Most wineries today have a digital sales journey. Customers are sent emails, browse online offers and purchase through e-commerce platforms – and that’s great. It’s an efficient, scalable and cost-effective way to sell wine.
But there’s a simple truth the data and human nature keeps reminding us: not every customer wants to buy their wine online.
Some do, and they’ll happily click through an email to place an order. Yet others prefer a more personal experience – a conversation, a recommendation, a story, a relationship with their sales rep. And those are the customers many wineries risk overlooking when there is too much reliance on digital channels
That’s where Forrest Contact comes in. Our conversation-led campaigns complement your digital marketing. We help wineries connect with the people in their database who still value the personal touch.
The Digital Journey Is Essential But Not Enough
The modern winery invests heavily in digital marketing, from email marketing campaigns and online stores to automated loyalty programs. These channels are vital. They nurture relationships, drive efficiency and generate a steady flow of online sales.
But even the best digital system can’t reach everyone. Some customers ignore emails. Others see your offer and intend to buy later but don’t. And some simply prefer to chat with someone who knows their taste, remembers their favourite vintage or can recommend something new.
That’s the audience our campaigns reach. We’re not replacing your digital touchpoints; we’re enhancing them by engaging the customers who won’t respond digitally but still want to buy.
The Power of Human Connection
Every winemaker knows the power of a conversation at the cellar door. It’s where relationships are built, loyalty is earned and memories are made. That same experience can be recreated at scale – through thoughtful, personalised outreach.
A call from someone who knows your wines and understands your customers can:
- Turn a one-time buyer into a repeat purchaser.
- Reactivate lapsed customers who haven’t ordered in a while.
- Upsell members into wine clubs or exclusive allocations.
- Strengthen loyalty and increase lifetime value.
These phone conversations generate the kind of long-term engagement that no automated email ever could.
Why Some Customers Need a Conversation
There are parts of every customer database that respond well to digital offers and parts that don’t.
Some people simply want to talk. They might have questions about shipping, upcoming vintages or what to serve at an event. They might want reassurance before ordering a mixed case. Or they might just enjoy the sense of connection that comes from hearing directly from your team.
These customers aren’t “unresponsive.” They’re just wired for conversation, not clicks.
When you reach out to them personally, you’re not only generating sales, you’re reinforcing the emotional bond between your brand and your buyers.
Complementing Your Digital Channels
At Forrest Contact, we don’t replace your digital marketing, we strengthen it. Think of your digital channels as the invitation and our sales outreach as the follow-up conversation that brings it to life.
Here’s how we complement what you’re already doing:
- Follow-Up on Digital Offers – We call customers who didn’t respond to your latest email or promotion.
- Database Reactivation – We re-engage lapsed members and update expired payment details.
- Wine Club Upsells – We speak directly with members about new benefits and events.
- Personalised Recommendations – We tailor conversations based on purchase history and preferences.
Every call supports your digital strategy by converting interest into action, often from customers your online efforts can’t reach.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Forrest Contact has been a trusted name for Australian wineries and premium brands. Our direct-to-consumer (DTC) campaigns consistently deliver measurable results:
- Thousands of hours dedicated to wine conversations each year.
- Thousands of incremental sales, upsells and memberships generated.
- Millions of dollars in additional revenue for our winery clients.
- Acting as an extension of your winery team, not an outsourced call centre.
And all transactions are processed securely through your own systems for complete transparency and trust.
The Perfect Pairing: Digital + Human
Your digital marketing builds awareness and convenience. Our conversation-led outreach builds connection and loyalty. Together, they create a powerful sales ecosystem.
When a customer receives your email, sees your social posts and then hears from someone who can answer their questions and importantly, that’s where brand trust deepens.
And while digital may drive the first click, it’s the conversation that drives the next purchase.
In the modern wine industry, digital channels are essential but they’re not the whole story.
There will always be customers who prefer to browse, click and buy online. But there will also be those who want to chat, share stories and hear a friendly voice before placing an order.
Forrest Contact exists to connect with those customers. We complement your digital efforts by keeping every part of your database active, engaged and loyal.
Because when it comes to wine, great marketing is digital but great sales are always personal. Learn more about Forrest Contact’s Wine Sales Campaigns.