sample business plan for a wine bar

How to Write a Winning Wine Bar Business Plan (+ Template)

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be beneficial for wine bar businesses that want to improve their strategy or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan outlines your company’s vision and documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you will accomplish it. To create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the critical elements that every wine bar business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Bar Business Plan Template

What is a wine bar business plan.

A wine bar business plan is a formal written document describing your company’s business strategy and feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a critical document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Wine Bar Business Plan?

A wine bar business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide to your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Wine Bar Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful wine bar business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a wine bar business plan is a one- to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your wine bar company
• Provide a summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast, among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

You may not have a long company history if you are just starting your wine bar. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your wine bar company, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen wine bar business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a wine bar business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the wine bar industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support your company’s success)?

You should also include sources for your information, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a wine bar business’ customers may include:

• People who live or work near the bar
• People who frequent the area where the bar is located
• People who are looking for a specific type of bar (e.g., a sports bar, dive bar, etc.)
• Business professionals

You can include information about how your customers decide to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or wine bar services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will differ from competitors and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your bar business via word-of-mouth marketing or by hosting events.

Operations Plan

This part of your wine bar business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, your Operations Plan will outline the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a wine bar include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include increasing the number of regular customers by a certain amount or adding a few new menu items.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific wine bar industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Wine Bar  

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Wine Bar

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup wine bar .

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Wine Bar

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and grow your wine bar . It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written wine bar business plan is a must for any new business owner. It’s a great tool for attracting investors and keeping the company focused.  

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Here is a free business plan sample for a wine bar establishment.

If the idea of opening a wine bar has been fermenting in your mind but you're unsure of the first steps to take, you've come to the perfect spot.

In the passages that follow, we will uncork a free sample business plan tailored for aspiring wine bar entrepreneurs.

As any seasoned business owner will tell you, a robust business plan is the cornerstone of a thriving venture. It serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the complexities of the industry while helping you to articulate your vision, objectives, and strategies.

To pour the foundation of your future success with ease and precision, you can utilize our wine bar business plan template. Additionally, our connoisseurs are on standby to review and refine your plan at no extra cost.

How to draft a great business plan for your wine bar establishment?

A good business plan for a wine bar must capture the unique elements of this type of establishment.

Initially, it's crucial to provide a comprehensive overview of the wine bar market. This includes up-to-date statistics and the identification of emerging trends within the industry, as illustrated in our wine bar business plan template .

Your business plan should articulate your vision clearly. Define your target audience (such as wine enthusiasts, casual socializers, corporate clients), and establish the distinctive character of your wine bar (specializing in local wines, offering wine tasting experiences, pairing events, etc.).

Market analysis is a key component. You need to thoroughly understand the local competition, market dynamics, and consumer preferences specific to wine bars.

Product offerings are particularly important for a wine bar. Describe your selection of wines, including varieties, vintages, and any unique labels. Also, consider any complementary products such as gourmet snacks, charcuterie boards, or small plates that enhance the wine-tasting experience.

The operational plan should detail the location of your wine bar, the design and ambiance of the space, relationships with wine suppliers and distributors, and the service model.

For a wine bar, it's essential to emphasize the quality and sourcing of the wines, knowledge of the staff, and the overall customer experience.

Address your marketing and sales strategies. How will you attract wine aficionados and create a loyal customer base? Think about promotional tactics, events, membership or loyalty programs, and cross-promotions with local businesses.

Having a digital strategy, including a website and active social media engagement, is vital to connect with your audience and promote your wine bar.

The financial plan is a critical aspect. It should outline the initial investment, projected revenue, operating expenses, and the point at which the business will become profitable.

In a wine bar, the margins on certain wines or events can vary significantly, so precise financial planning and a solid understanding of your cost structure are imperative. For assistance, refer to our financial forecast for a wine bar .

Compared to other business plans, a wine bar's plan must pay particular attention to the procurement of a diverse wine inventory, compliance with alcohol licensing and regulations, and creating an atmosphere that appeals to the target market.

A well-crafted business plan will not only help you to define your strategies and vision but also to attract investors or secure loans.

Investors and lenders are looking for a thorough market analysis, realistic financial projections, and a clear plan for the day-to-day running of a wine bar.

By presenting a detailed and substantiated business plan, you showcase your dedication and preparedness for the successful operation of your wine bar.

To achieve these goals while saving time, you can start with our wine bar business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a wine bar establishment

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a wine bar .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market data and figures.

The wine bar industry is a sophisticated segment of the broader beverage market with a robust presence.

Recent studies have valued the global wine market at approximately 300 billion dollars, with projections indicating steady growth driven by an increasing appreciation for quality wines and unique tasting experiences.

In the United States alone, there are over 10,000 wine bars and tasting rooms, contributing to an annual revenue of nearly 20 billion dollars for the wine bar sector.

These statistics underscore the significance of wine bars in American leisure and dining culture, as well as their substantial economic impact.

The wine industry is experiencing a wave of trends that cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of modern consumers.

Organic and biodynamic wines are gaining traction as individuals seek out more natural and eco-friendly options. There is also a growing interest in local and small-batch wines, which offer a sense of place and uniqueness.

Wine bars are increasingly incorporating technology, such as interactive menus and wine dispensing systems, to enhance the customer experience.

Experiential offerings, like wine pairing events, educational workshops, and themed tastings, are becoming popular ways for wine bars to engage with their clientele.

Moreover, the demand for wine subscriptions and online sales has surged, reflecting a desire for convenience and personalized selections.

Transparency in wine sourcing and production methods is another important trend, with consumers showing a preference for bars that can provide detailed information about their wine offerings.

Success Factors

Several factors contribute to the success of a wine bar.

Foremost is the quality and variety of the wine selection. A wine bar that offers a diverse range of high-quality wines from different regions and vineyards is more likely to attract connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

Innovative and engaging events, such as wine tastings and food pairings, can distinguish a wine bar from its competitors.

The location of the wine bar is critical, with establishments in high-traffic areas or near cultural attractions often seeing greater patronage.

Exceptional service, with knowledgeable staff who can guide customers through the wine selection process, is essential for creating memorable experiences.

Lastly, effective cost control, a commitment to sustainability, and the ability to adapt to the latest consumer trends, such as the interest in natural wines or wine cocktails, are vital for the enduring success of a wine bar.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our wine bar project is designed to cater to the sophisticated palate of wine enthusiasts and those seeking a refined social experience. Situated in a bustling urban area or near cultural landmarks, this wine bar will offer an extensive selection of wines from around the world, including rare and organic varieties. Each wine will be carefully selected for its quality, origin, and flavor profile to ensure a diverse and enriching tasting experience.

Guests will be invited to savor their drinks in an elegant and comfortable setting, with the option to pair their choices with a curated selection of gourmet small plates and artisanal cheeses.

This wine bar aims to become a distinguished destination for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike, providing a space for relaxation, education, and appreciation of fine wines.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our wine bar project lies in offering an exceptional selection of wines that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Our commitment to quality, ambiance, and knowledgeable service provides a unique and memorable experience for each guest.

We are dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere where individuals can gather, taste, and learn about wines from various regions and terroirs. Our wine bar will serve as a hub for wine education and appreciation, hosting tasting events, wine pairing sessions, and discussions led by sommeliers and wine experts.

By becoming a cornerstone in the community for wine lovers, we aim to enhance the cultural landscape and offer a sophisticated alternative to the traditional bar scene.

Project Owner

The project owner is a passionate wine aficionado with a rich background in the hospitality industry.

With experience in managing upscale bars and a deep knowledge of oenology, the owner is committed to creating a wine bar that stands out for its exceptional wine selection, educational approach, and inviting atmosphere.

Driven by a vision of creating a community around the appreciation of fine wines, the owner is dedicated to providing an environment where novices and experts alike can explore and enjoy the world of wine.

With a commitment to excellence and a love for the art of winemaking, the project owner is the driving force behind this venture, aiming to enrich the lives of those who share a passion for wine.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for this wine bar are divided into several categories.

First, there are wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs who seek a sophisticated environment to enjoy premium wines.

Next, there are casual drinkers who prefer a relaxed atmosphere to explore different wines and socialize with friends.

The market also includes tourists and locals looking for a unique wine-tasting experience or a venue to host private events and celebrations.

Finally, corporate clients can be a key segment for hosting business meetings or company events in a refined setting.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of this wine bar project reveals several aspects.

Strengths include a curated selection of wines, knowledgeable staff, a prime location, and a welcoming ambiance that appeals to a diverse clientele.

Weaknesses could include the high cost of inventory, the challenge of maintaining a unique wine selection, and the reliance on a fluctuating market.

Opportunities lie in creating wine education programs, hosting wine-tasting events, and partnering with local vineyards to enhance the customer experience.

Finally, threats could include changes in liquor laws, increased competition from other bars and restaurants, and economic downturns that affect discretionary spending.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis in the wine bar industry reveals a competitive landscape.

Among direct competitors are other wine bars, upscale lounges, and restaurants with extensive wine lists.

These establishments compete to attract a clientele that appreciates a fine selection of wines and a memorable experience.

Potential competitive advantages include a unique wine selection, exceptional service, a loyalty program, and a venue that offers both intimacy and social interaction.

Understanding competitors' strengths and weaknesses is crucial for carving out a niche in the market and ensuring customer loyalty.

Competitive Advantages

Our wine bar's competitive advantages lie in our dedication to providing an exceptional wine selection and customer service.

We offer a wide range of wines from around the world, including rare and sought-after vintages, to cater to both novice and experienced wine drinkers.

Our staff is trained to guide customers through our wine list and help them discover new favorites, enhancing their overall experience.

We also host regular wine-tasting events and educational workshops, fostering a community of wine lovers and promoting a culture of learning and appreciation.

You can also read our articles about: - how to open a wine bar establishment: a complete guide - the customer segments of a wine bar establishment - the competition study for a wine bar establishment

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the wine bar is designed to create a premier destination for wine enthusiasts.

In the first year, our goal is to establish a strong local presence and build a loyal customer base by offering an exceptional selection of wines and a memorable experience.

The second year will focus on enhancing our wine offerings, including private labels and exclusive imports, and hosting wine-tasting events to increase engagement.

In the third year, we plan to expand our brand by exploring opportunities for additional locations in other wine-loving communities and developing an online platform for wine education and sales.

We will continuously strive for excellence in service, selection, and ambiance, ensuring that our wine bar remains a top choice for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our wine bar targets discerning customers who appreciate fine wines and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Our value proposition is centered around an extensive wine selection, knowledgeable staff, and a comfortable setting that encourages relaxation and social interaction.

We will generate revenue through the sale of wines by the glass, bottle, and in retail packages, as well as offering wine club memberships and hosting private events.

Key activities include curating our wine selection, providing excellent customer service, and creating an engaging environment for our patrons.

Our costs are primarily associated with acquiring wines, maintaining our venue, and marketing our unique experience.

Find a complete and editable real Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is focused on creating a brand that is synonymous with quality and exclusivity in the wine industry.

We plan to engage our target audience through educational wine events, sommelier-led tastings, and partnerships with local and international wineries.

Our marketing efforts will also include a strong online presence, with a focus on social media engagement, influencer partnerships, and content marketing that highlights our expertise and the stories behind our wines.

Additionally, we will offer a wine club membership with exclusive benefits to foster a community of wine lovers and repeat customers.

Risk Policy

The risk policy for our wine bar includes measures to mitigate risks associated with inventory management, supplier reliability, and market fluctuations.

We will carefully select our suppliers and maintain a diverse portfolio to prevent over-reliance on any single source.

Regular inventory audits and a dynamic pricing strategy will help us manage stock levels and adapt to market demands.

We will also invest in staff training to ensure responsible serving practices and compliance with local regulations.

Comprehensive insurance coverage will protect against potential liabilities, ensuring that we can operate with peace of mind.

Why Our Project is Viable

We believe that our wine bar project is viable due to the increasing popularity of wine culture and the demand for specialized experiences.

