Have you ever been to an auction where everyone feels like a winner? At a recent nonprofit event, I experienced something new: a wine pull. It was a fun addition to the evening and brought extra excitement, especially for younger guests. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.
The setup was simple but striking. One table featured about 50 wine bottles, each hidden in a colorful bag. A bold sign read “Wine Pull Tickets $20” and listed the possible prizes, from a $15 bottle of Josh to a $100 Caymus. The element of surprise was irresistible. With a quick tap on my phone, I snagged two tickets.
When the wine pull began, the room buzzed with excitement. Guests took turns choosing bottles while the crowd cheered for the best pulls. When my turn came, I walked away with a $30 Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé and a $50 Duckhorn Cabernet. Not bad for my $40 investment. Even if my picks had been worth less, I would have been happy knowing my money supported a great cause.
Adding a wine pull to your next nonprofit auction is a great way to raise funds and engage your guests. It’s a simple twist on a raffle that guarantees a little fun and a lot of goodwill.
Let’s explore how your nonprofit can add a wine pull to your next event.
What is a Wine Pull?
A wine pull is a type of raffle at nonprofit events as a complement to or in lieu of auctions. Attendees pay a flat fee through the purchase of a “pull ticket” for the opportunity to randomly select a bottle of wine. The twist? The bottles range in value, and participants don’t know whether they’ll end up with a standard table wine or a premium, high-end bottle. It’s a simple and fun way to introduce a sense of surprise and excitement into the evening.
How to Set Up a Wine Pull
Step 1: Procure Your Wine
Gather a selection of wine bottles for the event. Reach out to board members, supporters, or local businesses for donations. Many people have connections in the wine world or bottles they’re happy to contribute. Local wine shops, Trader Joe’s, or Costco can also be great sources. Ensure you have enough bottles to match the number of tickets sold so every participant receives a bottle.
Step 2: Create an Inviting Display
Design a display that adds to the mystery and excitement. Options include:
- Arranging bottles in a wine rack for random selection.
- Wrapping bottles in decorative bags to conceal their labels.
- Numbering bottles and assigning them to tickets for a surprise reveal.
The key is to keep the bottle identities hidden to maintain the element of surprise. Also include clear signage that explains how it works and how much it costs.
Step 3: Host the Pull
When it’s time for the wine pull, the host or emcee should announce the start and invite ticket holders to participate. Call up guests by ticket number or name, depending on your setup. To maximize excitement, encourage participants to reveal their bottles to the audience as they make their pulls.
How Much Should You Charge for a Wine Pull?
Wine Pulls usually go for around $25 a pop. Nonprofits can adjust the price of the “pull ticket” to match the demographic or the event’s theme. Whether it’s $20 or $100 per pull, the price can reflect the range of wine values and the overall fundraising goals.
When Should You Host the Wine Pull?
Schedule the wine pull towards the end of your event or after your auction has closed. This timing ensures everyone has a chance to buy a ticket during the main event. If you are using AuctionSnap, guests can check out on their phones and easily purchase their wine pull ticket as part of the auction.
How Many Bottles Should You Include in a Wine Pull?
The number of bottles you need will depend on the number of people attending your event. A general rule of thumb is to have at least one bottle for every five attendees, ensuring you have enough options without overwhelming the selection.
How to Set Up a Wine Pull with Auction Software
Using auction software like AuctionSnap makes setting up your wine pull straightforward and efficient. Here’s how to get started:
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Add the Wine Pull as an Auction Item
Start by creating a new item labeled “Wine Pull” in AuctionSnap. Use the description to explain the excitement of the pull, mentioning that each participant will receive a mystery bottle of wine with the possibility of scoring a premium bottle. -
Set the Item Type and Price
Choose “Buy It Now Only” as the item type, so each participant can purchase a ticket for an immediate “pull.” Set a flat “Buy It Now” price per ticket based on your fundraising goals and the range of wine values available. Typically, $20–$100 per pull is effective, depending on the event and audience. -
Adjust Quantities and Purchase Limits
Enter the total number of wine bottles you have as the available quantity. To ensure fairness, set a “Max Quantity per Purchase” to limit how many tickets a single guest can buy. This gives everyone a chance to participate while encouraging excitement over the limited spots. -
Invite Guests to Pull Their Wine
When it’s time for the wine pull, invite each ticket holder up to select a bottle. To maintain the mystery, wrap or number the bottles in advance. Guests will love the thrill of uncovering their wine selection!
Should You List the Available Wines?
Providing a list of wines adds transparency and lets guests know what’s at stake. Include descriptions or even hints about premium bottles to build excitement. However, avoid displaying the actual bottles, as part of the appeal lies in the mystery of the selection.
How to Maximize Excitement
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Promote High-End Bottles
Highlight that premium bottles are part of the mix. Let guests know that some bottles are valued at $100 or more while the ticket price is just $20. This ups the perceived value and encourages participation. -
Decorative Displays
Create an eye-catching display for the wine bottles. Wrap them in mystery bags or cover them with decorative paper so guests can’t see the labels. Fun signage and themes can add to the atmosphere. -
Incentives for Multiple Pulls
Encourage guests to buy more than one ticket by introducing a special prize for those who purchase multiple pulls like a nice corkscrew or wine glass set. This increases participation and can boost fundraising totals.
Final Thoughts
A wine pull can be a great addition to your nonprofit auction event, providing both entertainment and an additional revenue stream without adding too much complexity to your planning. Auction software like AuctionSnap can help you easily manage your wine pull and keep things organized. Consider adding this element to your next event and watch as it adds a fun, profitable twist for your attendees.