What Is a Wine Pull or Wine Wall?
A wine pull is a game where:
- Guests donate a set amount (e.g., $25).
- They pull a mystery bottle of wine from a table or decorative wall.
- Every bottle is worth at least the donation value — some are premium bottles.
A wine wall is just a more decorative display (shelves, cubbies, or hanging racks) that makes the activity visually appealing.
Why it works:
- Guests love mystery + guaranteed prize
- Nonprofits raise funds with minimal overhead
- Adds excitement to galas, auctions, raffles, or golf outings
Turn Your Wine Pull into a Fundraising Win
You’ve learned how to set up a wine pull or wall — now launch your auction with us and make every bottle count for your cause.
Start Your Auction for FreeStep-by-Step: How to Set Up a Wine Pull Fundraiser
Step 1: Determine Your Fundraising Goal
Ask:
- How much money do we want to raise?
- How many guests are expected?
- What’s the average price of donated bottles?
Example:
- 100 guests × $25 donation = $2,500 gross revenue
- Wine donated by supporters = $0 cost
- Net profit ≈ $2,500
Aim for 1 bottle for every 3–4 guests. For larger galas, 100–200 bottles is typical.
Step 2: Secure Your Wine
Best sources of wine donations:
- Board members or event hosts
- Local liquor stores or wineries (many will sponsor!)
- Grocery stores or big-box retailers
- Donor drives or registries
Tips for selection:
- Minimum retail value: $15 per bottle
- Add 5–10 premium bottles valued at $50-$100+
- Consider a mix of reds, whites, sparkling, and specialty wines
Pro tip: Some nonprofits label premium bottles as “Golden Bottles” for extra excitement.
Step 3: Plan the Pricing Strategy
Common price points:
- $20–$25 = casual events and school fundraisers
- $40–$50 = formal galas or corporate events
- $75–$100 = luxury events with high-end wine
Set the donation price equal to or slightly lower than the average retail value of the bottles. Add a few higher-end bottles to make it feel like a prize.
| Bottles | Price per Pull | Gross Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $25 | $1,250 |
| 100 | $25 | $2,500 |
| 150 | $50 | $7,500 |
Step 4: Handle Legal Requirements
This is critical. Laws vary by state.
- Check local liquor laws regarding alcohol giveaways.
- Typically, you can’t “raffle” alcohol, but you can offer it in exchange for a donation.
- Some states require a special event or temporary liquor license.
- Ensure only guests of legal drinking age participate.
👉 Always consult your state’s alcohol control board or local legal counsel.
Step 5: Create a Wine Pull Display
A good display turns a simple game into a fundraising feature.
Display ideas:
- Wooden crates stacked with numbered bags
- Wine cubbies or a custom “wine wall” backdrop
- Elegant draping and fairy lights for galas
- Themed decor (harvest, rustic, modern)
Labeling tips:
- Number or wrap each bottle for mystery.
- Use colored ribbons to indicate premium bottles (optional).
- Add signage with “$25 per Pull” and a short explanation.
Bonus tip: A stunning display = Instagram-worthy moment = free promotion.
Step 6: Manage Donations and Pulls
Options to collect donations:
- Cash or credit card at the event
- Mobile payment tools (QR code, app, POS)
- Pre-sale tickets online through platforms like CharityAuctionsToday
How to run it smoothly:
- Use volunteers or staff at the pull table.
- Guests pay, pull a number or bottle, and keep their prize.
- Track how many bottles are remaining in real time.
Keep high-value bottles securely displayed but supervised.
Step 7: Add Extra Excitement
- Golden Bottle: One top-tier bottle hidden among the rest.
- Wine Wall Challenge: Guests pick a number off a wall to reveal their wine.
- Themed Pairings: Bundle bottles with a chocolate bar, candle, or gift card.
- Wine Wheel: Spin a wheel for a chance to “upgrade” the prize.
This creates a game show vibe that boosts participation.
Step 8: Market Your Wine Pull in Advance
Promotion channels:
- Event invitation or ticket page
- Email newsletters to supporters
- Social media teasers (“Will you win the $100 bottle?”)