With our dedication to providing a curated selection of wines, expert knowledge, and a welcoming atmosphere, we are poised to capture the interest of a diverse clientele.

We are committed to adapting our business to the evolving tastes and preferences of our customers, ensuring the long-term success of our wine bar.

We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to enrich the lives of our patrons through the world of wine and look forward to the flourishing future of our establishment.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a wine bar establishment - the marketing strategy for a wine bar establishment

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a wine bar and our financial plan for a wine bar .

Initial expenses for our wine bar include securing a prime location with high foot traffic, obtaining a liquor license, renovating the space to create a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere, purchasing a diverse selection of wines from around the world, and investing in high-quality glassware and other bar essentials. We will also allocate funds for staff training to ensure knowledgeable service, as well as costs related to brand creation and launching targeted marketing campaigns to attract wine enthusiasts.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a thorough analysis of the local market's demand for unique wine experiences, considering the increasing interest in wine tasting and pairing events.

We anticipate a steady flow of customers, starting with local wine aficionados and expanding to include tourists and casual drinkers as our reputation for quality and service grows.

The projected income statement indicates expected revenues from wine sales, including by-the-glass offerings and bottle purchases, as well as potential income from hosting wine tasting events and private parties. It also details production costs (wine procurement, labor, utilities), and operating expenses (rent, marketing, salaries, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit that is essential for evaluating the profitability of our wine bar over time.

The projected balance sheet reflects assets specific to our business, such as wine inventory, bar equipment, and furnishings, and liabilities including debts and anticipated expenses.

It shows the overall financial health of our wine bar at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow budget details incoming and outgoing cash flows, allowing us to anticipate our cash needs at any given time. This will help us effectively manage our finances and avoid cash flow problems.

The projected financing plan lists the specific financing sources we plan to use to cover our startup expenses, such as investor contributions or business loans.

The working capital requirement for our wine bar will be closely monitored to ensure we have the necessary liquidity to finance our daily operations, including purchasing new wine stocks, inventory management, and salary payments.

The break-even point specific to our project is the level of sales needed to cover all our costs, including startup expenses, and start making a profit.

It will indicate when our business will become profitable.

Performance indicators we will track include the profit margin rate on our wine sales, the inventory turnover rate to assess the efficiency of our stock management, and the return on investment to measure the effectiveness of our capital invested in the project.

These indicators will help us evaluate the financial health and overall success of our wine bar.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a wine bar establishment .

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8-step guide on how to open a wine bar

With wine voted as the UK's number one alcoholic drink, it's clear that it has a special place in consumer's hearts - and who doesn't enjoy the cool mood-lighting of a cosy wine bar?

If you're keen to open a wine bar but don't know where to start, then you've come to the right place.  In this guide, you'll discover all the essential steps in creating a wine bar. From carrying out market research to choosing your legal form and securing funding for your business, we take you through our 8-step guide on how to open a wine bar. 

1. Research the wine bar market

First of all, you should know that the wine-drinking population is in continuous decline. According to a UK Wine Landscapes 2021 report, the UK has lost nearly 4 million drinkers since 2015, with consumers having grown ever more conscious of the impact of alcohol on their physical and mental health. 

This hasn't prevented the wine market from growing, with sales reaching £10.6 billion in 2018. Brits still enjoy a glass or two of wine, but the quality is taking precedence over quantity - as consumers grow increasingly interested in the age and origin of their wine bottles over their price.

This trend, among others, must be considered when carrying out the market research to open your wine bar. You also need to check out the local market and the state of competition in your desired area of business, as well as how its surroundings fit in with the wishes of your target market.

To find out more about the market research stage, read our guide on conducting market research for a wine bar .

2. Choose the right concept for your wine bar

One of the greatest challenges of opening a wine bar is facing up to the competition: your direct competitors (existing bars on the scene) and indirect competitors (the cheap, comfy supermarket and sofa combo for at-home wine drinkers).

You'll have to, firstly, put some work into getting your name out there when opening a wine bar, whether it's via social media or handing out street flyers. You'll also have to come at consumers with a concept that they won't be able to find in other bars or replicate at home.

You could set yourself apart by offering a unique wine menu, specialising only in organic wines or Bordeaux wines, for example.

Be careful not to pick a concept that's too niche, however, as if you address only one tiny segment of your target market, your turnover is bound to suffer.

Your furniture and lighting will also set the tone for your wine bar, so choose carefully when you open your wine bar. To establish your place on the scene as a beacon of wine knowledge, you can also put on events such as tastings or wine tasting courses for wine enthusiasts within the community.

3. Scope out the location to open your wine bar

Choosing the location for your wine bar is the next important step in our guide on how to open a wine bar. To help you make your decision here are some criteria to take into account:

• The area: as it experiences consistently high traffic and footfall, the city centre would be ideal. A location on or beside pedestrianised spaces (such as squares) will definitely be more expensive but are worth looking into with the number of passersby it would attract.
• The size: you'll need a space large enough to store a wide range of wines, as well as a large dining or reception area for your customers
• Neighbours: try to avoid overly residential areas where noise may bother your neighbours when opening a wine bar, especially if you have a terrace
• The vibe: the general atmosphere of your wine bar's area should align with your bar's own concept and vibe
• Competitors: you can either opt for premises located a good distance from other bars or decide to be situated on the same street or square so that customers can freely hop between bars. Both options have their own risks and benefits, so it's totally up to you.

4. Choose a legal form to open your wine bar

The next step in opening up a wine bar is choosing the legal structure of your business. Choosing your bar's legal form is a vital step as it will impact:

• How much your business is taxed
• Your taxation at a personal level
• Your responsibility for the company's debts in the event of bankruptcy

To help you make your choice, you can find more detailed information on the different legal forms available to you on the gov.uk guide for UK business owners and SBA guide for those of you based in the US.

5. Add up the equipment and staffing costs

When it comes to this stage of opening your wine bar, your main difficulty will be recruiting staff because your customers will expect, alongside cracking customer service, extensive knowledge of wine from them.

The staff you hire must then have previous sommelier experience and a clear understanding of the grape varieties offered by your wine bar. 

In terms of investment, plan for the following:

• Kitting out the premises (including installing a bar and wine fridge with a temperature system, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture, glasses and crockery)
• A sufficiently large wine stock, as well as a security system to protect it 
• A premises license to sell alcohol 
• A website and other marketing costs (such as a business card, front-door sign and a decorative wine list).

Remember to ask for quotes from a wide range of suppliers when looking into this equipment to open your wine bar. This will enable you to compare prices and choose the deals that are the best value for money. 

As mentioned above, to actually serve wine and other alcohol, you'll have to apply for a premises license. This license will also enable you to play live and recorded music and serve hot food and drinks after 11 pm. For more information on how to obtain a premises license, visit Gov.uk .

Don't forget about the administrative costs connected to your business (including bookkeeping, payroll, schedule and supply management) which can quickly become very time-consuming. Consider outsourcing some of these tasks to a chartered accountant. 

You'll also want to take out insurance to ensure you covered in the case of an incident involving staff or customers or a burglary. 

6. Set out the marketing plan to open a wine bar

Next up in our guide on how to open a wine bar is your marketing plan. It's here that you'll lay out the actions you plan to use to attract and retain customers. 

Besides choosing a good location, which will attract a natural flow of customers into your bar and make your business a talking point within the local community, you should consider using the following marketing tools: 

• Social media: you can post photos on Facebook and Instagram that highlight the cool, relaxed atmosphere of your bar, as well as sharing news of exciting new wine deliveries 
• Official website: set up a website that provides more information on your wine selection and location, as well as an online booking system
• Local media: announce the launch of your wine bar in the local press by getting in touch with newspapers, local bloggers and online city guide websites. If you have an unusual concept, inviting a journalist in to review your bar could pique the interest of curious consumers.
• Tapping into tourism: for example, if you're based in Devon and serve up wines solely from local vineyards, you'll attract wine loving tourists. You could also try and get a listing in internationally known travel guides such as lonely planet. 

7. Write the business plan for a wine bar

Once all of the above steps have been completed, it's time to draft up the business plan to open your wine bar. 

The business plan is made up of two major components:

• A financial forecast that aims to highlight the expected profitability of the business and the initial financing requirement.
• A written part that presents, in detail, your project, the team, your business strategy, and your medium-term objectives.

The business plan is the document with which you will try to secure financing from your bank or potential investors, so you need to make it impeccable. 

If you are not used to writing business plans, a good solution would be to use online business plan software .

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan.
• You can be inspired by already written business plan templates
• You can easily make your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial aspects for you.
• You get a professional document, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank.

If you are interested in this type of solution, you can try our software for free by signing up here .

8. Secure funding to open a wine bar

As we've seen above, the investment needed to open a wine bar will be significant. Luckily for you, however, several funding solutions exist. 

First of all, you need to estimate your equity contribution. By this, we mean the money that you and your potential partners can devote to the business. Even if this amount appears modest compared to what you need to raise, don't neglect the power it holds in convincing investors that you're heavily involved in the operation of your business and dedicated to seeing it succeed. 

You can then turn to banks and credit institutions to obtain a loan to finance part of the start-up costs. Always submit applications to different banks so that you can compare offers and compete when opening a wine bar.

Also, think about state aid for business creators. This may enable you to benefit from a low-interest or interest-free loan, for example. 

Finally, consider the possibility of crowdfunding when you open a wine bar. This is where you set up a campaign on a crowdfunding platform, tell your story and collect donations from individuals who wish to financially support your venture. Being (most likely) wine enthusiasts, contributors may expect a small reward linked to your business in exchange for their generosity, such as a free bottle of premium wine or a meal on the house. It's up to you to quantify the size of the gesture according to the generosity of the donation. 

Useful links to help you open a wine bar

• The UK Wine and Spirit Trade Association
• WineAmerica

Now that our guide has come to an end, we hope you have a better understanding of how to open a wine bar. Don't miss out any of these steps, and don't forget to invite us to the launch! 

See also on The Business Plan Shop:

• How to open a craft beer bar
• How to open a shisha bar
• How to open a tapas bar

Know someone whose planning to open a wine bar and might be interested in this article? Share it with the click of a mouse!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Wine Bar

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• Business Planning & Strategy
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Key Success Factors When Opening a Wine Bar

How to make a restaurant concept statement, adding a division to a business.

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However glamorous the thought of opening a wine bar may seem, you have a long road ahead of you if you want to operate a thriving business. Because you are dealing with a specialty bar that emphasizes a particular product, namely wine, you will have to develop a thorough grasp of your niche. Your patrons will expect this. That is where your business plan comes in: not only can it help you secure funding, but it will help you define your concept. Without a solid plan, your elegant wine bar might end up turning into a "regular" bar or pub.

Preface the plan with an executive summary, which can include a pithy mission statement summarizing your goals as a wine entrepreneur and your business philosophy. State who the business participants are and any relevant background experience in the food or hospitality industries that would facilitate opening a wine bar. Specify the amount of any funding you may be asking for if you are addressing potential investors. If you are seeking a loan, include how you intend to repay the lender.

Discuss the legal entity you have chosen for your wine bar. State the reasoning behind being a sole proprietor, corporation or other entity. Use this or a separate management section to describe the organizational structure, key players and any board of directors overseeing the wine bar. Include the documents that verify your status.

Describe the wine bar in detail: its location and strategic proximity to any cultural or business landmarks; the layout and decor; wine offerings and any food accompaniments; managerial staff; and work staff. Identify your target clientele. Highlight your main product -- wine -- by providing sample menus organized by wine varietal, country, etc. Discuss whether the wines will be served by the glass, bottle, or small tasting groups. Emphasize the level of wine knowledge and training that your staff will be expected to have. Give a verbal tour through the eyes of a customer who might enter your establishment, noting features such as the romantic cellar-like atmosphere, the high ceilings, and any music or entertainment you will provide.

Show investors that you are prepared for emergencies. State how you will protect your business with the insurance and security policies you will implement, such as the procedures you will follow in the case of overly intoxicated customers.

