By asking at the right time, making feedback easy, and showcasing testimonials across channels, wineries can strengthen trust, attract more visitors, and grow their wine clubs. Handling both positive and negative reviews with care ensures your reputation stays strong in a competitive market.

At Marketing Empire Group, we help wineries implement review strategies that go beyond collecting feedback — we turn them into drivers of growth and loyalty.

Want to implement a review strategy that drives results? Contact Marketing Empire Group today and let’s build your winery’s reputation together.