- Silent auction program or event signage
Pre-selling wine pulls often boosts revenue by 20–30%.
Step 9: Post-Event Follow-Up
- Send thank-you emails to wine donors and sponsors.
- Share how much the wine pull raised.
- Post event photos (with permission) on social media.
- Ask sponsors to partner again next year.
Wine pulls are easy to repeat annually with minimal prep.
Budgeting & ROI Example
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100 bottles (donated) | $0 | Donated by supporters |
| Wine wall decor | $200 | Reusable |
| Printing & signage | $50 | Optional |
| Volunteer staffing | $0 | In-kind |
| Revenue ($25/pull) | $2,500 | 100 bottles sold |
| Net Profit | $2,250 | Very high ROI |
Pro Tips from Successful Events
- Accept multiple payment methods. QR codes make it fast.
- Bundle experiences. Example: Wine pull + raffle entry.
- Use volunteers. Friendly energy helps sell more pulls.
- Track inventory. Avoid overselling.
- Announce the “Golden Bottle” winner during the event to create buzz.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Not checking liquor laws in advance
- ❌ Poor display or unclear signage
- ❌ Underestimating bottle quantity
- ❌ Pricing too high for your audience
- ❌ Not marketing ahead of the event
Glossary of Terms
- Wine Pull: A fundraising game where guests donate to pull a mystery bottle of wine.
- Wine Wall: A decorative display for the bottles.
- Golden Bottle: A premium wine hidden among standard bottles.
- Donation Pull: The act of exchanging a set donation for a bottle.
- In-Kind Donation: A non-cash contribution like donated wine.
Related Guides
- 9 Raffle Games to Help You Raise More Money
- Silent Auction Donation Request Sources
- Creative Donation Jar Ideas for Fundraising
- Businesses That Help Fundraise
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wine pull (or wine wall)?
A wine pull is a fundraiser where supporters purchase a ticket to randomly “pull” a bottle from a display. Every ticket wins a bottle; some bottles have higher retail values to add excitement.
How does a wine pull generate revenue for our event?
You acquire bottles via donations or discounts, then sell pull tickets at a fixed price above your cost. Margin comes from donated bottles and tiered pricing for “premium” pulls.
How many bottles should we collect and what values work best?
Start with 50–150 bottles. Aim for a mix: many $15–$25 bottles, some $30–$50, and a few $75+ “golden” bottles to create buzz and justify the ticket price.
How should we price wine pull tickets to maximize profit and sell-through?
Common prices are $20–$40 per pull depending on your bottle mix. Offer bundles (e.g., 3 pulls for $50) and a limited number of “premium pulls” at a higher price for top-shelf bottles.
What’s the easiest way to stage the display and run the drawing fairly?
Wrap bottles in gift bags or paper and number them. Sell matching numbered corks or tickets; the buyer draws a number and receives that hidden bottle. Keep premium bottles indistinguishable to ensure randomness.
How do we source wine legally and ethically for the pull or wall display?
Request donations or discounts from licensed retailers, distributors, or supporters who legally purchased the wine. Confirm local regulations and your organization’s eligibility before soliciting alcohol donations.
What legal and age-verification steps should we follow at the event?
Check IDs at purchase and pickup, post “21+ only” signs, avoid on-site consumption rules violations, and verify raffle/lottery restrictions if using chance-based mechanics. When in doubt, consult local licensing guidance.
How can we promote the wine pull to boost participation quickly?
Tease the number of premium bottles, post a photo of the sealed display, and offer limited-quantity early tickets. Add a visible progress sign (“Only 25 pulls left!”) during the event to drive urgency.
What signage and staffing do we need at the wine wall table?
Create clear signs with price, rules, and remaining pulls; have one volunteer sell tickets and another verify IDs and manage bottle distribution. Keep bags uniform to preserve the mystery.
Can we offer alternatives for guests who don’t drink alcohol or for restricted venues?
Yes—run a “mystery wall” with gourmet snacks, non-alcoholic wine & mocktails, coffee gift cards, or spa items. Price similarly and mix in premium surprises to keep the game exciting and inclusive.
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