Make provision for an existing or pending liquor license. Note whether you are taking over a previous owner's license, as well as your timetable for acquiring a new one.

Market Analysis

Show that you are current with the wine bar industry by noting challenges and trends. Pinpoint who your nearest competitors are and how your bar will provide something they cannot, be it outdoor options, sustainably sourced food or wines, or eclectic cuisine emphasis.

Detail the marketing campaigns you will use to get the public aware of your new venture. Indicate how you will become involved in community or charity events, or perhaps serve as an incubator of talent by sponsoring art exhibits of local artists. Show how you will provide educational incentives to people by offering wine appreciation classes. Give examples of the promotions you will offer, such as wine tasting specials on less busy nights during the week. Comment on your pricing structure and any gross margin targets you wish to achieve.

Note your market entry strategy. Designate your opening day and the schedule you will follow to meet deadlines.

Furnish the following documents related to the financial feasibility of the wine bar: historical (if available) and/or projected capital expenditure budget; cash flow statement; break-even analysis; three-year income projections; and a balance sheet. State any funds you may still require.

Request funds in a more formal separate section. State the type and the amount of the funding you need now and in the future. Make note of any foreseeable financial transactions that might impact an investment decision.

Include supplemental information such as leases, licenses and permits, contracts or market research studies in the business plan appendix.

• Funding Universe: Bistro and Wine Bar Business Plan
• Entrepreneur: How to Start a Bar/Club
• Make sure that your financial projections and figures are in line with the amounts you are requesting. Investors want to see that the amount of funding asked for is justified. If there are discrepancies in your estimates, this could hamper your case.
• When putting together your concept for a wine bar, avoid going so far afield that you end up with a wine bar that doesn't make sense. For instance, if you choose to play loud music in conjunction with live broadcasts of sporting events, you will send mixed messages. Stay true to your concept, even though that might limit your client base at first.

Timothea Xi has been writing business and finance articles since 2013. She has worked as an alternative investment adviser in Miami, specializing in managed futures. Xi has also worked as a stockbroker in New York City.

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Wine Bar Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Food Industry » Wine Business ideas » Wine Bar

Are you about starting a wine bar business? If YES, here is a complete sample wine bar business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE .

Wine is one universal thing that is being consumed all over the world.  A lot of people are beginning to be involved in the production of wine. There are different types of wines- from the alcoholic to the nonalcoholic. The truth remains that the consumption of wine isn’t going to plummet ever.

This is because of the age long tradition of wine. If you do not want to go into the wine bar business for anything, then you should because it is an age old tradition.

A Sample Wine Bar Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

A wine bar is a bar or small restaurant where wine is the main drink available; a characteristic feature of many standard wine bars is a wide selection of assorted wines available by the glass. Some wine bars are profiled on wines of a certain type of origin, such as Italian wine or Champagne.

In the united states of America just like in any part of the world, bar and nightclub industry is indeed a very lucrative industry. In the United States alone, statistics has it that the bar and night club industry generate a whooping sum of $20 billion in revenue annually from about 45,000 established and recognized bars and night clubs in the US.

It is on record that American started producing wines well over 300 years ago. Currently, wine production is undertaken in all 50 states, with the State of California responsible for producing 89 percent of all US wine. The United States is reputed to be the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world after countries like France, Italy, and Spain.

No doubt, The North American continent is home to several native species of grape, such as Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina. But the wine making industry is based on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers.

Although people still gather to socialize in bars, just as they have always done in time past, but with factors such as driving while intoxicated and increase in crime rates, the drinking pattern in bar is being affected.

Also, the growing concern as regards health and fitness toward the end of the 20th century was part of what redefined not alcohol consumption in the US. In essence, the rate at which people consumes beers and other drinks both alcoholic and non – alcoholic is what determines the growth of bar and night club industry.

Statistics has it that the Wine Bars industry in the United States of America, is worth $656 million, with an estimated growth rate of 4.1 percent.

There are about 1,151 legally registered and licensed wine bars businesses scattered across the United States of America and they are responsible for employing about 11,504 people. The industry is an open industry hence a low level of market share concentration.

Any entrepreneur who wants to start a wine bar business in the US would definitely be confronted with tough competition out there. The truth is that, you will not only compete with wine bars in your location or city, but you would be competing with every other entertainment options such as night clubs, restaurants, casinos et al where wines are retailed.

For instance, people go to bars to drink and socialize and they tend to get more when they go to night clubs or other entertainment hub. In night clubs, people do not only drink and socialize, but they also dance if they choose to and get entertained.

Lastly, it is important to state that as much as starting a wine bar business can be profitable and rewarding; the success of any new wine bar business in the United States is not automatic. The chances of new wine bars to struggle within the first 6 months of launching can’t be ruled out.

As a matter of fact, it can take between two to five years before most wine bars can recover their initial investment. In order words, just like loads of new businesses, the statistics for wine bars do not favor the startups, you just have to have a long term investment plan if you intend starting your bar business.

2. Executive Summary

Our business is called Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar, and it  is a neighborhood wine bar that will be located in downtown Los Angeles; at 300 S. Grand Central Parkway in Los Angeles, California. The facility is centrally located and it is close to the popular Market Center and a residential estate in LA.

We are set to make available assorted red wines, white wines, food service and nonalcoholic beverages, beer and liquor, roses and sparkling wines, crafted beers, wines, liquors, distilled spirits, martinis, non-alcoholic drinks, beverages ( Serving wine for immediate consumption, offering wine tasting for patrons, and preparing and serving food for immediate consumption ) to the people in Los Angeles in a conducive environment that is specifically designed for socializing and networking and free from all forms of violence.

Our bar facility is centrally located in a busy street and it has the capacity to accommodate 100 people per time. Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is designed and constructed to meet both the health and safety standard as recommended by the local authority.

Our customers are going to be treated with good music at all times. We have made provision for live band, karaoke, country side music and jazz et al.  This will be played at the background to create the ambience that our customers will cherish.

We are in business to make profits at the same to give our customers value for their money; we want to give people the opportunity to choose from the wide range of wines and other drinks that are manufactured in the United States of America.

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar will go all the way to make available in our bar most of the brand of wines produced in the United States of America and in other parts of the world especially in countries like Italy and France.

Our goal is to make every day a day of celebration, networking and socializing for as many people that will patronize our wine bar.

No doubt, we will become the talk of town amongst the socialites in Los Angeles because we have put plans in place to make our wine bar lively 24 hours a day and 7 day a week and highly secured because we want to attract everybody (celebrity and non-celebrity alike).

We will ensure that all our employees are selected from a pool of qualified and customer centric people in and around Los Angeles – California and also from any part of the United States.

We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with other players in the United States and throughout the globe.

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is owned by Crespo Columbus and his wife Tina Columbus. Crespo Columbus has managed several bars and nightclubs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas prior to opening his own. He has the magic wand to attract people who go to bars on a regular basis.

The business will be managed by his trusted associate for many years, McQueen Osteen who coincidentally was recruited and trained by him 5 years ago in downtown Las Vegas.

3. Our Products and Services

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is going to operate a standard wine bar that will make available every product that can be found in a standard bar in the United States. We will ensure that we go all the way to make available assorted wines and drinks in our bar.

These are some of the products that will be found in our bar;

• Serving wine for immediate consumption
• Offering wine tasting for patrons
• Preparing and serving food for immediate consumption
• Assorted red and white wines such as Kendall-Jackson, Sutter Home, Beringer Vineyards, Franzia Winetaps, Inglenook, Yellow Tail, Copper Ridge, Cavit, Woodbridge, Salmon Creek, Foxhorn Vineyards, Barefoot Cellars, Almaden, Taylor California Cellars, Ecco Domani, Sycamore Lane, La Terre, Stone Cellars, Chateau Ste. and Mezzacorona
• Beer and liquor
• Roses and sparkling wines
• Distilled spirits
• Small Chops
• Non – alcoholic beverages

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard and secured wine bar Los Angeles, CA that will be the melting pot of all lovers of wine, alcoholic and non – alcoholic drinks.
• Our mission is to establish a wine bar business that will make available all the brands of wine, alcoholic and no – alcoholic drinks in the United States and other parts of the world at every given time to our highly esteemed customers and a place where people can network and socialize.

Our Business Structure

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is a business that is established to be a pacesetter when it comes to how standard wine bars should be run in Los Angeles and even in the United States of America.

We have the goal of assembling a team of dedicated workforce who will give our customers excellent customer service at all times, a team that will ensure that we will continue to have repeated customers and a team that will indeed make us the melting pot for beer lovers and socialites in Los Angeles.

In view of the above, we have been able to follow suits on what is obtainable in standard wine bars in the US and perhaps improve on the structure with time when the need arises. We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time.

Below is the business structure that we will build Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Bar Manager
• Bartender / Baristas
• Accountants / Cashiers
• Procurement Officer

Greeters / Customer Service Agent / Table Attendant

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Bar Manager:

• Responsible for managing the daily activities in the wine bar
• Ensures that the facility is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
• Interfaces with vendors
• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
• Attends to Customers complains and enquiries
• Prepares budget and reports for the organization
• Responsible for Training and Development in the organization
• Responsible for procuring of raw materials and equipment
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the CEO

Bartender / Baristas:

• Interacts with customers, takes orders for drinks and snacks.
• Plans and present bar menu.
• Checks identification of the guest to make sure they meet age requirements for purchase of alcohol and tobacco products.
• Mixes ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
• Mixes drinks, cocktails and other bar beverages as ordered and in compliance with hotel standard drink recipes.
• Prepares alcohol or non-alcohol beverages.
• Services Wine and Beer to guests.
• Arranges bottles and glasses to make attractive displays .
• Assesses customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations
• Makes lists of supplies in conjunction with the bar manager / management
• Prepares inventory or purchase requisitions as needed to replenish supplies.
• Ensures that the assigned bar area is fully equipped with tools and products needed for Mixing beverages and serving guests.

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Disc Jockey (DJ)

• Ensures that customers are entertained with the best of music per time
• Manage the sound system for the bar
• In charge of music collections
• Provides music at events.
• Responsible for developing music playlists.
• Interacts with public at parties.
• Responsible for mixing music tracks.
• Opens doors and welcomes customers
• Ensures that customers feel relaxed and at home
• Handle customers enquiries
• Ability to Sell or influence others for up selling and suggestive selling.
• Provides recommendations and suggestions to guest for choosing Drinks and Snacks.
• Serves customers in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Provides guidance to guests on resort activities, dining options and general resort and Regional information.
• Determine when a customer has had too much alcohol and if required refusing any further serving on a polite way.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of food and beverage products, menus and Promotions
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the bar manager
• Handles and move objects, such as glasses and bottles, using hands and arms.
• Cleans up after customers and clean work area.
• Clears ashtrays as and when required.
• Washes glassware and utensils after each use.
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the bar manager.
• Ensures that the facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the restaurant manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is established with the aim of becoming the melting point for socialites and lovers of wines in Los Angles which is why we have taken our time to critically analyze and conduct SWOT analysis to be able to identify areas we need to work on if indeed we want to achieve our business goal.

No investor would want to invest his or hard earned money without assessing the risks involved in the venture and also his or her capability to deliver and make profits from the business. The ability to make profits from any business and to favorably compete with competitors in the industry starts with the result you get from your SWOT analysis.

In view of that, Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar hired a business and HR specialist to help conduct SWOT analysis for the business and below is a summary of the result that was generated;

Our strength as a company is excellence and detailed customer service. Wide range of assorted wine both from the United States and other parts of the world, beverages, tobaccos and food. Excellent facility, excellent ambience and perfect location for a bar in metropolitan city like Los Angeles.

Our perceived weakness could be that we are new business, and we may not have the financial muscle to sustain the kind of publicity we want to give our business.

