Expanding your wine tasting room can transform your vineyard or winery into a more profitable destination. A larger or renovated space allows you to host more visitors, improve the guest experience, and increase wine sales. However, these upgrades often come with significant costs—construction, furniture, décor, and equipment. The good news is, there are multiple funding options to help you finance a wine tasting room expansion.
Boost Visitor Capacity – Welcome larger groups and events.
Enhance Guest Experience – Add luxury seating, décor, and tasting bars.
Increase Revenue – More tastings = higher wine sales and memberships.
Host Events – Weddings, corporate gatherings, and private dinners.
Many lenders offer loans specifically for renovations and equipment purchases. This can include:
Furniture and fixtures (tables, chairs, wine racks)
Point-of-sale systems for managing transactions
Kitchen or catering equipment for food pairings
Climate control and storage systems
Best For: Wineries that need upfront capital but want fixed monthly payments.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans with competitive interest rates and longer repayment terms.
SBA 7(a): Covers construction, furniture, and working capital.
SBA 504:Designed for real estate and large-scale renovations.
Best For: Vineyards planning significant expansions with real estate improvements.
A revolving credit line provides flexibility for ongoing expenses, such as:
Décor upgrades
Seasonal staffing costs
Marketing and promotions for the expanded tasting room
Best For: Wineries wanting flexible access to cash without committing to a lump-sum loan.
Some lenders specialize in vineyard and winery financing. These programs often include:
Seasonal repayment schedules
Bundled financing for vineyard equipment and tasting room expansions
Tailored terms for agricultural businesses
Depending on your location, you may qualify for:
Tourism Development Grants – Supporting wineries that boost regional tourism
Historic Preservation Grants – If your winery is located in a historic building
Sustainability Incentives – For eco-friendly construction and energy-efficient upgrades
Build a Strong Business Plan – Highlight how expansion increases traffic and sales.
Showcase Your Financials – Demonstrate consistent wine sales and visitor growth.
Leverage Wine Club Revenue – Use recurring memberships as proof of reliable income.
Compare Lenders – Banks, credit unions, and wine industry lenders all offer different terms.
Project: Expanding tasting room by 1,200 sq. ft. with new bar, décor, and furniture
Cost Estimate: $250,000
Financing Option: SBA 7(a) loan
Loan Term: 10 years
Estimated Monthly Payment: ~$2,750
Expanding your wine tasting room is more than just a renovation—it’s an investment in guest experience, brand growth, and long-term revenue. By exploring financing options like SBA loans, winery-specific financing, and local grants, you can make your expansion plans a reality without straining your working capital.