A wine pull is a popular, low-stakes fundraising activity designed to generate revenue quickly. Participants pay a standardized price for a ticket that guarantees them a random bottle of wine. The excitement comes from the possibility of receiving a bottle with a retail value significantly exceeding the initial ticket cost. This simple mechanism makes the event appealing, offering an immediate, tangible reward with minimal commitment from attendees.
Planning and Sourcing the Wine
The planning process begins by determining the required inventory, aiming for enough bottles to engage at least 20-30% of anticipated attendees. Sourcing the wine often employs a dual strategy: combining direct solicitations from local liquor stores or community members with bulk purchasing. Establishing a firm minimum retail value for all donated bottles, such as $15 or more, ensures every participant receives a reasonable return on their contribution. This minimum standard maintains the integrity of the game for all buyers.
The financial success of the pull hinges on a carefully calculated profit margin derived from the average bottle value. For example, if the inventory averages $25 per bottle, setting the ticket price at $20 establishes an attractive perceived deal for the buyer. This pricing structure secures the necessary fundraising profit, as the ticket is less than the average bottle’s value but significantly more than the cost to the organization. Diversity in the collection, ranging from standard table wines to premium selections, increases the game’s appeal and drives ticket sales.
It is beneficial to acquire a varied selection spanning different regions and varietals, adding an element of exploration. Securing a handful of “grand prize” bottles valued at $75 or more provides additional marketing leverage to promote the pull. This preparation establishes trust with participants and guarantees an engaging, profitable experience.
Concealing the Bottles and Display Setup
Once the inventory is secured, the physical concealment of the bottles preserves the element of surprise. Opaque paper bags or simple wrapping paper are the most common materials for ensuring complete label anonymity. Each bottle must be wrapped entirely to obscure the shape and color of the glass, preventing participants from attempting to identify the wine type before the draw. This maintains fairness across all selections.
An organized numbering system must be implemented immediately following concealment to link the physical bottle to the drawing mechanism. A small, adhesive tag displaying a unique number is affixed to the neck or base of the wrapped bottle, starting with “1” and continuing sequentially through the entire inventory. A corresponding list must be created, correlating the unique number with the bottle’s description and retail value for internal tracking purposes.
The numbers on the bottles serve as the only identifier for the participant during the collection phase of the event. The display should be visually appealing, utilizing multi-tiered shelving or a long table with the wrapped bottles arranged neatly in numerical order. Proper display ensures accessibility while preventing accidental knocking or damage to the inventory. This organized setup streamlines the final distribution process and enhances the professional appearance of the fundraiser.
Running the Wine Pull Event
Executing the wine pull begins by clearly defining the rules and facilitating the sale of tickets or tokens at a dedicated station. Staff members should articulate the single price point and the guaranteed prize structure, emphasizing that the ticket secures an immediate random bottle. Participants exchange cash for a physical ticket or token, which grants them access to the drawing process.
The draw mechanism must be simple and transparent to maintain participant confidence in the randomness of the process. Numbered tokens, corresponding precisely to the numbers affixed to the wrapped bottles, are placed into an opaque container like a bowl or spinner cage. The participant draws one token, and the revealed number determines which wrapped bottle they have won.
Immediately following the draw, the participant proceeds to the bottle display area to claim the bottle bearing the matching number. Staff members must verify the number on the token against the number on the bottle before releasing the item. This process ensures immediate fulfillment and keeps the flow of participants moving smoothly, maximizing the number of pulls completed during the event.