• Opportunities:

There are unlimited business opportunities available to wine bar businesses in busy cities like Los Angeles; Los Angeles is one of the cities in the world where social life is at its peak. Another opportunity that we stand to leverage on is the fact that we can easily order any brand of wine and drinks directly from the manufacturer with little or no stress.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new wine bar or even a night club or restaurant in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

In recent time, the societal shift away from alcoholic drinks toward healthier lifestyles is to a larger extent contributing to a steady decline in the amount of household spending allocated to trips to bars and nightclubs plus the fact that nobody wants to be caught driving while drunk

The recent market trend in the bar industry is such that the increase in the number of consumers choosing packaged beverages for home consumption rather than at bars or nightclubs is also on the increase. This trend is surely going to have lasting impacts on both the bar business and nightclub business alike. Even though the trend of wine bars in the United States was not well received in the 1980s, they began to gain popularity in the 90s.

In the early part of the millennium, wine bars became very popular and started popping up in many metropolitan neighborhoods across major cities in the United States of America. Wine bars now compete with the local hangouts such as coffee shops and local bars. The wine bar sensation offers the taste before you buy philosophy.

No doubt, wine bars put a new spin on wine tasting. They seek to remove the association of wine with high – end clientele and overwhelming wine lists and replace it with a more casual and relaxing atmosphere. Many of these wine bars are furnished with nooks and cozy booths encased in rich colors and plush surroundings in hopes their guests will linger.

Wine bars look to embrace the intellectual stimulation linked to wine and offer an alternative to the bar scene. The phlegmatic environment lends itself to a good socializing setting with a less crowded feel and more intimate appeal.

In recent time, wine bars have begun to incorporate a larger variety of food choices as part of their product offerings. Traditionally associated with cheeses and desserts, wine bars are looking to combine wine with appetizer-sized gourmet selections to increase the enjoyment their customers stands to gain when they patronize them.

The concept brings the tastes of fancy restaurants to a dressed-down setting. So also, it is now common to find restaurant owners and chefs take the opposite approach and use wine bars as an opportunity for expansion.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our wine bar business in Los Angeles – California, we conducted a market survey and feasibility studies and we are certain that there is a wide range of people who would patronize our bar on a regular basis. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various group of people who are likely going to become our loyal customer. Below are our target market;

• Corporate Executives
• Politicians
• Celebrities
• Taxi Drivers
• Business People
• Sports Men and Women
• Government Officials
• College Students

Our Competitive Advantage

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition in the wines bars and nightclub industry in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Part of what is going to be our selling point in Los Angeles is the fact that we operate a standard wine bar, in a perfect location for the kind of business that we run and also the fact that bar facility is highly secured. Another factor that will give Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar competitive edge is that we have enough packing space to accommodate the numbers of customers our bar can contain per time.

We are not ruling out the fact that we have a dedicated and customer centric workforce that are willing to go the extra mile to give our customers full value for their money and time whenever the patronize our wine bar

We are not ignoring the fact that we are among the few neighborhood wine bars in downtown Los Angeles that sells almost all the brands of wines available in the United States of America, crafted beers, distilled spirits, liquors et al and obviously, that will surely count towards our advantage in the market place and also the robust experience of our CEO and the bar manager is also a positive for Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category ( startups wine bars and night club businesses ) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the wine bar and night club industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract our target market. The sources of income for Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar are stated below;

• Sale of assorted red and white wines such as Kendall-Jackson, Sutter Home, Beringer Vineyards, Franzia Winetaps, Inglenook, Yellow Tail, Copper Ridge, Cavit, Woodbridge, Salmon Creek, Foxhorn Vineyards, Barefoot Cellars, Almaden, Taylor California Cellars, Ecco Domani, Sycamore Lane, La Terre, Stone Cellars, Chateau Ste. and Mezzacorona
• Sale of beer and liquor
• Sale of Roses and sparkling wines
• Sale of Distilled spirits
• Sale of Martinis
• Sale of Small Chops
• Sale of Non – alcoholic beverages
• Sale of Tobacco

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to wine bars, if your wine bar is well stocked and centrally positioned, you will always attract customers cum sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Los Angeles California and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the wine bar market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Los Angeles – CA.

Below is the sales projection for Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar, it is based on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to wine bars start – ups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $500,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $900,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same products and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Top of the list on our marketing and sale strategy document is generating a buzz for our wine bar via word-of-mouth and leveraging on road show. The model of wine bar we intend running is a neighborhood bar hence we are not going to rely only on the conventional ways of marketing.

We don’t have the plans to run paid adverts on Local TV stations, local radio stations or even local newspaper but we will sure maximize every other available means to promote our business. Our unique selling proposition is that we have a collection of almost all the brand of wine produced in America in our bar, we have assorted drinks and tobaccos et al.

In view of that, we are going to adopt the following marketing strategies to ensure that we do not only attract customers but generate repeated sales from them; Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our wine bar in a grand style with a party for all.
• Introduce our wine bar by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to organizations, households and key stake holders in Los Angeles – California
• Ensure that we have a wide range of wines, beers, liquors, distilled spirits, martinis and non-alcoholic drinks at all times.
• Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our bar
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places
• Position our greeters to welcome and direct potential customers
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our regular customers
• Engage on road shows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our bar.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is a neighborhood bar and we will ensure that we create the buzz that will make people in our area know about us and what we do. We are quite aware that one of the effective ways of promoting our bar is to create special internal promotions which in turn will help us achieve our aim of leveraging on word of mouth publicity.

Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar;

• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat,  Badoo, Google+  and other platforms (music online forums) to promote our business.
• Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Los Angeles – CA
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around our neighborhood
• Contact corporate organizations, households, landlord associations and political parties by calling them up and informing them of Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar and the products we sell
• Advertise our wine bar business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
• Brand all our official cars and vans and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wears our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

The prices of  our Wines, Beers, Locally Crafted Beers, Wines, Distilled spirits, Liquor, Martinis, Small chops, Non – alcoholic beverages, and Tobacco will be what is obtainable in the market. In fact we will try as much as we can to sell below the industry’s average so as to attract loads of customers. We also have plans in place to discount our products once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers.

• Payment Options

Our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that will be available in every of our pub;

• Payment by cash
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer (online payment portal)
• Payment via Mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our payment plans without any difficulty.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a wine bar business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. This is what it would cost us to start Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar in the United of America;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Los Angeles, CA – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services totaling – $1,200.
• Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• Cost for hiring Consultant – $2,500.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• Cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $15,000
• Cost for payment of rent for 12 month at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of – $105,600.
• Cost for facility remodeling – $25,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $500
• Phone and utility deposits – ($2,500)
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $16,027
• Storage hardware (bins, utensil rack, shelves, glasses case) – $3,720
• The cost for counter area equipment (counter top, sink, ice machine, etc.) – $9,500
• Cost for serving area equipment ( glasses, flatware) – $3,000
• Cost for store equipment ( cash register , security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• Office equipment and furniture – $3,600
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our grand opening party – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $2,500

We would need an estimate of $500,000 to successfully launch our wine bar in downtown Los Angeles, CA. This amount includes the salary of all employees and the CEO (Owner) for 3 months.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is a private business that is owned by Mr. Crespo Columbus and his wife Mrs. Tina Columbus and they intend to finance the business alone. Although they have plans to make the bar manager part owner of the business after 5 or 7 years of services, but that does not stop him from reserving well over 80 percent stake of the business for himself and his family.

Since they are the sole financier of the business, they have decided to adopt the following means to generate start – up capital for the business;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from his personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Banks

N.B: Mr. Crespo Columbus and his wife have been able to generate $250,000 the breakdown shows that they generated $150,000 from their personal savings and sale of their stocks and they generated $100, 000 soft loans from their family members and friends. The balance of $250,000 will be generated as loan facility from his bank.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to properly position our wine bar, ensure adequate security, availability of various brand of wines and excellent customer service et al.

Crespo and Tina® Wine Bar will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, electronic appliances, office appliances and bar accessories: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of all our needed wine, alcoholic and non – alcoholic drinks, tobacco and small chops: In Progress

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Wine Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Wine Shop Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their wine shops.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a wine shop business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a wine shop business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Wine Shop Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your wine shop as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Wine Shop

If you’re looking to start a wine shop or grow your existing wine shop company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your wine shop to improve your chances of success. Your wine shop business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Wine Shops

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a wine shop are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for wine shops.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a wine shop.

If you want to start a wine shop or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your wine shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of wine shop you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a wine shop that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of wine shops?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the wine shop industry.
• Discuss the type of wine shop you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of wine shop you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of wine shops:

• Specialty wine: Some wine shops specialize in one particular type of wine such as a high-end or locally sourced brand.
• General wine: This type of wine shop sells a variety of wines from low-cost to premium quality wines.
• Wine shop and bar: This type of wine shop includes a bar area where patrons can order wine to try in-store or purchase a bottle to take home.
• Winery: At a winery, grapes are usually grown and the wine is made on site. Wineries often include restaurants and wine tasting events.

In addition to explaining the type of wine shop you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of products sold, and reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the wine shop industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the wine shop industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your wine shop business plan:

• How big is the wine shop industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your wine shop? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your wine shop business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of wine shop you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Wine Shop Business Plan in 1 Day!

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other wine shops.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of wine retailers, wineries, bars, and restaurants that serve wine. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of wine shop are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for customers to acquire your product?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a wine shop business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of wine shop company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide a wide variety of wine brands, locally produced wines, or specialty wines?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your wine shop company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your wine shop located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone shop, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your wine shop marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your wine shop, including answering calls, helping customers make their selections, collecting payments, restocking inventory, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your wine shop to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your wine shop’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing wine shops. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a wine shop or running a small wine brand.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you sell wine by the bottle or the case and will you offer discounts for repeat customers? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your wine shop, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a wine shop:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your wine shop location lease or a list of brands you carry.  

Writing a business plan for your wine shop is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the wine shop industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful wine shop.

Wine Shop Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my wine shop business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your wine shop business plan.

How Do You Start a Wine Shop Business?

Starting a wine shop business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Wine Shop
• Create Your Wine Shop Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Wine Shop
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Wine Shop (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Wine Shop with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Wine Shop
• Buy or Lease the Right Wine Shop Equipment
• Develop Your Wine Shop Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Wine Shop
• Open for Business

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Wine Shop business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how a Growthink business plan writer can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Bar Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bar Business Plan Outline

• Bar Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Bar Business Plan Here

Bar Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create a business plan for your bar or pub.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their bars and pubs.

To write a successful bar business plan, you will first need to decide what type of bar you want to open. Do you plan to open a sports bar, a wine bar, a cocktail bar, or a nightclub? What kind of alcoholic beverages will you serve? Will you have live music?

You will then need to gather information about your business and the bar industry. This type of information includes data about your potential customers, marketing strategies to reach your target market, and 5-year pro-forma financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement).

Sample Bar Business Plan

The following bar business plan example gives you the key elements to include in a winning business plan:

• Executive Summary – The Executive Summary is the most important part of your business plan. It is a brief overview of your bar business concepts, its products and services, potential market opportunity, and competitive advantage.
• Company Overview – Also called the Company Analysis, here, you will provide a detailed description of your bar, its products and other services, and legal structure.
• Industry Analysis – In the Industry Analysis, you will provide an in-depth analysis of the industry in which your bar operates including major players in the local market, market size and growth, and profitability.
• Customer Analysis – In the Customer Analysis, you will identify your potential customers and provide insights into their purchasing habits. You will also create customer segments and discuss your marketing strategy for reaching them.
• Competitive Analysis – In the Competitive Analysis, you will identify your direct competition (other local bars and local businesses that serve alcohol) and provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses. You will also discuss your unique selling point and how you plan to stay ahead of the competition.
• Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan includes a discussion of your marketing strategy to drive more foot traffic to your bar along with your pricing strategies. You will also provide a sales forecast and budget for your marketing efforts.
• Operations Plan – In the Operations Plan, you will discuss your bar’s day-to-day operations including inventory management, providing exceptional customer service, and creating loyal customers. You will also provide your business goals that you plan to achieve and a budget for your operating expenses.
• Management Team – In this section, you will provide a brief overview of your bar management team, including the bar owner, and their experience in the industry.
• Financial Plan – In this section, you will provide a three-year financial statement for your bar. This will include your income statement, projected balance sheet, and cash flow analysis.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Bar Business Plan FAQs

What is a bar business plan.

