It’s hot outside, summer is in full swing, and the fruit is growing. The farthest thing from many minds is the holiday season but planning now will make sure that you are not panicking in the fall.

Now is the time to prepare for stock and inventory requirements, secure in-store stacks and displays with retailers, and prepare to have adequate merchandise and marketing materials on hand for the heavy sales push of October, November and December (OND).

Will you be making a special offer? If so, what kind of materials will you need? Do you need long lead ads created, or a campaign developed? Or do you need special packaging? Maybe you want to create a library release, or a box set? Starting the design process now allows time for new materials and campaigns to be fully created and ready to go when consumers turn their focus to holiday shopping in the fall.

Feel like you are always scrambling to get design assets done? Town Hall Brands has created a guide, so you won’t miss another design deadline.

WINTER (DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY)

• Advertisements: You should have your advertisement budget planned for the year. Now’s the time to get those campaigns and ads created. Keep in mind print, broadcast, digital, and influencer collaborations.
• Labels & Bottle Shot Images: Whether you are refreshing your labels, updating the vintages and back labels, or designing a whole new label – it’s time to start this process to prepare for your spring release.
• Prepare updated press materials for media queries.
• Tasting materials: Below are some materials you may need for your tasting room opening:
  o Highway signage for visitors
  o Shelf talkers
  o Portfolio list
  o Signage for winery (tasting fees, etc)
  o Tasting cards
  o Neck tags
  o Shelf tags

SPRING (MARCH, APRIL, MAY)

• This is the time to make sure all your labels are done in time for your spring bottling and release.
• Bottle Shot Images: With the labels finalized, this is the time to get bottle shot images done. They can be used in your sell sheets, online store, advertisements, or to fulfill media requests.
• Is your press information kit up to date?
• With the tasting season coming up, is your retail shop ready for visitors?

SUMMER (JUNE, JULY, AUGUST)

• Wine & Cider Labels & Bottle Shot Images: Whether you are refreshing your labels, updating the vintages and back labels, or designing a whole new label – it’s time to start this process to prepare for your fall release.
• Packaging: Wine cases, bottle cap enclosures, prep for bottling
• Holidays: It’s not too early to think about your holiday offerings, and this is actually the best time to do it! Below are some materials you may need, for your clients and for your sales team.
  o Shelf talkers
  o Technical sheets
  o Portfolio booklets
  o Holiday offerings sell sheets
  o Wine club offers sell sheets
  o Advertisements
  o Holiday cards – printed or ecards
  o Tasting cards

FALL (SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER)

• Holidays: Finalize your holiday pieces to make the most of your year-end sales
• Point-of-sale materials: Need updates to your current marketing materials?
  o Business cards
  o Rack cards
  o Brochures
  o Banners

NEED HELP WITH THIS?

The Town Hall Brands team is here for your graphic design, branding and marketing needs. Shoot us an email info@townhallbrands.com and we will create a custom plan for you to make sure your deadlines are met.