What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for a Winery Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Owning a winery is a rewarding venture, but it comes with unique risks that can impact your property, equipment, staff, and customers. From crop loss to liability claims, unexpected events can disrupt operations and affect profitability.
That’s why having the right insurance coverage is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring long-term success.
Why Winery Insurance Matters
Wineries face challenges beyond standard business risks. You’re dealing with:
Agricultural exposure (grape cultivation)
Alcohol liability
Specialized equipment
Customer interactions in tasting rooms and events
Without proper coverage, a single incident could lead to significant financial loss.
Essential Insurance Policies for Wineries
Protects against third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage. For example:
A customer slips in your tasting room
Damage occurs during an event on your property
Covers your physical assets, including:
Winery buildings
Tasting rooms
Storage facilities
Inventory of wine bottles and barrels
Winemaking equipment is expensive and critical to operations. Equipment insurance covers:
Fermentation tanks
Bottling machines
Presses and pumps
Required in most states, this policy protects employees by covering:
Medical expenses for workplace injuries
Lost wages during recovery
If you use vehicles for wine deliveries or vineyard operations, commercial auto insurance covers:
Accidents involving company vehicles
Property damage and liability claims
Essential for wineries that serve alcohol on-site. It protects against claims related to:
Intoxicated customers causing harm
Alcohol-related accidents
Additional Coverage Options
Crop Insurance: Protects against weather-related grape loss.
Event Liability Insurance: Covers weddings, tastings, and private events hosted at your winery.
How Wexford Insurance Helps
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in winery and vineyard coverage. Our team understands the operational and liability risks unique to the wine industry. We work with top carriers to provide:
Customized insurance programs
Competitive rates
Expert guidance on compliance and risk management
Final Thoughts
Running a winery is a blend of passion and business strategy. Protecting your investment with comprehensive insurance ensures your business thrives even when challenges arise. From property and equipment to liability and crop protection, Wexford Insurance has you covered.
Contact us today.