A business plan is a planning tool used to start a new bar and/or grow your thriving bar business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your bar business plan using our Bar Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Bars?

There are many types of bars . Most bars are local bars and are known as dive bars or a neighborhood bar.  Sports bars are also a very popular business option. There are also posh and luxurious bars that craft cocktails and offer high-end alcoholic drinks. There are trendy bars that offer the latest industry trends in cocktail and wine offerings. Other bars are location-focused and are unique to the area of town or location that it is in. Many bars also serve food as an option to accompany the alcoholic drink choices.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Bar?

The primary source of revenue for a bar are the alcoholic drink items and food sold at the establishment.

The key expenses for a bar are the costs to purchase the alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) inventory, bar equipment and supplies, overhead expenses for the staff and rent, and any marketing costs the bar chooses to partake in.

How Do You Secure Funding for Your Bar?

Bar businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. To attract potential investors, you should have an effective bar business plan with a solid business strategy and financial plan. Another option for a bar is to obtain a small business loan to help cover startup costs. SBA loans are a popular option as they offer longer loan terms with lower interest rates. Outside investors, crowdfunding, and/or friends or family are other typical funding options.

What are the Steps To Start a Bar?

Starting a bar business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

• Write A Bar Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed bar business plan for a bar that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the local market and potential target market size, information about the services or products you will offer, the bar's concept, marketing efforts, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  
• Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your bar . This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your bar business is in compliance with local laws.
• Register Your Bar Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your bar with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining business licenses and permits (i.e., food service license and/or liquor license) as required by federal, state, and local laws. 
• Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your bar or pub , so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 
• Choose a Bar Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your business operations. 
• Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 
• Acquire Necessary Bar Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your bar business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 
• Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your bar . Your marketing strategy should include creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a thriving bar business:

• How to Start a Bar Business
• How to Open a Bar Business

Where Can I Get a Bar Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free bar business plan template PDF here . This is a sample business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Wine Bar Business Plan Template

JAN.04, 2017

Do you want to start a Wine Bar business plan?

Wine bars have become very popular in the last few decades, with wine enthusiasts coming forward to increase their popularity. Even though it is a small niche right now, there is a big potential in the market. 

The business operations are linked in such a way that you need to come up with a great strategy for business plan to successfully run this business.

One of the most important aspects of developing a good business plan for a wine bar or any other business is novelty and market requirements. And both of those aspects can be handled by making a detailed business plan. 

So, if you want to learn how to start a wine bar business, you can follow this business plan. Here, we are presenting the plan for Bouquet & Notes . For reference, you can also look at a relevant plan like business plan for a bar . However, most of your attention should be directed toward plans that are specific to your business.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Bouquet & Notes will be a trendy and classy wine bar started by Angela Hopkins. The bar won’t just target established wine lovers, but it will also cater to new wine enthusiasts by providing them opportunities to learn and explore. In this way, it won’t be a closed club but rather a community experience. 

2.2 Operations of Wine Bar Company

Opening a wine shop business plan includes thorough planning. You have to figure out logistics, finances, locations, marketing, and much more. For her wine bar business plan template, Angela decided to plan out the basic operations of Bouquet & Notes so that it would be easier to map the business later on. 

Angela knew that a good wine bar business plan sample is necessary to stay on track and get loans from banks for business expansion. Therefore, she decided to invest in developing the wine bar business plan pdf that is shown here. 

2.3 Customers of Wine Bar Company

The customers of Bouquet & Notes will belong to a specific niche of people interested in wine. However, as far as work and living styles are concerned, there will be a wide variety. Some of the main customer groups will include:

• Young Wine Enthusiasts
• Established Wine Experts
• Recreational Drinkers
• Vacationers 

2.4 Business Target

The target of the business is to expand the wine tasting and bar business to also serve the young customer group who doesn’t always have the collections to develop their taste. 

The targets we want to achieve financially are as follows:

Company Summary

3.1 company ownership & management.

Bouquet & Notes will not only be owned but also primarily managed by Angela Hopkins. Angele has developed this business plan for a wine bar. She did her MBA, after which she ran her own winery business successfully for ten years. Her experience in the domain allowed her to venture out and start Bouquet & Notes. 

3.2 History of Bouquet & Notes

Angela was always a wine enthusiast but due to the lack of resources, couldn’t reap the benefits until a very late age. Therefore, she decided that she would open a wine bar for all the people like her who love wine but aren’t able to afford private collections. Thus, this wine bar business plan template was developed as soon as she managed to get a hold of financial resources. 

3.3 How the Wine Bar company will be started

Step1: Specify Your Idea

Before you proceed any further with a business idea you have, there is always a need to validate it. Angela knew that she had a good and novel idea; however, she needed to ensure that it would work in the market. Therefore, she developed this wine bar business plan pdf and conducted market research to estimate sales and revenue for 3 years. 

Step2: Define the Brand

Once Angela verified that her idea could work in the market, she set out to define the basic idea of the business in the sample wine bar business plan. In this plan, she included things like the services, customer groups, sales strategy, and financial analysis. 

Step3: Find a Location 

The nature of Bouquet & Notes as a business demands a good location as well. Knowing the importance of a classy yet visible location for the bar, Angela set out to see which bars were available to rent out in the Portland market so she could add the details to her wine bar startup business plan. 

Step4: Establish a Network

One of the most important things in a wine bar business is the exclusivity of the targeted customer domain. Angela knew that her business was perfect for people who loved wine. Therefore, she decided to talk to local vineyards, restaurants, and bars immediately to start building a network that would help her in opening a wine bar business plan . 

Step5: Registration & Licenses 

Selling wine in Portland requires a liquor license. Therefore, Angela decided not only to get the business registered but also to start the process of getting the liquor license.

The backbone of every business and thus a business plan, even a fruit juice bar business plan , is its services. The nature and quality of services determine how successful a business will be. For her wine bar business model, Angela decided to filter down her services to reach a compromise between a regular bar and a wine club. If you are opening a wine bar, you should also make your services unique to your business. 

In this wine bar startup business plan, we are describing the services that will be offered by Bouquet & Notes. You can take help from this sample or other wine bar business plans to decide on the services that will be provided by your business. 

• Guided Wine Tastings

Bouquet & Notes will provide a guided session of wine tasting every week for beginners who are enthusiastic about learning but don’t necessarily have the resources and wine collection. This will be the main offering by Bouquet & Notes as it is a unique offer from our business. 

We will also provide our customers the opportunity to join wine clubs through which they can meet fellow wine enthusiasts of the same expertise level. As part of these clubs, we will offer regular events with a customized selection of exquisite wines. 

• Wine Enthusiast Events

Our business will hold monthly wine enthusiast events across town to increase the attraction for the business and encourage people to become wine enthusiasts. 

• VIP Wine Events

For our more experienced customers who can afford a higher range selection of wines, we will offer specialized VIP wine tasting events where they can access a greater range of wines.

Marketing Analysis of Wine Bar Company

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excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

If you’re looking to learn how to open a wine bar business, you will need to fine-tune the details about your market. As a business, you need to focus on your marketing plan as well. To plan out her wine bar marketing plan, Angela decided to learn in-depth about her target market. 

In this wine bar business plan sample, we will be detailing marketing details acquired by Bouquet & Notes through the analysis of past, present, and future market trends. To learn how to make a free wine bar business plan, you can study this wine bar business plan example developed by Angela. You can also consult other plans like sports bars business plan . 

Below, we are detailing the market trends for wine bars and the customer details for the wine bar business plan for Bouquet & Notes. You can take help from here to learn how to start a wine bar business of your own. 

5.1 Market Trends

According to Statista, the market size of the wine bar industry was valued at $1.93 billion in 2021, which saw an increase from $1.73 billion in the year 2020. This shows that the demand for wine bars is steadily increasing in the market. Now more than ever, people look forward to relaxing wine-tasting events for vacations and office get-togethers. Therefore, this is a great time to invest in a business plan wine bar enoteca. 

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The potential customer groups determined through a market analysis in business plan for wine bar are as follows:

5.2.1 Young Wine Enthusiasts

One of the biggest customer groups that Bouquet & Notes wants to target is the young adults who appreciate wine but are limited in their experiences because of a lack of resources and opportunity. We will provide them with a place to start and learn more without being judged. 

5.2.2 Veterans

We will also be catering to established wine appreciators who love wine tasting and trips through vineyards. We will provide them with a place to interact with people who share the same passion for wine as them. 

5.2.3 Recreational Drinkers

This will be our third target group of customers. We will mostly attract them through our regular wine tasting events. This group will include office colleagues and friends. 

5.2.4 Vacationers 

Lastly, we will also cater to vacationers who are interested in trips through vineyards and guided tours and tastings.

5.3 Business Target

The business targets Angela decided to add to the business plan for a wine bar include:

• To become a blend of classic wine bars and rejuvenated bars.
• To offer our services to an expanding customer range through time.
• To provide a greater wine collection each year.
• To gain a net profit of $30k/ month by the end of the first six months to gradually improve wine collection.

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices will be similar to the market baselines in the industry. However, we will offer flexible packages for young adults as well as wine enthusiasts.

Marketing Strategy

When you have learned how to open a wine bar, you should start learning about your competitors and market. One of the most important steps to opening a wine bar is to understand that marketing matters a lot. It can dictate the loss of a good business and the success of a bad one as it is essential for every plan, even a business plan for a cat cafe .  

To gain attention amongst her competitors, Angela had not only to come up with a unique business model but also a business plan for a wine bar that would put her over the top. And the best way to do that was through a detailed marketing analysis of the wine bar industry. 

Below are described the competitive advantages that Bouquet & Notes has over other businesses in the same niche. You can follow the structure to add a marketing analysis to your own business plan wine bar. 

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We cater to a flexible range of customers, from beginners to advanced.
• We provide budget-friendly packages for enthusiasts who don’t have a lot of resources.
• We have professional sommeliers to guide wine tastings and vineyard strolls.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will provide discounts to first-time wine tasters at all regular events.
• We will advertise through all physical and online networks.
• We will organize small free wine events throughout the city.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan.

Every business plan for a wine bar, even a hot dog stand business plan has some details about the personnel that will be required for the smooth running of the business. Angela wondered how to start a wine bar with the right number of employees. The list of employees she prepared is given below in this business plan for wine bar . 

7.1 Company Staff

• 4 Sommeliers
• 3 General Guides
• 2 Receptionists
• 1 Sales Executive 
• 2 General Cleaners

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Starting a wine bar costs almost as much as starting any other regular business. The costs are more dependent on the scale, location, and type of business. For starting a wine bar business, Angela decided to figure out the costs involved to keep the business afloat while it gained customers. 

In this wine bar business plan template, there is a complete analysis of costs of operations vs. the price of products and services. This information is essential for every business plan despite the nature of the business. So, even an Indian restaurant business plan will require a financial analysis to get started. 

Here, we are providing the financial analysis details for Bouquet & Notes for further guidance and clarification:

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

• How do you make a business plan for a wine bar?

You can learn how to open a wine bar through a well-developed business plan. To make a business plan, you have to follow the steps mentioned above with examples from the startup, Bouquet & Notes.

• How do you make wine bars?

You can learn how to set up a wine bar by following a business plan like the one shown above.

• How much does it cost to open a wine bar in the UK?

The costs of opening a wine bar depend on the scale of the business and the range of its services. So opening a small wine bar will cost less than a large one. The exact cost can only be determined after drafting a startup costs table.

• How do you write a wine bar proposal?

Setting up a wine bar proposal requires in-depth research of business viability, market, and required services. You can write it by gathering the info, sorting things out, setting goals, and following a business plan template.

Download wine bar business plan sample in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Step By Step Guide To Write A Bar Business Plan

Opening a new bar requires grit and determination - as well as a fantastic bar business plan to act as your roadmap. This document can determine the future success of your new venture, so it’s essential to make it as comprehensive as possible.

