Finger Lakes Winery Websites Woes

Lenn over at Lenndevours did a post about Long Island wineries not doing a very good job with their websites. I believe the same can be said for a lot of the Finger Lakes winery websites. I go to many websites that have not been updated in months and that have no way to purchase wine or gifts or even gift certificates online. Especially during the holidays, shoppers are looking for easier faster ways to purchase gifts and the Internet makes that possible IF the option is available for shoppers. And people that have purchased your product in the past and have become fans of your winery are hungry for news about the winery and its wines. I understand that maintaining an email list and emailing newletters can be time consuming, but even just a monthly update on your website about what is happening at the winery is truly appreciated by those that are fans of your product. It keeps them interested and excited about your products. Blogging (what you are reading right now) is another great way to promote your products. Blogs are extremely easy to set up (just go to www.blogger.com and you can be set up in a few minutes). Also, running contests with small prizes (gift certificates,etc) can create a lot of interest. I do understand that running a winery and creating great wines is a more than full-time job, but I really believe that if you are not utilizing the Internet to its fullest, you are losing out on relatively easy sales.