But for first-time bar owners, figuring out where to start can be challenging. Our step-by-step guide to writing a business plan will help you pinpoint the finer details to consider when building a thriving bar business.

How to Write a Bar Business Plan in 9 Steps

1. bar overview.

The first step in writing a bar business plan is to establish an overview of the type of bar you want to open. You need a concept and location to shape your business model and create an executive summary for your new venture:

One of the defining aspects of your establishment is its concept and theme, which you’ll need to describe clearly in your business plan. Whether it’s a simple sports bar, speakeasy, or high-end nightclub, have a fully developed idea of what your venue will be and what purpose it will serve.

You also need to consider how to meet market needs. If you’re following trending concepts, you’ll know that roof-top bars and lounges are popular now. Or, perhaps you want your venue to be an activity-based bar that offers an art gallery, board games, or mini-golf?  

Part of your business plan also includes setting your mission statement and goals. These should outline your vision and will influence who invests in your bar. Your mission statement should be a comprehensive statement that details what sets you apart from other bars and should include your company’s values.

It’s important to link your statement to your business concept. You should consider how your values and goals are influenced by what makes your bar unique - including your overall purpose.

Next, you need to propose a location for your bar. Venues close to stores, shopping, centers, and tourist attractions, typically get good visibility and attract a lot of foot traffic. Because of the number of people moving through these areas daily, they also usually offer a decent level of security for your customers.

Another consideration for location is to avoid suburban areas where neighbors might lodge noise complaints. Should this happen, it can mean regulations stipulate earlier closing times for your venue so as not to disturb the peace.  

Finally, look for a space where there’s low competition, and your business can shine. There are plenty of strips crowded with bars and nightclubs. While these might attract a decent amount of foot traffic, you’ll need to work much harder to draw people into your place if one establishment has already made a name for itself.

For this reason, aim to secure a spot with little competition. It could mean having a unique concept bar that overshadows the competition. Or it could mean selecting a space where your type of bar doesn’t yet exist.

Ease of Accessibility

Potential customers need to be able to access your bar easily, or they will go elsewhere. They might drive, take public transport, or use a ridesharing company to travel to your venue. It’s up to you to ensure there are ways and means to get them conveniently to the front door.

Here, you should be looking for a venue where you can offer parking to your patrons. It should also be accessible to ride-hailing services and close to public transport.

2. Customer Overview

No bar establishment would be successful without its customers. As part of your bar business plan, include a profile of the type of customer you hope to attract. Consider who your target market is and how it aligns with your bar concept.

You should also outline your demographic's age, income, and interests. You’ll need this information later when developing marketing strategies for your business.  

3. Management Overview

The next step in your bar business plan is building a team structure. Your crafty bar concept requires talented people to execute it properly.

Your bartenders are the face of your establishment. Essentially, they can make or break your customer’s impression of your venue. When going through the hiring process, you’ll need to consider each individual’s personality, qualifications, experience, and skills.

Ideally, you want at least one experienced bartender who knows the ropes and can help set up operations, deal with bar management, and train the team. They will also be able to help streamline any teething issues that come up as a result of starting a new business.

From the get-go, outline your bartending teams’ possible responsibilities and the duties they’ll need to undertake. This can help set expectations ahead of advertising jobs and interviewing potential candidates.

Bar-backs don’t need as much experience as bartenders or servers as they aren’t in the customer eye as much. But they must be willing and eager to learn. They are essential to keeping everything running smoothly and work closely with the bartender as an assistant.

For this reason, they need a solid foundational knowledge of the industry, ingredients, and barware in general.

Depending on your business concept and operational model, you may or may not need to employ servers. Some high-end venues have servers to reduce the crowd around the bar and deliver drinks to the table. Additionally, you’ll need to hire servers if you offer any food.

When building out your staffing plan, you’ll need to determine where your establishment lands with that requirement. Make a note here to look for bar industry candidates with alcohol training who know how to serve alcohol safely and legally.

4. Drinks Menu Plan

Your drinks menu is your bar’s product. To be successful, it’s essential to get this offering right.

While your beverage list will undoubtedly change over time, don’t neglect to include a sample menu in your business plan. This will give potential investors an idea of what’s in store and possibly help you secure funding.

Descriptions

Your drinks menu is the selling point of your bar business and the star of the show. If you can excite and entice patrons with promises of wonderful flavors, you’ll be onto a gold mine.

So, it’s important to include product descriptions in your menu, particularly for signature drinks. Each listing should detail the ingredients of individual drinks, any garnishes they may come with, and add-ons your customers can choose from.

Beverage Names

A successful bar is only as strong as its product. So, aligning your drinks with your bar’s brand and concept is important. Get together with a mixologist to create one or several signature drinks that will be uniquely your own. Give these drinks names that play to the overall theme of your business.

Product Sourcing

Many establishments lean on particular products as their claim to fame. For example, you might want to be known as a French wine bistro, local brewery, or craft cocktail spot. Decide what you wish your unique story to be and reflect this in your plan for product sourcing.

Of course, sourcing locally is the most sustainable way to go. You can also build relationships with vendors in your community, which can help bring people into your venue.  

Industry Trends

It’s essential to do your research and stay abreast of industry trends. Note what these are in your business plan, as this will help keep customers walking through your doors.

For example, one of the most popular cocktail trends in the bar scene is smoke-infused or smoked cocktails. Some mixologists may also use smoke bubbles to infuse the cocktail with a smoky aroma. This trend has gained fame in the last few years and adds a new twist to the cocktail-drinking experience.

Small Food Menu (Small Bites)

Food and beverages go hand in hand. If you plan a small menu with, say, tapas or easy eats, you can increase your revenue. It will prevent your guests from leaving to find something to eat.

Suppose you don’t want the hassle of food storage and preparation. In that case, consider formulating a partnership with a local eatery or small food business that can deliver a menu of select freshly-made items to your establishment.

5. Licenses

It’s key to plan out your business licenses carefully. If you don’t have the right ones in place, you won’t be able to operate.

Tavern License

When putting together your bar business plan, it’s important to research whether you need a tavern license. It’s a government-issued license for restaurants, bars, or businesses with more than 50% liquor sales.  

Beer and Wine License

If you’re planning on starting a beerhouse or wine lounge, you may only need to apply for a beer and wine license. This will restrict your sales to wine and malt beverages, as you won’t be able to sell hard liquors like spirits. Whether you need to apply for this license depends on your bar's concept.

Health/Food Service License

With a small food menu, you’ll likely need to note on your restaurant and bar business plan to apply for a food service license. It’s a requirement to serve any type of food within your establishment. To obtain a food service license, you’ll need to ensure that your bar follows strict rules and regulations laid out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .

Music License

Music is one of the key elements of creating ambiance in a venue. But did you know that streaming music from your digital subscription with Spotify or Deezer is not actually operating within the law? This is true even if you’re playing music through a TV or radio.

The right way to go about this is to pay a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) or music service that will send royalties to the relevant artists. For the most part, this doesn’t apply to bands or performers who play live at your venue.

6. Market Research

Performing market research as part of your bar business plan is key to understanding your opportunities and how to capitalize on them.  

Industry Research

Part of your research should be to determine the market size you can potentially snag. Look at other bars already operating in the area, consider the industry as a whole, and determine what trends are driving it forward.  

Target Market

What needs will your bar solve for your target market? You can find out who they are and what they want by considering the local neighborhood and bar type.

It’s also an idea to look at census data to see how many potential customers within a certain demographic live within a reachable radius of your proposed location.

Market Share and Price Point

When doing your market analysis, consider similar bar businesses that have come before you. What do their successes and failures look like? Why did they crash and burn, or soar to new heights? Take these lessons and figure out how to apply them so your business can succeed.

Furthermore, what will your entry into the market mean for the local community? Are you creating new job opportunities? Or are you going to bring in an unruly crowd of patrons they hope to avoid? Knowing this information will help you be accepted and create connections rather than catastrophes.

Lastly, consider what your ‘competitors’ or other similar industry businesses are charging for their drinks and services. Run a competitive analysis in the area to determine your potential price point and how you can stand out.

7. Bar Marketing

Utilizing a marketing plan in the right way helps you take measured steps to get your establishment in front of potential customers. Here are the strategies to get started:

Create a Brand

The key to starting a successful business - and keeping it open - is to create a memorable brand identity. Your toolbox for promoting your brand should include your logo, colors, and ‘personality.’ Use these in a way that becomes synonymous with your bar, no matter where people interact with it.

Marketing Tools

Besides developing your brand identity, consider the channels you can market on to attract customers. At the very least, it should include your social channels, website, and media influencers.

8. Other Avenues to Increase Revenue

Besides being a bar and welcoming guests who come in with reservations or foot traffic, there are other avenues to increase your revenue.

Hosting events such as karaoke nights, wine tastings, or live music is an excellent way to attract larger crowds to your bar. You are guaranteed certain sales, can charge a cover fee, and get new people walking through the door.

If you go this route, we recommend using event management software to keep everything on track and work effortlessly with your team.

It’s no surprise that all businesses go through an ebb and flow of customer traffic. A great way to increase cash flow during slower periods is to introduce ideas like drink specials and happy hour discounts.

When you’re writing up a business plan, don’t forget to brainstorm ideas for a pre-opening promotion as a way to test the market. This can be as simple as a soft launch or as elaborate as a grand-opening celebration.

9. Financials

An important aspect of your business plan is to outline your potential start-up costs. These, along with the costs of day-to-day business operations, and financial projections, will attract or deter potential investors.

Your business plan should also highlight possible funding options like loans and investment opportunities you have available. Additionally, you’ll need to draw up a break-even analysis to determine how much revenue it will take to turn profits.  

Realizing your dream of owning the hottest bar in town starts with a great business plan. It will need to cover everything from your mission statement to your concept and drinks menu. This will help you build a sturdy management team, hire great employees, and attract people to your venue.

Want to know more about Perfect Venue for event management? Try it free to find out how it can be a fit for your new business.

Have thoughts on the article? Feel free to email us at [email protected] - we'd love to hear it!

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Wine Shop Business Plan

Wine never goes out of demand, and the revenue from the wine store will be consistently progressing too. If you are thinking of starting a wine shop, then don’t forget to make a plan first.

Need help writing a business plan for your wine shop business? You’re at the right place. Our wine shop business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A Wine Shop Business Plan?

Writing a wine shop business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Highlight the wine shop products you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of wine shop you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following wine shop businesses:

• Wine retail store
• Wine boutique
• Online wine shop
• Wine bar and retail combination
• Specialty wine shop
• Wine superstore
• Wine warehouse & wholesaler
• Describe the legal structure of your wine shop, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established wine shop, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your wine shop business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your services:

Mention the wine shop products your business will offer. This list may include products like,

• Champagne and sparkling wine
• Wine accessories
• Wine education materials
• Gourmet food items

Gourmet food options available:

Discuss any gourmet food selections or suggested food pairings from your wine shop.

It should include food items like cheeses, charcuterie, chocolates, crackers, or olives, that go well with particular wines.

Quality Measures

Additional services:.

In short, this section of your wine shop plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your wine shop business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your wine shop business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & machinery:.

Include the list of equipment and machinery required for the wine shop, such as wine racks & shelving, wine dispensing systems, point of sale system, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your wine shop business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

This section should describe the key personnel for your wine shop services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your wine store business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample wine shop business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful wine shop plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our wine shop business plan pdf .

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Steps for Business Plan Presentation

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a wine shop business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful wine shop business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your wine shop company.

How to get funding for your wine shop business?

There are several ways to get funding for your wine shop business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your wine shop business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your wine shop business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your wine shop business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any wine shop business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

How detailed should the financial projections be in my roadside assistance business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your wine shop business may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a comprehensive view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should a wine shop business plan include?

The following are the key components your wine shop business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Market Analysis
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

Can a good wine shop business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted wine shop business will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Wine Store Business Plan

Start your own wine store business plan

Vino Maestro Ltd.

Vino Maestro will be a Boston retailer of fine wines and spirits. The company will be formed as a closely held C corporation in which business partners Cris Martin and Bob Williams will own 80% interest.

2.1 Company Ownership

The following table outlines the start-up expenses, assets, funding, and liabilities.

2.2 Company Locations and Facilities

Vino Maestro will be located in the newly developing Southside Towers residential hi-rise project in Boston. The site is one of the densest and wealthiest markets in the nation. When fully completed (in approximately seven years), it will be comprised of 16 residential towers, 17,000 residents and 19 acres of new harbor front manicured park land.

Our storefront will be prime retail space in the southeast corner of the 247 Mainline Avenue building, facing Excelsior Place, a main artery for vehicles and city buses coming and going from the complex. The store is centered within a cluster of eight phase-one residential towers, three fully completed and five more planned for consecutive construction as the residences are sold or rented.

The next building to be constructed at 249 Mainline Avenue is the flagship residential tower of the Southside development, with 440 condominiums currently offered for sales at prices ranging from $350k for a studio, to $3.5 million for a four bedroom home. So far, about 150 of these units have been sold already, prior to construction, which is expected to be completed next year.

XYZ Realty, the agent for the landlord, has advised us that minimum household annual incomes of $100k are required to be eligible for rental residences within Southside Towers. Minimum income requirements are calculated at 95 times monthly rents. One-bedroom apartment rentals average in the $3,000 per month range.

Vino Maestro will be located in one of two currently existing, fully-rented residential towers.

U.S. sales of wines priced at $10 to $14 a bottle have climbed 14 percent over the past 12 months, and sales at $25 a bottle (and up) have grown 18 percent. The trend is expected to continue (source: UBS Warburg research).

Indeed, wine consumption is on the increase in the United States, and customers are trading up. Better still for the wine industry, wine overtook coffee as the most popular meal time beverage in the U.S. in 1998 (Wine Business Monthly, 6/00).

Americans spent more than $20 billion on wine in 1999, up from $17.6 billion the previous year – an increase of more than 13 percent (WBM, 4/00).

Consumption trends and demographics point to robust wine sales growth for the next 15 years.

The bullish outlook was documented by well-known industry consultant Vic Motto of Motto, & Fisher and is based on that firm’s look at the forces driving increased fine wine consumption. His findings and conclusions were presented as part of a presentation entitled “Wine: What’s Powering This Rocket?”

Wine demand is likely to be boosted strongly by the aging of the U.S. population. Per capita consumption of wine increases with age, with early consumers drinking only 6.6 bottles per year. Consumption peaks at 16.4 bottles annually among adults 50-59 years old. “Baby boomers, more than any other previous generation, view wine as a simple, affordable luxury.” Given that the strongest growth in population over the next 10 years will be among these adults, who currently consume about 40 percent of all wines, it is easy to understand Motto’s bullish outlook. “The aging demographic transformation is going to continue for the next 15 years, and the traits of this population as they shift into their older years of life fit wine to a ‘T'” said Motto. Interestingly, their children, today’s echo-boomers, make up another population group that will experience rapid growth over the next decade.

The influence of demographics on wine consumption is so strong, according to MKF, that if the current growth rate in wine sales were adjusted to account for the population changes, then U.S. wine consumption potentially could increase 80 percent by 2015 due to demographics alone. Also, comprehensive industry research has shown that down turns in the economy and the stock market appear to have no impact on wine sales. In fact, wine sales rose slightly during previous stock market declines.

U.S. Per Capita Wine Consumption by Age:

(source: Motto, Kryler, & Fisher)

As one would expect, wine consumption in the Boston metropolitan area exceeds national averages, primarily due to higher per capita income levels and a more global population mix. Europeans, for example, drink 5 to 10 times more wine per capita than their American counterparts. Consequently, we conservatively base our business plan projections for the Southside Towers resident segment to buy an average of 15 bottles of wine per capita per year from our store.

3.1 Market Segmentation

The following chart and table show the market analysis for Vino Maestro.

3.2 Industry Analysis

Due to regulatory constraints, the retail wine and spirit trade in Massachusetts is comprised of many independent participants. Chain stores are not allowed. No change is seen in this structure for the foreseeable future, although some changes are afoot in Internet-driven distribution operations, particularly for wholesalers.

3.2.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Competition to a large degree depends on location, as stores take a stake in a territory that engenders best in-store sales prospects. Relationships are cultivated with better customers, both individual and wholesale, who may qualify for discounts based on volume purchases. Prices in the Boston marketplace are not subject to much variance, as retailers seek to protect their margins against distributor costs that are virtually the same for all. Distributors, however, reward volume, and high-volume retailers have the capability to build a competitive advantage. For example, Millstones runs periodic Super Sales, with retail prices of over 200 wines offered at distributor cost prices. This is something only a high-volume retailer could afford to do.

Other competitive factors include breadth and depth of available stock, product knowledge, customer service, expense management, marketing programs, employee productivity, management of detailed information, in-store presentation and overall design, hours of operation, incoming and outgoing delivery efficiencies, product packaging, customer loyalty, out-of-area competition, pricing, and reputation.

Competitors:

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Stillman Wines on Packard Street is the next nearest competitor, about 2,500 feet north of our location. Although Stillman is a high-volume shop with strength in pricing power, it remains far beyond the practical boundaries for shoppers who live in our neighborhood.

There are other direct marketers and major advertisers that can deliver into our territory: Beverson’s, Millstone’s, Gainer, and Morrison. We expect our local delivery service will be faster and more responsive than these bigger players.

Internet storefronts (evinyard.com, Wine.com, etc.) are emerging competitiors and may be more of a longer term issue, since the industry and marketplace is in the process of experimenting, testing and adapting to changing conditions in search of a business model that works over the long term. We intend to develop our own website and emerge as a player by developing with website economics that make this a self-funding outlet for sales and service.

Non-local stores that are in commuter paths of our neighborhood residents are also competitors, which will make us ever aware of the importance of cultivating relationships with our neighborhood residents so we can develop a long-term loyal customer base.

3.3 Target Market Segment Strategy

The target market profile consists of Boston residents who are educated, successful professionals, with high disposable income, and who are regular consumers of alcoholic beverages. Most of the consumers in this category rely on assistance in selecting wines and spirits. Consequently, they tend to reward the most capable merchants with loyalty and word-of-mouth advertising. This is an area that Vino Maestro will work to develop as a keystone of its marketing strategy.

Other potential segments (geographic, demographic, preferences):

Bulk volume : private and business. Much of this business needs to be cultivated through opportunistic networking, and diligent follow-ups of in-store inquiries and leads.

Boston direct deliverables: (outside immediate store neighborhood) viable only as the store earns its way into a position in which it can invest in vehicle delivery operations and line up target customers that would sustain such an operation.

Intra-state shipments: contingent on expansion following the successful implementation of this business plan in the first year or two of operations. This business would develop through direct-mail catalog marketing, and an Internet sales operation.

3.3.1 Market Needs

Other than the market segment carved out by Beverson’s and a handful of major players, little attention is paid to the opportunities of geographic extensions through direct shipments of wine & spirits throughout Massachusetts. Beverson’s markets over the Internet and has over 220 thousand actual and potential customers on its mailing list. As a goal, our company will seek to capture of piece of the apparently substantial demand for direct shipment sales. Is is important to note that if current lobbying efforts are successful in influencing state and national liquor authorities to allow interstate shipments, our company intends to be in a good position to capture a piece of this outstanding potential growth opportunity. Even without interstate sales, a successful penetration of the Massachusetts intra-state marketplace would mean substantial growth for a neighborhood business.

Exclusivity within Southside Towers is a significant competitive edge. It gives Vino Maestro geographic and protected domain as the most convenient source of fine wines and spirits for over 3,000 current residents and up to 14,000 additional future residents.

• Sales staff with wine and spirit education credentials.

4.1 Competitive Edge

Marketing strategy will focus on:

• Longer term, eventually extending our market penetration beyond the physical boundaries of the store location–through direct catalog sales and an Internet website.

4.2 Marketing Strategy

Product pricing will be based on competitive parity guidelines. Prices will be consistent with those of the retail stores in our area, with the exception of very high-volume operations who have more powerful pricing leverage.

Pricing will be monitored continuously against neighborhood and other competitive sources (market leaders) who we can readily research.

4.3 Sales Strategy

Management will focus on daily sales revenue goals.

Best value products will be identified to assist customers with smart selections.

Deliveries will be geared to the customer’s convenience. The situation will be monitored to insure that the company invests adequately in its own delivery operations.

Sales feedback will be elicited to stimulate ideas, approaches, relate success stories, instruct in new techniques, share news, implement improvements.

Major accounts will be solicited through networking, neighborhood solicitations, and opportunistic encounters at any time by management.

4.3.1 Sales Forecast

• Assuming a plan fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, we estimate the Southside Towers population to increase 1,000 residents per year in-line with current construction and occupancy estimates provided by agents for Southside Towers.

4.3.2 Sales Programs

Sales staff will have a level of wine and spirits knowledge that will position Vino Maestro to address customer needs better than our competition. The company will support high potential sales staff with education tuition assistance, and we will recruit our sales staff from students of wine education institutes.

One of the managing partners is musically talented and will use his skill to create programmed background music to enhance store ambience and stimulate sales. This music will have the potential to be copyrighted and tested as a stand-alone marketable product, similar to CD’s sold by Starbucks and Pottery Barn. The store layout will be planned with a commercial interior designer, to present an upscale, festive, cosmopolitan and culturally sophisticated image.

A proprietary website address has been registered, and a website will be built to enhance customer service, supplier commerce, and direct sales. Vino Maestro will take advantage of this opportunity as much as possible within budgetary limits.

Peripheral sales and marketing collaterals will be used to expand product lines and customer awareness of our store: wine glasses, recipes (that match wine with food), corkscrews, umbrellas, calendars.

A sophisticated proprietary software tool will be developed to enhance the customer buying experience with product knowledge matched to our customers’ tastes and preferences.

4.4 Strategic Alliances

Vino Maestro will seek out opportunities to establish viable strategic alliances, such as co-marketing with gourmet food operations, wine and spirits distributors, importers, and producers. One such opportunity, and a natural fit, is an alliance with the upscale goumet food market that will occupy a neighboring retail storefront on Mainline Avenue, within about 100 feet from our storefront. Packaging party catering and event food services with a complement of fine wines and spirits from Vino Maestro will help promote both businesses and provide an extra measure of service to our neighborhood customers. Coordinating gift baskets with wine orders in a single delivery package presents another compelling co-marketing opportunity. Information specific to pairing wines with food can be used to stimulate sales as well.

Vino Maestro will be managed by Cris Martin and Bob Williams. After the launch of the business, as sales volumes increase, an associate manager may be hired to help with day-to-day store operations.

5.1 Management Team

Cris Martin: Managing Partner

Cris has over 25 years of management experience in the retail, financial services and newspaper publishing businesses. After graduating with a B.A. from Bigten State University in 1981, Cris worked his way up the career ladder in retail management positions for Jensen’s, Hollard’s, and Northbank. In 1986, he became an assistant vice president with Hanson Trust. In 1988, he launched his first business, Atlantic Racquet Club. As the CEO of the organization, he learned, first hand, everything it takes to start and operate a small retail business in a major city. In the 1990’s, Cris worked as a newspaper executive, first for the Metropolis Star and later for the Gotham City Times, where as director of business operations he was a key member of the management team that launched and grew the gothamcitytimes.com website.

Cris holds an MBA degree in finance and accounting from Burke University, a B.A. in psychology from Bigten State University, and a Higher Certificate degree from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

Robert Williams: Managing Partner

Bob brings over 20 years of wine trade expertise and executive management skills to our company. For the last ten years, Bob served as the director of food and beverages for the Prestige Athletic Club, an $8 million/year operation where he personally selected the club’s wine list (of over 100 wines), coordinated over 20 wine tastings, taught wine classes, and developed relationships with some of the top wine makers in the world. As a volume buyer for the PAC, he has done business with many of the wine and liquor distributors and importers who cover the metro New York area.

Prior to his position at the PAC, Bob spent more than a dozen years in restaurant management positions–as restaurant manager of Mr. E’s in Houston, Partner and general manager of the Fieldstone Restaurant in Minneapolis, and restaurant manager for the Pinnacle Hotel in Boston.

After graduating from Tellford University in 1983 with a B.A. degree in history, Bob earned a Higher Certificate with Distinction from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and a Certified Sommelier degree from the Sommelier Society of America.

5.2 Personnel Plan

The following table shows the personnel needed for Vino Maestro.

50%-70% of sales are projected as credit card sales, in-line with actual experience of retail liquor stores in Boston.

Credit card collection is typically short, and this plan assumes an one day collection time.

The payment days estimate ranges from 30 days to 28 days. Distributors terms are 30 days, although substantial discounts can be secured with earlier payments.

The long-term interest rate basis is the current SBA guideline of prime plus 2.25% for a seven year loan.

The short-term interest rate basis is the fed funds rate plus 2.5%

Distributors reward volume purchases with lower costs. The company plans to take advantage of distributors’ volume discounts, and will pass along these savings to consumers in the form of sales and special promotions to stimulate loyalty and further growth. Gross margins will be maintained in the 30-33% range, which would put our business in-line with the competition in the Boston metro area.

6.1 Projected Balance Sheet

As the business grows, our investment in inventory increases. This reflects sales volume increases and the commensurate ability to secure favorable volume discount terms with our distributors.

The projected accounts receivable position is relatively low and steady due to the nature of the business, in which up to 50% of our sales are cash, and the balance are consumer credit card purchases. No other consumer credit terms are envisioned or necessary for the operation of this business.

Long-term liabilities are projected to decrease steadily, reflecting re-payment of the original seven year term loan required to finance the business.

It is important to note that part of the retained earnings may become a distribution of capital to the owners, while the balance would be reinvested in the business to replenish depreciated assets and to support further growth.

6.2 Key Financial Indicators

Since this is a start-up operation, a steady increase in sales is forecast over three years, as consumer awareness and regular repeat business grows with a strong and consistent increase in the population of Southside Towers, from an initial 3,000 residents to about 17,000 residents upon completion. A solid business plan and the management skills and experience of the managing partners should be sufficient to orchestrate the necessary growth to make this a successful launch with steady increases in sales over the first three years.

Operating expenses are based on an assessment of operational needs for a store of this size. Observations of Boston retail wine shop staffing, direct experience at Liberty and Star City wine stores, and interviews with store owners and suppliers are the basis for these projections. Rent is based on negotiated lease agreement with the landlord. Other estimates are based on experience in operating a 4,000 square foot Boston storefront business, and on vendor quotes and estimates.

Collection days should remain fairly short, given the substantial cash revenues, and standard credit card collection periods.

6.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table presents the profit and loss figures for Vino Maestro.

6.4 Projected Cash Flow

We are positioning ourselves in the market as a medium-risk concern with steady cash flows. Accounts payable is paid at the end of each month while sales are in cash and short-term credit card collectibles. Cash balances will be used to reduce outstanding line of credit balances, or will be invested in a low-risk liquid money market fund to decrease the opportunity cost of cash held. Surplus cash balances during the critical first year of operations will function as protection against unforeseen changes in the timing of disbursements required to fund operations.

6.5 Business Ratios

Business ratios for the years of this plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 5921, [insert code title here], are shown for comparison.

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Sample Wine Bar Business Plan

Wine bar business plan sample.

Are you starting your own wine bar business but just have no idea how to go about the drink business plan ?

Starting a wine bar business is no easy task and having to spend valuable time on business plans does not make it any easier. This is where we come in as below is a wine bar business plan sample that can make writing yours way easier.

Here is a sample business plan for starting a wine bar.

• Executive Summary
• Our Vision 
• Our Mission
• Our Products and Services 
• Business Structure
• Market analysis
• Target Market
• Sales and Marketing Strategy
• Financial Plan: Pricing Strategy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Pedro’s wine bar is a wine bar that will be located in Long Island, New York.

At Pedro’s bar, all types of assorted wines including red wines, white wines, alcoholic and non-alcoholic wines, beer, spirits of all types, soft drinks, martinis of all flavors, and snacks for those who would need something to go with their wines.

SEE: Wine Consulting Business Plan

At Pedro’s wine bar, we have got the health and safety certifications, and every other local license needed to run a wine bar. We have designed our bar in such a way that it meets these requirements.

Pedro’s wine bar will be one that the atmosphere will be spiced up with good music of the different genres, ranging from Blues to pop, reggae, and jazz. There will also be room for a live band and karaoke weekly.

To attract customers of a wide range, Pedro’s wine bar will offer both local and foreign wine and old and new wines to its customers. This is would be done so everyone can find their favorite and be exposed to wines of different cultures and origins.

At Pedro’s wine bar, we aim at becoming the wine bar that is widely known in the densely populated city of Long Island. It would be the first point of call for celebrities, the rich, and even tourists who venture into New York.

We have our employees made up of a group of people who do not only know their wines but have passion and skill for the business. We would also train our staff regularly so they remain current on the happenings of the wine industry.

Pedro’s wine bar is owned by Pedro Miguel who is a lover of wines of all types and worked in different wine bars for fifteen years.

This wine bar will be managed by his son Jose Pedro who takes after his dad when it comes to wines and holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

At Pedro’s wine bar, our vision is pretty straightforward. We hope to become the leading wine bar in Long Island and even in New York, serving standard wines that meet the demands of all our customers.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to build a wine business that is a pacesetter among all other businesses in the industry. Within the first five years of opening, we will be not only the largest but also the busiest wine bar in New York.

OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

At Pedro’s Winebar, our products and services would be provided in such a way that there would be no comparison.

We this in mind, some of our products and services will include the following:

• Red wines including; Gamay, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon among others • White wines including Sauvignon blanc, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Semillon, etc. • Cocktail menu with different types of martinis • Spirits of different types • Beer • Healthy drinks • Snacks • Wine catering services for weddings, birthdays, and other parties. • Wine delivery • Online order service • Assorted wines of different origins BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Pedro’s wine bar aims at not only serving the best wines in town but creating a conducive and attractive atmosphere for our customers. With this in mind, we have set up a business structure that will be made up of a team of people that would be dedicated and customer-centric and have our mission and vision in mind.

This is why our business structure just like that in other standard bars will be made up of the following positions:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) • Manager • Bartenders • Cashiers • Disc Jockey (DJ) • Waiters • Janitors • Bouncers

MARKET ANALYSIS  Market Trends

For previous years, wine bars have been an industry that has had consistent growth. But with the growing concerns of living healthy and consuming fewer alcohols, the wine bar sector has slowly started feeling the brunt. The fact that the police are now taking DUIs more seriously, does not help the issue one bit as people now take in lesser alcoholic drinks.

This has, in turn, led to people preferring to buy wine or other drinks as takeout rather than consume in a bar. Wine bars owners have tried to meet up with this trend by creating an atmosphere suitable for socializing rather than just a spot for drinks.

TARGET MARKET

At Pedro’s wine bar, our target market runs across a wide range of people that are residents of Long Island and even beyond. These officially include;

• Civil Servants • Businessmen and women • Tourists • Politicians • Socialites • College Students SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

At Pedro’s wine bar, we hold sales and marketing to very high esteem and this is why we have developed different marketing strategies to help us achieve our mission and goals.

Below are our sales and marketing strategies

• Grand opening ceremony featuring the high and mighty in the society to enable widespread frame for our wine bar. • Having an unbeatable and very active online presence to reach out to a wider range of customers • Encouraging feedback and word of mouth advertising from our satisfied customers • Have a clean environment that is attractive to customers • Give out as many flyers and handbills as possible to increase our reach • Hosting birthdays and other smaller parties to create more awareness

GUIDE: Naming Your Bar

In conclusion, the above wine bar business plan sample by Pedro’s wine bar is the one in place to guide the management on achieving the wine bar’s mission and goals.

However, this business plan is subject to change depending on the market trend.

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A new Wilmington wine bar is coming this fall in the site of a former comedy club

A new wine bar next to FranksWine shop in Wilmington is planned to open this fall on the site of a former comedy club.

Business/building owners Frank and Colleen Pagliaro say they hope to open Anura Wine Bar in October after renovating the interior and exterior of the space at 1206 N. Union St., near the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue. It had last been the home of the House of Laffs comedy lounge , which closed in November 2022.

The comedy club closed when the owner was evicted from the Wilmington building for failing to pay $270,000 in back rent and other fees such as legal, utilities, water and sewage, real estate tax and insurance.

Frank Pagliaro has owned the building that also houses his wine/liquor store for 37 years. It was known as Wilmington's longest-running nightclub spot and was once the home of The Alley.

Pagliaro has leased out the 6,500-square-foot space to 12 tenants over the years — the best-known nightclub was probably the former Porky's Dance Club in the 1990s — and he said he no longer is interested in offering long-term leases.

Pagliaro said he and Colleen, a pediatric pharmacist who has worked in restaurants and as a bartender, gained the confidence to open a wine bar after the success of outdoor cafe events they hosted that included live music and food trucks in the parking lot of FranksWine shop during the pandemic.

The Anura name is a nod to the frog logo at FranksWine, known as Jeremiah. Anura refers to any of an order of amphibians comprising frogs, toads, and tree frogs.

The wine bar has a license to serve alcohol, and the Pagliaros plan to serve food. Since June 2023, the kitchen of the space has been used as a commissary by Chef Robbie Jester for his thriving catering business. Jester is known for winning competitions on the Food Network and the Netflix series "Pressure Cooker ."

New in Delaware: Restaurants offer BYOB social club, dumplings, smoked cocktails and hot chicken, more

The building was originally a bowling alley that opened in 1941. The space is getting a complete interior and exterior overhaul that includes remodeled restrooms, more space for kitchen preparation, a patio that's compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a new bar that will offer a Cruvinet wine system similar to a beer tap.

"We're going to pull out everything and do it the right way," Pagliaro said, adding, "No nightclub."

He said the space could be opened before and after theater events in nearby downtown Wilmington and used for parties, wine tastings and pop-up events.

"There's no way to just do a wine bar and sustain it. We're going to have to have other events here," Pagliaro said.

Upcoming events that the Pagliaros say will give people a glimpse at what's coming this fall include a five-course May 17 wine dinner with food prepared by Jester and beverages from California Winery Owner & Winemaker Gus Kalaris of  Axios Napa Valley Winery . The cost is $125 per person and includes gratuity. Visit frankswine.com .

If you want to read more stories from Patricia Talorico, click  here. You can find her on  Instagram , X (formerly Twitter)  and  Facebook . Email [email protected]  or leave a message at 302-324-2861. Sign up for her Delaware Eats newsletter.

How To Write a Wine Bar Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for wine bar businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every wine bar business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Wine Bar Business Plan?

A wine bar business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Wine Bar Business Plan?

A wine bar business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Wine Bar Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful wine bar business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a wine bar business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your wine bar company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your wine bar business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your wine bar firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen wine bar business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a wine bar business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the wine bar industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a wine bar business’ customers may include both men and women, but their needs will differ. Women may be interested in a wine bar that serves small bites and has a relaxed atmosphere, while men may prefer a place that offers a large selection of wines and televisions for sports viewing.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or wine bar services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your wine bar business may have:

• Exceptional wine selection
• Unique, intimate atmosphere
• Well-educated and experienced staff
• Innovative food menu
• Extensive wine education programs

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, or launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your wine bar business via word-of-mouth.

Operations Plan

This part of your wine bar business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a wine bar business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include expanding to a second location or adding a new service.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific wine bar industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Wine Bar Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Wine Bar Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup wine bar business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Wine Bar Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your wine bar company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is an essential tool for any wine bar entrepreneur. By taking the time to write a comprehensive business plan, you will be giving your wine bar company the best chance for success.  

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